Kungfu Travel

Chinese Kung Fu Travel Route (8 Days : Shaolin + Wudang + Emei)

Theme: Experience the three major schools of Chinese martial arts – external style Shaolin, internal style Wudang, and Buddhist-integrated Emei.
Best travel time: April-May, September-October (pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and martial arts experience)
Transport: High-speed trains throughout for efficient connections

Day 1-2: Shaolin Temple, Dengfeng, Henan (External Kung Fu · Zen & Martial Arts)

Day 1

  • Morning: Arrive in Dengfeng; visit the core halls of Shaolin Temple.
  • Noon: Taste authentic Buddhist vegetarian meals in the temple.
  • Afternoon: Watch wonderful Shaolin Kung Fu performances (hard Qigong, animal-style boxing, Shaolin staff).
  • Evening: Explore the Pagoda Forest, China’s largest ancient pagoda cluster for monks.

Day 2

  • Morning: Hike Sanhuangzhai Cliff Trail and view unique rock landscapes.
  • Afternoon: Visit Chuzu Temple and Damo Cave (where Bodhidharma meditated for nine years).
  • Evening: Join a beginner Shaolin basic kung fu lesson.

Day 3: Travel from Dengfeng to Wudang Mountain, Shiyan, Hubei (Internal Kung Fu · Taoist Tai Chi)

  • Morning: Take high-speed train to Shiyan, then transfer to Wudang Scenic Area.
  • Afternoon: Visit Prince Slope (Unique Ancient Architecture) and Zixiao Palace, the main Taoist temple of Wudang.
  • Evening: Stay on the mountain; join a basic Wudang Tai Chi & Baduanjin (Eight Section Brocade)health lesson.

Day 4: Full Day on Wudang Mountain

  • Full day: Climb to Tianzhu Peak; visit the hanging Nanyan Palace and the golden Jinding Summit.
  • Evening: Overnight on the mountain; experience Taoist evening rituals and healthy Taoist vegetarian meals.

Day 5: Travel from Shiyan to Chengdu then to Emei Mountain, Sichuan (Emei School · Buddha & Martial Arts)

  • Morning: High-speed train to Chengdu, then transfer to Emei.
  • Afternoon: Visit Baoguo Temple and Fuhu Temple (origin birthplace of Emei martial arts).
  • Evening: Stay in Emei town; learn basic Emei boxing & jade maiden sword skills.

Day 6-7: Full Day on Emei Mountain

Day 6

  • Full day: Take sightseeing bus & cableway to Emei Golden Summit (Samantabhadra Buddha statue, sea of clouds).
  • Evening: Stay in mountain hotels with Zen meditation experience.

Day 7

  • Morning: Explore Wannian Temple, Qingyin Pavilion and natural valleys.
  • Afternoon: Watch professional Emei martial arts show (monkey boxing, eyebrow boxing, Emei spear).

Day 8: Departure from Emei via Chengdu

  • Morning: Take train back to Chengdu, then depart for return journey.

Route Highlights

  • Covers the three most authentic traditional Chinese martial arts schools: Shaolin, Wudang, Emei.
  • Combines Zen Buddhism, Taoism and Buddhist culture deeply with kung fu.
  • Includes 3 wonderful kung fu shows + 3 beginner martial arts training sessions.
  • Well-paced 8-day itinerary with convenient high-speed train connections.

Travel Tips

  • Wear loose clothes & non-slip sneakers; bring light jackets for mountain tops.
  • Book kung fu shows and training lessons one day in advance during peak seasons.