A Journey Integrating Martial Arts, Zen Buddhism, Rural Tourism, and Traditional Culture – Away from Urban Hustle
Core Explanations
- Accommodation Selection: Prioritize ancient village homestays such as Chanxin Ju (Zen Heart Residence) in Yangjiamen Village and art-themed guesthouses in Leijiagou Village. Located 3km from Shaolin Temple, these accommodations offer seclusion from scenic spot crowds, immersive rural experiences, and access to basic martial arts training and vegetarian Zen meals.
- Language Support: Pre-arrange coaches or guides with basic English communication skills at martial arts schools, Zen temples, and homestays. Prepare a Chinese-French glossary of basic Shaolin Kung Fu moves and common Zen terms for easy communication.（maybe no guide）
- Transportation Suggestions: Self-driving or chartered cars are recommended in Dengfeng. Rural roads are well-maintained, allowing flexible access to niche locations and avoiding public transport inconveniences.(extra fee )
Detailed 8-Day Itinerary
| Day | Core Theme | Detailed Schedule |
| Day 1 | Arrival & Adaptation to Zen Village | 1. Arrive in Dengfeng and check into Chanxin Ju (Zen Heart Residence or check in at our center) in Yangjiamen Village. Surrounded by mountains and stone lanes, the village is a peaceful retreat 3km from Shaolin Temple. Rest to adjust to jet lag. 2. In the evening, wander through the village to admire the twilight over Songshan Mountain. Dine on Shaolin-style vegetarian meals at the homestay and experience the connection between simple cuisine and Zen life. 3. Attend a casual tea ceremony at the homestay to listen to villagers share stories about Shaolin Temple and the village’s history, relaxing both mind and body. |
| Day 2 | Martial Arts Enlightenment & First Taste of Shaolin | 1. Morning: Visit the Shaolin Martial Arts Academy. Watch professional performances of Shaolin Quan (fist techniques), Gun (cudgel), and Jian (sword) to gain an intuitive understanding of Shaolin Kung Fu’s power and grace. 2. Afternoon: Receive introductory training from shaolin monk master. Start with martial etiquette (e.g., Baquan Li/Bowing with Clenched Fists) and practice basic hand forms and horse stances to build a solid foundation. 3. Evening: Avoid crowds at the core scenic area and visit Chuzu An (Ancestor’s Nunnery), a quiet temple dedicated to Bodhidharma. Meditate briefly beside ancient architecture to initially experience the integration of Zen and martial arts. |
| Day 3 | Tracing Zen Origins & Enlightenment in the Mountains | 1. Early morning: Hike to Dharma Cave via a secluded mountain trail. Admire the rock formations of Songshan Mountain along the way. Upon reaching the natural cave, listen to the legend of Bodhidharma meditating here for 9 years and feel the perseverance of Zen’s founding father. 2. Return to Yangjiamen Village for light farm-style cuisine to replenish energy. 3. Afternoon: Participate in Zen practice at Chanxin Ju. Learn calligraphy copying and incense offering from monks to understand the “Zen” core of Shaolin’s “Unity of Zen and Martial Arts.” Try meditation in the evening to calm the mind. |
| Day 4 | Rural Martial Arts & Folk Warrior Spirit | 1. Morning: Travel to Leijiagou Village, an “art village” where many villagers practice basic Shaolin Kung Fu. Learn simple folk martial arts moves (known as “farmer’s martial arts”) from locals in an open space near the village’s sketching base. 2. Afternoon: Experience farm work such as vegetable picking and garden tending. Understand the rural tradition of “strengthening the body through labor and practicing boxing in leisure,” and how martial arts integrates with agricultural life. 3. Evening: Enjoy a barbecue at a village homestay. Chat with villagers about folk martial arts societies like the Bafang Village Xingxingguai She (Eight Directions Village Ape Monster Society) and feel the inheritance of Shaolin Kung Fu in rural communities. |
| Day 5 | Kung Fu Advancement & Consolidation in Ancient Villages | 1. Morning: Receive one-on-one coaching from a martial arts instructor at Chanxin Ju. Correct basic moves learned earlier and practice introductory combinations of Shaolin Xiaohongquan (Small Red Fist), a style suitable for beginners. 2. Afternoon: Visit Songshan Xinyi Windmill Farm, adjacent to Shaolin Temple with views of Songshan Mountain and Shaohu Lake. Practice learned moves amid pastoral scenery to reinforce memory and relax. 3. Evening: Enjoy a farm-style barbecue at the farm, savor fresh fruits and vegetables, and admire the mountain sunset. |
| Day 6 | Exploring Ancient Villages & Tracing Agricultural Roots | 1. Morning: Visit Yuanqiao Ancient Village, a 600-year-old settlement free from commercialization. Explore the 1km ancient village wall, Ming Dynasty tunnels, and agricultural culture exhibition hall to learn about Central Plains’ farming civilization. 2. Noon: Dine on farm-style meals at a cave dwelling homestay and experience the unique charm of cave architecture. 3. Afternoon: Watch a Shaolin Kung Fu performance if a folk activity is scheduled; otherwise, try calligraphy at the village’s old private school to experience the “combination of farming and scholarship” culture, complementing the rigidity of martial arts. |
| Day 7 | Geological Wonders & Martial Arts in Landscape | 1. Morning: Visit Sanhuangzhai (Three Emperors Village), a core area of Songshan Global Geopark famous for its “Book Cliff” formations and fewer tourists. Hike the trail and practice Baduanjin (Eight Brocades) at an open viewing platform to experience “harmony between humans and nature.” 2. Noon: Taste wild vegetables and whole grains at a mountain restaurant near Sanhuangzhai. 3. Afternoon: Tour Erzu An (Second Ancestor’s Nunnery), where Huike (the Second Ancestor) is said to have cultivated after cutting off his arm to seek Dharma. Perched atop Boyu Peak with panoramic views, meditate here to reflect on insights from days of Zen and martial arts practice. 4. Evening: Return to the homestay and join a small Zen healing sharing session to relieve fatigue from hiking and training. |
| Day 8 | Review & Departure with Memories | 1. Morning: Practice and review all learned martial arts moves with the master in an open space in Yangjiamen Village. Record a video for future review and receive personalized feedback on common mistakes. 2. Noon: Enjoy a farewell vegetarian feast. Purchase simple Shaolin-themed souvenirs such as mini Shaolin cudgels or martial arts move diagrams. 3. Afternoon: Pack luggage and depart from the homestay to the airport or railway station, concluding the journey. |
