Learners of Chenjiagou Taiji School practice Taiji in Chenjiagou Village of Wenxian County, central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2019.(Xinhua)

Learners of Chenjiagou Taiji School practice Taiji in Chenjiagou Village of Wenxian County, central China's Henan Province, June 19, 2019.(Xinhua)

Chinese practice ancient martial art to balance body, mind and stay fit.

JINAN, Aug. 2 (Xinhua) -- Every morning, not long after the sun breaks over the horizon in Jinan, Shandong Province, east China, about 30 people gather in a small square in front of the provincial sports center.

The group's youngest member is just seven-years-old, while its oldest are nonagenarians. No matter their age or background -- all are united in their love for one of the world's oldest martial art forms.

"Tai Chi is terrific exercise. I have been practicing it for over six decades," said Hao Mingzhi, 91.

Rooted in Chinese meditation and medicine, the art of Tai Chi combines the mind, body and energy through slow, controlled movements.

"The movements of Tai Chi reflect Chinese moral codes such as courtesy, modesty and patience, while also balancing hardness and softness," Hao said.

Earlier this month, the State Council, China's cabinet, issued a new Healthy China guideline, which promised support for fitness programs with Chinese characteristics, including Tai Chi and Qigong, which channels the body's inner energy to achieve physical and mental harmony.

In 2006, Tai Chi was among the first of China's intangible cultural heritage to receive the title. By the end of last year, more than one million people practiced Tai Chi in Shandong. They are not alone as millions more across the country practice the ancient martial art.

Zheng Zhujun, 10, has only been attending the Tai Chi class in Jinan for a matter of months, but he has already mastered many of the standard movements.

"Tai Chi has made me more patient," Zhang said.

In the past, most people participating in Tai Chi were the elderly, but now, more young people, such as office workers, are learning the sport, according to Hao Lei, a 57-year-old Tai Chi promoter.

"I hope that more people will learn and practice it to pass down the beneficial traditional Chinese martial art," Hao said.