Chinese Kung Fu, also known as Wushu (martial arts), is a combination of different fighting styles and techniques developed over centuries for physical training, self-defense, competition and improving self-discipline.

The art of Kung Fu, integrating strength, elegance and philosophy, is an essential part of traditional Chinese culture. Kung Fu is not only popular in China, though. It enjoys worldwide renown and has become the main symbol of Chinese culture for many foreigners.

Here, China.org.cn gives you China's top ten Kung Fu hometowns to guide you through this famed traditional mysterious and fantastic world.

  Bozhou, Anhui 安徽亳州

 

Located in northwestern Anhui Province, Bozhou City is an ancient city with a history of more than 3,000 years. Bozhou is known as the hometown of such renowned martial art forms as Wuqinxi, Liuhebafa Chuan and Muslim-style Xiyang Fist-fighting. Wuqinxi, or Five Animal Frolics, was founded more than 1,800 years ago by Hua Tuo, a famed Chinese physician in the Eastern Han Dynasty. Hua Tao devised the system after studying the movements and mannerisms of the tiger, deer, bear, monkey, and crane. Wuqinxi has become one of the most popular health-building Qi Gong exercises, both in China and overseas. In Bozhou alone, there are more than 100,000 Wuqinxi practitioners. The Liuhebafa Chuan, or Six Harmonies Eight Methods Boxing, was created in Bozhou more than 1,000 years ago by the legendary Taoist sage Chen Chuan (871-989).