Abstract: WU Yunrui, the pioneer of Chinese physical education and one of the founders of modern Chinese sports science theory, forms his thoughts about physical education following the stages from preliminary (during which his concept of scientific education was established), integration (during which the thought about natural physical education was spread) to maturity (during which he advocated scientific, academic and popularized physical education). WU's thoughts, which include "the unity of mind and body", the scientific and academic physical education, as well as natural physical education, has become the valuable spirit heritage of Chinese physical education development. They also reflect the spiritual value of "cultural self-confidence, national cohesion, and national health", and further enrich the core essence of Chinese sportsmanship.