November 5, 2025, Beijing—The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference, currently taking place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, adopted a resolution on Wednesday designating March 21 each year — the vernal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere — as International Taijiquan Day.

Delegates said the establishment of the Taijiquan Day is a decision of far-reaching significance, recognizing Taijiquan’s contribution to human health and well-being, its role in fostering cultural exchange and mutual learning among civilizations, and its value in promoting world peace and development.

Originating in China, Taijiquan combines elements of philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and martial arts, built on the principle of balance between yin and yang. Over several centuries, it has developed into various styles — including Chen, Yang, Wu, Wu (Hao), and Sun — and is now practiced by hundreds of millions of people in more than 180 countries and regions. In 2020, Taijiquan was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

March 21 was chosen for its alignment with the equinox's balance of day and night, reflecting Taijiquan's philosophy of harmony between humanity and nature. Research has shown that Taijiquan improves chronic conditions and mental health, and its preventive approach is being integrated into global public health practices.