Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c12.s2.40

v2.c12.s2.40

Presently too, the impact of Indian Yoga in China is increasing. In 1940s, a Chinese student, Xu Fancheng (Xu Hu) went to India and learned Yoga. After returning to China, she introduced it there and continuously practiced it for many years. By 1980s, more people in China had begun to take up the practice of Indian Yoga. Many of them pursued studies and research on Yoga and published illustrated books. Various programmes on television channels further promoted it. So much so that by 1990s, Yoga became a branded and fashionable physical exercise activity among the white-collar workers in China. There are now many Chinese people who go to India to study Yoga. Many Chinese cities have set up Yoga centres. Yoga classes have been included in the physical exercise curriculum. The Indian experts are invited to teach Yoga. Also, the Indian martial art form Kalaripayyattu has also caught the attention of the Chinese people. Its popularity in south India and linkages with Indian Buddhism as well as with Shaolin Kung fu make it very attractive to Chinese people and media.