Highlights of the Southern China Tour (Guangzhou and Yunnan),
29 Dec 2019 to 10 Jan 2020
We thoroughly enjoyed our trip to China!
Amazing experience - breathtaking sceneries, delicious banquets and wonderful company!
Here is a sneak preview of the highlights of our trip to Guangzhou and Yunnan,
29 Dec 2019 to 10 Jan 2020 :
Guangzhou, Xiqiao Mountain, Foshan, Kunming, Stone Forest, Mile,
Yuanyang (rice terraces) and Jianshui.
Credit - Filmed and edited by Nick Gondzioulis
This was the first time we toured the south of China in winter. The climate there was mild. Most of the time we were in T-shirts. In Yunnan province, it was the same, except when we were in the mountains where we had a few days of cooler weather.
We started out in Guangzhou, the capital of Southern China. Although it is a city of 13 million, it didn’t feel crowded or polluted. The people there were quite relaxed. We visited many interesting places nearby, Foshan and Xiqiao Mountain with its giant Buddhist statue of Kwan Yin, the Goddess of Compassion (61.9 metres high). Kwan Yin sits atop a mountain surrounded by beautiful gardens and temples. The whole area radiates a sense of peace and beauty. In that area of China, Kwan Yin is often invoked to offer protection to sailors although she will listen to the cries of anyone who asks for refuge in her.
Foshan has a long history and is a fascinating area. We visited the Nangfeng (South Wind) Kiln precinct, an ancient pottery making area. It is the oldest kiln in China, built in the period of 1506 to 1521 during the Ming Dynasty. The area is a maze of many interesting shops with an incredible array of gifts and exquisite statues. We were all tempted to buy some of the statues but our suitcases weren’t big enough.
Also in Foshan, we were thoroughly entertained by the lion dance, the best that I have seen. This is part of the legacy of the great Wang Fei Hung, martial arts legend and traditional Chinese medical practitioner. The museum is a testament to his popularity and the Cantonese style of kung fu (martial arts).
Back in Guangzhou, we visited Bruce Lee’s childhood house, another fascinating place surrounded by many interesting shops and a cute cafe. You could even spar with Bruce Lee’s hologram! We also saw the colourful neon lights of the city while cruising the Pearl River. It gives you another impression of the wealth of this city.
Training in the Lotus Pond Park in Kunming was another memorable experience. We practised among the locals which added a surreal feeling to the class. A couple of the locals joined in which made our group feel welcome. The park was full of people doing morning exercises and various styles of Tai Chi. As with many of the parks in China, they offer a feast of traditional architecture based on the principles of feng shui.
On the way to the Stone Forest, we stopped off at a small town for a delicious banquet lunch featuring the Yiliang roast duck (cooked with pine twigs in a clay oven). A local group of women in their colourful traditional garb sang for us to bid us goodbye. We then visited the world heritage Stone Forest. This is another one of those sites that are just awe inspiring. We had fun looking around and were lucky enough to be there on a quiet day with only a few other tourists. Seeing our photos will give you a sense of the magnitude of this place.
The drive to Mile was beautiful. We passed through many mountains and small towns along the way. When we arrived at our destination, it was delightful to be staying at a hot spring resort overlooking the lake. Some of our group enjoyed soaking in the hot springs while others went to bed for a good rest, to be ready for the next adventure. In the morning, we had a 5-star buffet breakfast where the range of food offered was unbelievable. We had never seen anything like it. We enjoyed a relaxing Tai Chi session on the resort grounds before we left.
It was a long drive to our next destination which included a glimpse of the ancient village of Chengzi with a history of over 300 years. Although we didn’t have long in this place, we got the feel of life in a bygone era. The houses and lifestyle are very unusual and highlight just how diverse this part of China is. We travelled through some amazing countryside and went through a valley that grew bananas and many types of fruit. We were told that we were only 250 kilometres from Vietnam. We stopped at a roadside fruit market and saw all kinds of local fruit and vegies. We arrived at our destination in the mountains around 9pm. It was a long day but the journey was truly worth it.
The mountain village of Aichun in Yuanyang is hard to describe. It is one of those places that are certainly out of the way but truly unforgettable. Our hotel was perched on the mountainside, overlooking the magnificent rice terraces that have been cultivated for over a thousand years. All of our rooms had a view of these beautiful rice terraces with swirling mists and rolling clouds. What a treat!
Our hotel host, Richard, found a perfect place for our Tai Chi practice, just down from where we stayed. It felt as though we were floating on the clouds as we did our Tai Chi form. A couple of students (from the Tuesday Advanced Qigong group taught by Fontane since 2013) had very powerful qigong experiences during the session. It is well known that some places have a stronger energy field than others. For these reasons, temples are built in certain areas. From all the training they have done with Fontane, they are more receptive in connecting with the outside energy when the energy is natural and pure.
