The 2nd World Taijiquan and Health Conference opened in Haikou, capital city of the southern island province of Hainan, on Sunday morning, welcoming participants from around the world.

According to the organizers, the conference, titled the “Chinese Dragon,” aims to provide an opportunity for world enthusiasts and researchers to exchange skills in the spirit of the UN International Year of Sport and Physical Education this year.

In addition to Taijiquan (Tai Chi) competitions, performances and classes by master practitioners are scheduled alongside lectures on fitness and exhibits of Wushu (Chinese martial art) equipment.

Performances will involve 18 masters, including Yang Zhenduo, Chen Zhenglei and Sun Yongtian, using Chen, Yang, Sun and Wu styles of Taijiquan.

The three-day event has attracted almost 2,000 participants and includes representatives invited from member federations of the International Wushu Federation.

It is being hosted by the Chinese Wushu Association and the Municipal People’s Government of Haikou.

The 1st World Taijiquan and Health Conference was held in Sanya, Hainan, in 2001 between March 22 and 26.

(Xinhua News Agency December 19, 2005)