Beijing, 18 July 2026 – Every morning, groups of retirees gather among the ancient trees surrounding Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, moving slowly and deliberately through the flowing postures of tai chi.
Some practise together as soft music plays nearby, while others complete their routines quietly and independently. Most are in their 60s or older, drawn to the traditional practice as a gentle way to remain active, improve their sense of balance and begin the day with renewed energy.
Among them is 64-year-old Ye Guirong, who first discovered tai chi after retiring in 2010. During one of her walks across the city, she noticed a group practising and decided to join.
What began as personal curiosity eventually became a long-term commitment. Ye now leads the Cypress Grove group, guiding new members through basic movements and helping them refine their posture, coordination and technique.
The group has around 30 members and gathers each morning at 7.40am for approximately 90 minutes.
New Practitioners Learn Through Patient Guidance
Tai chi routines are built around carefully controlled movements, changes in body weight and coordinated breathing.
New members usually begin by observing an instructor and learning a short sequence one movement at a time. Their technique is reviewed and corrected as they progress.
The Cypress Grove group recently welcomed 59-year-old Zu Hong, who completed a 24-movement routine within about a month.
She was initially attracted by the elegance of the practice and wanted a form of exercise she could maintain consistently.
For many retirees, tai chi offers an accessible alternative to high-impact workouts. Its movements can be adjusted according to a participant’s fitness, mobility and experience.
The social environment also encourages consistency. Practising as part of a group gives members a regular schedule, opportunities to meet others and a shared sense of progress.
Ye believes the routine has had a positive effect on the group’s general well-being and energy.
“Through exercising, everyone’s health has improved,” she said. “Our spirits are especially good.”
Ancient Movements Remain Part of Daily Life
Tai chi, also known as Taijiquan, developed in China more than three centuries ago.
Although it originated as a martial art, it is now widely practised as a form of gentle exercise, moving meditation and cultural expression.
Among its best-known movements are “White Crane Spreads Its Wings”, where one arm rises as the other lowers, and “Part the Wild Horse’s Mane”, which involves a controlled shift of body weight as the arms open in front of the chest.
These poetic names reflect tai chi’s close connection with Chinese observations of nature, animals and the relationship between strength and softness.
The discipline combines physical movement with philosophical ideas associated with balance, awareness and harmony.
Tai chi practitioners traditionally seek to coordinate their posture, breathing and attention rather than relying on force or speed.
This makes the practice visually distinctive, with participants appearing to move continuously from one posture into the next.
Temple of Heaven Provides Symbolic Setting
The Temple of Heaven provides a particularly meaningful setting for the daily gatherings.
Built during the Ming dynasty, the complex was once used by Chinese emperors for ceremonies and prayers connected with agricultural harvests.
Its architecture and surrounding gardens symbolise the relationship between humanity, nature, heaven and earth.
Today, the site remains one of Beijing’s most recognisable cultural landmarks and an important public space for exercise and social activity.
Retirees gather throughout its gardens for tai chi, qigong, dancing, walking and other forms of recreation.
The combination of greenery, open space and historical surroundings creates an environment that participants describe as calm and refreshing.
For Ye and her group, practising in the park is not only about exercise. It also connects their daily routine with a tradition passed from one generation of instructors to another.
Different Styles Offer Varied Experiences
There are several recognised styles of tai chi, each with its own movements, pace and technical emphasis.
The Cypress Grove group mainly practises Yang-style tai chi, which is widely known for its smooth, expansive and evenly paced movements.
Members rotate through routines containing 24, 42 or 48 movements. Some sessions also incorporate traditional equipment such as swords or fans.
Chen-style tai chi is generally regarded as the oldest major form. It combines slow, controlled movements with occasional faster actions and changes in power.
Despite their differences, the various styles share an emphasis on body alignment, controlled weight transfer, concentration and coordinated movement.
Learning the correct foundations remains important, particularly for older beginners. Proper instruction can help participants practise safely and avoid placing unnecessary strain on their joints.
Exercise Supports Active Ageing
Tai chi has become particularly popular among older adults because it involves gentle, low-impact movement while still requiring coordination, lower-body control and concentration.
Research has suggested that regular practice may help some older adults improve balance and reduce their likelihood of falling. It may also support flexibility, confidence in movement and general psychological well-being.
However, tai chi should not be treated as a replacement for medical treatment or professional advice.
Its benefits can vary according to the individual, the quality of instruction and the frequency of practice.
Older adults with health conditions, limited mobility or a history of falls may benefit from consulting a healthcare professional before beginning a new exercise programme.
For participants who can practise safely, tai chi offers a sustainable form of physical activity that does not require expensive equipment or a specialised facility.
Community Becomes Part of the Benefit
The appeal of tai chi extends beyond its physical movements.
Retirement can bring major changes to an individual’s routine, identity and social connections. Regular group exercise provides structure and creates opportunities for meaningful interaction.
Members can encourage one another, share knowledge and build friendships while working towards common goals.
The Cypress Grove group demonstrates how a public park can become an informal community space where people continue learning well into later life.
Experienced practitioners take on teaching roles, while newcomers bring fresh energy into the group.
This cycle keeps the tradition active rather than preserving it only as a formal performance or historical practice.
The Ledger Asia Insights
The sight of retirees practising tai chi at the Temple of Heaven represents more than a picturesque cultural tradition.
It reflects the growing importance of active ageing as populations across Asia become older.
Countries throughout the region are searching for practical ways to help seniors remain physically active, socially connected and engaged within their communities.
Tai chi offers several advantages in this context. It is relatively affordable, adaptable and suitable for public spaces. It can also be practised individually or as part of a group.
Its continued popularity demonstrates that traditional practices can remain relevant when they respond to modern needs.
The Beijing retirees are not simply preserving an ancient martial art. They are using it to create routine, friendship and a continuing sense of personal progress.
As cities become faster and more digitally connected, these quiet morning gatherings show the lasting value of deliberate movement, shared public spaces and intergenerational knowledge.
For Ye and her fellow practitioners, the benefit is expressed most clearly in how they feel after each session: more energetic, more connected and ready to begin another day.
