A Beijing high school student's daily commute has become an unexpected internet sensation this month, showcasing how ancient Chinese practices are finding new relevance in modern urban life. The teen, whose identity remains undisclosed, was filmed performing Tai Chi exercises at a subway station while listening to music, blending martial arts grace with the rhythm of city life.
World Kung Fu champion Ding Yiguo praised the spontaneous display, telling KhabarAsia: "This is exactly how cultural heritage stays alive – when young people make it part of their daily lives. Tai Chi isn't just about movement; it's mobile meditation for the digital age."
The #MoveWithChina social media challenge has since gained traction across Asia and beyond, with office workers in Singapore practicing qi gong during lunch breaks and university students in California organizing sunset Tai Chi flash mobs. Analysts note this trend aligns with China's ongoing efforts to promote traditional wellness practices through contemporary platforms.
While the original video was shared through CGTN's channels, the phenomenon has taken on organic momentum. Cultural researchers highlight how such grassroots adoption could reshape global perceptions of Chinese traditions, particularly among Gen Z audiences seeking mindfulness practices rooted in non-Western philosophies.
