Eugen Sandow and the Beginning of Bodybuilding in China: Source Trace, Effect and Enlightenment

Under the guidance of the double evidence method, this study, based on the newly obtained data in China and abroad, conducted an investigation on Eugen Sandow and traced back the beginning of bodybuilding in China. It aims to correct the mistake of academic consensus that "modern bodybuilding was introduced into China in the 1930s" on one hand, and on the other hand the historical value and contemporary enlightenment was proposed. The research found that: ① The news of modern bodybuilding was first spread in China in 1896, and bodybuilding was officially into China in 1905, starting with Sandow's tour in Shanghai. ② Sandow and his deeds aroused widespread concern in education, science, sports and art circles of China and recorded in Chinese textbooks, popular science books, newspapers, magazines and films as well as television works. ③ The idealized body model displayed by Sandow through bodybuilding exercise had a subtle influence on the body view of all walks of life in China in the early 20th century. And, it deepened the process of mutual representation between people's individual image and the national image, became the driving source for the progressive class to lead the physical transformation nationwide, providing a "reasonable" basis for the implementation of physical governance for Chinese people with the help of heroic images. Taking history as a mirror, the development of contemporary bodybuilding should promote the physical and mental health of the people in a harmonious development and take the remodeling of body consciousness and masculinity of the youth as the value pursuit.