Dave Kelly Martial Arts

Discovering China in the Post-Pandemic Era

By David Kelly
July 19, 2024

As the world emerges from the shadow of COVID-19, China has reopened its borders to international travelers, beckoning visitors to explore its storied landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and timeless martial arts traditions. For those eager to experience the Middle Kingdom in this new chapter, the time is ripe to plan a journey that delves into the heart of this dynamic and ever-evolving nation.

Travel to China

The resumption of overseas travel to China has been carefully orchestrated, with stringent health and safety protocols in place to ensure the well-being of both visitors and local communities. Travelers must obtain a valid visa, which can be secured through the Chinese embassy or authorized agencies. Even better news is that for the following six countries Switzerland, Ireland, Hungary, Austria, Belgium, and Luxembourg nationals will have up to 15 days of visa-free travel to China.

Upon arrival, visitors are no longer subject to temperature checks or are required to undergo testing, depending on the prevailing public health guidelines. Masking requirements and other preventive measures are more of a courtesy to other travelers.

One of the most significant changes in the post-pandemic landscape is the increased reliance on digital platforms for travel planning and bookings. Savvy travelers would do well to familiarize themselves with popular Chinese apps like Ctrip and WeChat, which offer a wealth of information and seamless booking capabilities for flights, accommodations, and transportation within the country.

Navigating the Cultural Landscape

China’s rich cultural tapestry is a tapestry that has been woven over millennia, and the post-pandemic era presents an opportune time to delve into its timeless traditions and customs. From the awe-inspiring grandeur of the Great Wall to the serene tranquility of ancient water towns, the country offers a boundless array of iconic sights and immersive experiences.

For first-time visitors, it’s advisable to start with perennial favorites, such as the Forbidden City in Beijing, the Terracotta Warriors in Xi’an, and the picturesque water towns of Zhejiang province. These quintessential destinations not only provide a captivating glimpse into China’s storied past but also serve as gateways to deeper cultural engagement.

Beyond the well-trodden tourist trails, travelers can venture off the beaten path to discover the unique regional identities that contribute to the country’s multifaceted cultural fabric. In the southern reaches of Guangxi, for instance, the enchanting landscape of karst formations and the vibrant ethnic minority communities offer a refreshing alternative to the more crowded metropolises.

Martial Arts Immersion

Perhaps one of the most alluring aspects of a post-pandemic visit to China is the opportunity to immerse oneself in the country’s renowned martial arts traditions. From the iconic Shaolin Temple in Henan to the bustling streets of Foshan in Guangdong, China remains the epicenter of various schools of martial arts, each with its own distinct philosophy and technique. During COVID-19, many of these were hit hard, went into hibernation, or left the country for pastures new.

For those seeking a more immersive experience, numerous martial arts academies and training centers across China welcome international students, offering intensive programs that delve into the physical, mental, and spiritual dimensions of these ancient fighting arts. Whether it’s the fluid grace of Taichi, the explosive power of Sanda, or the disciplined precision of Wushu, visitors can embark on a journey of self-discovery and physical transformation under the tutelage of seasoned masters.

Beyond the dojo, the cultural exploration of martial arts can extend to the realms of traditional Chinese medicine, calligraphy, and the philosophical underpinnings that have shaped these practices over the centuries. By immersing themselves in this multifaceted world, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the holistic approach to well-being that is deeply rooted in Chinese culture. More on this later.

Culinary Adventures

No visit to China would be complete without a culinary adventure that tantalizes the senses and expands the palate. The country’s diverse regional cuisines, each with their own distinct flavors and cooking techniques, offer a veritable feast for the senses.

From the fiery Sichuan peppercorns of the southwest to the delicate seafood dishes of the coastal provinces, China’s culinary landscape is a kaleidoscope of tastes and textures. Travelers can embark on guided food tours, participate in hands-on cooking classes, or simply wander the bustling night markets to savor the myriad of street food delicacies.

Beyond the well-known favorites like Peking duck and dim sum, the post-pandemic era presents an opportunity to explore the lesser-known regional specialties that have long been cherished by local communities. The preservation of traditional foodways and the rise of farm-to-table movements in China offer a glimpse into the country’s rich gastronomic heritage and its evolving culinary landscape.

Planning Your Journey

As the world emerges from the COVID-19 pandemic, China stands ready to welcome travelers with open arms, inviting them to rediscover the country’s timeless wonders and immerse themselves in its vibrant cultural tapestry. Whether you’re drawn to the iconic landmarks, the captivating martial arts traditions, or the culinary delights, a journey to the Middle Kingdom in the post-pandemic era promises to be a transformative and unforgettable experience.

As you plan your trip, be sure to stay up-to-date on the latest travel guidelines and health protocols, and consider working with a reputable travel agency or tour operator to ensure a seamless and hassle-free journey. With careful preparation and an open mind, you’ll be well on your way to discovering the hidden gems and timeless treasures that make China such a captivating destination.

Dave Kelly China, Culture & Fun, Martial Arts, Travel & Training

Top 5 tips for surviving drinking in China

You owe it to yourself not to be the drunken foreigner and more importantly the wrong type of drunken foreigner and let yourself down. Remember the purpose of your journey is to Study Martial Arts. Heavy drinking won’t help you reach your aims and objectives and may cause you, your hosts or school and Shifu to loose face (embarrassment).

Drinking in China and smoking is common place. With cheap alcohol and cigarettes everywhere, this is not the best place to run away to if you want to change these bad habits. This must start at home.

Most social drinking in China is primarily associated with eating. Most drinking takes place around the dinner table and meals as a way to cement relationships and do business. As a topic this subject could easily have a series of blog entries but that will be a story for another day.

