Yu Yongbo, a ninth generation inheritor of Chinese Mantis boxing, performs with his pupils. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Mantis boxing, a famous type of boxing, originated from Laiyang, a county-level city in Yantai, Shandong province. It has a history of nearly 300 years and combines 18 types of boxing, embodying the strengths of many martial arts schools.

In 1983, mantis boxing was identified by the Wushu Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sport of China as one of nine traditional Chinese wushu (martial arts) schools.

Mantis boxing was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage item in 2008.