Words are inadequate to convey the beauty and feel of this area. We were very glad that we spent a few days there. We spent an afternoon walking through the Azheke Village which was like going back in time. At the end of our walk, we were pleasantly surprised to be rewarded with the sight of another group of magnificent rice and vegetable terraces carved out of the mountain slopes. No wonder this place is considered a photographer’s paradise! The following day, we visited the Laomeng Sunday Market and enjoyed an appreciation of the local lifestyle. Some of our travellers started playing soccer with the local kids in the front of the hotel. The kids waited eagerly for us to return from sightseeing in the early evening. The game was on after dinner while some people did meditation with Fontane.
On our way back to Kunming, we visited the famous Swallow Cave, another breathtaking experience. This wonderland is regarded as the largest and most spectacular karstic cave in Asia. It is so huge that there is even a river running through the lower part of the cave. After exploring the terrain, we took a motorised Dragon Boat out of the cave.
We then made our way to the ancient town of Jianshui which has a history of 1,200 years. We stayed in a groovy, traditional style hotel which we all loved. We visited the Zhu Family Garden which gave us an incredible glimpse into the classical and opulent past of China. We had a wonderful banquet in a local restaurant and then everyone went shopping. Famous for its purple pottery, the tea pots and cups from there are really special. If you like Chinese gongfu cha (traditional tea ceremony), they will be hard to resist. In the morning, we came across a wonderful Taoist temple for our morning practice. We could feel the difference as we practised there, compared with just an average location. This is another example of good feng shui.
The next day we went back to Kunming and saw many interesting sights on the way. While in Kunming, we visited the Yuantong Temple where 3 distinctive styles of Buddhism and their architecture co-exist – Chinese Mahayana, Thai Theravada and Tibetan. This is a picturesque and peaceful place. However, one of those special moments occurred as when we were leaving. Five elderly blind women all holding hands were entering the temple gates. They would then follow the sloping path and stairs towards the main building. Their devotion to their faith and kindness to each other was very moving.
We spent our last day in Guangzhou shopping and exploring its famous Beijing Road. It was fun and made for a relaxing last day. We all have many great memories of China. Everyone enjoyed each other’s company and the ever helpful Vincent (our national tour guide) and our great bus drivers, especially the cool-headed Mr Wen, made our journey so much more enjoyable. Thanks to Fontane and to you all for making this another wonderful China tour!
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
Newsletter - Lotus in the Mud
A warm welcome to all our students and friends on the Tai Chi journey! 2020 is the Year of the Rat according to the Chinese horoscope. Fontane pointed out that on a deeper level, according to Yin Yang and the 5 Elements, this year is Yang Metal over Yang Water Rat indicating turbulence and unrest. In any case, it has presented as a challenging year for us and China so far.
Here in Australia and in particular the south coastal towns of Cobargo, Bateman’s Bay and Lake Conjola bore the brunt of the worst fires I have seen in my 60 years. What a horrific end to 2019! Many people are still continuing to deal with the reality of loss and hardship. Our hearts are heavy. At least 3 people we know, including Rod and Monica from the Cobargo area, lost their homes. They are regulars at our annual Tai Chi and Meditation Retreat at SIBA and they are coming this April! We send our prayers, wishes and support to them and all the others who have been touched by these tragic events.
In Buddhist and Taoist training, the lotus has always been held as a symbol of purity and awakening. The mud that a lotus grows out of is representative of our challenges and difficulties that we all face in life. Things such as our negative emotions, sickness, pain and all forms of suffering are mud. However, this mud isn’t all bad because it is the nourishment that feeds the lotus flower. It’s hard to see the lotus when you just look at the mud, especially if you are in the midst of suffering. However, with the passage of time, we may come to realise that the mud is part of our awakening process and that good can emerge from these times of great challenge.
Including Fontane and I, students and friends, 20 of us went on an amazing trip to Southern China for 13 days. We departed on 29 December 2019 and arrived back morning of 10 January 2020. I’ve been going to China regularly since 1986 and I’m still inspired by its beauty and its culture. When people ask me what our trips are like, I do my best to tell them but words fall short of the actual experience. Our previous trips were towards the end of October and early November. This was the first time that we had a tour during the New Year holiday. Fontane who hadn’t been on our tours previously (because she was holding the fort covering my Tai Chi classes) was virtually jumping out of her skin. The vibe in China is so alive, the food incredible, the scenery breathtaking, the architecture powerful and intricate, the company friendly and stimulating. Also, you don’t have to worry about a thing; just sit back and let Vincent, the national tour guide, take care of everything. I think that the Tai Chi spirit of going with the flow and staying calm has a lot to do with the way our tours feel. Vincent, whom I just mentioned, has been our trusted guide on all of our trips. He enjoys conducting these journeys because they are different from his usual tours.
