Chenjiagou Taijiquan School

Main entrance to Chenjiagou Taijiquan School

Chenjiagou Taijiquan School holds a unique position in the world of Chen-style Tai Chi: it is China's first formally registered public Tai Chi school, located in the village where Tai Chi was created in the 17th century.

The school is led by Chen Xiaoxing, a 19th generation Chen family lineage holder, UNESCO intangible cultural heritage representative, and president of the Chenjiagou Chen Family Tai Chi Association. Head coach is Chen Ziqiang, a 20th generation direct descendant widely regarded as one of the finest Chen-style practitioners alive. Over ten international Tai Chi champions serve as coaches.

Chen Xiaoxing, 19th generation Chen family lineage holder and principal

Courses for Adult Foreign Students

The school offers several programs suited to foreign visitors:

Short-term course (1 month) — ¥1,100 (~$150) For complete beginners. Covers basic stances (Wuji, Taiji, Liangyi), silk reeling exercises, and Laojia Yilu (Old Frame First Form).

Standard adult course (Puxiu Ban)

• 1 month: ¥1,500 (~$210)
• 6 months: ¥5,500 (~$760)
• 1 year: ¥9,500 (~$1,310)

Covers health and fitness focus: basic stances, multiple forms including Dajia, 19-form, 38-form, Laojia Yilu and Erjiu, sword forms, and push hands.

Self-select course (1 month) — ¥2,100 (~$290) For students with some prior Tai Chi experience. Choose any two disciplines from a wide range including forms, weapons, push hands, and Sanda.

Coach training course (3 months) — ¥5,000 (~$690) For students with existing Tai Chi foundation. Covers full curriculum with theory and practical application. Certificate awarded on passing exam.

Holiday programs 5-day programs available during Golden Week holidays: ¥1,000 (~$140).

Additional Costs

Accommodation (per month, paid separately):

• Shared dormitory: ¥300 (~$40)
• Standard single room: ¥900 (~$125)
• Premium single room: ¥2,000 (~$275)

Living expenses: approximately ¥700/month (~$97)

Note: Foreign student fees are calculated in USD. Confirm current exchange rates and exact USD pricing directly with the school.

Training Schedule (Adult Classes)

• 8:00–8:30 — Principal's class (6 days/week, year-round)
• 9:00–11:30 — Morning training
• 14:30–17:30 — Afternoon training

Curriculum

The school teaches an exceptionally comprehensive curriculum including: all major Chen-style forms (Old Frame, New Frame, Competition forms), over 15 weapon disciplines (single sword, double sword, saber, Spring-Autumn Halberd, spear, staff, and more), push hands, Sanda, Tai Chi ball, and fan forms. Theory classes cover Tai Chi philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine principles, and martial ethics.

Two students practicing push hands (tuishou), a core training method in Chen Tai Chi

Getting There

Chenjiagou is located between four major cities: Zhengzhou, Luoyang, Xinxiang, and Jiaozuo. From any of these cities, take a long-distance bus to Wenxian County, then a taxi to Chenjiagou (approximately 7 minutes).

From Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport: long-distance bus to Wenxian, then taxi to the school.

Important: The school is located inside a tourist scenic area where vehicles are restricted. Contact the school before arrival to arrange transport.

Contact: 0391-6416456 / 13939125557 (WeChat same number)

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Information last reviewed May 2026, based on the school's 2026 enrollment announcement. Verify current pricing and program availability directly with the school before booking.

Student Account: Daily Life at the School

The following is based on a first-hand account from a student who trained at the school.

The village environment

Chenjiagou village has old-style shops and very few restaurants. The nearest county town is approximately 5km away. Students who want more dining variety will need to travel there occasionally.

Food

The school canteen costs approximately ¥700/month. Breakfast and dinner are simple — congee, steamed buns, potato and spinach dishes. Lunch is usually rice, occasionally dumplings or noodles. Meat is rare and dishes repeat daily. Students who want more variety can eat outside the school.

School canteen providing daily meals for students

Training structure

The school has two coaches and two assistant coaches. Students are grouped by arrival date. Instructors teach new material, then students practice with assistant coaches who are available for questions. The principal personally helps students correct their form structure.

Foreign and Chinese students training Chen-style Tai Chi together

• Morning: 9:00–11:30
• Afternoon: 2:00–5:30
• Optional standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang) at 9:00 AM
• Six days per week, Sunday off
• Saturday includes a theory class

Accommodation

The school buildings are old. Three accommodation options on campus:

• Shared dormitory: ¥300/month
• Single room (no private bathroom): ¥900/month
• Single room (private bathroom): ¥2,000/month

Student dormitory room with basic furnishings

Off-campus option: standard rooms with private bathroom available nearby for approximately ¥1,500/month, though students staying off-campus pay ¥400 more in tuition.

The best guesthouses in Chenjiagou village cost around ¥6,000/month and include private courtyard. Standard guesthouses run ¥1,000–1,500/month.

Chenjiagou Village street view near the school

Account from a student who trained at the school. Conditions may have changed — verify directly with the school.