[Photo/China Daily]

Rose inspired 55-year-old Briton Virginia Withers to take up the martial art. That led to an eight-year friendship.

"Rose is a lovely person," Withers says.

"She is kind and supportive - always enthusiastic and generous with her time."

Shanghai Jiao Tong University associate professor Luo Jifeng has learned tai chi with Oliver since 2009 and often joins her organization's events. His home is now a site for foreign visitors Oliver invites to experience ordinary Chinese life.

"I admire her most for her selflessness to share what she knows," Luo says.

"She's happier to see our success and achievement than her own."

Because of her contribution to cultural exchange, Oliver was given the Shanghai Magnolia Award on Sept 30, 2013. The award, named after Shanghai's city flower, is given to foreigners who have made significant contributions to the city.

And she has been inducted as a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2011 by Britain's Queen Elizabeth II - one of the highest tributes to a citizen.

"She (the Queen) asked me some questions about China (at the ceremony)," she recalls.

"We talked about the cultural exchange in building friendship. And she said: 'This is very important work. You must keep it up'. And I said OK.

"You see," she says, jokingly, "now I have no other choice."