China is the birthplace of Kung Fu and boasts numerous Kung Fu retreats and martial arts schools for enthusiasts to immerse themselves in authentic martial arts training.
Whether you’re seeking practical self-defense, physical fitness, or spiritual purification, this blog post will explore some of China’s most renowned Kung Fu retreats, highlighting their strengths to help you choose the perfect retreat for you.
Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School
Elite Personalized Guide
Location: Mount Longhu, Yingtan City, Jiangxi Province
For learners seeking rapid improvement in their martial arts skills, Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School ranks number one for its elite, personalized teaching methods. Founded by Master Shen Jiangfei, an 11th-generation inheritor of Chen-style Tai Chi, the school boasts over 30 years of teaching experience, ensuring the authentic transmission of the tradition.
School Features: The school’s greatest advantage lies in its use of one-on-one or small group training (maximum five students), a stark contrast to the large classes at many other martial arts schools.
Shen Jiangfei’s small-group teaching model allows the master to promptly identify subtle errors in students’ movements and provide immediate, detailed guidance, significantly enhancing learning outcomes.
As one student stated, three months of progress here can surpass a year’s worth of learning at other large martial arts institutions.
Furthermore, the school immerses students in local culture through activities such as Mandarin courses, tea ceremonies, and temple visits.
Best for: Self-disciplined intermediate to advanced learners, ideally those seeking in-depth, personalized instruction in a quiet environment.
Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
Family-Style Immersion
Location: Xinyi, Jiangsu Province
Located in a remote area surrounded by farmland and near a mountain forest park, Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy offers what many describe as a “transformative” experience for those seeking genuine escape from modern distractions.
Under the guidance of Master Bao, a Shaolin monk with decades of experience, the academy specializes in traditional Shaolin Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Sanda.
Academy Features: The family-run atmosphere is the academy’s greatest strength. Students consistently praise the personal attention from Master Bao and the “incredible” home-cooked meals prepared by “Mama Bao” using vegetables harvested from the academy’s garden.
Unlike larger, more impersonal schools, Maling fosters a supportive community where students train together, eat together, and grow together. The training is rigorous and well-rounded, typically including Shaolin basics, traditional forms, power stretching, conditioning, and Mandarin classes.
Best for: This program is best suited for budget-conscious travelers, young learners who enjoy a dynamic, high-intensity training environment, and those eager to experience classic Shaolin group training. Please be prepared for larger class sizes and less individual instruction.
Shaolin Temple Tagou Martial Arts School
The Iconic Mass Training Experience
Location: Dengfeng City, Henan Province (near the legendary Shaolin Temple)
As the largest Kung Fu school in China, with over 30,000 students, Shaolin Tagou is the “Harvard of Shaolin.” This institution offers the classic, high-energy mass training experience that many imagine when thinking of Kung Fu in China.
School Features: The scale is large. The course is deeply traditional, focusing on rigorous Shaolin basics, forms, weapons, and conditioning drills. It provides full immersion in the iconic Shaolin culture at a more affordable price point than smaller, private schools.
Best for: For students on a budget who prefer a high-intensity training environment, this is a good option to experience classic Shaolin group training. Please be prepared for larger class sizes and less individual instruction.
Wudang Taoist Kung Fu Academy
The Path of Internal Arts and Philosophy
Location: Wudang Mountains, Hubei Province
The academy is located on Wudang Mountain, a sacred Taoist mountain, adjacent to Zixiao Palace. For those who value both martial arts skills and inner cultivation, the Wudang Taoist Martial Arts Academy is the ideal place to learn authentic Wudang martial arts.
Academy Features: The course focuses on Tai Chi, Qigong, Baguazhang, and other internal practices designed to cultivate life energy.
The stunning natural environment and Taoist philosophy are integral parts of the training, making it a truly spiritual retreat. The academy is run by 15th-generation inheritors of the Sanfeng lineage, directly connecting students to the legacy of Zhang Sanfeng, the legendary founder of Wudang martial arts.
Best for: Individuals seeking mind-body balance, spiritual growth, and a deep understanding of Taoist philosophy through the practice of soft, flowing internal martial arts.
Chenjiagou Taichi School
The Birthplace of Tai Chi
Location: Chenjiagou Village, Wenxian County, Henan Province
To learn Tai Chi at its source, there is no more authentic destination than Chenjiagou, the ancestral village where Chen-style Tai Chi was born in the 1600s.
The Chenjiagou Taichi School is the guardian of this ancient art form, taught by direct descendants of the Chen family.
School Features: The authenticity is unmatched. Training happens in the very birthplace of Tai Chi, surrounded by masters and a community where the art is a way of life. The teaching is systematic and comprehensive, covering the core principles, forms, weaponry, and pushing hands (partnered exercises) of the original Chen style.
Best for: This course is best suited for students who want to seriously learn Tai Chi, especially those interested in the practical application and history of Tai Chi, as well as those who wish to learn from the most authentic Tai Chi masters.
How to Choose the Right Kung Fu Retreats?
Define Your Goals
If you’re looking to build a strong physique and learn practical self-defense techniques, then Shaolin Kung Fu or Sanda (Chinese kickboxing) are more suitable for you. If you want to regulate your mind and body, relieve stress, and seek inner peace and harmony of Qi and blood, then Tai Chi or Qigong would be better choices.
However, many advanced Kung Fu retreats also offer courses that combine both. For example, in addition to Shaolin Kung Fu training, they may also arrange Qigong and meditation courses to help students balance their mind and body.
Assessing Instructor’s Ability
An instructor from an authentic lineage with extensive teaching experience ensures you learn genuine, performance-oriented kung fu.
At the same time, the student-to-teacher ratio is crucial. If you prefer more personalized instruction, small class sizes or schools offering one-on-one instruction (such as Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School) are more suitable.
Conversely, if you enjoy the atmosphere of honing your skills collectively, large-scale traditional martial arts schools (such as Shaolin Tagou Martial Arts School) can also provide you a unique experience.
Training and Intensity
A comprehensive and scientific Kung Fu retreat course should not only include basic skills and routine training but also practical application, theoretical and cultural learning, and internal practice.
Therefore, before enrolling, you must understand the daily training duration, course content, and teaching philosophy. These courses and training should include rigorous Kung Fu training, the study of traditional Chinese culture, and practices such as Qigong and meditation, which will help you better understand Kung Fu.
Learning Environment and Facilities
The geographical location and environment of your Kung Fu intensive training will influence your practice. For example, Longhu Mountain possesses a natural cultural atmosphere and energy, making it ideal for in-depth intensive training.
At the same time, accommodation, dining environment, nutritional distribution, and comprehensive medical support will all determine your intensive training.
For international students, whether the Kung Fu retreat school provides visa assistance, language translation, and airport pick-up and drop-off services can also help you focus more intently on your studies.
Course Costs and Prices
Kung Fu retreats offer a range of courses, from budget options around 4,000 RMB per month to high-end customized courses starting at 12,000 RMB or more.
When choosing a school, it’s important to understand what’s included in the fee. Tuition typically covers training, accommodation, and meals. Don’t just focus on the price; assess whether the cost matches the quality of instruction you receive.
A school that offers systematic training, good living conditions, and experienced instructors at a reasonable price may be far more valuable than simply a low-priced or expensive option.
Ready to Begin Your Kung Fu Retreat?
My final tip: Conduct thorough surveys of graduates, read their feedback, and communicate directly with the kung fu retreat. Determine your fitness level and goals, and start contacting immediately.
