(Source: CGTN)

Tai Chi is a popular form of exercise among Chinese. Yet it has not been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a Chinese cultural heritage.

The nomination of Tai Chi follows a decade-long campaign by residents of the village of Chenjiagou in Henan province. This is known as the birthplace of the Chen style of Tai Chi, believed to be the oldest form and the root of other forms that have developed over time. It began as a martial art in the 1370s by Chen Bu to protect villagers from bandits. UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has this list of Intangible Cultural Heritage because it recognizes that cultural assets are not always physical places or objects.

They can also be a body of inherited knowledge and skills passed down through generations, such as performing arts, rituals and traditional crafts. There has been added urgency in Beijing to get this latest nomination into UNESCO because a Chinese official said he understood that Japan and South Korea were both also considering a claim on Tai Chi's cultural heritage for themselves. Previously, there had been an issue with South Korea after the Gangneung Danoje Festival gained recognition in 2008 and its similarity to China's Dragon Boat Festival.

UNESCO says being on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list can assist with intercultural dialogue, and encourages mutual respect for other ways of life.