An increasing number of adults are taking to Chinese calligraphy to cultivate their minds. [Photo by Na Jia/China Daily]

When Chen Hong refused her colleagues' invitation for a party after work, explaining that she had a calligraphy class to attend, her colleagues were surprised and wanted to know why she was learning the ancient writing style.

Wearing ripped jeans, her hair dyed light yellow, the 23-year-old accountant, who works in Beijing, says she renewed her childhood interest in calligraphy six months ago.

"I spend an hour or two on calligraphy after work at home to calm myself and cultivate my mind," says Chen, who also loves playing video games, going to karaoke bars and shopping with friends.

Back then, she thought it was boring but now she says she finds it interesting.

"The world runs so fast. I try to slow down with calligraphy," she says.

Chen, who was forced to learn calligraphy from her father when she was a little girl, is one of an increasing number of Chinese people who are turning to traditional culture in pursuit of spiritual peace and enjoyment in recent years.

Ma Di, a manager in a real estate company in Beijing, says that his lifestyle changed since he embraced calligraphy one year ago.

The 34-year-old goes to the gym regularly and likes to play snooker in his spare time. However, he says he likes the serenity he feels when doing calligraphy.

"I think calligraphy is a good way for me to calm down after a day's work," explains Ma of his reason to learn this art which many of his friends think is for old people.

"Before I learned calligraphy, I knew little about our culture and history," says Ma, adding he plans to spend more time learning about Chinese culture, as practicing calligraphy sparked a strong interest in it.