Cangzhou Wushu Festival

Best Time to Visit Located on the shores of Bohai Bay in southeastern Hebei Province, Cangzhou has a typical warm temperate semi-humid continental monsoon climate. It features cold winters, hot summers and four distinct seasons, with an average annual temperature of around 12°C. Autumn is the best time for a visit.

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Transportation Guide Cangzhou enjoys well-developed transportation networks. The Beijing-Shanghai and Beijing-Kowloon railway lines run through the city. A comprehensive highway system includes National Highways 104, 106, 205 and 307.

Leaders at all levels have shown sincere care and strong support for the development of Wushu in Cangzhou. In 1992, Cangzhou was officially named by the State Physical Culture and Sports Commission as China’s only prefecture-level Hometown of Wushu. The Cangzhou Wushu Festival was first held in 1989. This year marks its 6th edition, following five previous sessions.

Wushu is widely popular across Cangzhou. Wushu courses and teams have been established in primary and secondary schools. Practicing martial arts has become a common sight on streets, in villages and across farmlands among local residents.

Wushu competitions have been standardized, and athletes’ competitive skills keep improving. Annual events include tournaments for martial arts schools, the Rising Stars Wushu Competition, Tai Chi and Sword Demonstration Contest, as well as performances by renowned traditional Wushu masters. The city has also successfully hosted the Chinese Sanda Challenge Arena Competition, and cultivated numerous outstanding Wushu talents for the country, including Liu Zhenling and Wang Xiaonan.

As autumn breezes bring pleasant weather, the 6th China Cangzhou Wushu Festival grandly kicked off. Dressed in festive costumes, the East Stadium of Cangzhou welcomed guests from all over the country. The stadium was filled with cheers and excitement, showcasing the distinctive bold, chivalrous and resolute spirit of local people.

Wang Guangxing, Vice Chairman of the Festival Organizing Committee and Deputy Secretary of the CPC Cangzhou Municipal Committee, delivered the opening address. He noted that as a renowned hometown of Wushu and a burgeoning city, Cangzhou boasts tremendous potential. He also reviewed past achievements and shared prospects for the future development of local Wushu.

Eight iconic local Wushu schools of Cangzhou made their entrance first: Baji, Yanqing, Pigua, Liuhe, Gongli, Chahua, Bagua and Tai Chi, followed by Wushu teams from various regions. When Bo Shaoquan, Secretary of the CPC Cangzhou Municipal Committee, announced the opening of the festival, the stadium erupted in joyous songs and fluttering colorful flags. Countless balloons rose into the sky, while thousands of doves soared aloft, carrying the aspirations of Cangzhou people.

Resounding traditional Chinese gongs and drums then marked the first performance. More than 300 performers from nine towns in Hejian City beat nine large drums with a two-meter radius, igniting the lively atmosphere of the festival. Strong young men, energetic elders and lively children all gave their all in the performance. Afterwards, around 200 Wushu enthusiasts from Cangzhou Vocational Training Center staged a synchronized sword dance. Their neat formations and graceful movements delighted every audience member.

The opening ceremony concluded with the grand martial arts dance Light of Wushu. In the following days, visitors will enjoy a wealth of splendid Wushu performances. Stay tuned to the special coverage of the 6th China Cangzhou Wushu Festival on the Chinese Kung Fu website. Thank you!