By popular request, Master Zhou embarks on another amazing trip to China in March 2025. He will lead a team of students and practitioners interested in Tai Chi, Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and wellness on a visit to China, retracing his past footsteps as a wandering monk. For years, he returns to Wudang to continue his connections to the land and place of his transformative journey as a martial artist and a Daoist priest. In 2025, we will focus on active learning not only about Wudang healing arts but also about the rich culture and history and the breathtaking beauty of Yunnan.
WHEN: March 4 – 18 (14 days)
THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP:
Wudang Mountains sacred temples of Purple Cloud Temple (紫霄宮, Zǐxiāo Gōng) , The Golden Summit (金頂, Jīn Dǐng), Nanyang Palace (南岩宫, Nán Yán Gōng), and meeting Zhou Shifu’s Master and Mentor, and Purple Cloud Temple’s Abbot Li Guang Fu (李光富). In Yunnan, a visit to the Pantuoshi Daoist Temple (磐砣石道观), Fengqing. UNESCO Heritage World Sites of a). Dali (大理市), dating back to the 4th century, is one of the oldest cultural birthplaces of Yunnan. b). Lijiang (丽江), the home of the Naxi people and the ultimate ancient culture mountain town. Please read the full description of these amazing places we will visit below.
COST: $2,700 (14 days and based on double occupancy)
*$2,200 (For students who will opt only for the Yunnan portion of the trip)
LIMITED: 10 people. First Come, First Served
RESERVE YOUR SPOT: A $800 non-refundable deposit will secure your spot.
Email us: info@daoistgate.com
Wudang Sacred Temple and Yunnan, Kunming Itinerary
Two weeks (14 days):
| Date | Location | Itinerary |
| March 4 | Kunming (Capital City), Yunnan, China One-night stay. March 5: Leaving Kunming for Pantuoshi Daoist Temple. 4 hours by train | Meeting |
| March 5 – 10 | March 5: arrival in Pantuoshi Daoist Temple. Pantuoshi Daoist Temple (磐砣石道观), in Fengqing County, outside of Kunming, 5-day stay. March 10: leaving Kunming for Dali (316 km, 3 hours drive) | Temple Stay & Training |
| March 10 – 12 | March 10: Arrival in the Ancient City of Dali, Yunnan Two night stay. March 12: Leaving Dali for Lijiang (186 km, 2 hours drive) | Famous Site Visits & Training |
| March 12 – 14 | March 12: Arrival in the Ancient City of Lijiang, Yunnan Two-night stay. March 14: Leaving Lijiang for Kunming (518 km, 6 hours drive) | Famous Site Visits & Training |
| March 14 | One Night stay in Kunming | |
| March 15 – 18 | March 15: Arrival in Wudang Mountains A four-day stay in Wudangshan | Temple Site Visits and Training |
| March 18 | Tour Ends in the morning | Departure |
| If you decide to stay longer in Wudangshan, please arrange your extended stay, lodging accommodations, and transit back to the US. |
Pantuoshi Daoist Temple (磐砣石道观), Fengqing, Yunnan
Pantoushi Daoist Temple
The Pantaoshi Taoist Temple, located in Fengqing County, Yunnan Province, is a famous site in the world of Dianhong tea. This temple was founded during the Ming Dynasty and has a history of over 500 years. Daoist priests cultivate a tea plantation inside the temple, where local devotees and the priests themselves pick and process the tea leaves.
Due to years of neglect, the temple was nearly uninhabitable. However, a Daoist friend of Master Zhou raised 5 million RMB to renovate it, hoping it can become a gathering place for friends and fellow practitioners to discuss Daoist teachings. He has profound insights into scriptures, the I Ching, Chinese medicine, and healing practices. We will study at this temple for 5 days.
Dali City (大理市), Yunnan
Cangshan Mountain paints the eternal picture, Erhai Lake sings an ageless melody
Dali is a beautiful place where Master Zhou once lived for six and a half years. It is in a southwestern ancient town, home to the Bai ethnic minority. It is rich in historical and cultural heritage and is known as the “Land of Literature.” It enjoys a spring-like climate year-round and is famous for its picturesque scenery and vibrant culture. In the Tang, Song, Yuan, and Ming dynasties, Daoism helped introduce Han culture to the Bai people, whose religious music retains traditional styles from the Tang Dynasty. We will stay in Dali for two nights.
Lijiang (丽江), Ancient City, Yunnan
Lijiang Ancient Town is a walled city with streets built along the mountains and rivers. It is one of the second most recognized cities in the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The town is primarily home to the Naxi (納西族) ethnic group. It features a variety of traditions and leisure pursuits, including Naxi ancient music, Dongba ceremonies, divination culture, bars in the ancient town, and the Naxi Torch Festival. From a religious perspective, Naxi beliefs are closely related to Daoism. From the Tang to the Ming dynasties, Daoism played a crucial role in integrating Han and Naxi cultures, with Naxi music preserving traditional court music styles.
Wudangshan Mountain 武當山, Hubei
Wudang Mountain is where Master Zhou grew up, learned martial arts, and became a Daoist priest. Ancient emperors believed in Daoism, leading to extensive construction, which made Wudang a sacred site for Daoism—a spiritual sanctuary for practitioners. Additionally, Wudang is the origin of Tai Chi by Wudang priest Zhang Sanfeng; it is known worldwide as the birthplace of internal martial arts. Wudang Mountain is also one of the best-preserved sites of Daoism.
Many people in the martial arts community regard Wudang Mountain as the spiritual home of the internal martial arts, which is why they revere it. The Chinese say that “China has five sacred mountains, but Wudang surpasses them all.”
Read More about Wudang Mountain
UNESCO on Wudang Mountain
Daily Schedule (for Temple Stays in Pantoushi Daoist Temple in Yunnan)
| 7am | Morning chanting ritual (optional) |
| 8 am | Breakfast |
| 9 – 11 am | Qigong, Tai Chi practice, Bagua Zhang, and Xing Yi Quan |
| 12 pm | Lunch |
| Afternoon | Free time |
| 5 pm | Evening chanting ritual (optional) |
| 6 pm | Dinner |
Cost
$2,700
(14 days and based on double occupancy)
*$2,200 (For students who will opt only for the Yunnan portion of the trip)
Includes:
All lodging, all domestic travel for the duration of the tour, all meals, 4 hours of classes per day, entrance fees, and cable-car tickets for group trips.
Does not include:
Airfare from your point of origin to our meeting place in a hotel in Kunming, Yunnan and from Wudangshan Town hotel back to your point of origin. Visa to China, travel insurance, your expenditure (souvenirs, uniform, snacks, medicine, telephone calls, etc.), drinking water, and charges incurred due to delays beyond our control.
To register for this trip:
- Email us at info@daoist.com if you want to secure a spot.
- Please send a $800 non-refundable deposit and a signed copy of our liability waiver (download the PDF below). Deposits are not refundable if the student is unable to attend.
- The remainder of the cost is due no later than January 5, 2025
- Travel insurance is highly recommended for trip cancellations, illnesses, and emergencies.
After you place a deposit, you will receive an email with instructions on the packing list and information on getting a travel visa.
Questions?
Please email us with any questions you may have: info@daoistgate.com