Intangible Cultural Heritage Martial Arts Bloom with Vitality: Liaocheng Master Travels to Italy to Share Skills and Promote Exchange

大众网2025-07-17 09:01

　　On June 22, Meng Zhaoli, the 18th-generation inheritor of the provincial-level intangible cultural heritage (ICH) Meihua Zhuang Quan (Plum Blossom Boxing), embarked on a journey to Italy at the invitation of his Italian student Endrico. This marks the beginning of an overseas mission to pass on the art of Meihua Zhuang Quan. Spanning thousands of miles, this invitation stems from Endrico’s deep connection with the art, cultivated through multiple trips to Liaocheng for training since 2018. It also heralds a new journey for this ancient Chinese martial art onto the global stage.

　　Meihua Zhuang Quan, historically known as Meihua Quan (Plum Blossom Fist), derives its name from its practice on wooden stakes. Its five dynamic postures—Major, Minor, Defeated, Prostrate and Smooth—flow seamlessly, embodying the resilient spirit of plum blossoms enduring harsh frost. This traditional boxing style emphasizes both internal cultivation and external technique, balancing martial prowess with cultural depth. In 2016, Liaocheng’s Meihua Zhuang Quan was inscribed onto Shandong Province’s Provincial ICH List. Rooted in the cultural soil of the Yellow River and the Grand Canal (“Two Rivers”), this martial art blends agricultural and commercial civilizations. Its core values—harmony, patriotism, and humanistic spirit—resonate strongly with contemporary ideals, showcasing enduring cultural vitality.

　　As an ICH inheritor, Meng Zhaoli has dedicated over 30 years to mastering Meihua Zhuang Quan. Hailing from Zhangqiu Town in Yanggu County—a historic canal town—he has earned numerous accolades in provincial and national martial arts competitions. He now holds the rank of 7th Duan in Chinese Wushu and serves as a National Wushu Judge. Driven by a mission to preserve this heritage, he has taught hundreds of students free of charge, promoted ICH in schools by compiling textbooks and creating martial arts exercises, and ensured Meihua Zhuang Quan takes root in Liaocheng’s primary and secondary schools. He has also deepened theoretical research, publishing over 10 academic papers in Chinese Wushu magazine and authoring the monograph Ancient Meihua Zhuang, which systematically documents the essence of this boxing style.

Master Meng Zhaoli is exchanging with the Italian Meihua Quan Research Association

　　During his stay in Italy, Meng will comprehensively teach Meihua Zhuang Quan to local enthusiasts through theoretical instruction, demonstration, and practical guidance. “Foreign friends learning Chinese martial arts is a vivid practice of cultural exchange that enhances the global influence of Chinese Wushu,” Meng stated. Looking ahead, he plans to continue overseas exchange activities, enabling this ICH martial art—carrying Chinese wisdom and cultural heritage—to shine on the world stage and contribute to mutual cultural understanding between China and other nations.