Zhang Hexian (right) at an interview Photo: Screenshot from Sina Weibo

98-year-old Zhang Xianhe, better known as "Kung Fu Grandma", has impressed netizens with her athletic vigor and a lifelong career in martial arts. Zhang can be seen in a video showing her kung fu moves at a local martial arts tournament in Ninghai, East China's Zhejiang Province, which attracted public attention.

Videos on social media show Zhang with a staff while practicing movements with her son. The two-minute video posted online also caught the attention of Zhao Lijian, spokesperson of the Chinese foreign ministry who tweeted the clip on Friday saying, "Kung fu spirit never gets old!"

The tournament was held in the village of Zhangkeng located in Ninghai, Zhejiang Province, on June 12, where Zhang was invited as the chief judge.

The practice of kung fu in Zhangkeng has a tradition of over 500 years. Most residents over their 60s practice kung fu, according to Xinhua News Agency. Zhang, part of the eighth generation of family martial arts, started her career when she was a little girl.

The video also shows her sharing comments with foreigners at the tournament about the tricks and moves.

Netizens on Sina Weibo have expressed their respect for the "Kung Fu Grandma" and praised her for being so energetic at her age. "I can't believe she can do all those tricks at the age of 98," said one netizen.

Some of them were also impressed by the long tradition in this village. "It's not easy for a 500-year tradition to survive. They should do it as long as they can," read one comment by a netizen on Weibo.

Zhang attracted numerous fans as early as in 2017, when she was 94, and the BBC paid her a visit in Zhejiang, calling her the "new internet sensation."