Wushu, with its mysterious Oriental flavor, is regarded as the quintessence of physical culture. Often referred to as "arts of fighting with eighteen kinds of weapons," it is distinguished by three salient features: usefulness for combat, benefits to health, and fascinating movements.

Wushu dates back to primitive society where people used clubs and other primitive tools to fight wild animals. In the Spring and Autumn and the Warring States periods (770- 221 BC), wushu became more combative in nature as more weapons came into use. It also attracted more attention with its beneficial effects on health.

Wushu contests and performances were popular in the Qin and Han dynasties (221 BC-AD 220). The sword dances performed by Xiang Bo and Xiang Zhuang at "A Banquet at Hongmen Gate" as described by Sima Oian in his Historical Records were actually a show of attack and defence in swordplay.

The imperial examination system of the Tang Dynasty (618-907) for identifying martial arts talent stimulated the growth of wushu activities in society. By the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), many schools of wushu, each with its own distinctive features, had developed across the country. One of these was the Shaolin School, which owes its name to the world-famous Shaolin Temple in Henan Province.

Roughly speaking, wushu may also be divided into barehanded exercises and exercises with weapons. There are a few dozen kinds of weapons employed in wushu exercises, mostly modeled on ancient types. Although the significance of their role in modern warfare has diminished since the invention of firearms, their value in wushu training remains to this day.

The reason why the time-honored art of wushu has taken deep root among the broad masses lies in its proven value in health-building. According to the philosophy of traditional Chinese medicine, wushu exercises consist of both "external" and "internal" work, the former meaning movements of the body, the hands and the feet and expressions of the eyes, and the latter being related to "the spirit, willpower, vital energy and strength." The two aspects are combined as movements are guided by consciousness so as to achieve "a unity of body and mind." Thus, constant practice of wushu helps not only to strengthen muscles and bones, but also to regulate the central nervous system and improve the cardiovascular, digestive and respiratory functions.

As wushu exercises are highly varied in intensity as well as in form, they offer an abundant choice to people differing in age, interest and health condition. Besides, one needs only a small space and very simple equipment for their performance. So wushu can be easily promoted as a participation sport. In recent years, coaching centers have mushroomed in cities and towns all over the country. Numerous people in poor health are reported to have benefited from constant practice.

Going far beyond China's boundaries, wushu has become increasingly popular in many parts of the world. As the birthplace of wushu, China has in recent years sent her best masters on performance tours abroad and received group after group of foreign wushu enthusiasts coming on study missions.