Photo provided to China Daily

Then there are the tai chi masters like Ma Jianchao, Zhang Pu, Weizheng and Xiling who perform authentic tai chi moves. The grandmaster himself, He Junlong, makes an appearance in the finale, in a condensed routine of all eight of the essential tai chi movements with a voiceover explanation.

For the non-converted, this taut but mesmerizing show does not make tai chi less esoteric, but rather more visually appealing.

Concepts such as life, time and energy are difficult to illustrate with performing arts without the complexities of characters and story lines, and Taiji has done a pretty good job in uncovering the special world of Chinese philosophy with its balance of the body and the mind. It is definitely a holistic approach, with "nine feats" as can't-believe-my-eyes moments of wonder and the multimedia projection and sound effects supplying the ambience for magic.

Taiji is jointly produced by China International Culture & Arts Company and China Feat Art Troupe. Its directors Xiao Xiangrong and Sakya Dorjee are immersed in variety shows for the stage.

The tour will continue to Hangzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Taiyuan, Guiyang and other cities.