Students from Wuyishan Zhuzi School wear ancient children's costumes as they perform a Longyuxi. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]

Nanping, a city in East China's Fujian province, is enhancing students' interest in sports by integrating traditional Chinese sports programs into the school curriculum.

Longyuxi, also known as the dragon and fish dance, is a traditional style of folk opera from Wufu town in Wuyishan city.  Recognized as a Fujian Provincial Intangible Cultural Heritage item, this tradition dates back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279), when villagers crafted dragon and fish lanterns from bamboo to celebrate local scholars' success in imperial exams. The ancient custom continues to thrive to this day.

Wuyishan Zhuzi School has incorporated this intangible cultural heritage item into its regular activities by establishing a Longyuxi interest group. Teachers guide students through the basic dance moves, helping them gradually immerse themselves in Wuyishan's rich cultural heritage.

The school has also invited Peng Ziqiu, a third-generation provincial representative inheritor of the Longyuxi, to teach the students. They have formed a youth Longyuxi performance team that participates in the annual Wufu Lotus Festival.

At Shunchang Experimental Primary School in Shunchang county, students are enthusiastically practicing Monkey Kung Fu on the playground.

Shunchang, located on the southern slopes of the Wuyi Mountains, has a deep-rooted tradition of worshipping the Monkey King and is known as the birthplace of Monkey King culture. In the spring of 2024, the school launched the "Monkey Kung Fu into Campus" initiative.

Monkey's Fist, known for its agile and intelligent techniques that mimic monkey movements, quickly captivated the students.

The school offers two classes per week to teach basic Monkey Kung Fu techniques and shares stories and the history of Monkey King culture in each session, allowing students to appreciate the rich local culture through physical exercise.

Nanping's long history and fascinating folklore provide ample material to enrich sports curricula. By tapping into students' interests, the city is witnessing a surge in the popularity of traditional Chinese sports, with more schools actively promoting these cultural activities.

Shaowu Experimental Primary School holds dragon and lion dance activities. [Photo provided to gofujian.com]