Cangzhou, Hebei 河北滄州

 

Located in southeast Hebei Province, Cangzhou City is historically renowned for both its Kung Fu practitioners and acrobats. Living in a place of strategic importance which was frequently involved in wars in ancient times, the local people had to learn Kung Fu for self-defense and survival. As a result, the tradition of practicing Kung Fu prevailed in Cangzhou. Cangzhou Kung Fu dates back to the Spring and Autumn Period (770 BC - 476 BC). It rose in popularity during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), and was renowned at home and abroad by the end of the Qing Dynasty (1645-1911). It includes 53 schools of boxing and weapons, accounting for 40 percent of China's total number of 129. Cangzhou has been home to a great number of established Kung Fu masters, including Ding Faxiang, Huo Diange and Zhang Zhijiang.