Martial Arts & Chinese Culture Study Tour in Xi’an
Our martial arts study tour in China brings Chinese martial arts together with Chinese language and culture in a single itinerary in Xi’an. Students take three martial arts classes, in tai chi, nanquan (Southern Fist) and changquan (Long Fist), on the campus of Xi’an International University. Around them are Chinese lessons, a guqin workshop, a tea culture session, Chinese calligraphy, and visits to the city’s historic sites.
What Students Learn
Three martial arts classes
The three classes are spread through the itinerary, each on a day that also has another activity, so martial arts practice alternates with lessons, workshops and site visits rather than filling whole days.
The itinerary covers these three styles only. If your group has a particular interest, such as more time on one style, tell us when you enquire.
Chinese lessons and cultural workshops
Students also have Chinese lessons. On the cultural side, the guqin workshop comes with a talk on Tang-era Silk Road music and its links with ancient Middle Eastern music, the tea culture session covers flower and green teas and traditional tea etiquette, and there is a session of Chinese calligraphy.
Historic sites
Several visits come with a talk on a set topic. A visit to the city wall and the Bell and Drum Towers includes a cycle ride through the old city and a talk on how ancient Chang’an was planned, and the Terracotta Army visit covers Qin-dynasty sculpture and ancient Silk Road transport. A study visit to the Tang West Market Museum looks at relics of Arab and Persian merchants of the Tang dynasty, and at a historic mosque in the Muslim Quarter, students visit the local Muslim community to learn about Chinese Islamic folk culture. The itinerary also includes the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Da Ci’en Temple and the Grand Tang Mall, a Tang-themed pedestrian street.
Classes in This Theme
These are the classes on the 9-day itinerary, with the days they fall on.
| Class | In this theme | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Tai Chi & Martial Arts | Tai chi, nanquan and changquan, one class each | Days 2, 4 and 6 |
| Chinese Language | Two Chinese lessons | Days 3 and 5 |
| Guqin | A guqin workshop | Day 6 |
| Chinese Tea Art | A tea culture session | Day 7 |
| Calligraphy | Chinese calligraphy | Day 8 |
The 9-Day Itinerary
9 days
9-Day Martial Arts & Chinese Culture Camp
- Day 1: arrival and check-in.
- Day 2: opening ceremony and campus tour; tai chi.
- Day 3: a Chinese lesson; the city wall and the Bell and Drum Towers, with a cycle ride through the old city and a talk on how ancient Chang’an was planned.
- Day 4: nanquan; the Tang West Market Museum, with a study visit on relics of Arab and Persian merchants of the Tang dynasty.
- Day 5: a Chinese lesson; the Terracotta Army, with a talk on Qin-dynasty sculpture and ancient Silk Road transport.
- Day 6: changquan; a guqin workshop with a talk on Tang-era Silk Road music.
- Day 7: a tea culture session; a historic mosque in the Muslim Quarter, visiting the local Muslim community.
- Day 8: Chinese calligraphy and the closing ceremony; the Giant Wild Goose Pagoda in Da Ci’en Temple and the Grand Tang Mall.
- Day 9: departure.
Price on enquiry.
Tailored to Your Group
Theme, duration and content can be tailored in advance. If you would like a shorter or longer martial arts itinerary, or a different balance between martial arts, lessons and visits, tell us when you enquire and we will suggest an itinerary.
Questions About This Theme
Do other itineraries include martial arts?
Only in part. The 14-Day Chinese Language & Culture Camp includes tai chi among its cultural classes, and the 10-Day Chinese Language & Silk Road Camp includes a gentle exercise class of simplified tai chi and baduanjin, which is not a martial arts class. Nanquan and changquan are only on this itinerary.
Do students receive a martial arts grade or qualification?
Grading and martial arts qualifications are not part of the itinerary. Participants who complete the programme receive a certificate of completion issued by Xi’an International University.
Practical Details
Accommodation, safety, costs and how planning works are the same for every theme. You will find them on our School Trips to China page.
Plan a Martial Arts Study Tour in Xi’an
Tell us about your group and what you would like students to practise, and we will suggest an itinerary and send a quotation.