A group of Taiji enthusiasts practice Taiji in Valletta, capital of Malta on April 27, 2019. The World Taiji (Tai Chi) Day was celebrated on Saturday in Valletta, with a series of Chinese Taiji performances. (Xinhua/Yuan Yun)

VALLETTA, April 27 (Xinhua) -- The World Taiji (Tai Chi) Day was celebrated on Saturday in Valletta, capital of Malta, with a series of Chinese Taiji performances.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Chinese ambassador to Malta Jiang Jiang said that the World Taiji Day has been held in Malta for many years, with the number of participants increasing year by year and the influence gradually expanding.

"Practicing Taiji is not only to keep the body fit, but also an experience of the profound philosophy and the traditional Chinese culture," he added.

Ryan Borg, head of Malta's Parliamentary Secretariat for Youth, Sport and Voluntary Organisations, said that "we are grateful of China sharing their heritage with us."

Stating that there are no words to describe the health benefits and happiness of Taiji, Adrian Axisa, President of Malta Martial Art Association, encouraged that everyone should practice and appreciate Taiji.

Around 150 local Taiji enthusiasts gathered in the Maltese capital to showcase various Taiji performances, attracting thousands of people.

The event was hosted by the China Cultural Centre in Malta.