A local observes tourists coming to Chenjiagou, which has become a hot destination, as tai chi's popularity grows over the years. [Photo by Yang Feiyue/China Daily]

Wenxian, of which Chenjiagou is a part, was named the cradle of Chinese tai chi by the China Martial Art Association in 2007.

Recalling his link with the art, Zhu, who has practiced tai chi since he was a child, says: "There was nothing else to do but practicing tai chi after school."

Zhu, who majored in tai chi in Henan University in 1996, then traveled at home and abroad to teach the art.

"Foreigners are fascinated by our culture, in which tai chi is a significant symbol and name card," says Zhu, who has been to Japan, Malaysia, Singapore and northern Europe. "Once I do a few moves, people immediately recognize them and show an interest in learning."

Once upon a time Chenjiagou faced severe hardships. Poverty and inaccessibility to the outside forced local tai chi practitioners to leave home in the 60s and the 70s.

"They then had to make a living by teaching tai chi in the four corners of the world," says Zhu.