When we start our day with Tai Chi, it always flows better. In the parks, you become one of the locals. In the temples, you absorb their essence. On the mountains, you merge with heaven and earth. Those who are in the advanced Tuesday Qigong class with Fontane reported very powerful experiences during our training on the mountain. Skillful practitioners become intricately aware of the energy and spirit of certain places, especially when the energy is natural and pure. As your practice improves, you become more aware and your own energy field becomes stronger. This is how many of the old masters were able to sense their opponents’ moves or intentions, making it difficult for their opponents to catch them. This same ability can also help you to feel when things don’t quite add up. The energy aspect adds to the rich tapestry of the China experience and connects us all more deeply with each other.
Guangzhou is an impressive city, compared to the many other large Chinese cities I have visited. It feels relaxing and welcoming. Although a city of 11 million people, it doesn’t feel anything like it. In fact Sydney feels more crowded. We travelled to nearby Foshan which seems to be a thriving and modern place. Building complexes such as the Wong Fei Hung Memorial Hall where we watched an amazing lion dance (the best that I have seen) and the Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s kung fu teacher) Memorial Hall were interesting and fun. The surrounding scenery at the above sites was also intriguing with temples, shops, cafes, restaurants and many ancient artifacts. The Ancient Nangfeng (South Wind) Kiln Museum with quaint stores hidden throughout many alleys had everyone’s attention. We just needed more luggage space to fit everything in!
Some of the highlights of the tour for me were visiting places such as the Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, giant statue and garden on the Xiqiao Mountain. The statue (61.9 metres tall), perched on a mountain top overlooking the city in a serene garden environment, is really special and spellbinding. Kwan Yin, the Buddha of Compassion, seemed to touch everyone, leaving us all feeling calm and refreshed. I think we all needed a moment of calm and clarity, knowing that the infernos were burning at home!
Practising in the Lotus Pond Park in Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province, was special. It was a sunny fresh morning. We settled in a space in front of a structure near another Tai Chi group. To the left was a group of elderly gentlemen with their table and chairs playing cards and smoking profusely. These are the moments where you need a firm but sweet talking lass called Fontane. She laughed and chatted with them for a moment, convincing them to move a little further around the corner, so we didn’t have to inhale the Chinese fragrant cigarettes. Whew! The morning practice was great and seeing others practising made us feel welcome. The park was built according to feng shui principles with lotus filled ponds, arched bridges and lovely gardens. We saw one older man practising Chen style Tai Chi. You could see he had reached an internal level in his practice. His movements were more relaxed and solid. His energy, mind and spirit were in harmony. These qualities are not always easy to see unless you have reached a certain level in your own training.
Practising on the mountains of Yuanyang was also special. We could sense the difference in the energy. It had a spaciousness about it, making us feel free like floating clouds and flowing water. Another powerful place was in the old town of Jianshui. The town is a treasure trove of old architecture and temples. It is famous for its purple clay which makes the best pottery tea sets and cooking utensils in China. On the morning of our departure from our favorite hotel, we found a Taoist temple 300 metres from our door. We did our Qigong and Tai Chi practice there on the temple ground. All these temples are designed according to classical Chinese architecture and feng shui principles, based on the flow of energy (qi). You can sense the difference when you practise in this environment; a certain peace and power pervades the area.
The scenery on the way to the mountain village of Aichun in Yuanyang reveals a different way of life. Rice terraces are rich and varied. Some of the villages such as Azheke take you back to another time, a different world with its own magic. Walking the streets with water buffalo pulling wooden carts and farm animals everywhere made you very aware of the hard work involved and the toughness of life. Our arrival in the mountains was late at night so it was impossible to know where we were. Our hotel was modern by the standards in this town. The views that greeted us with the morning light were something else. The manager and part owner was a guy from another province who had worked in an export and import business in Japan. This was his dream. He looked after us and found the most amazing place for us to do our Tai Chi practice. We stood overlooking the ancient rice terraces and masses of clouds and mists moving through the valleys below. What an incredible and breathtaking scene! Our practice gave us the feeling that we were floating on air. What a fantastic experience! All our hotel rooms had a view of these spectacular rice terraces. Every morning we got to see the interplay of the light on the rice terraces and the locals tilling the field with their beloved water buffalos. On our last morning, there was a blackout due to a spectacular thunderstorm the night before. Walking around in the early morning with our phone torches led me to thinking that our last morning there was going to be challenging. Then, we were greeted with a lovely surprise – breakfast by candlelight! The hotel staff did a great job cooking our breakfast with gas.
