[1][2] The creation of baguazhang as a formalized martial art is attributed to Dong Haichuan, who is said to have learned it from Taoist and Buddhist masters in the mountains of rural China during the early 19th century.

There is evidence to suggest a synthesis of several pre-existing martial arts taught and practised in the region in which Dong Haichuan lived, combined with Taoist circle walking that emulates the cyclical patterns found in nature.

[5][full citation needed] Dong Haichuan taught for many years in Beijing, eventually earning patronage by the Imperial court.

Practitioners walk around the edge of the circle in various low stances, facing the center, and periodically change direction as they execute forms.

[5] Students first learn flexibility and proper body alignment through the basic exercises, then move on to more complex forms and internal power mechanics.

Baguazhang contains an extremely wide variety of techniques as well as weapons, including various strikes (with palm, fist, elbow, fingers, etc.

Baguazhang's movements employ the whole body with smooth coiling and uncoiling actions, utilizing hand techniques, dynamic footwork, and throws.