A meeting aimed at citizenship to make Chinese culture known and disseminated, starting from the awareness of vital energies, enclosed in the concept of 'Qi' (vital energy). This is the 'EsserQi' project promoted by the cultural association EstOvesEst (EOE), in collaboration with the Confucius Institute of Pisa and the social promotion organisation A.C.S.I. Comitato Territoriale di Pisa and under the patronage of the Municipality of Pisa. The meeting will take place in Logge dei Banchi on Saturday 5 November and will focus on traditional martial arts, tea and Chinese games.

In the morning from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm, schools will be invited to participate in a seminar aimed at youngsters, which will include a theoretical part and a practical-experiential part, under the guidance of the various masters in charge.  In the afternoon, between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., a theoretical meeting will take place in conference mode with debate, which, in addition to allowing a confrontation with the masters, will aim to facilitate an exchange of experiences between martial arts enthusiasts and those approaching it for the first time. The various styles of the Qi Gong and Tai Ji Quan disciplines will be presented by the masters present, with the involvement of the public present in performing some of the movements of these disciplines. On the same day, the history of Chinese tea will be exposed, describing the various types currently cultivated. Through a geographical journey in modern-day China, the importance and complexity of tea culture will be framed. During the tasting session, the most important cities in China for tea culture and types of processing will be shown, addressing the effects of its use on the body for personal well-being. Emphasis will also be placed on the significance of the tea ceremony (Gong fu cha), as a social and spiritual rite that embraces the principles of harmony, respect and contemplation of man with nature, such as to assume a ritual character, as a form of a cultural activity. Lastly, the ToscanaGo association will introduce participants to Chinese games and in particular the practice of Go. To participate in the initiative, booking is recommended by writing to eovestest@gmail.com or calling 3755301468.