There were so many other fantastic sites, such as the impressive Swallow Cave with a river that runs through the lower part. It is so huge that we felt we were in an underground city with stunning rock formations, stone pillars and stalactites hanging from the cathedral ceiling lit by coloured lights. Only nature could carve such wonders from the limestone rock over millions of years.
Crossing the Double Dragon Bridge with 17 arches and 3 pavilions brought home the combination of beautiful architecture and hard work that created these amazing relics. Moving through the old Tuanshan Village gave us a sense of heritage and community that is the hallmark of traditional Chinese culture. The old streets and buildings all had many stories to tell. Sailing on the mighty Pearl River and seeing the modern neons lighting up the world of Guangzhou at night was surreal. How China has changed in the last 30 years, amazing!
The last highlight was a visit to the Yuantong Temple in Kunming, where the 3 distinctive styles of Buddhism and their architecture co-exist – Chinese, Tibetan and Thai. The sight of 5 elderly blind women helping each other down the entrance stairs of the temple had the greatest impact on me. They were all so considerate of each other, the very embodiment of compassion.
We were fortunate to have avoided some of the worst smoke haze in Canberra and the coronavirus in China. I would like to thank all the travellers for their good spirit and camaraderie which contributed to a delightful and memorable trip. I hope that the hearts and minds of everyone were touched by some of the deeper experiences on our tour.
Chief Instructor Brett Wagland
China Trip : 29 Dec 2019 to 10 Jan 2020 (13 days) Booked out!
Join us on a fascinating trip to some of the less well-known and yet spectacular parts of China. Experience ancient towns, amazing natural beauty, mouth-watering cuisine and friendly guides. Also, you will have the opportunity to learn health arts, such as Qigong (energy work), meditation and Hun Yuan Tai Chi. The mild weather of the south at this time of the year (around 15 to 20 degrees Celsius) makes it an excellent time to visit this part of China.
China is a land of immense natural beauty and architecture that are both inspiring and mind blowing. The culture is one of the oldest on the planet and has been moulded by three great philosophical systems : Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism. From Taoism, the influence of yin yang and the 5 elements is in everything, from food to architecture, medicine and martial arts. Confucianism plays an important role in understanding relationships and the importance of respect. Buddhism teaches compassion and wisdom, enabling one to liberate oneself from suffering. On this tour, you will see how these three philosophies still play a role in modern Chinese culture.
Rice Terraces, Yunnan
We begin our amazing journey in Guangzhou, a world trade centre and the capital of Guangdong province with a history over 2,200 years. We will visit some of the famous sights and enjoy delicious tastes of Cantonese cuisine. The temperature at this time of year in the south is mild and perfect for travel. The city is known for its colourful flowers everywhere in December and January while northern China is frozen.
Former Residence of kung fu master, Wong Fei Hung, Lingxi Village
On the way to Foshan (Buddha Mountain), we will first explore the Lingxi Village, the home town of the famous kung fu master and Chinese medical practitioner, Wong Fei Hung. There have been many movies (close to 100) made about this legendary martial artist and his style of Hung Gar and Crane Tiger Boxing. He defended the weak and was a dedicated physician, known for his generosity and compassion. He is considered a great hero of the people in this area, so visiting his home town will be interesting. We will be treated to a lion dance performance.
Lion Dance Performance
Lingxi Village is now part of the Xi Qiao town. The spectacular Xiqiao Mountain which is an ancient extinct volcano, estimated to be 40 to 50 million years old, has to be on our itinerary. The eruption of lava and its subsequent cooling created 72 peaks, 36 caves, lakes, springs and waterfalls giving rise to an enchanting environment. The area is dotted with temples, pavilions and memorial archways which add to the already beautiful natural phenomena. At the Daixan Peak, we will visit the Culture Garden and see the impressive giant statue (61.9 metres high) of Kwan Yin Goddess of Mercy sitting on a lotus seat. Inside the lotus seat is a magnificent 5-story hall full of interesting artefacts. From this height, the panoramic views of Foshan are magnificent to behold.
Kwan Yin Goddess of Mercy, Xiqiao Mountain
Foshan is regarded as the home of Cantonese style of kung fu (martial arts), lion dance and Chinese opera. One cannot go to Foshan without visiting the museum in memory of the famous kung fu master and Chinese medical practitioner, Wong Fei Hung. Also nearby is the Wing Chun kung fu master Ip Man (Bruce Lee’s teacher) Memorial Hall with exquisite wood carvings and artworks.
