Chinese traditional gymnastics like Taijiquan and Qigong become more and more popular in Western countries since the end of the 20th century. European population find in these breathe exercises interesting elements of spirituality and practices for well-being. However some anthropologists argue that Indian Yoga and Chinese practices take part of a neo-orientalism culture used as a soft power, in reaction to the development of western sports and medical science which are supposed to go with international modernization. In this talk, we will take example of contemporary practices in Shanghai and Europe to observe the evolution of those health practices on the way of the silk road.