China’s bull wrestlers fight to keep tradition alive

Ancient Guanniu competition draws students in Zhejiang as masters race to save the fading art.

Published: 9:00am, 1 Aug 2026

A centuries-old form of bull wrestling in eastern China is drawing renewed interest from university students. However, practitioners say the tradition known as Guanniu is struggling to survive.

China’s bull wrestlers fight to keep tradition alive

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Ancient Guanniu competition draws students in Zhejiang as masters race to save the fading art.

Ancient Guanniu competition draws students in Zhejiang as masters race to save the fading art.