Wong Fei Hung statue, Memorial Hall
One cannot leave Foshan without stopping at the Ancient Nangfeng (South Wind) Kiln Museum. Foshan is known for pottery and has a long history of porcelain production. This kiln, which is still in operation, looks like a dragon winding its way along the hill slope. It is the oldest kiln in China, built in the period of 1506 to 1521 during the Ming Dynasty and is considered a living cultural relic. Surrounding this kiln are interesting shops with ceramic artists at work.
Back in Guangzhou, we head towards Yongqing Fang, a cultural street. Guess who used to live there. Bruce Lee! His former residence now houses a memorial bronze statue of Bruce Lee himself with posters, holographs and records of martial arts practices. This gives you an insight into the beginning of a legend.
At one end of Yong Qing Fang, there is a building (20,000 square metres) resembling a palace. This Cantonese Opera Museum won the most prestigious award for Chinese Architectural Engineering in 2016. We will see its collection of colourful costumes, face masks and elaborate hair pieces decorated with cloisonne jewellery. Also on display is a lesser-known but interesting long sleeve bamboo undergarment which was not made out of soft fabric, but more like a knitted matt. Performers wore them to prevent perspiration from soiling the costumes. A 1907 map of Guangzhou can also be seen there.
Cantonese Opera Museum, Yongqian Fang
What better way to enjoy New Year’s Eve than a buffet dinner on a river boat cruising the Pearl River. The incredible modern architecture of Guangzhou is lit up in a symphony of blazing neon lights, a very memorable experience. In fact, your camera will be in continuous use on this trip.
Pearl River Cruise
On New Year’s Day, we will visit famous sights such as the beautiful Yue Xiu Park with its 7 hills, 3 man-made lakes and the impressive Stone Sculpture of 5 Rams. We will also explore the Chen Family temple which is now a folk arts museum and the Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall with an octagonal, ancient palace style main building. Some unique trees with rare formations are major attractions there.
After spending time in the far south of China, we now head west towards the fabulous, natural environment of Yunnan province. Kunming, known as the City of Eternal Spring due to its ideal climate for plants and flowers, is the capital of Yunnan and deemed to be the most liveable city in China. It is a city of many beautiful parks and exotic flowers. In earlier times, it was the gateway to the Silk Road trade route linking China with Myanmar, India and the Mediterranean.
We will explore the famous Stone Forest, a UNESCO world heritage site, which covers an area of more than three hundred square kilometres and is estimated to be 270 million years old. These intricate limestone formations rising up out of the ground are a fascinating display of an illusory forest, including trees, animal and human figures. It is a sight to behold! You cannot help but be in awe of this magnificent landscape!
Stone Forest
Of course, we will sample the Yiliang roast duck for lunch, a famous Yunnan dish with its origin dating back 600 years. Some people say this is even better than Peking duck. Pine twigs are added into clay ovens which roast the ducks glazed with honey. This gives the ducks a delightful fragrance.
As we travel further south through gorgeous countryside and amazing old towns, we arrive at Mile, a town famous for being home to diverse ethnic groups and hot springs. What better way to finish the day by relaxing in a hot spring ……
The next day, we visit Chengzi, an ancient village with a history of over 300 years. The local people here belong to the Yi ethnic group. The village was unknown to the general public until recently when it was featured in a documentary. The soil palm houses are the most prominent feature of the village which is on a hill. On each terrace level, the houses were built closely together and the roofs of the houses connected to each other to form one platform. Along the slope, the roof of one house is the balcony of the neighbour one house up the hill. The roof is used to dry grains and gourds during harvest time. In this place, the neighbours live in harmony and no one bothers to lock their doors.
Chengzi Village
Our next destination is the Douyishu Village of Yuanyang, a UNESCO world heritage site of amazing rice terraces which have been carved out of the mountain slopes. Most of the locals are from the Hani ethnic group who have been cultivating the terraced rice paddies for the last 1,300 years. Some smaller plots are for growing vegetables and soybeans. Some plots further from the village are reserved for the red and purple varieties of rice. As the sun rises, we see the most colourful splendour of natural beauty you could imagine. Throughout the day, reflecting the sky, the colours of the water filled terraces change from pastel and soft to bright and brilliant. As we explore the nearby hills, we capture different perspectives and shades of this magnificent landscape. This place is a photographer’s paradise. You will be amazed at the extent and precision of the engineering here, considering that they have only ever used simple hand tools.
After that, we travel to the Azheke Village, one of the most distinctive Hani minority villages. Azheke means a place with plenty of bamboo. Along the way, we’ll see its unusual mushroom shaped houses and interesting sights such as water buffalo, black pigs, ducks and water-powered grain mills, giving you a sense of being back in time and a glimpse of how people used to live.
