Indonesian student's enduring passion for Tai Chi

Zeela Nebulani (2nd L) practices Tai Chi following a teacher's instruction at the Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Born into an Indonesian family with a martial arts pedigree, Zeela Nebulani began training at the age of six. In May 2024, she traveled to the Daqingshan Tai Chi research base in the city of Rizhao to study the Chen-style Tai Chi moves. During her stay, she visited Rizhao Polytechnic, where the idea of studying abroad took root.

Nebulani started her journey in September as an international student at Rizhao Polytechnic after passing the admission interview. While pursuing her academic studies, she continues practicing martial arts and immersing herself in the rich traditional Chinese culture.

At a recent Tai Chi invitational tournament, Nebulani was invited with her father and sister to attend the event and perform martial arts. Speaking of the future, Nebulani hopes to bridge the cultural exchanges between China and Indonesia via martial arts.

Zeela Nebulani (L front) practices Tai Chi following a teacher's instruction at the Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Zeela Nebulani (1st L) poses for a photo with her father and sister at a Tai Chi invitational tournament in Wulian County of Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Zeela Nebulani performs martial arts at a Tai Chi invitational tournament in Wulian County of Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, June 12, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Zeela Nebulani (R) learns about pottery culture at the Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)

Zeela Nebulani (R) learns Chinese calligraphy following a teacher's instruction at the Rizhao Polytechnic in Rizhao City, east China's Shandong Province, May 23, 2025. (Xinhua/Guo Xulei)