As an important heritage site of Chinese martial arts and Buddhist culture, Shaolin Temple is honored to tailor a meaningful and warm commemorative journey for your father’s milestone birthday. Herewith, we present a 14-day exclusive plan for your reference.
Core Itinerary Framework (14 days, flexible adjustment available)
Centered on “martial arts for mind cultivation, cultural root-seeking, and Zen for spiritual nourishment”, this itinerary takes into account the physical condition of a 60-year-old elder. It features a gentle pace with substantial content, with daily activities controlled within 6-8 hours, leaving ample time for rest and free activities.
Detailed Daily Arrangement
Phase 1: Adaptation and Martial Arts Introduction (Days 1-4)
This phase focuses on helping your father adapt to the environment, activate his physical functions, establish a basic understanding of martial arts, and experience the core spirit of Shaolin martial arts – “the unity of Zen and martial arts”.
•Day 1: Arrival and Settlement – A dedicated staff member will pick up your father at Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport and drive him to our center( (approximately 1.5 hours’ drive). After checking in and resting, a welcome dinner will be arranged in the evening, where the itinerary details will be introduced, and a custom Shaolin Temple commemorative badge and “Shaolin Culture Manual” will be presented as gifts.
•Day 2: Opening Ceremony and Initial Martial Arts Experience – Morning: Go to the Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Study Base, attend a simple opening ceremony, and a senior monk will introduce the history of Shaolin martial arts. A basic physical fitness assessment (with adjusted standards for the elderly) will be conducted to determine the appropriate study intensity. Afternoon: Learn Shaolin basic skills (such as standing posture, kicking, etc.), focusing on standardized movements and breathing coordination, avoiding high-intensity training. Evening: TCM health communication session (topic: “Exercise and Qi-Blood Harmony for the Elderly”).
•Day 3: Introduction to Martial Arts Techniques – Morning: Learn simplified Shaolin boxing (such as basic routines of Shaolin Changquan) under the guidance of a monk, with detailed instructions on each decomposed movement. Afternoon: Experience martial arts weapon culture (handling light weapons such as Tai Chi swords and dusters, and understanding the cultural connotations behind them). Evening: Free time, during which your father can practice what he has learned in the homestay courtyard.
•Day 4: Visit Core Areas of Shaolin Temple – Morning: Accompanied by a lay Buddhist in the temple, visit the Main Hall of Shaolin Temple (including Heavenly King Hall, Mahavira Hall, Scripture Repository, etc.), with explanations of the Buddhist culture and historical allusions behind the buildings. Afternoon: Visit the Shaolin Martial Arts Museum and watch excerpts of intangible cultural heritage martial arts performances to experience the charm of different boxing styles. Evening: Sharing session to communicate with each other.
Phase 2: In-depth Study and Cultural Immersion (Days 5-10)
This phase deepens martial arts learning while expanding the perspective of Central Plains culture, organically integrating martial arts training with cultural experiences.
•Days 5-6: Advanced Shaolin Boxing – Morning: Consolidate the simplified boxing routines, improve the coherence of movements and control of strength, with one-on-one corrections by monks on details. Afternoon: Learn Shaolin health-preserving techniques (such as Baduanjin or eight trigrams boxing, Yijinjing or Tendon Change Classic), which are gentle in movements, have the effects of strengthening the body and calming the mind, and are very suitable for the elderly to practice for a long time. Evening: Watch excerpts of Shaolin martial arts movies and compare the differences between traditional and modern interpretations.
•Day 7: Tracing the Roots of Songshan (Songshan Mountains)Culture – All day: Go to Songshan Global Geopark, visit the Taishi Mountain Scenic Area, and climb Junji Peak (cableway assistance available) to experience the geographical and cultural connotations of “the center of heaven and earth”. On the way, visit the Songyang Academy to learn about ancient Chinese educational culture and listen to classic allusions such as “Waiting in the Snow at Chengmen”.