Azheke Village
The best vantage point to watch the sea of clouds and the sunset is from the Bada Rice Terraces. In order to arrive at this lookout, you will have a choice of taking our tour bus or taking a hike of about two hours with one of our guides. When you reach the top, you will have an excellent view of the 950 hectares of rice terraces rising from 800 metres to 2,000 metres above the surrounding valley. Your breath will be taken away when you see the magic of dusk as the colours change from rosy pink, to red, to dark red, to golden hue and to white, lighting up the 3,700 terraces as if it is a ladder to heaven. What a day! Let’s go back to our accommodation and reminisce about these wonderful sights and experiences. Everyone will travel back to the hotel from the lookout in our bus.
The next day, we visit the Laomeng Sunday Market and see the daily life of the locals. Six different tribal groups from the surrounding mountains meet here to get their supplies. Many will wear their Sunday best, dressed up in their colourful, traditional costumes with interesting headgears.
In the afternoon, we will explore the Hani Village of Qingkou which is surrounded by lush forests. It is regarded as a model village in balancing agricultural development with the ecosystem. The village has its own museum which shows the Hani history and culture. Then, off we go to the Shengcun Village. From there, we go on a scenic hike, 3km, about 45 minutes one way, not accessible by bus. If you prefer not to go on the hiking trip, the tour bus will take you back to the hotel for a rest before dinner.
Time to move on to our next destination in Yunnan, this time it is the ancient town of Jianshui. When we arrive, we will explore the famous Swallow Cave where thousands of swallows flock to breed and nest between spring and summer each year. This cave, surrounded by dense forests, is the largest and most magnificent karstic cave in Asia. The entrance to the cave is a huge 50 metres high and a 30 metres wide. In the cave, there is a tourist walkway. On this path, you see the upper part of the cave filled with stunning rock formations, stone pillars and stalactites hanging from the ceiling. Illuminated with coloured lighting, the cave becomes a wondrous fairyland. The Lujiang River runs through the lower part of the cave. It is said to have a history of about 3 million years. When leaving the cave, you will spot three different openings of the sky.
Our accommodation is in the ancient town, Jianshui which has a history of about 1,200 years. The whole town is a virtual museum. The town still retains the style of the Ming Dynasty with its ancient buildings and historic landmarks such as the Confucius Temple (built in 1285), the Zhu Family Garden with amazing architecture and beautiful courtyards, and the Shuanlong (Double Dragon) Bridge with 17 arches and 3 pavilions with precious artwork. You will also visit the Chaoyang Tower with hanging plagues of huge handwritings, an old clock from the Ming Dynasty and copper bells. Visiting the Pottery Street is a must since Jianshui is famous for its purple pottery. Walking down the Tuanshan Village, a well preserved mountain village, will take you back in time with its architecture, exquisite gilded colourful wood carving, calligraphy and scroll painting. There is so much to see and do in this picturesque part of the world!
Shuanlong (Double Dragon) Bridge
We will have the opportunity to see how tofu (bean curd) is made. This is not just any old bean curd. In fact, it is the most famous in China and it’s called, wait for it, stinky bean curd. I have had this type of tofu on Wudang Mountain in a Taoist Temple there and it was delicious. The ever-replenishing fresh water from the Ximen Daban historic well of Jianshui is the key in the making of this local delicacy. It makes the bean curd soft and tasty. It is very different from the stinky tofu served in other parts of China. We will stroll along the streets and see the old wells. The water from the West Well is good for drinking and the Dongjing Well is good for brewing tea because the water is sweeter.
Back in Kunming before we return to Guangzhou, we will visit the idyllic Green Lake Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming. It is famous for its bamboo, willow and tropical trees. There are 4 small lakes linked by bridges in traditional style. You are aware by now that this part of China is a botanical wonderland, so enjoy its natural beauty. Each year, 4.1 billion stems of cut flowers are sent out from Yunnan to different parts of China and to the world. Roses, lilies and carnations make up 2 billion stems.
Before we farewell Yunnan, we will visit the Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming city. It is quite different from other Buddhist temple structures. It is famous for its uncommon entrance into the temple ground, its symmetrical layout, its distinguished octagonal pavilion and other unusual features. The Yuantong Hall is surrounded by water and fish. Most uncommonly, all 3 schools of Buddhism are represented in this temple : Yuantong Hall for Mahayana (seeking enlightenment for the benefit of all sentient beings), Copper Temple for Theravada (each being has to make his own way to enlightenment) and the side hall in the east for Tibetan Buddhism. People feel very peaceful strolling around this temple ground.
