In 1956, the National Physical Culture and Sports Commission of the People's Republic of China, developed a simplified and shortened version of the Tai Chi Chuan form. It was based on the Yang family style of Tai Chi Chuan. The new short form consisted of 24 movements.

The Beijing short form eliminated some of the movements that are found in the Yang family long form such as sweeping Lotus kicks, Toe Kicks, Snake Darts out its Tongue, or Carry Tiger to the Mountain. The short form also greatly reduced the number of times that some movements are repeated in the long form (e.g., Ward-Off, Grasping the Sparrow's Tail, Waving Hands Like Clouds, or Single Whip). The traditional Yang style long form of Tai Chi Chuan has 108 movements (postures or parts).

The Beijing short form could be taught farily quickly to students of various ages in physical education programs. The brevity of the form appealed to students of all ages. The short form provided a standard form for use in some competitions. The new short form was less physically demanding than longer forms and other styles, and appealed to older beginners. It provided a good introduction to the basic elements of the Yang Family long form. When done properly, the short form can exemplify grace, beauty, and many fundamentals of the art. For these reasons, the short Peking version of the Yang style Tai Chi Chuan form has become quite popular and is now practiced and played all over the world.

It is difficult to say whether the Beijing 24 Short Form or the Cheng Man-Ch'ing 37 short form is now the most popular in America. Professor Cheng's form, his inspired teaching, and his amazing push hands skills, all definitely sparked very sophisticated writing on the subject and intense commitment to his form; and his short form was the most popular in America before 1985. Now, students have ready access to many English language books and videotapes about both the Beijing 24 and Cheng 37 short forms. Since both forms use Yang style postures and skills, many Yang style Tai Chi practitioners and teachers now can do both forms, as well as the standard 108 long form.

Other shortened versions of Tai Chi Chuan long forms are also practiced. A 48 movement Yang short form is also popular in China. The Chinese National Wushu Association has developed a 42 movement Yang style competition form. The Chen style of Tai Chi Chuan also has 32 and 36 movement short forms, as well as a Chen competition form of 56 movements. A 35 movement version of Sun style Tai Chi Chuan also exists.

When performing the short form, "players" should: move slowly, move continuously, keep the movements rounded, move without great effort, relax, keep the head up, let the mind direct the movements, don't bounce, and maintain an upright posture. Breathe deeply and regularly, breathe in (yin) when pulling back or reaching up, and breathe out (yang) when going forward or reaching down. All the basic principles found in the T'ai Chi Ch'uan Classics should be followed when doing the Beijing simplified taijiquan form.

Yang Chengfu in a posture from the Yang style tai chi chuan solo form known as Single Whip c. 1931