Note: This is a Free and Easy tour, the following is just a suggested itinerary.
Week 1: Intensive Taijiquan Training in Chen Village
Day 1: Arrival in Wen County
Arrival: Arrive in Wen County, Henan Province.
Check-In: Settle into your accommodation in Chen Village.
Evening Stroll: Explore the village, visit the Chen Family Temple, and get a feel for the local atmosphere.
Dinner: Enjoy local dishes like Hu La Tang (spicy pepper soup) and Guo Kui (crispy flatbread).
Days 2-7: Taijiquan Training and Afternoon Excursions
Morning: Intensive Taijiquan training sessions with a local master, focusing on foundational Chen-style techniques.
Lunch: Enjoy simple, nutritious meals prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
Afternoon Excursions:
Day 2: Visit the Chenjiagou Taijiquan Museum to delve into the history and techniques of Chen-style Taijiquan.
Day 3: Explore the local countryside with a guided walk, learning about the area’s natural beauty and its influence on martial arts.
Day 4: Tour the Wenxian County Museum to learn about the area’s broader historical and cultural significance.
Day 5: Participate in a calligraphy workshop, connecting the art of writing with the philosophy of Taijiquan.
Day 6: Visit a local market in Wen County to experience daily life and sample fresh produce.
Day 7: Take a trip to a nearby tea plantation to learn about traditional tea-making and enjoy a tasting session.
Evening: Additional Taijiquan practice focusing on meditation and internal energy work, followed by a light dinner and rest.
Week 2: Cultural and Scenic Exploration of the Region
Day 8: Journey to Shaolin Temple
Morning: Final training session in Chen Village, followed by a farewell with your instructor.
Afternoon: Travel to Dengfeng and visit the Shaolin Temple, the legendary birthplace of Chinese martial arts.
Evening: Attend a Shaolin martial arts performance and stay overnight in a nearby hotel.
Day 9: Explore Dengfeng
Morning: Visit the Songyang Academy, one of China’s oldest academies and a key site of Confucian learning.
Afternoon: Hike up Songshan Mountain, enjoying breathtaking views and visiting ancient temples along the way.
Evening: Relax and unwind with a traditional Chinese massage at your hotel.
Day 10: Discover Luoyang
Morning: Travel to Luoyang, one of China’s ancient capitals, and visit the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its stunning Buddhist carvings.
Afternoon: Explore the White Horse Temple, China’s first Buddhist temple, and stroll through the historical district.
Evening: Enjoy Luoyang’s famous Water Banquet, a feast of soup-based dishes, before staying overnight in Luoyang.
Day 11: Visit Kaifeng
Morning: Travel to Kaifeng, another ancient capital with a rich history.
Afternoon: Explore key sites such as the Iron Pagoda, Kaifeng Fu (the ancient government office), and the Millennium City Park.
Evening: Experience the vibrant night market, sampling street foods like Baozi (steamed buns) and Tanghulu (candied fruit skewers). Stay overnight in Kaifeng.
Day 12: Cultural Exploration in Anyang
Morning: Travel to Anyang, the ancient capital of the Shang Dynasty, and visit the Yinxu Ruins, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Afternoon: Explore the Anyang Museum and learn about the origins of Chinese civilization.
Evening: Enjoy a meal featuring local specialties such as Anyang Zhou (a type of porridge). Stay overnight in Anyang.
Day 13: Relaxation in Zhengzhou
Morning: Travel to Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province.
Afternoon: Visit the Henan Museum to explore its extensive collection of artifacts from the region’s history.
Evening: Stroll through the modern city center and enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, featuring dishes like Zhengzhou Hui Mian (stir-fried noodles).
Day 14: Departure
Morning: Free time for last-minute shopping or a leisurely walk in a local park.
Afternoon: Depart from Zhengzhou, carrying memories of a rich cultural and martial arts experience.
Special Foods to Try During the Tour:
Hu La Tang: A spicy, hearty soup perfect for warming up after training.
Guo Kui: A crispy, stuffed flatbread that’s great as a snack.
Luoyang Water Banquet: A feast of soup-based dishes, highlighting the region’s culinary creativity.
Hong Shao Rou: A succulent braised pork dish popular across China.
Kaifeng Dumplings: Delicate and flavorful, often served with vinegar and chili oil.
Tanghulu: Skewered fruit coated in hard sugar, a sweet treat found in street markets.
This two-week plan offers an immersive experience combining intensive Taijiquan training, cultural exploration, and the rich culinary traditions of Henan Province, providing a comprehensive and enriching journey.