A302: From Heritage to Health: Chinese Traditional Sports in Modern Context

Traditional ethnic sports are an integral part of Chinese cultural heritage, encompassing physical exercise, emotional cultivation, and social bonding. However, their functional value in the context of modern health promotion has not been systematically examined. This study aims to compare various traditional sports among Chinese ethnic groups to assess their unique roles in promoting physical health, psychological well-being, and social connection, and to explore their potential in contributing to the "Healthy China 2030" national strategy. A multi-case comparative design was employed, focusing on three representative traditional sports from Guangxi: the Zhuang Tea-Picking Dance, the Dong Bench Dragon Dance, and the Miao Lusheng Circle Dance. A total of 180 elderly and middle-aged participants from ethnic communities participated in the study. Data were collected using a mixed-methods approach, including participatory observation, semi-structured interviews, and health indicators such as heart rate, mood scale, and social support index. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS, while qualitative data were processed with NVivo for thematic coding and interpretation. All three traditional sports showed statistically significant effects in improving cardiovascular function, emotional regulation, and social connectedness (p