The ancient Chinese believed that “soft beats hard.” This philosophy developed to its peak in Chinese traditional sport, which has a reputation for “inner exercise.” Pose, gesture, and actions are not intensive; the emphasis lies on the player’s emotional peace. Our ancestors created the practice of taijiquan (also known as tai chi) both to maintain good health and to protect oneself. Even a thin old man, after more than fifty years of practicing taijiquan, can push five strong men down with only a very slow action. This power comes from the player’s inner peace.

However, as Chinese society becomes more international, young people are more exposed to international sports such as basketball and football (called soccer in the U.S.). An interesting phenomenon has developed. China is known for ping-pong and badminton, and the national teams of those two sports have many achievements, but ordinary children are not so enthusiastic about them. Instead, most children are more keen on the national football and basketball teams, even though they do not perform very well in the international games.

In Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, the political center of China, soldiers and guards are visible and watchful. They remind us of the government’s power. They are present elsewhere, too. In busy areas like Wangfujing Street, security police stand ready to preserve order. They practice marching for all to see.

What is acceptable in Beijing’s public spaces is changing, though. Behaviors that were once unheard of are now commonplace, like displaying affection or speaking with foreigners. Among Beijing’s youth, the desire to test the rules or behave more freely has grown tremendously. Young people skateboarding in front of a Catholic church on Wangfujing raise only a frown from the police who pass them by.