•Days 8-9: In-depth Buddhist Culture Experience – Morning: Participate in the morning class of Shaolin Temple (voluntary participation, with prior explanation of etiquette norms) to experience the solemn atmosphere of Buddhist morning prayers. A monk will explain the basic Buddhist doctrines and the concepts of “compassion” and “kindness”, and answer relevant questions. Afternoon: Learn traditional Buddhist arts (such as copying scriptures, incense ceremony) and experience Zen in quiet writing and incense appreciation with tea. Evening: Introduction to Zen meditation, learning simple meditation and breathing adjustment methods.
•Day 10: Folk Custom and Food Culture Tour – Morning: Go to Dengfeng Urban Area, visit the intangible cultural heritage workshops of Songshan wood carving and clay sculpture, and experience simple handcrafting. Afternoon: Learn to make Henan specialty foods (such as stewed noodles, spicy soup, etc.) to experience the regional characteristics in food culture. Evening: Hold a small birthday commemoration party for your father, and present a handwritten calligraphy scroll with the words “Fu Shou Kang Ning” (Blessing, Longevity, Health and Peace) and a Shaolin vegetarian food gift box.
Phase 3: Achievement Consolidation and Farewell Commemoration (Days 11-14)
This phase focuses on demonstrating martial arts achievements, reviewing the highlights of the itinerary, and creating exclusive commemorations to bring the journey to a successful conclusion.
•Days 11-12: Polishing Martial Arts Achievements – Morning: Integrate the boxing techniques and health-preserving methods learned in the previous phases, practice complete routines, and receive targeted guidance and optimization from monks. Afternoon: Shoot a commemorative video of martial arts learning to record the practice moments; prepare a personal martial arts study certificate. Evening: Communication and sharing session, where your father can share his learning insights, and the monks will present martial arts practice diagrams.
•Day 13: Supplementary Cultural Experience Around the Area – Morning: Visit Yongtai Temple (the oldest existing nunnery in the Songshan area) to learn about the history of female practice in Buddhist culture. Afternoon: Go to the Sanhuangzhai Scenic Area to enjoy the unique Danxia landform of Songshan and the scenery of the hanging plank road, and take commemorative photos.
•Day 14: Closing Ceremony and Farewell – Morning: Hold a closing ceremony, issue the Shaolin Martial Arts Study Certificate and a 60th birthday commemorative medal; take a group photo. Afternoon: A dedicated staff member will see your father off at the airport, concluding this cultural journey.
Practical Support Information
1.Accommodation Arrangement: Throughout the trip, your father will stay at our center which is like a 3-star standard Zen-style homestay near Shaolin Temple. The rooms are equipped with anti-slip facilities, emergency call devices, and basic health-preserving supplies (such as moxa pillows). A vegetarian breakfast is provided daily, and for lunch and dinner, there are options of vegetarian food or light meat dishes to meet dietary needs.
2.Cost Details (per person for the whole trip): The total cost includes accommodation, catering, martial arts study fees, scenic spot tickets, intangible cultural heritage experience fees, airport pick-up and drop-off services, insurance fees, and commemorative gifts; The room will be single. International round-trip air tickets and personal shopping expenses are not included. If your father is accompanied by other people, each accompanying person will enjoy a discount.
3.Preparation Requirements: Please bring 3-4 sets of comfortable and loose sportswear, soft-soled sports shoes, and personal commonly used medicines (such as anti-hypertensive drugs); it is recommended to prepare sun protection products and light rain gear. During the trip, it is necessary to abide by the religious etiquette of Shaolin Temple, such as taking off hats when entering the Buddha hall and not using electronic devices in no-photography areas. We will provide a detailed etiquette manual in advance.
4.Health Support: The study base is equipped with full-time medical staff who will measure the elderly’s blood pressure and heart rate daily; a accompanying staff member will be arranged during the trip to provide assistance at any time. If there are special health conditions, please inform us in advance, and we can further adjust the itinerary intensity.