Yuantong Temple, Kunming
Once we arrive back in Guangzhou, there will be time for last minute shopping on the Ninth Road and Beijing Road, known as the shoppers’ paradise. There is always something new and interesting to see even if you don’t intend to do much shopping. China is full of history.
Beijing Road, Guangzhou
If you have a friend or a family member who would like to join us, they will be most welcome as most of the training is done in the morning before any of the sightseeing. On previous trips, there have been family members of our students and interested individuals, who although not Tai Chi practitioners, joined us on our travels. They all thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Some were happy to spend a leisurely morning exploring the parks which are amazing or just having a long breakfast. In China, there is always something to see and do, right at your doorstep. Also, if they wish, they are more than welcome to join in the morning training sessions and/or the evening meditation.
This will be an unforgettable journey to a stunningly beautiful part of China. Hope you can join us for a wonderful holiday of relaxation and enjoyment!
Itinerary
Day 1 – Sun 29 Dec 2019
Fly China Southern (CZ 326) from Sydney 11.25am to Guangzhou 5.45pm. (Guangzhou is 3 hours behind Canberra during daylight saving period.)
Dinner and overnight stay in Guangzhou.
Day 2 – Mon 30 Dec Breakfast, lunch and dinner included (B L D)
Guangzhou to Foshan by coach - 1.5 hour.
Visit the home town (Lingxi Village) of the famous kung fu master and Chinese medical practitioner, Wong Fei Hung.
Explore Xiqiao Mountain (spectacular waterfalls, transparent lakes, unusual caves, steep cliffs and a giant Kwan Yin Goddess of Mercy statue).
Outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi in the afternoon (optional).
Overnight stay in Foshan.
Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall
Day 3 – Tues 31 Dec B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Visit the Memorial Halls of famous kung fu masters: Wong Fei Hung and Ip Man (Wing Chun style), and
the Ancient Nangfeng (South Wind) Kiln Museum which has a long history of porcelain production.
Foshan to Guangzhou by coach - 1.5 hour.
Stroll along the cultural street, Yongqing Fang and drop into the former residence of Bruce Lee and the Cantonese Opera Museum.
Enjoy the Pearl River Cruise with buffet dinner.
Overnight stay in Guangzhou.
Day 4 – Wed 1 Jan 2020 B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Sightseeing : Yue Xiu Park with 7 hills, 3 man-made lakes & the Stone Sculpture of 5 Rams (one of the city’s emblems), the Chen Family Temple (folk arts museum)
and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall.
Fly China Southern (CZ 3449) from Guangzhou 2.55pm to Kunming 5.35pm.
Overnight stay in Kunming.
the Stone Sculpture of 5 Rams, Yue Xiu Park
Day 5 – Thurs 2 Jan B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Kunming to Stone Forest by coach - 1.5 hour.
Sightseeing : Stone Forest tour.
Enjoy Yiliang Roast Duck for lunch.
Stone Forest to Mile by coach - 1.5 hour.
Relax in a hot spring in the evening.
Overnight stay at Mile.
Day 6 – Fri 3 Jan B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Explore the ancient Chengzi Village (Yi ethnic group).
Mile to Yuanyang by coach - 4 hours.
Meditation in the evening (optional).
Overnight stay in Yuanyang.
Akezhe Village
Day 7 – Sat 4 Jan B L D
Greet the day with the spectacular sunrise from the Duoyishu Terraces.
Visit the Akezhe Village, one of the most distinctive Hani minority villages.
Outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Return to hotel for a siesta.
Watch the breathtaking sunset from the Bada Rice Terraces. You have a choice of taking our tour bus or taking a hike (about 2 hours) with one of our guides. Everyone will travel back to the hotel from the lookout in our bus.
Meditation in the evening (optional).
Overnight stay in Yuanyang.
Day 8 – Sun 5 Jan B L D
Stroll around the Laomeng Sunday market.
Outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Return to hotel for a siesta.
Visit the Hani Village of Qingkou
Scenic hike (3km, about 45 mins one way) from the Shengcun Village to the Laoyingzui Terraces. If you prefer not to go on the hiking trip, the tour bus will take you back to the hotel.
Meditation in the evening (optional).
Overnight stay in Yuanyang.
Day 9 – Mon 6 Jan B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Yuanyang to Jianshui by coach - 3 hours.
Sightseeing: Swallow Cave, Jianshui Ancient Town, Chaoyang Tower, Pottery Street & Zhu Family Garden.
Meditation in the evening (optional).
Overnight stay in Jianshui.
Chaoyang Tower
Day 10 – Tues 7 Jan B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Watch how tofu (bean curd) is made.
