Baduanjin vs Ba Duan Jin
Baduanjin and Ba Duan Jin are the same words, written differently. Chinese is written without spaces, so "baduanjin" is one word; when each syllable is written separately it becomes "Ba Duan Jin". Both are correct. English sites use both, sometimes on the same page.
- Same thing?
- Yes — identical
- One word form
- Baduanjin
- Three word form
- Ba Duan Jin
- Older system
- Pa Tuan Chin (Wade-Giles, largely retired)
- Meaning
- Eight-section brocade
Why the spellings differ
Chinese characters are written without spaces, so 八段锦 is a single word: baduanjin. Romanised text has no rule about where to break it, so different writers break it differently — Baduanjin, Ba Duan Jin, Ba-Duan-Jin, ba duan jin.
Older English texts used the Wade-Giles system, which gives "Pa Tuan Chin". You will still see that in books published before the 1980s. The modern system, pinyin, gives "Ba Duan Jin", and that is what almost all current material uses.
What to search for
| If you want | Search for |
|---|---|
| The most results | Baduanjin — this is the most common single spelling in English text |
| Formal or academic material | Ba Duan Jin — used in journal titles and the official Chinese publications |
| Video | Baduanjin — search engines handle this better than the spaced form |
| Older books | Pa Tuan Chin — but expect dated framing |
| The seated form specifically | "seated Baduanjin" or "chair Baduanjin" |
The English translations
"Eight-Section Brocade", "Eight Pieces of Brocade" and "Eight Silken Movements" all appear in English-language material. Translation is not standardised, so confirm the Chinese name and movement sequence when you need to identify a specific routine.
These translations are different attempts to render 锦, which means brocade or patterned woven fabric. This site uses "Eight-Section Brocade" consistently for clarity.
Does the spelling tell you anything about quality?
No. A page titled "Ba Duan Jin" is not more authoritative than one titled "Baduanjin", and vice versa. What tells you something is whether the page gives the movement sequence accurately, cites sources, and distinguishes the standing form from the seated one.
Common questions
Which spelling is correct?
Both. Baduanjin and Ba Duan Jin represent the same three syllables. Choose one and be consistent within your own site or document.
Is "Pa Tuan Chin" wrong?
It is outdated rather than wrong. It comes from the Wade-Giles romanisation system, which has largely been replaced by pinyin.
Why do some sites say "Eight Treasures Qigong"?
It is an alternative translation of the name, but it is also used for other routines, so it creates confusion. "Eight-Section Brocade" is the clearer choice.
How do I know two pages are describing the same set?
Check the first and last movements. If both pages list "two hands hold up the heavens" first and something involving the toes last, it is the same routine, whatever the spelling.
Written by LiHe — practitioner, teacher and consultant in qigong and traditional health practice. Review status and sources are shown below where available.
This is general movement education, not medical advice. It does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition. Read the full disclaimer.
The Chinese names are the traditional names of the movements. They are not medical claims, and this site does not diagnose, treat or cure any condition.
- Last reviewed
- Movement data
- Standing form follows the Chinese Fitness Qigong Association standard routine. The chair versions are this pack's own adaptation, written for a seated reader.. Version v0.5.