LONG TOU SHAN TAI CHI SCHOOL
Located in the legendary beauty spot of Yangshuo in southern China, the school was founded in 2006 as a place for students to practice and develop a greater appreciation of Tai Chi (taijiquan in Mandarin) and Qigong, improve their health and well-being while enjoying the special beauty and tradition of south China and the famed Li River and Yulong Rivers scenic area.
The school was founded by Master Luo Mei Juan (known as Mei), a 7th Duan Master of the Chinese Wushu Association, and now also features instruction by Master Zhou Da Zhu (Mei’s son, carrying on the family tradition).
Chen-style Tai Chi
At the school you can learn traditional Chen-style Tai Chi: 18-form, Lao Jia Yi Lu (old style first frame), Sword, Fan and more. The Chen family-style (陳氏) is the oldest and parent form of the five traditional family styles of Tai Chi. Chen-style is characterized by spiraling movements (chan si jing; 缠丝劲), alternating fast/slow motion and bursts of power (fa jing; 發勁).
Yang-style Tai Chi
Long Tou Shan school also teaches Yang-style Tai Chi including Beijing 24-form, Competition 42-form, Sword (32-form and competition 42) and Fan. Yang family-style (楊氏) in its many variations is the most popular of the primary five family styles of T’ai Chi Ch’uan (太极拳) and is characterized by its gentle, graceful movements (qingling chenwen; 轻灵沉稳), and ease of learning.
Healing Qigong
You can learn healing Qi Gong (气功: literally life-energy cultivation) practices such as our own Long Tou Qigong, the very famous Ba Duan Jin (8 brocades), Wu Qin Xi (five animals play; 五禽戏), and meditation. With its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine Qi Gong uses movement, breathing and relaxation for healing, focusing the mind and strengthening the body.
Workshops & Classes
The school offers a range of specialist workshops and retreats including Nei Gong (inner cultivation), Lui He Ba Fa (six methods water boxing), Zhan Zhuang (standing meditation), and teacher training programs, as well as daily classes, all at our school in the legendary beauty spot of Yangshuo in southern China. You can join us for a week, a month, or as long as you wish.
Tai Chi & Moon Cakes
Soul Seeker: China – Tai Chi & Moon Cakes (episode 5) follows the experiences of a student attending a tai chi school retreat in Yangshuo China.
Soul Seeker Jo Sinnott travels to China; the spiritual home of Tai Chi. Jo heads for Yangshuo to spend some time studying with Mei Juan Luo, one of the few female Tai Chi masters practicing in Yangshuo, Southern China.
Jo visits Mei’s “Long Tou Shan” Tai Chi School in Yangshuo and joins a retreat to learn Chen Style Tai Chi (Taijiquan). Jo explores the spectacular rural countryside and gets a taste of some local culture.
Long Tou Shan Blog
China allowing visa-free travel from six countries
It was recently announced that until at least November 2024, China will allow citizens of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain and Malaysia to visit China for up to 15 days without a visa! There is more information at Travel China Guide. It may even be possible to make the four-hour train [...]
Moments from Fall 2023
What a nice fall season we’re having here at Long Tou Shan. Thank you to all the wonderful students who have come to train with us. Special thanks to Leigh, who was so kind as to donate her piano to the school after her stay here! Here’s David - a tai chi [...]
Hotel & Accommodation
Long Tou Shan Tai Chi School has comfortable and clean, single, double or dorm rooms available for students. Rooms include air conditioning, free Wi-fi, a work desk, electric water kettle for tea or coffee, and a beautifully designed bathroom with hot shower that includes hairdryer among its amenities., All rooms have panoramic views of the mountains and Li River, and offer a chance to breathe fresh country air.
