ABSTRACT
The study of the bodily practice of the pre-Qin period requires first a look into the fundamental social structure of the time as well as an examination of its context and conception. The key forms of physical exercise for the pre-Qin ruling class, such as archery and chariot and military formation, served the need for military training, hunting, and aristocratic education. There were also the physical activities involved in the rites and musical practice for religious sacrificial ceremonies. The enlightenment of man and social advancement have always followed each other and interacted at every step in the course of history. Thoughts and ideas of pre-Qin philosophers on health preservation never stopped developing and varying. After the end of West Zhou, people's view on life and the world had changed. "Heaven's way is far, but the human way is near". A shift of focus has occurred toward humanity in their reflection upon heaven and man.
