Beautiful Moments of Returning to China
Every time I bring my students back to China, there are new experiences and surprises. In past years, Wudang Mountain has always been an important stop on our journey. However, in 2025, I have chosen Yunnan as the main focus. Yunnan is not only the place where I have lived the longest but also a land full of treasured memories and cultural charm.
I cherish those spontaneous moments of beauty that arise during each journey back to China. More than just a trip, I hope each journey with my students becomes a profound learning experience—an open door to a new world. During this trip to Wudang and Yunnan, I found myself reflecting deeply on the insights gained along the way. This also led me to consider making Yunnan a future rest and student training base. Its four-season climate, tranquil environment, and uplifting energy make it a perfect place for relaxation and spiritual growth.
Yunnan is not only home to the most ethnic minorities in China but also a cultural convergence point. Daoism stops spreading westward here, Han Buddhism and Tibetan Buddhism reach their limits, and Theravāda Buddhism halts its Chinese expansion in this region. This unique intersection of traditions makes Yunnan a bridge where multiple civilizations meet and intertwine.
Returning to Wudang, Exploring Yunnan
In 2023, I led eight students to Wudang Mountain to witness the appointment of my master, Li Guangfu Daozhang, as the abbot of Wudang. In 2025, I returned with students to experience Wudang once more and explore the ancient and unspoiled land of Yunnan—a place where I had spent six transformative years. It was in Yunnan that I transitioned from a young Daoist monk into an independent individual navigating the complexities of life.
Recording Memories, Not Just Taking Photos
Cameras capture images, but they cannot hold emotions. The most precious experiences involve tasting, listening, feeling, understanding, and truly immersing oneself in the moment. The best memories are not just our own but the connections we build with others.
The most beautiful moments are those we share—when we reach out to people, learn from them, and become part of a larger story rather than just posing for another “social media photo.” These memories are multidimensional, rich with layers of experience and emotion, reflecting who we truly were at that moment.
Flow Like Water
Patience and adaptability are key when facing mostly crowded spaces, language barriers, unaccustomed restroom stops, long hours on the road, last-minute dining arrangements, and unfamiliar cuisines and customs. Maintaining an open mind is the most effective approach to these situations. These experiences teach us to be flexible, stay calm, and embrace the present. Much like practicing Tai Chi, we learn to go with the flow, move with the wind, and find peace in uncertainty.
Reuniting with Old Friends, Meeting New Ones
Each time I return to China, it is not only to revisit familiar places but also to reconnect with dear friends. What touches me the most is seeing how warmly my students are welcomed—treated like family by those they have just met. In turn, my students cherish these encounters as meaningful parts of their personal journeys.
Introducing friends to one another is more than just expanding social circles; it is about building bridges across generations, cultures, and geographies.
A Timeless Journey
In Anning, Yunnan, we stayed in a hot spring hotel. A Daoist friend arranged two business vans for our airport transfers and daily excursions. During our stay, we met a new friend—Master Hu, a Guqin player. She welcomed us with a traditional Yunnan feast upon our arrival and dedicated time every day to practicing Tai Chi with my students. She also accompanied us to Buddhist temples and the Yunnan Buddhist Academy, where we had meaningful discussions about Buddhist philosophy and spiritual cultivation with the abbot of Caoxi Temple (曹溪寺).We even had the opportunity to exchange teachings with the head monk (San Fo Ye) of a Theravāda Buddhist monastery.
In Dali, my Bai (白族) friend, Lao Yang, invited us to experience Bai culture firsthand. As honored guests, we attended a traditional family banquet, savoring authentic Bai cuisine, enjoying fine wine, and partaking in traditional dance performances. In Lijiang, my old friend Lao Wang led us deeper into Naxi (納西族) culture, taking us to hidden gems beyond the reach of typical tour groups. Whether practicing Tai Chi at sunrise by Lashihai Lake (拉市海), peering through the vista of the breathtaking Jade Dragon Snow Mountain (玉龙雪山), or following the footsteps of pilgrims at the 11,000 ft summit to Songzanlin Monastery (松赞林寺) in Shangri-La—every experience was unforgettable.
Imagine us setting off from Taihe Village, where we were staying, setting up to visit the mountain trails to reach a Yi (彝族) village, following the ancient Tea Horse Road. This historic caravan path once connected Yunnan, Tibet, and even the entire Chinese heartland, serving as the original path for Pu’er tea to spread across China and Asia.
One of the most remarkable moments was in Lijiang, where I reunited with a former student from Boston—Qiao Wei. Fifteen years ago, he was an engineering professor, but now, he and his wife, Lindy, have chosen a completely different life. They relocated to the countryside, beginning anew to construct a home influenced by the Han Dynasty. Alongside their residence, they constructed workspaces for woodworking, sewing, meditating, and a library. Qiao Wei forges authentic and accurate battle armor and preserves ancient weaponry. He also runs a Wudang martial arts training camp for children and teaches traditional Chinese instruments like the guqin, guzheng, xiao, and drums.
The highlight of that day was an immersive Tang Dynasty tea ceremony in his elegantly designed hall. It truly felt like we had stepped back in time for a moment.
Bringing the Journey Back into Life
When my students return home, unpack their bags, and settle back into their routines, how will this journey stay with them?
Everyone eventually resumes their daily lives, but I hope this experience does more than just create fleeting memories. I want it to deepen their understanding of China—its people, culture, history, and martial arts traditions. More importantly, I hope it inspires them to stay curious, continue exploring Daoism, and develop a deeper passion for martial arts practice.
May the essence of this journey stay with them, not just as a collection of photos but as a meaningful part of their spirit and growth.
Below are some photographs and a short video. Each one a glimpse into the gratitude and wonder I carried through the journey. .
