On November 5, 2025, during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, Member States adopted a resolution to designate March 21 each year—the Spring Equinox in the Northern Hemisphere—as “International Taijiquan Day.”
In its resolution, UNESCO stated that the establishment of International Taijiquan Day aims to promote the global practice of Taijiquan and its core values of balance, peace, harmonious coexistence, and mutual respect. The Day will serve as a platform to advance physical and mental well-being, foster intercultural exchange and peaceful coexistence, and promote inclusive, equitable, and safe participation in sport.
Origins and Development of Taijiquan
Taijiquan, also known as Tai Chi Quan, originated in China and integrates the essence of ancient Chinese philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and martial arts. Its practice is grounded in the principle of “balance between Yin and Yang, harmony between strength and gentleness.”
Although its philosophical roots extend deep into Chinese culture for thousands of years, Taijiquan was formally developed about four centuries ago in Chen Village, Henan Province, as Chen-style Taijiquan. Over time, it evolved into several other major styles—Yang, Wu, Wu/Hao, Sun, and others less widely known. Today, Taijiquan is practiced by hundreds of millions of people across more than 180 countries and regions.
In 2020, Taijiquan was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. UNESCO describes it as “a traditional physical practice characterized by relaxed, circular movements performed in coordination with breath regulation and a calm, focused mind.” The art is traditionally passed down through clan transmission or the master-apprentice (baishi) model.
The Importance of March 21
Choosing March 21—the Spring Equinox—as International Taijiquan Day aligns naturally with Taijiquan’s core philosophy. The equinox, marked by “balanced day and night, moderated cold and heat,” resonates with Taijiquan’s concept of harmony between humanity and nature. It symbolizes the balance of Yin and Yang and embodies the cosmological principle from the Yijing (Book of Changes) that “One begets Two, Two begets Three, and Three begets all things.”
This choice reflects a profound convergence between traditional wisdom and modern global practice.
Health and Scientific Significance
Modern research has demonstrated Taijiquan’s remarkable benefits for improving chronic diseases and enhancing mental health. Its principle of preventive care is increasingly integrated into public health systems worldwide.
In 2023, the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine and Harvard Medical School hosted the inaugural conference on “The Science of Tai Chi & Qigong as Whole-Person Health.” Leading researchers from around the world presented extensive evidence on the art’s health benefits. Owing to strong international interest, a second conference is scheduled for April 30 – May 1, 2026.
Global Accessibility and Inclusion
According to UNESCO, Taijiquan’s accessibility transcends age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, language, religion, political belief, and socioeconomic background, making it one of the most inclusive forms of physical practice in existence. It has been featured at major international sporting and cultural events such as the World University Games and the Asian Games.
Notably, Taijiquan will debut as a competitive discipline at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games, marking a significant milestone for the next generation of practitioners.
Global Recognition and Alignment with UNESCO’s Fit for Life Initiative
Sport and physical education remain globally underfunded—UNESCO reports that 57% of countries allocate less than 2% of their education budgets to physical education. Yet, when effectively implemented, sport can drive health, education, inclusion, gender equality, and youth empowerment.
Recognizing this, UNESCO formally endorsed the “Fit for Life Global Alliance” by acclamation at the 7th International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS VII) on June 29, 2023.
With the adoption of International Taijiquan Day, UNESCO envisions Taijiquan as a natural complement to the Fit for Life Global Sport Alliance, advancing shared goals of well-being, equity, and sustainable development through movement.
Grassroots Movements and Global Vision
Bill Douglas, co-founder of the global grassroots movement World Tai Chi & Qigong Day, envisions a world transformed toward greater harmony and health through universal access to these arts. At the 2023 Harvard conference, The Global Transformation Project (GTP) was presented in their poster presentations, detailing the science on how Mind Body Education (Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness Training) in Public Education would not just elevate the effectiveness of public education profoundly, but help prevent the majority of illnesses and reduce conflict and promote harmony in the world, thereby saving the world trillions each year in health & social costs, according to data detailed in GTP’s presentation. Bill Douglas advocates for the Global Transformation Project, urging the United Nations to support the inclusion of Tai Chi and Qigong in school curricula worldwide. This effort continues to gain momentum, and with the recent establishment of International Taijiquan Day, its realization seems increasingly within reach.
Action film star Jet Li expressed great excitement about the recent UN designation. In the attached video, he remarked that perhaps one day, schoolchildren around the world will all practice Tai Chi to improve their health.
A Lifetime of Dedication
Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei, standard-bearer of Chen-style Taijiquan and representative of its UNESCO Intangible Heritage, has dedicated his life to promoting Taijiquan globally. In the 1970s, he was among the first invited to teach in Japan—the first instance of Chen Taijiquan being introduced abroad.
Over the past five decades, he has traveled to more than 50 countries across six continents, teaching and sharing the art, including at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. Today, he expresses deep gratitude that his lifelong dream—to share Taijiquan with the world—has become a reality.
Disclaimer: I am an In-door Disciple of Grandmaster Chen Zhenglei.