Tai chi keeps Fuzhou woman flexible at 77

At a recent outdoor activity in Baimahe Park in Fuzhou, Fujian province, a gray-haired woman won plaudits for doing the splits on the ground. 

But Jiang Xuezhen, 77, is neither a gymnast nor a dancer. The retired worker has practiced tai chi for more than 30 years and become a local star in the process.

At the age of 45, Jiang retired from a garment factory in poor physical condition. While walking in Xihu Park, she was attracted by a group of people practicing tai chi.

"At that moment I had an idea that taking up the activity could make me stronger and healthier," she said. "Then I bought some videos and began to learn tai chi from them.

"After a long period of exercise, Jiang's health gradually improved. Her husband also took up the practice, and together they launched a training course to help those who wanted to learn.

"At the beginning, my legs felt quite tight when I tried to raise them, but after around 15 years of exercise, I can do the splits," she said. "I have always believed that as long as you stick to something, you can do it well."