A four-week immersion in China combining traditional Kung Fu training with the philosophy, culture, history, health traditions and daily life that give the practice its deeper context.
Date
MAR 7 - APR 4
Duration
4 Weeks
Location
Meihua Ancient Village,
Xingtai, Hebei, China
Level
Complete Beginner through Advanced
Cost
$2500 USD
Program Details
Train it. Study it. Experience it. Live it.
Spend four weeks in China training traditional Kung Fu while going deeper into the philosophy, culture, history, health traditions and daily life that give the practice its wider context.
Spend four weeks in China going deeper into traditional Kung Fu- not only through daily Shaolin and Meihua Quan training, but through the deep philosophy, culture, history, health traditions and everyday life that surround the practice.
This is time to move beyond simply learning techniques. You have the space to repeat, improve, ask better questions, understand more of what you are practicing, and begin connecting the physical training to the traditions and ideas that have shaped it for generations.
You live at the training center in Meihua Ancient Village, train as part of a small group, study with Shifu and the Living Kung Fu team, and spend a full month inside an experience most people will only ever encounter from the outside.
Spend four weeks in China training traditional Kung Fu while going deeper into the philosophy, culture, history, health traditions and daily life that give the practice its wider context.
Integrating Training, Tradition & Culture
How It Works
For four weeks, training, study and daily life become part of the same experience.
Your weekdays combine morning and afternoon Kung Fu training with dedicated cultural and theoretical study. Physical training draws from Shaolin, Meihua Quan and related traditional practices, while study sessions may explore Kung Fu theory, Chinese philosophy, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Mandarin, martial arts history, lineage, calligraphy, tea culture and other areas connected to the practice.
The smaller group size allows more continuity across the month. You are not starting over every few days — Shifu and the team can see how you are progressing, adjust your training, return to ideas, and build on what you have already learned.
Evenings create space for discussion, questions, reflection and time with Shifu, while weekends give you room to recover, practice, explore the village and take part in selected cultural experiences.The result is not simply more hours of Kung Fu. It is four weeks of practice, understanding, experience and application — enough time to begin seeing how the different parts connect.
Sample Training Day
*times vary Winter/Summer
TIME
Training
7:00 AM
Early Morning Training
8:00 AM
Breakfast
9:30 - 11:30 AM
Morning Training Block
12:00 PM
Lunch
12:30 - 2:30 PM
Afternoon Rejuvenation
2:30 - 5:30 PM
Breakfast
6:00 PM
Dinner
7:00 - 8:00 PM
Cultural Study / Philosophy / Theory / Q&A
9:30 PM
Lights Out
Integrating Training, Tradition & Culture
Training Disciplines
Living Kung Fu draws from a broad range of traditional martial arts practices. Your individual training will depend on your experience, physical condition, goals, progress and Shifu’s training plan, so a single week will not necessarily include every discipline below.
Kung Fu Foundations
- Traditional Shaolin Kung Fu
- Meihua Quan
- Empty-Hand Forms
- Stance Training
- Footwork
- Kicks & Strikes
Internal & Body Training
- Qigong
- Taiji / Tai Chi
- Breath Training
- Balance & Coordination
- Flexibility & Mobility
- Strength & Conditioning
Combat & Applications
- Animal Forms
- Sanda / Chinese Kickboxing
- Qin Na
- Partner Drills
- Martial Applications
- Practical Technique Work
- Controlled Sparring / Contact Work
Traditional Weapons
- Staff
- Sword
- Broadsword
- Spear
- Other Traditional Weapons
- Weapon Forms & Applications
Skill Development
- Forms Correction & Refinement
- Body Mechanics
- Timing & Control
- Endurance
- Movement Quality
- Individual Technical Development
Theory & Culture
- Kung Fu Theory
- Chinese Martial Arts Philosophy
- Martial Arts History
- Traditional Training Principles
- Cultural Study
- Lineage & Tradition
Meihua Ancient village - Xingtai, Hebei, China
Location
Set in the Taihang region of Xingtai, Meihua Ancient Village is a large cultural, tourism, and martial arts site shaped around the history, traditions and living practice of Meihua Quan.