Testimonials
“Having spent almost 3 weeks at Long Tou Tai Chi School, located in the beautiful mountains of Yangshuo, it has been an amazing experience away from the fast paced life back home. Having never learnt Tai Chi before, Mei and Dazhu have been amazing teachers helping me understand the fundamentals including the flow of energy (Qi).My main purpose of the trip was unwind and relax. From the amazing and healthy food, to the mountainous view and quiet and calm atmosphere, I would definitely recommend Long Tou Tai Chi School to everyone! Thank you Mei and all the team at school for making my holiday truly amazing!”
“Dear Mei, Da Zhu, Tom; Thanks for the wonderful two weeks I had the privilege to spend at your school. Special thanks to Auntie for her cooking and the Chinese lessons. Although I am practicing Tai Chi for quite few years the visit was an eye opener to me to work harder on the basics. With the guidance of Mei and Da Zhu new foundation was laid down. I was amazed about their expertise and teaching skills. In such a short span of time I learned so much. Besides Tai Chi I have enjoyed the fantastic family environment. I felt at home. I do hope this visit was the first and will be followed by many the coming years. Please don’t hesitate to drop by if you are in the neighborhood.”
“The perfect place to learn, practice and improve your Taichi & Qigong. Masters Mei & Dazhu really know how to transmit their knowledge,
plus the school is very conducive and great to immerse yourself into the practice, surrounded by stunning views of the mountains and river.”
“Staying here has been truly amazing and a wonderful treat. Watching the sun rise over the beautiful mountains of Yangshuo while having a cup of tea on my balcony, learning Tai Chi & Qigong from enthusiastic, resourceful and highly skilled teachers, enjoying an endless variety of delicious vegetarian meals with vegetables from the garden, staying in a very luxurious and tastefully furnished room with great beds and being cared for by a very friendly staff. I leave with pain in my heart and hope to come back soon.”
“I am lost for words. My experience here was so unreal. Thank you Mei and Da Zhu for sharing your knowledge and endless patience. Love u all. Will be back next year.”
“Well three months have gone very fast! First the Yang 24, then Chen 18, and about half of the 74! I hope to continue with my Tai Chi on it’s long journey! Many thanks to all who make the school a wonderful stay! The great lessons with Dazhu & Mei! The great food! Wonderful views! I will miss everyone!”
“Thank you all for an incredible experience. We will treasure the time we have spent with you. Hope to see you in Australia, where we can trade, Qigong lessons for Surf lessons! Of course must mention the wonderful food! Even worth visiting for this alone. Till next time.”
“Thank you for a wonderful relaxing yet invigorating week. Learning Tai Chi & Qigong from two such knowledgeable people was a great pleasure. Mei you looked after me so kindly and generously and I very much appreciated your warmth and wisdom. I very much hope to return. Many Thanks.”
“Dear Mei & Dazhu, thank you for your everlasting patience and kind hospitality. I’ve only been here for a week but learnt so much and really relaxed after a busy few months working in Beijing! You’re both so kin; have let me into your family and your passion for teaching clearly shines through in your work. Oh and you are both amazing cooks! I can’t wait to return and stay in your gorgeous new school.”
“We have enjoyed a very relaxing and peaceful stay in beautiful surroundings. The acomodation and food is good. The training is very instructive and we had a good time, experience and lots of homework. We will be back for the rest of the movements. Thank you very much and see you again.”
“We spent two weeks here to learn Tai Chi. We had a great time. Thank you a lot for all the lessons and the great food, your hospitality and a great experience!”
Thank you so much for a wonderful stay here! I loved it. Great teaching, beautiful location, delicious food, I couldn’t ask for more! I hope to come back someday and stay for longer.
Tai Chi is…
Tai Chi is both a martial art and a form of meditation. As a system of exercise it is suitable for people of all ages and requires little or no special equipment. It will help you improve your physical health, it can give you skills in self defence and will teach you how to relax.
Gi Gong is…
Qi translates as ‘vital energy’ or ‘breath’. It is what the Japanese call Ki (like in AiKiDo) and Hindus call Prana. Qi Gong means “working with the qi.” It is the ancient Chinese practice of becoming aware of this life energy and learning how to control its flow.