Striking a balance

Shanghai's fast-paced lifestyle and diversity have created a unique environment for yoga's growth. Wang Jingzhu, China's first certified Shrivatsa Yoga instructor with 19 years of teaching experience, reflected on her years of teaching in nearly 20 countries to comment: "Shanghai has an excellent yoga culture atmosphere. People are energetic, highly inclusive, and the culture is very diverse.

"If we compare it to ages, Shanghai's yoga culture is like a teenager; still in a stage of active development," she says.

French yoga master Renucci adds that local practitioners stand out for their enthusiasm and regularity. "Even with work commitments, most practice at least twice a week. Many attend teacher training courses not necessarily to become instructors, but to gain a deeper understanding of yoga, which includes its philosophy, as well as the structure of muscles and joints."

The five editions of the yoga festival have witnessed Shanghai's yoga evolution. BYMB's Ye points out that in the early days, yoga practitioners focused more on gaining social media fame.

"Now, it emphasizes in-depth healing, combining sound therapy, singing bowl therapy and professional courses," Ye says. "Additionally, the participant base has expanded significantly, from initially targeting active young people from 20 to 40, to gradually expanding to middle-aged groups from 40 to 60. This proves that yoga is suitable for people of all ages."

Shanghai's urban strengths have also played a crucial role. "The city has numerous yoga studios, dance studios and brand collaboration resources, such as hotels and art galleries, offering diverse venues for yoga events," Ye explains. "As an international metropolis, it also attracts foreign instructors and a diverse range of participants."

Over the past eight years, her company has organized more than 2,600 yoga events, held at top hotels, art galleries, cultural centers, city landmarks, and catering spaces. It has also hosted nearly 200 yoga retreats in China and abroad.

Ye further notes that the "balance of strength and gentleness" in Shanghai residents aligns with yoga's philosophy. "They need the gentleness of yoga to relieve pressure from highly intense jobs, and also recognize the value of yoga's physical and mental cultivation due to their pursuit of efficient and high-quality lifestyles."

"As a leader in high-quality lifestyles in China, Shanghai can integrate yoga with culture, art and tourism to form a unique 'yoga plus' ecosystem that radiates influence across the country," she says.