Lì Yuán 2.0 Instructions

This page contains Lì Yuán instructions, the web app designed to train the movement and coordination required to perform vertical circles in Taijiquan.. Clicca qui per la versione italiana.

Li Yuan uses computer vision algorithms to provide visual references that help improve precision, continuity, and awareness of movement. To get early access to news, demo videos, and the latest AI features for your practice, subscribe to our dedicated WhatsApp Channel

Supported Circle Types

As in the desktop version, Li Yuan Mobile supports these categories of circles:

• Synchronous circles: The hands (used as reference points) move in the same direction. Example: initial movement between the technique Opening of Taiji (太極初勢 Taiji Chushi) and Brush Knee and Twist Step (攬擦衣 Lanzhayi) in the Sizheng form.
• Symmetric circles: The hands move symmetrically with respect to the central axis of the body. Example: the Opening of Taiji (太極初勢 Taiji Chushi) technique that opens the Sizheng sequence.
• Alternating circles: Derived from symmetric circles, the hands move out of phase with each other. Example: the Cloud Hands (雲手 Yunshou) technique.
• When the hands move symmetrically with respect to the body’s axis, but in opposite directions, they trace Intersecting Circles (the wrists cross at the level of the center of the chest). Example: second part of the movement between the technique Opening of Taiji (太極初勢 Taiji Chushi) and Brush Knee and Twist Step (攬擦衣 Lanzhayi) in the Sizheng form.

Technical Requirements

As a web application, Li Yuan does not require installation. For the mobile version, the following are required:

• a device equipped with a camera
• Google Chrome or Safari with JavaScript enabled

Accessing the Web App

• If you are using a smartphone/tablet, position the device in landscape mode
• Open the browser
• Go to: https://www.chentaichi.it/liyuan/m/
• Allow camera access via the popup that appears when the page loads

Positioning

Once the camera is activated, it is necessary to position yourself at an appropriate distance from the device.

• If the distance is incorrect, Li Yuan displays the message:“Try to go back a little more”
• When the position is correct, the following appear on screen:
  • two guide circles (to the left and right of the body’s center)
  • an additional command bar on the right side of the screen

The circles can be used as reference trajectories during free practice.

Interface and Controls

Buttons for interacting with the application appear on the left and right sides (shown in the image ). Any messages are displayed at the bottom of the screen.

General Controls

On the left side, the following buttons are available:

Fullscreen Mode

On some iOS devices, it is necessary to activate Fullscreen mode using the browser controls, as shown in the following figures.

Mode Menu

Within the camera image, on the right side, the following options are available:

By tapping one of these buttons, you access the corresponding mode, with guides appearing in the form of two colored dots moving along circular trajectories.

Person detecion

The person detection icon is also shown on the right.:

The person is detected when they move away from the device and position themselves at the correct distance, allowing the mobile device to process the recognition algorithm. Conversely, if the person is too close or the device’s processing capabilities are insufficient, a red symbol will appear.

Synchronous Circles

When synchronous circles are selected, the mode in which the guides move to the left (Synchronous to the left) is automatically activated. The buttons on the right side change, showing the following options:

The second button allows switching between Synchronous to the right and Synchronous to the left. The speed indicator of the guides is displayed next to the speed adjustment buttons.

Symmetric Circles

When symmetric circles are selected, the mode in which the guides move from the outside toward the inside (Symmetric Outside–Inside) is automatically activated. The buttons on the right side change, as already described for the Synchronous Circles. In this case, the second button allows switching from External–Internal Symmetric circles to Internal–External Symmetric ones, and vice versa.

Alternating Circles

When alternating circles are selected, the Cloud Hands mode is automatically activated. The buttons on the right side change, as already described. In this case, the second button allows switching from Hands Like Clouds to Repulse the Monkey, and vice versa.

Intersecting Circles

In Intersecting (Crossed) Circles mode, the exercise automatically alternates between directions (left hand moving upward and right hand downward, and vice versa).

Final Notes

Li Yuan is intended as a support tool for practice, not as a substitute for direct instruction. The goal is to make movement visible in order to develop greater awareness, precision, and quality of execution. Thanks to the mobile version, practice is possible anywhere.