Here are my top 5 tips for surviving drinking in China in brief.

1. Showing respect when drinking is probably one of the first things someone will explain to you. When drinking tea or when drinking alcohol with a superior clink your cup/glass lower. Its super simple and easy to remember. But its much appreciated by your elders, fellow guests, shifu’s. The rest of the customs and rules need not be learnt straight away and are things you’ll pick up on or learn as you go. As a foreigner you’ll not be expected to know them or everything.

2. When inviting or being invited out for dinner or meals in China. The standard rule of thumb is usually the inviter pays unless stated otherwise.

3. When drinking follow the lead of others at the table in terms of speed quantity and times. Whatever you do avoid mixing baijiu and beer. You should remember drinking in China can start very slowly but once the individual toasting starts it can be rapid and all those small cups will start catching up on you especially if you’ve insisted on drinking out of turn.

4. If you don’t want to drink have an excuse prepared in advance or warn your host of this. Excuses related to health tend to be the best. Having tried many over the years these where best received by hosts and guests. If you’re not going to be drinking much but still want to show respect have tea ready in your cup and don’t empty the cup (ganbie) just drink as you wish (suiyi).

5. Eat, eat and eat. Show appreciation and be a good guest.

If you would like to learn more about how to survive in China why not check out my post on 10 Mistakes Foreign Martial Arts Students Make in China.

Dave Kelly China, Martial Arts, Master & Schools, Spirituality, Travel & Training

The Spirit of Shaolin By Master Shi Yan Jia

Shaolin Kung Fu is technically speaking the martial arts system of attack and defense movements that uses forms (series of moves combinations:套路 taolu) as a basic method of training. Both the moves and their combinations are based on Traditional Chinese Medicine’s theory about the working of the human body. The cultural and spiritual aspect of Shaolin Kung Fu comes through its essential roots in Chan Buddhism, the first belief shared by practitioners. This is especially the case in regards to wisdom and strength; for wisdom, the Buddha Puti Damo (left) is worshipped to and for strength, the Buddha Jin Na Luo Wang (right) is taken refuge in.

A Typical Day For a Shaolin Monk

Early at five o’clock every morning, the monks of the Shaolin Temple arise with the striking of the gong. They join together to start the first morning class of the day, lasting for 90 minutes. At 06:40, monks mindfully join a line in the Zhai Tang (place where the monks have food) to have breakfast. Before and after the meal, monastic chanting is carried out. Every monk has his own alms bowl with food in it and is not allowed to leave anything uneaten. During this meal time, everyone is to keep silent. Between 08:00-09:00 the monks study Buddhism where dharma learning is taught to cultivate knowledge and wisdom. Between 09:10-11:30, there is study time to practice Kung Fu at the back of a nearby mountain., Lunch is then taken afterwards at 11:40 in a similar manner to breakfast, some grand masters and scholastic monks however do not eat lunch in order to enter fully into their monastic life and study. Afternoon training time then takes place between 14:00-17:30. After a short rest, members of the temple go to the monastery for evening chanting which lasts an hour. The final part of a day is a 45 minute meditation period followed by a period for self-study that lasts until the sound of the bell again at 21:30 which signals the end of the day.

Shaolin Kung Fu’s Nine Steps of learning:

1. 结缘 Knowledge: In various ways, begin to know about Shaolin Kung Fu and the Song Shan Shaolin Temple 2. 仰慕 Admiration: Feel moved by the sprit and character of Shaolin Kung Fu and so be naturally energised towards it. 3. 抱负 Ambition: Start to plan your life again after the feeling of your heart and making the decision to learn Shaolin Kung Fu. After setting a specific goal, set your mind to realize that ambition in your lifetime. 4. 痴迷 Enthusiasm: Make a self-affirmation of the goals chosen and pursue with a one-pointed determination of love and dedication. 5. 行动 Action: Adapt your goal to specific courses of action and start to practice Shaolin Kung Fu. This will be a hard learning process. 6. 认识 Understand: Come to rational knowing and the cultural connotations of Shaolin Kung Fu. 7. 信仰 Faith: Start to transform rational understanding into a deeper understanding about Buddhism. Shaolin Kung Fu is considered one way of learning Chan Buddhism (and so named “Wushu Chan”). 8. 感悟 Awareness: Practice Shaolin Kung Fu from a deeper self belief enabling practice to become not just a goal but an effective path to becoming aware and realising the essence of Buddhism. 9. 见性 Nature: From learning Shaolin Kung Fu, develop a full understanding about wisdom and strength, see the truth of life and the universe.

Master Shi Yan Jia

Master Shi Yan Jia (Wei Shifu) is a 34th generation Shaolin Disciple of the current Shaolin Temple Abbot the Venerable Shi Yong Xin, came to the Shaolin Temple to learn Shaolin Kungfu from the age of 8 years old and stayed there for a further ten years. He is currently ranked at level 7*. He has 8 years of experience in teaching Kung Fu to international students from all over the world and giving performances to many people. In the 1st national Shaolin Kung Fu competition Master Shi Yan Jia was awarded first place in traditional Shaolin Fist form and Shaolin Spear form. At the 9th Sports Meeting in Henan province, he also won first place for his Shaolin Staff routine, and in the championships of Zhengzhou, he came first in the Traditional Sword form category. Master Shi Yan Jia is the headmaster of Qufu shaolin kung flu school. The school has only recently relocated to Shimen mountain near the historic city of Qufu (eastern Shandong Province), hometown of the great Chinese philosopher, Confucius. If you would like to find out more about his school visit www.studymartialarts.org or Skype: studymartialarts.org for a free consultation on your martial arts trip to China.