First Tai Ji summer camp kicks off in Wudang

The first international summer camp themed “Learning Tai Ji at Wudang Mountain” started on July 30, 2012.

Sponsored by the Xiazhou International Travel Service Company in Wudang, the summer camp drew in 23 young participants, ranging from 6 to 14 years old. They come from the Wudang Mountain area, Xiangyang city, and Shiyan city in Hubei province.

During the six-day summer camp, these participants will practice Tai Ji, taste Taoist food, climb Wudang Mountain, watch martial arts performances, interact with Taoist monks and feel the charisma of Taoism in Wudang Mountain.

Six-day tour itinerary:

Day 1:

08:30 The campers gather together, fully prepared.

10:30-11:00 The camp arrives at Wudang Tai Ji Square and a great open ceremony will commence.

13:00-18:00 After lunch, young campers will tour scenic spots, learning historical stories and appreciating tea.

18:00-20:30 After dinner, the campers will elect a team leader for each group.

Day 2:

07:30-08:00 Breakfast 08:30-10:30 The campers will meet Tai Ji masters, watch a performance of basic Tai Ji Quan and then practice.

12:00-14:00 Lunch break 14:30-17:30 The campers will meet a Taoist master and enjoy allusions of Taoism at the Grand Hall in Purple Heaven Palace. Campers will then walk to the Prince Slope Architectural Complex and visit an elderly man surnamed Jia, who is fondly called "fairy Jia", to hear his wartime stories.

18:00-20:30 After dinner, the campers will learn Tai Ji terms in English from foreign Tai Ji fans face to face.

Day 3:

07:30-08:00 Breakfast

08:30-10:30 Practice Tai Ji Quan

12:00-14:00 Lunch break

14:30-17:30 Visit picturesque South Crag Palace by bus. Walking along the beautiful walkway, the campers can appreciate the grand ancient buildings and natural spectacles. They will finally arrive at Langmei Temple and learn standard San Feng Tai Ji.

18:00-20:30 After dinner, the campers will communicate with foreign Tai Ji fans in English.

Day 4:

06:00-06:30 Breakfast

07:00-11:00 Campers will walk to the main building complex, Taihe Palace, and visit Yellow Dragon Cave, Little Wudang and the Golden Hall along the way.

11:30-12:00 Enjoy lunch outdoors or at the Taihe Taoist Restaurant

14:00-16:00 Tour the Golden Hall and take the cable car to a tea garden to enjoy Taoist tea

18:00-19:00 Visit the San Feng Academy and learn from students and foreign Taoist masters

Day 5:

07:30-08:00 Breakfast

08:30-10:30 Practice Tai Ji Quan

12:00-13:00 Check out 14:30-17:00 Campers will take a bus to watch a special martial arts performance and take pictures in the photography center. Afterwards they will walk to Monkey Valley.

18:00-19:00 Dinner

19:00-21:30 Each group will prepare a performance for the closing ceremony.

Day 6:

07:00-07:30 Breakfast

08:30-10:30 The closing ceremony will be held and Tai Ji masters will test every student. At the end of the ceremony, graduation albums, Tai Ji certificates and excellent camper awards will be given to the young campers.

12:30-13:30 Tour Bailu Island, also known as "Guilin on water", and the forest park 11:00-12:00 Campers will have lunch with foreign Tai Ji masters and students from the San Feng Academy.

12:00-18:00 Leave Wudang Mountain

By Wang Suo