Sightseeing : Shuanlong (Double Dragon) Bridge with 17 arches and 3 pavilions with precious artwork.
Visit the Tuanshan Village, a rare surviving example of a traditional walled Yunnan village.
Jianshui to Kunming by coach - 3.5 hours.
Enjoy special Yunnan local cuisine and dance show.
Overnight stay in Kunming.
Tuanshan Village
Day 11 – Wed 8 Nov B L D
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
Enjoy the Green Lake Park, one of the most beautiful parks in Kunming.
Visit the Yuantong Temple, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Kunming city with unusual features.
Fly China Southern (CZ 3416) from Kunming 2.50pm to Guangzhou 5.10pm.
Stroll along the Ninth Road in the evening.
Overnight stay in Guangzhou
Day 12 – Thurs 9 Jan B L
Morning outdoor Qigong and Tai Chi (optional).
After lunch, explore the Beijing Road, known as the shopper's paradise. Part of the original lane and other historical remains, dating back 1,000 years, have been preserved and can still be seen.
Fly China Southern (CZ 601) from Guangzhou 6.05pm.
Day 13 – Fri 10 Jan
Arrive in Sydney 6.45am.
Included in the cost: economy international airfare from Sydney return, accommodation, meals as specified in the itinerary, admission (sightseeing places, parks and show), Tai Chi, Qigong and meditation sessions, coach, English speaking guides, economy airfares and airport taxes in China.
Accommodation:
- Guangzhou – Hotel Canton or similar (4-star, Chinese & Western buffet breakfast)
- Foshan – Xiqiaoshan Hotel or similar (4-star, Chinese buffet breakfast)
- Kunming – Wenhui Hotel or similar (4-star, Chinese & Western buffet breakfast)
- Mile – Huquan Hotel or similar (5-star, Chinese & Western buffet breakfast)
- Yuanyang – Aichun Blue Terrace Hotel or similar (3-star, Chinese buffet breakfast)
- Jianshui – Sichenyuan Minority Inn or similar (nearly 3-star, Chinese buffet breakfast)
Travel to Southern China during the Christmas and New Year period is Peak Season.
Cost of the China Trip will be:
– AUD$5,410 per person based on twin share
– AUD$5,990 per person based on single room
The cost estimate is based on 10 people. A minimum of 10 people is required in order for the tour to proceed.
Less than 10 people may incur a higher cost.
Please pay a deposit of $500 now and the balance by Monday 21 October 2019.
Southern China Airlines will not hold any seats for group travel without a deposit.
Hence, an early deposit is necessary to secure seats at a good price (as estimated by the travel agent in his costings).
Please note that the entire cost is non-refundable. Appropriate travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Deposit can be made by :
- cash – please pay your instructor or contact Fontane, or
- personal cheque payable to Southlands Travel and Cruise – please pay your instructor or mail cheque to Tai Chi Academy, PO Box 70, Woden ACT 2606.
- If you wish to pay by credit card, there will be a credit card fee (charged by Southlands Travel and Cruise) – 1.2% extra for MasterCard, visa or Amex.
>> Please contact Fontane first before you pay the deposit. <<
Note: The organiser reserves the right to change the travel dates and/or the itinerary if deemed necessary.
Excluded from the Cost – please allow for the following expenses:
- Taxes for the international airfare: approx. $190 – Australia Departure Tax, Airport Taxes, Security Taxes, fuel surcharge and China Departure Tax. All the taxes are subject to exchange rate and introduction of new taxes.
- Tipping for the national and local tour guides: AUD $120- per person.
- Canberra to Sydney coach or airline tickets return.
Please feel free to use your frequent flyer points to book your own airline tickets or arrange other means of transport. However, the travel agent advises that we should wait for the international tickets to be issued first before booking the domestic tickets.
Please allow at least 3 hours before the flight departure time for baggage check in at the Sydney International Airport.
If you need Southlands Travel & Cruise to book your domestic airline tickets, please contact Fontane on 6296 1357 or email the Academy. - Visa application fee for single entry, $109.50 and one passport size photo. Chinese Visa Application Centre, Suite 201, Level 2, Canberra House, 40 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra City – Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm. Phone 6279 780. http://au.china-embassy.org/eng/ls/bg/ – click on Visa Application Form.
- Appropriate travel insurance is strongly recommended.
- Travel vaccinations – seek advice from your doctor or the Travel Doctor-TMVC Canberra, www.traveldoctor.com.au/locations/canberra
- Please be aware that many countries require travellers to have at least six months remaining validity on their passports – phone Australian Passport Information Service on 131 232 or visit www.passports.gov.au
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