During your stay, you are not only visiting one of the only government recognized martial arts schools in China, you are living and training inside a place connected to one of China’s nationally recognized intangible cultural heritage traditions. You will be surrounded by training grounds, cultural spaces, historic references, village life and the northern Chinese landscape.
Room Options & Amenities
Accommodation
You’ll stay onsite at the Living Kung Fu training center inside the Meihua Ancient Village.
Shared Rooms
Up to 3 people per room. Male and female students are housed separately.
Family / Married Couple Rooms
Available for families and married couples traveling together.
Single Rooms
Limited availability and must be reserved in advance.
VIP Single Rooms
Upgraded private accommodation is also available.
Standard Rooms Include:
Mattress, Duvet, Pillow & One Set of Linens
Wi-Fi
Air Conditioning / Heating
TV
Kettle
Ensuite Bathroom
Western-style Toilet
Shared Washing Machine Access
Required Visa and Travel
Arrival & Departure
X2 Study Visa
Living Kung Fu is a government-recognized Kung Fu training center, which means your training is officially recognized as study in China.
ALL International Students are therefore required to obtain an X2 Study Visa for short-term study.
Living Kung Fu will provide the required school documentation and assist you through the visa process after enrollment.
Registration
Monday
8:00 AM
Departure
Saturday
By 11:00 AM
Getting to
Meihua Ancient Village
Recommended International Arrival
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) or Beijing Daxing International Airport (PKX)
From either Beijing airport, travel to Beijing West Railway Station, then take a high-speed train to Xingtai East Railway Station. From Xingtai East, transport can be arranged to the training center.
Arrive in Beijing
PEK or PKX
Beijing West
Railway Station
Take high-speed train
Xingtai East
Railway Station
Transport can be arranged to Training Center
Closest Airports
Handan Airport (HDG)
Approximately 90 km from the training center.
Shijiazhuang Zhengding International Airport (SJW)
Approximately 120 km from the training center.
Private transfer from either airport can be arranged in advance.
By Train
The most convenient rail arrival point is Xingtai East Railway Station, served by China’s high-speed rail network. Pickup from the station can be arranged in advance.
Training Center Address
Meihua Ancient Village
Xindu District, Xingtai City
Hebei Province 054015
China
Plan Your Arrival
Plan your travel so you are settled and ready for registration at 8:00 AM Monday. Because international flights, airport transfers and rail connections can add several hours to the journey, arriving in the Xingtai area the day before may be the easiest option depending on your route.
Detailed arrival instructions, recommended train connections and pickup coordination are provided before your trip.
3 Meals a Day | 7 Days a Week
Food & Dining
Meals are prepared in a traditional Chinese style with local flavours from Hebei Province and served in the training center dining hall.
Meal Options
Meat · Vegetarian · Vegan
Typical Meal Times
Breakfast
8:00 AM
Lunch
8:00 AM
Dinner
8:00 AM
*Meal times may shift slightly by season
Dietary Requirements
We can typically accommodate most dietary restrictions and food requirements.
Mealtime at the Center
Meals are also part of the daily training culture. Students eat together, follow the center’s dining etiquette and observe quiet during meals.
Please share any specific needs, allergies or preferences during the application process.
Application & Enrollment
Each Training Week is limited to 40 participants.
1
Apply
Choose your week and submit your application.
2
Acceptance
Applications are reviewed individually by staff. If accepted, we’ll confirm your place in your selected week.
3
Enroll
Secure your place by paying the non-refundable enrollment deposit. The deposit is applied toward your total program cost.
4
Complete Registration
Submit your remaining participant, accommodation and travel details.
5
Prepare for China
Receive your enrollment documents, preparation information and arrival instructions.
