A bodybuilding contest took place last weekend in Lianyungang, in eastern China’s province of Jiangsu.
As a mass phenomenon, bodybuilding is a relatively young sport in China; however the first bodybuilding coaches were invited to the country back in 1957.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
After the Communist revolution of 1949, the sport was condemned as western and bourgeois, and competitions were banned.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Bodybuilding was officially recognized in China in the late-1970s – early-1980s.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
The resurgence of bodybuilding began in the 1980s, with a growing number of various contests.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
The growing interest to the sport resulted in the foundation of the Chinese Bodybuilding Association, which elaborated rules and requirements for both men’s and women’s tournaments.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Female bodybuilding had to overcome numerous obstacles to make its way to the public. The Chinese culture and traditions initially were unprepared for the public demonstration of bikinis.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
In 1994, Shanghai for the first time hosted the World Bodybuilding Championship. The event had a significant role for Chinese athletes.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: A competitor posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
In 2004, the Shanghai Institute of Physical Education launched bodybuilding classes by Ben Weider, President of the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Competitors during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
During the recent decade, China has seen a boom in demand for personal bodybuilding and fitness coaches and gym memberships.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Over 300 athletes took part in the contest.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
The winners were honored to represent China at the World Bodybuilding Championship 2015.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
Above: Сompetitors posing during a bodybuilding competition in Lianyungang, China. August 23, 2015.
