An 80-year-old pensioner's body is so supple he is able to twist his legs around his neck.
Chen Daorong, from Zhangzhou, southern China's Fujian Province, never received any professional training, but started the practice at home 12 years ago due to back problems in the lumbar region.
Chen explained: "I had this chronic lumbar vertebrae disorder, and no treatment, like acupuncture, massage, or medication was effective for this disease. The pain it caused often made me sleepless at night."
Chen had the idea of practicing flexibility exercises from watching an acrobatic show. He said: "There was an act where several acrobats can bend their body so flexibly and form various shapes. I then thought of having a try to relieve the pains."
Chen started with easy postures and acts to stretch his muscles and tendons. Chen continued: "Over the years, the disease disappeared, and I became well-known in the city for my soft body."
Chen can sit on the chair, while putting his legs around his neck; or he can sleep on one foot as a pillow. Acts like the splits or folding his body are also very easy for him.
Now Chen, who rises at 5am, practices his exercises for an hour. Then in the afternoon, he goes out for a 2km run or rides for 20kms.
Chen said: "I originally only wanted to treat my disease and never would expect to become a contortionist. Now I feel I am so healthy and energetic and can live up to 100 years old."