At the opening ceremony of the 15th National Games, the mascot originally named the "Chinese white dolphin" won over the internet with its lively and adorable performance, earning the affectionate nickname "Big Bay Chicken" from netizens. Behind these stunning performances was a group of young students from Henan martial arts schools, whose solid foundation in Henan Kungfu breathed unique vitality into the character.

These teenagers, aged 12 to 15, underwent a rigorous selection process. Since they had to support performance costumes that were 1.7 meters tall and weighed 8 kilograms, the selection criteria were particularly strict: exceptional physical coordination, endurance, and explosive power were required. It was precisely the physical conditioning honed through daily training at the martial arts schools that allowed them to stand out among numerous candidates.

The training process was full of challenges. During the scorching months of August and September, these young performers engaged in daily 8-kilogram weight-bearing exercises, running at least 10 laps around a 400-meter track. The most demanding part was rehearsing in heavy costumes for hours, often late into the night. Yet, these teenagers never backed down, demonstrating the resilience instilled in them by their martial arts training.

The most captivating aspect of the performance was how seamlessly the young performers incorporated the essence of Shaolin martial arts. Beneath the adorable mascot costumes, traditional martial arts moves such as tornado kicks and the "double flying swallow" were executed with effortless grace. What appeared to be casual jumps and spins were, in fact, deeply rooted in martial arts prowess. Even the occasional humorous moments—bumping into doors or knocking heads—felt natural and lively, thanks to the exceptional body control developed through their training.

This performance became a successful showcase of Henan's martial arts culture in an innovative light. Hailing from the birthplace of Shaolin martial arts, these young performers demonstrated the unique charm of traditional kung fu to a national audience through a modern and dynamic format. They proved that Chinese martial arts, with its millennia-old heritage, can perfectly integrate with contemporary culture through innovative expression, bursting with renewed vitality.

The popularity of the "Big Bay Chicken" is not only a triumph of performance but also a testament to the enduring power of Henan Kungfu to move hearts—whether transitioning from the training hall to the stage or from tradition to trend.

Web editors: Shen Jianqi, Li Siyao