A village martial arts showcase and exchange event took place in Guangning County, Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province, from November 6 to 7. It brought together 23 teams and more than 240 participants from across China to celebrate traditional martial arts.
A young competitor performs a martial arts routine.
Teams from Guangdong, Gansu, Fujian, Guangxi, Chongqing and Sichuan showcased a range of styles, including Hung Gar and Choy Li Fut from southern China, as well as distinctive northern styles. Participants ranged in age from six to 70, highlighting the appeal of martial arts across generations.
On the competition floor, Hung Gar practitioners demonstrated powerful stances and precise techniques while performers wielding the traditional Spring and Autumn Great Sword delivered sweeping strikes and dynamic movements. Their performances drew cheers and applause from spectators.
A six-year-old competitor performs a martial arts routine.
A young competitor performs a martial arts routine.
Guangning has been recognized as a national "Hometown of Martial Arts" (武术之乡), with more than 170,000 residents regularly practicing martial arts. In 2024, the county launched village-level traditional martial arts competitions to bring the practice closer to local communities. The initiative expanded in 2025, covering 178 villages and communities.
In 2026, Guangning set a target of holding 100 competitions throughout the year, with events planned every week.
Reporter & Photos | Shi Liang
