An old man, using a big Chinese brush with water, is practicing Chinese calligraphy (书法, Shu Fa) on the stone road in Beihai Park (北海公园) in Beijing, yesterday morning. Many Chinese, especially the old man, practice Chinese calligraphy as an exercise to develop or maintain one’s physical and spiritual well being. Historically, many calligraphists were well-known for their longevity.

Chinese calligraphy is an abstract art of square Chinese characters, with a history of four to five thousand years. Chinese calligraphy not only serves the means of communication, but also shows something essential about one’s personality, intellect, and abilities.