Ming Dynasty Qi-gong Tour

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Pierce Wood
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Bridges to China s Ming Dynasty Qi-gong Tour Introduction Our Ming Dynasty Qi-gong Tour is a one-week package offering Qi-gong training and the chance to explore China s best-preserved ancient city.

1 Bridges to China s Ming Dynasty Qi-gong Tour Introduction Our Ming Dynasty Qi-gong Tour is a one-week package offering Qi-gong training and the chance to explore China s best-preserved ancient city. Pingyao, a Unesco World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a completely intact 6km Ming dynasty wall, the last remaining in China. Once a thriving merchant town, Pingyao now offers a rare glimpse into ancient China. Spend a week living in a 16 th century courtyard practicing Qigong and Chinese breathing techniques. Qi-gong refers to a wide variety of traditional practices that involve methods of accumulating, circulating, and working with Qi or energy within the body. Typically this is done through controlled breathing and exercise. In the West, Qi-gong is often compared to Tai Chi and Yoga. Qi-gong is practiced for health maintenance purposes, as a therapeutic intervention, as a medical profession and/or as a component of Chinese martial arts. This is offered primarily as an extension to a standard tour package you may currently offer, although other options are also available and Bridges to China can also offer an initial tour of Beijing before the trip to Pingyao.

2 Schedule Days 1-5: Spent in Beijing according to standard Beijing package schedule organized by tour provider. Evening of day 5: Bridges to China takes responsibility of the group. Travellers take the evening sleeper train from Beijing and arrive in Pingyao for breakfast. Day 6: Travellers are taken to their accommodation in a Ming style courtyard and then given the morning off to rest or wander around the town and explore. In the afternoon there will be a small martial arts demonstration inside the courtyard and some short talks on Qi-gong. Day 7-12: Qi-gong classes every morning from 9:00 to 11:00, followed by free time in the afternoon to drink tea, visit the town and see the local sights. In the evening there is one hour of meditation or Tai Chi for relaxation. Day 12: Morning class, followed by the evening train back to Beijing. Package provider takes over again. Day 13: Travellers follow the standard tour package. For example, free time in Beijing before flying back home. Day 14: According to package schedule. Fly home or arrive home.

3 Training Programme There is two hours of class every morning, which takes place in the central courtyard where the travellers are staying. Class begins with a short warm-up, a brisk 15-minute walk around the ancient town. Upon arrival back at the courtyard 15 minutes of gentle stretching ensures that blood is flowing though the body. During class students will learn five-animal Qi-gong, a basic style that teaches control of one s breath, lungs, mind and overall bodily coordination. Master Chen, a renowned Qi-gong coach, teaches the classes every morning. Master Chen is a Shanxi province local who has spent his life practicing Qi-gong and traditional Chinese martial arts. After finishing his schooling with a degree in Qi-gong and Tai Chi Master Chen began teaching, which he has been doing ever since. Afternoons are free for the most part so that travellers can explore the town, museums and local teahouses on their own. For three of the afternoons we put on optional activities and games, such as: Tai Ji Ball a sport / game somewhat like tennis but relying on the concepts of Tai Ji. Dou Kong Zhu often known as Diabolo in English, it is a traditional Chinese street game and performance

4 Accommodation Location: Pingyao is in Shanxi province, approximately 12 hours from Beijing by sleeper train (a comfortable trip). Pingyao is home to countless museums, Taoist temples, ancient houses and even a Christian church. The 6km walls around the city are fully intact and can the town can be circumnavigated on the walls. Accommodation: Travellers stay in a Ming dynasty courtyard in traditional style rooms. The rooms are clean and all include bathrooms and air-conditioning. Rooms are available in: Double room Twin room (two beds) There is a TV in each room, although only Chinese television stations are available. What s included? 5 nights of accommodation in Pingyao. First class sleeper train from Beijing to Pingyao and back to Beijing. Transport from the train station to the camp. Two hours of Qi-gong training for 6 days with a local master. 1 hour of meditation or Tai Chi training every evening. Afternoon activities mentioned above (and they are offered some of the game equipment after to play back home.) Entrance ticket to the majority of the sights in Pingyao. Chinese English translator for all classes and afternoon activities.

5 A cart makes its way down a narrow street in Pingyao The South Gate of Pingyao Ancient Town

6 Practicing Tai Chi in the street with the pros! Delicious Chinese food in a great setting

Qigong For Health & Martial Arts: Exercises And Meditation (Qigong, Health And Healing) By Yang Jwing-Ming READ ONLINE

Qigong For Health & Martial Arts: Exercises And Meditation (Qigong, Health And Healing) By Yang Jwing-Ming READ ONLINE Qigong, one of the oldest systems that may be considered a martial art, Bodhidharma