Learn Traditional Tai Chi in Yangshuo, China
Train daily with Master Zhou Da Zhu in authentic Chen and Yang Style Taijiquan
Set in the karst mountains of Yangshuo, overlooking the Li River in Guangxi Province, Long Tou Shan Tai Chi School was founded in 2006 as a space for focused, traditional training. Students come from around the world to train in Tai Chi (Taijiquan), Qigong, and internal cultivation, drawn to both the depth of the training and the natural environment of the Li River and Yulong River scenic area.
The school was founded in 2006 by Master Luo Mei Juan, a 7th Duan Master of the Chinese Wushu Association, and continues today under the guidance of her son, Master Zhou Da Zhu, who leads the daily training. Rather than focusing only on memorizing movements, students are guided to build a correct foundation—structure, alignment, and internal connection—through steady, hands-on instruction.
A Different Approach to Tai Chi Training
Not based on imitation – but on structure, connection, and real internal development
Most modern Tai Chi is taught as a sequence of movements to follow—often focusing on external form without developing the internal structure that gives the practice its depth and function.
At Long Tou Shan, training begins with the foundation, which is what Master Da Zhu refers to as building the “base”.
Students are guided to build correct alignment, understand how the body connects as one unit, and develop movement from the root. Emphasis is placed on principles such as opening the kua (胯), maintaining structural integrity, and allowing power to transfer through the body efficiently.
Rather than copying shapes, the focus is on how movement works—how to shift weight, release tension, and generate force in a way that is both sustainable and functional.
This approach not only supports health and longevity, but also preserves the martial essence of Tai Chi, allowing it to be applied in practices such as push hands (推手), self-defense, and weapons training.
What makes Long Tou Shan Tai Chi training different?
- Foundation-first training rooted in alignment and internal connection
- Small group instruction with direct correction and guidance
- Movement taught for function, not performance
Train with Master Zhou Da Zhu
A lineage-based Tai Chi master dedicated to authentic internal training and foundational precision.
Master Zhou Da Zhu (周大渚) is a Tai Chi master and the lead instructor at Long Tou Shan Tai Chi School in Yangshuo, China. His teaching is rooted in direct experience—guiding students to feel and understand correct movement through the body, rather than simply to imitate external form.
From a young age, Da Zhu was immersed in martial arts under the guidance of his mother, Master Luo Mei Juan (罗梅娟), a 7th Duan master of the Chinese Wushu Association. In addition to this lineage, he developed his internal foundation through dedicated study with respected masters, including Master Zhang Xiao Yuan (张晓元), in Xinyi Liu He Ba Fa (心意六合八法), Qigong (气功) Master Chen Jing (陈靖), and Grandmaster Chen Zheng Lei (陈正雷) at the Chen Village Tai Chi Training Center (陈家沟太极拳培训中心).
His approach centers on building true foundation (ben, 根). Training emphasizes correct alignment, the opening and integration of the kua (胯, the internal hip–pelvic hinge that connects the body and allows power to move from the ground through the entire structure), and the development of strength through the tendons and connective tissue. Rather than focusing on merely memorizing movements, students are taught how to position, shift, and connect the body so that movement becomes efficient, supported, and free of unnecessary strain.
Master Zhou began teaching at Long Tou Shan in 2008 and has been recognized in national competitions, earning a bronze medal at the National Chinese Wushu Competition in Guilin (2009) and a gold medal at the Chinese Martial Arts Association (CFWS, 中国武术协会) National Competition in Beijing (2011).
He teaches with a consistent and focused method, because correct structure is what allows energy (qi, 气) to move freely through the body, from root to expression. For most students, this level of instruction is rarely encountered. Here, it forms the foundation of all training.
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.
Accommodation and Food
Long Tou Shan Tai Chi School has comfortable and clean, single, double or dorm rooms available for students. Rooms are hotel-style and include air conditioning, free Wi-fi, a work desk, electric water kettle for tea or coffee, and a beautifully designed en-suite bathroom with hot shower with a hair dryer.
All rooms have panoramic views of the mountains and Li River, and offer a chance to breathe fresh country air.
The school has an outdoor infinity swimming pool for refreshing swims in warm weather (most of the year in Yangshuo).
All meals are prepared by family. Our teacher Master Zhou Da Zhu’s mother in law, Mrs. Xiu, cooks each day for the school, bringing a personal and steady presence to the kitchen. Much of the food is sourced locally. Vegetables are often grown in her garden or selected fresh from the market in town, and eggs come from the school’s own chickens. This connection to where the food comes from is reflected in the simplicity and quality of each meal.
Long Tou Shan News (Blog)
Panoramic View of the School from Above
Recently we were fortunate to have a guest at the school who brought a drone, and captured this beautiful video from the air! In it there are views of all the new features built during our recent construction phase, like the infinity pool, upper viewing deck and new garden paths. [...]
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 [...]
Testimonials
Chen-style Tai Chi
Learn authentic Chen family-style (陳氏) Tai Chi, the original and oldest form of Taijiquan: 18-form, Lao Jia Yi Lu (old style first frame), Sword, Fan and more. 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
Practice traditional Yang-style Tai Chi, known for its smooth, flowing movements (qingling chenwen; 轻灵沉稳) and accessibility for all levels. Develop relaxation, coordination, and internal awareness through structured forms including 24-form, 42-form, and the potential to learn sword training.
Healing Qigong
Cultivate energy through traditional Qigong practices designed to support health, longevity, and nervous system regulation. Dedicated Qigong training is offered during select times of year, with elements of Qigong also integrated into daily Tai Chi classes year-round. Practices include our own Long Tou Qigong, Ba Duan Jin (8 Brocades), Wu Qin Xi (Five Animal Play; 五禽戏), breathwork, and meditation rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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.