Sword fighting occupies a great place in the Chinese culture and it has been practiced traditionally in this part of the world for centuries. Jian Shu has nowadays become the art of sword fencing and there are competitions being organized in various parts of the world for those who are enthusiastic about learning it, practicing it or even simply watching it. The sword competitions involve a great deal of techniques that have been invented and developed during centuries by the Chinese warlords and swordsmen. Some say that Jian Shu appeared somewhat in parallel with the art of the samurais, in Japan. Most of the legendary figures of China would be classified as famous and capable swordsmen because this practice used to be the main way in which individuals could fight and defend their territories or even kingdoms. Such names include the legendary figures of Liu Bei and Chao Chao.

Liu Bei was one of the swordsmen who lived in the first century. He was a warlord, military general and the founding emperor of the Shu Han state. He lived and fought in the era of the Three Kingdoms in China. Liu Bei became popular during his time by managing to overcome his defeats to carve out his own realm, even though he had a later start than his rivals and he usually lacked material resources and social status. To this day he is more known thanks to the novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, novel in which he is portrayed as a benevolent ruler who cared most for his people. The book also revealed his ability to select good advisors for his government.

Chinese swordsmen are quite popular in the Chinese tradition and culture because, as mentioned above, centuries ago this was the only way in which one could defend or fight.