The fifth batch of national intangible cultural heritages was released on the official website of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism on Dec 21, and will be displayed on the website for 20 working days until Jan 19, 2021.

Among them, Wing Chun from Foshan in South China's Guangdong province was included.

Wing Chun, a traditional Southern Chinese kung fu style, is said to have originated in the middle of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). Foshan Wing Chun focuses on attacks and defenses within short distances and short time frames. With fast fists, tight defense, and flexible footwork, it achieves a balance between offense and defense, hardness and flexibility.

Ip Chun, the eldest son of Ip Man, teaches Wing Chun in his hometown of Shishan town in Foshan. [Photo/WeChat account: foshannews]

Since its creation, a large number of Wing Chun masters have emerged in Foshan, such as Ip Man (1893-1972), Ruan Qishan (1887-1956), and Yao Cai (1890-1956), who were known as the "three heroes of Wing Chun."

Kung fu superstar Bruce Lee (1940-1973) also learned martial arts from Ip Man and became an international and immortal kung fu icon.

To further promote the Wing Chun culture, Foshan has been actively carrying out professional training and lectures in villages, enterprises, and schools. A variety of Wing Chun-related activities and competitions, including the World Wing Chun Competition, are held in the city every year.

The 2020 Ip Man Cup Wing Chun Competition is held in Nanhai district, Foshan on Nov 29. [Photo/WeChat account: foshannews]

Kung fu films based on Wing Chun like Ip Man and The Grandmaster have been screened, while facilities like the Ip Man Memorial Hall and the Wing Chun themed park have been built in the city.