Bridging Eastern and Western Cultures Through Tai Chi Exchange China Trip

The Deyin Taijiquan Institute is committed to promoting traditional Chinese culture and nurturing dialogue and friendship between Eastern and Western civilizations. Since the 1990s, the institute has organized "Chinese Tai Chi Cultural Exchange Study Tours," taking international participants into the heart of China to explore the origins of martial arts and the essence of its rich culture. These immersive journeys have provided thousands of students with the opportunity to delve into the philosophical depths of Tai Chi while fostering enduring friendships through cross-cultural exchange.

Over the past three decades, the institute has consistently hosted two to three trips annually, welcoming over 2,500 participants from more than 20 countries, including the UK, France, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Germany, Ireland, Portugal, Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and Canada. From intimate groups of 20 to delegations exceeding 60 members, each journey exemplifies Deyin's unwavering dedication to cultural preservation and cross-cultural dialogue.

Participants have explored iconic locations across China, experiencing the interplay between ancient traditions and modern marvels. From the historic city walls of Xi'an to the dazzling skyline of Shanghai; from the martial arts haven of Shaolin Temple to the Taoist sanctuaries of Wudang Mountain; from the tranquil bamboo forests of Qingcheng Mountain to the sacred Potala Palace in Tibet—Deyin students have ventured into the depths of China's culture and some of its most awe-inspiring landscapes.

Highlights of Deyin’s Journeys include

  • Martial Arts Landmarks: Students visited revered sites like the Shaolin Temple, where Shaolin monks showcased the power and precision of Kung Fu. On Wudang Mountain, Tai Chi practice amidst the mist and sacred aura created a profound sense of harmony between heaven and earth. Deyin's recognition as the "UK Promotion Center" for Wudang martial arts cements its role in spreading Wudang teachings across Europe.

  • Pilgrimage to Tibet: Deyin students became the first international Tai Chi and Qigong practitioners permitted to practice Qigong within the historic Potala Palace. Performing Qigong at a breathtaking altitude of 3,700 meters blended Tai Chi's grace with Tibetan Buddhism's solemnity. This remarkable cultural exchange left participants with a deeply spiritual connection.

  • Jiuhua Mountain Summer Camp: Beyond spiritual pilgrimages, Deyin hosted the "International Tai Chi and Qigong Summer Camp" at Jiuhua Mountain, drawing over 100 global participants. Mornings began with Tai Chi amidst the mountain’s gentle mists, followed by afternoons dedicated to wellness philosophy discussions.

Embracing Academic Excellence

Deyin Institute bridges practice with scholarly depth through long-standing collaborations with top Chinese universities and martial arts masters. Every trip to China features enriching exchanges at prestigious academic institutions.

  • Beijing Sport University: Under the guidance of Qigong master Professor Zhang Guangde, participants explored the art of harmonizing breath and energy, achieving a profound connection between Heaven and Man.

  • Shanghai University of Sport: Experts unravelled the scientific principles behind Qigong.

  • Shanxi University: Historians illuminated the cultural significance of Tai Chi through Chinese philosophical perspectives.

Masters of Tai Chi and Qigong

Learning from world-renowned masters is central to Deyin's carefully designed trips:

  • In Xi’an, students trained with Grand master Zhao Youbin, a highly respected Yang-style Tai Chi master in China and around the world, gaining insights into the art’s fluidity and precision with grace and spiritual harmony.

  • In Beijing, Grandmaster Li Deyin, one of the world’s most respected Tai Chi figures, personally guided students, emphasizing the philosophy of "using intention to guide energy, and energy to move the body."

Competitions and Global Training: Elevating Professional Standards

Deyin is committed to enhancing Tai Chi’s international profile through competitions and professional training:

  • Prestigious Competitions: Students have competed in elite events like the Xi’an International Tai Chi Invitational and the Shanghai International Health Qigong Exchange, winning accolades that reflect Deyin's excellence.

  • Coach Development: Senior instructors trained at the International Health Qigong Coach Training Base in Langfang, Hebei. These instructors returned home as cultural ambassadors, spreading the art of Chinese wellness globally.

Deyin’s trips offer more than Tai Chi and Qigong practice—they are immersive journeys through China’s most iconic landscapes and historical sites. From Beijing’s Forbidden City to Zhangjiajie’s mystical peaks, and from Xi’an’s Terracotta Warriors to Guilin’s serene karst mountains, students experience the beauty of China’s history and nature.

  • Beijing: The Heart of Imperial China Students begin their journey practicing Tai Chi in the majestic Forbidden City. At the Temple of Heaven, they meditate where emperors prayed, connecting with the balance of heaven and earth. Tai Chi sessions on the Great Wall bring new meaning to the saying, “He who has never been to the Great Wall is not a true hero.” The Summer Palace provides a tranquil setting for Qigong among willow trees and lotus blooms.

  • Xi’an: The Cradle of Civilization The Terracotta Warriors stand as a testament to ancient China, inspiring reflection. At the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda, Tai Chi flows to the sound of tolling bells, evoking the spirit of Xuanzang, a monk who brought Buddhist wisdom to China.

  • Shanghai and Zhouzhuang: Tradition Meets Modernity Tai Chi at dawn along Shanghai’s Bund blends the city’s modern energy with ancient grace. In nearby Zhouzhuang, the “Venice of the East,” students practice on stone bridges over misty canals, surrounded by history.

  • Hunan and Guangxi: Nature’s Masterpieces Fenghuang’s riverside streets and Zhangjiajie’s towering peaks create inspiring settings for Tai Chi and Qigong. In Guilin, bamboo raft journeys along the Li River provide a magical backdrop for practice amid rising limestone karsts.

  • Sichuan and Shanxi: Sacred and Timeless Chengdu’s Panda Base offers a reminder of harmony in nature, while the Leshan Giant Buddha provides a serene site for meditation. At Emei Mountain, Tai Chi sessions above the clouds are accompanied by chanting monks. In Pingyao, practicing Tai Chi within ancient city walls connects participants to China’s deep-rooted traditions.

Looking Ahead: Broadening Horizons

As it forges into the future, the Deyin Taijiquan Institute envisions even greater opportunities:

  • Xinjiang Exploration: Plans are underway for a "Xinjiang Cultural Exploration Tour," offering students a chance to experience the breathtaking Kanas Lake, the vibrant Kazakh dances, and the storied ruins of the Silk Road. Master Li Deyin describes Xinjiang as "a treasure trove of multicultural coexistence," where students can witness China's diversity firsthand.

  • Beijing Advanced Training Camp: An "Advanced Tai Chi and Qigong Training Camp" will bring top Chinese masters to Beijing for intensive workshops, enabling students to push their practice to new heights while preserving cherished traditions.