Chinese and Central Asian participants pose for a photo. [Photo/IC]

The 2025 China-Central Asia Traditional Sports and Culture Exchange Day was held on Nov 9 in Hangzhou, with participants from Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan joining Chinese students and teachers to practice baduanjin, a classic Chinese wellness exercise.

In the crisp autumn weather, guests first watched a standard demonstration by a baduanjin coach and then followed step-by-step guidance, learning postures, breathing coordination and movement flow. Though beginners, they practiced with focus and enthusiasm.

"It's my first time trying baduanjin. After completing the set, I felt refreshed and deeply relaxed — that must be the charm," said a student from Uzbekistan, noting her newfound appreciation for traditional Chinese health practices.

According to Li Hongri, president of the Zhejiang Health Qigong Association, baduanjin draws on traditional Chinese medicine theories and offers gentle, balanced movements that help regulate the body and improve immunity. The practice has gained broad popularity in Zhejiang, where an estimated 1 million residents now exercise regularly.

A student learns baduanjin movements from a teacher. [Photo/IC]