Over the years, Sifu Wing Lam has led numerous tours into the martial arts mecca of China for his students, offering the opportunity to experience first-hand the birthplace of countless fighting arts and cultural treasures. Now, students are once again offered the chance to learn more about their arts, to share in China's history and culture, and to admire its breath-taking landscapes. Join us on Sifu Wing Lam's China Trip 2012!
Students will begin their journey at the San Francisco airport, traveling to Beijing to visit such famous sites as Tiananmen square and the Forbidden City, the formal royal palace, as well as a trip to visit the Great Wall.
Then it's off to the first training stop of the tour: the Shaolin Temple. The birthplace of many historical and popular styles of kung fu as well as the origin of Ch'an (Zen) Buddhism, the Shaolin Temple has held a very special place in China's culture since its establishment in 495 CE. Students will receive kung fu training in the official Shaolin Temple Training Hall (Wushu Guan) under the supervision of the temple's most experienced monks. Students will also visit numerous historical sites, including the famous Pagoda Forest and the legendary Ta-Mo's Cave.
Those that choose a more relaxing route can enjoy the many shopping experiences offered in the neighboring city of Dengfeng. Dengfeng is a hotbed of martial arts schools and stores, with ample opportunity for students to purchase weapons and equipment at affordable prices.
After enjoying the sights and sounds (and for those that choose it, hard training) of Shaolin, the group will travel to the city of Luoyang, visiting historical landmarks such as the Longmen Grottos and the famed White Horse Temple.
The tour continues with a journey to Wudang Mountain, the renowned epicenter of Taoism and internal martial arts as well as home to some of the most fantastic landscapes in all of China. There students will learn Wudang martial arts under the supervision of experienced Taoist masters while surrounded by incredible picturesque beauty. There will also be time to explore the temples and surroundings, made famous in many Chinese martial arts films both of yore and of recent release.
The site-seeing continues in Xian, a new addition this trip to our regular tour. Students will visit the world-renowned Terra Cotta Warriors, the sculpted army buried near the first Emperor of Qin around 210 BCE, sometimes called "Qin's Army". This army consists of thousands of ceramic cavalry, officials, and soldiers, of which no two are identical (as demanded by the Emperor). Students will also visit the Huaching Hot Springs, an exquisite and historic garden featuring an artificial lake surrounded by several different pools, as well as many examples of beautiful architecture and art.
The final part of the journey sees the group returning to the starting point, arriving in Beijing en route to home.
NOTE: This departure date and schedule are tentative and subject to change.
Departure Date: July 10, 2012
Tour Cost/Length: $3,500/16 days
A. Tentative Tour Itinerary
- July 10: Meet at SFO.
- July 11: Arrive in Beijing, check into hotel.
- July 12: Sight-seeing at Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City.
- July 13: Sight-seeing at the Great Wall. In afternoon, fly to Zhengzhou and take a bus to Dengfeng. Check into hotel.
- July 14: Training at Shaolin Temple's Guoshuguan, 2 hours in morning and 2 hours in afternoon. Pagoda Forest.
- July 15: Training at Shaolin Temple's Guoshuguan, 2 hours in morning and 2 hours in afternoon. Group hike to Tamo Cave.
- July 16: Training at Shaolin Temple's Guoshuguan, 2 hours in morning and 2 hours in afternoon. Rest.
- July 17: Training at Shaolin Temple's Guoshuguan, only 2 hours in morning. Afternoon bus to Dragon Gate, White Horse Temple.
- July 18: Private bus to Wudang Mountain
- July 19: Morning training. Afternoon sight-seeing at Purple Cloud Temple.
- July 20: Morning training. Afternoon tram-ride to highest peak of Wudang, Golden Hall.
- July 21: Morning training. Sight-seeing in Wudang's scenic surroundings.
- July 22: Bus to Xian. Check into hotel.
- July 23: Visit the Terra Cotta Warriors and Huaqing Hot Springs.
- July 24: Sight-seeing at Moslem temple. Free-for-all afternoon.
- July 25: Sight-seeing at Big Goose Pagoda and Old Great Wall.
- July 26: Back to airport, depart for SFO.
B. Inclusions
1. Round trip international air tickets from San Francisco or San Jose (unless land only);
2. 3 and 4 star tourist hotels or best available in town (double occupied rooms: two people per room);
3. Three meals daily with Western style breakfast buffet, China lunches and dinners;
4. Seminar, training
5. Sight-seeing with good English speaking tour guides;
6. Sight-seeing door tickets;
7. Air and ground transportation between cities;
C. Exclusions
1. Airport taxes in China[150 per airport in Chinese money (approx. $30 in US dollars), to be paid upon exiting China];
2. China visa application;
3. Travel insurance;
4. Tips.
D. Notes
Documentation: Non-US citizens or other out of states travelers need to obtain their China visa through their own countries. All US citizens should have passports valid until the 18th of December to be assured of hassle-free travel.
Training: The training group will be divided according to level (Beginner/Advanced) as necessary. Arrangements will be made for those with children or those who simply do not wish to train to sight-see while the rest of the group trains.
E. Deposit
A $200 dollar deposit is required upon signing-up for the trip. Half of the remaining trip cost ($1650) will be required to be paid 6 months before the departure date. The remaining $1650 is required to be paid 3 months before departure. There will be NO REFUNDS after the final payment is made.
REGISTRATION FOR TRIP IS CLOSED