Abstract: In order to reveal the cultural nature and evolution logic of folk Wushu-the basis of Chinese Wushu, understand the interaction and integration of folk Wushu and folk life, and explore the creative transformation path of Wushu cultural resources, the present paper takes the ‘Gold Medal Tournament’ in the Qingyang Temple in Chengdu as an example to investigate and analyze through the method of literature review the power politics and carnival spirit of folk Wushu from the perspective of historical anthropology. The study shows that the amalgamation of folk Wushu and folklore has a long history and is commonplace. The amalgamation not only enriches folklife, but also becomes a component of folklife. In the Gold Medal Tournament, people of different interest groups practiced their power politics. By way of folklife, the ‘Gold Medal Tournament’ narrates itself as part of daily life, and shapes the carnival spirit of Wushu by "letting out people’s desires, transcending ‘daily necessities’", "breaking orders and creating new life", and "challenging traditional norms and subverting old customs". This reveals the social-historical transformation and carnival spirit of Wushu. In view of the fundamental role that folk Wushu plays in daily life, the paper points out that folk Wushu should be paid due attention and reflected on in the modernization of Wushu and the creative transformation of Chinese culture.

Key words: folk Wushu, folklore life, Qingyang Temple Fair, Gold Medal Tournament, power practice, carnival spirit