6
Arrive + Register
Registration begins Monday at 8:00 AM at the Living Kung Fu training center.
Price & Payment
Enrollment Deposit
$600 US – Non-refundable – Applied toward your total program price
Remaining Balance
Paid in RMB upon arrival, before training begins
Program Price
$2500 USD
per person
shared accommodation
INCLUDES: SHAOLIN UNIFORM, TSHIRT, TROUSERS, WINTER/SUMMER MONK ROBE, ONE WEAPON, ONE CALLIGRAPHY SET
Changes & Cancellations
Deposit
Non-refundable once enrollment is confirmed
Cancellation
Once the enrollment deposit has been paid, your booking is subject to the program cancellation terms.
Transfer to Another Person
If you can no longer attend, your enrollment may be transferred to another eligible participant, subject to approval and completion of their application and registration requirements.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous Kung Fu or martial arts experience?
No. Training Weeks are open to complete beginners through experienced martial artists. Your training is adapted to your level, physical condition and progress.
How fit do I need to be?
You do not need to arrive already fit, flexible or highly conditioned. Training can be physically demanding, but it is adjusted to your current ability.
What ages can attend?
Adults and youth can attend. Participants age 16 and under must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Many students travel independently and join the group at the training center.
Can couples or families attend together?
Yes. Couples, families and parent-child pairs can attend together, subject to age and guardian requirements.
Will everyone be doing the same training?
No. Students train in the same environment, but different people may work on different forms, techniques, corrections or areas of focus depending on their experience and needs.
Can I choose what I want to train?
You can share your goals and interests when you apply, but your training plan is ultimately guided by Shifu and the teaching team based on your level, progress and what is most useful for you.
Can I come alone?
Yes. Many students travel independently and join the group at the training center.
What language is training taught in?
Instruction is in English and Mandarin w/English Translation
What if I have an injury or physical limitation?
Please include any relevant injuries, mobility limitations or health considerations in your application. The team will review whether and how your training can be adapted.
How many people are in each Training Week?
Each Training Week is capped at 40 participants.
Will I train directly with Shifu Shi Yanjun?
Yes. Shifu leads and oversees the training throughout the week. Students often begin together as a group before breaking into smaller groups or individual areas of practice based on level and focus. Shifu moves between students and groups to teach, observe and correct, while the Living Kung Fu team assists with instruction, translation and student support.You are not handed off to another instructor for the majority of your training - Shifu remains actively involved in the training environment throughout the program.
What happens over the weekend if I stay for another week?
The weekend is generally a time for rest, recovery and personal time before the next Training Week begins.
Is this at Songshan Shaolin Temple?
No. Training takes place at the Living Kung Fu training center inside Meihua Ancient Village, Xingtai, Hebei Province. Shifu Shi Yanjun’s Shaolin lineage comes from Songshan Shaolin Temple, this is a residential training center.
Do I need a visa?
Yes. International students are required to obtain an X2 Study Visa, regardless of other VISA options available to you. Living Kung Fu provides the required school documentation and assists with the process after enrollment.
Why do I need an X2 Study Visa?
Living Kung Fu is a government-recognized training center, so your time with us is officially treated as short-term study in China rather than tourism.The X2 visa is the Chinese visa category for short-term study programs of up to 180 days. After you enroll, Living Kung Fu provides the required school documentation and assists you with the visa process.
Cancellation
If you cancel your participation, your enrollment deposit is forfeited. Because the remaining program balance is paid on arrival, no additional program fees are due.
No-Show / Late Cancellation
If you do not arrive for your confirmed Training Week, your enrollment deposit is forfeited.
If Living Kung Fu Cancels
If Living Kung Fu cancels your Training Week and cannot provide the program, any payments made directly to Living Kung Fu will be refunded.
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes trip cancellation, interruption and medical coverage. Travel, visa and other personal expenses are not covered by Living Kung Fu.