China aunties teach qigong exercises to fellow passengers at Cairo airport during flight delay
Foreigners join in as middle-aged Chinese women set about taking stress of travelling with pain-relieving dance moves
A group of Chinese aunties led an impromptu qigong lesson at Cairo Airport, captivating fellow passengers and earning applause.
On January 9, a Chinese tour group in Egypt was waiting for their flight to Aswan when the flight was delayed for more than five hours.
Some middle-aged women, known in China as aunties, in the group, united by their love of dancing and travel, decided to pass the time and relieve fatigue with Baduanjin qigong.
An auntie surnamed Chen told the mainland media outlet Jimu News that at first, only three people joined in, but gradually more onlookers began dancing, including several foreigners.
Baduanjin qigong, one of China’s oldest wellness practices, has been around for more than 800 years.
It enhances the body’s energy, or qi, and improves blood flow. By combining breathing, meditation and slow stretches, it also promotes overall health and relieves stress.
The practice consists of eight movements suitable for all ages, typically taking 15 to 30 minutes to complete.
