School directory

Chenjiagou Taijiquan School is China's first formally registered public Tai Chi school, located in Chen Village — the birthplace of Tai Chi Chuan. Run by Chen Xiaoxing (19th generation Chen family lineage) as principal and Chen Ziqiang (20th generation) as head coach. Offers courses from 5-day holiday programs to 9-year full curricula, with adult short-term programs starting from 1 month.

Wudang Five Immortals Temple is the only location in the Wudang Mountains where foreign students can legally reside and study inside an active Taoist temple. Run by Abbot Li Song Feng, the temple offers courses in Wudang internal martial arts, Taoist philosophy, traditional Chinese medicine, and internal alchemy. The emphasis is on spiritual cultivation and internal development rather than physical conditioning.

Kunyu Mountain is one of the longest-running and most foreigner-friendly kung fu schools in China. Founded in 2004, the school has trained students from over 60 countries and offers confirmed X1 and X2 student visa sponsorship. Training takes place in a mountain forest park setting with small class sizes and English-speaking instructors. Styles include Shaolin, Wing Chun, Tai Chi, and Qigong.

Maling Shaolin Kung Fu Academy is located in Jiangsu Province and run by Master Bao, a 32nd-generation Shaolin Warrior Monk. One of the most reviewed kung fu schools in China by foreign students, with accounts consistently spanning over a decade. Known for its family atmosphere, exceptional food cooked by Mama Bao, strong English support through Lisa, and training that accommodates all levels from complete beginners to experienced martial artists.

Shaolin Xinyiba Traditional Wushu Institute is run by Master Hu Zhengsheng, a researcher and practitioner of traditional Shaolin boxing and Xinyiba — a Shaolin sub-style related to Xing Yi Quan. Located between the Shaolin Temple and Dengfeng, the school is small, internationally oriented, and has an English-speaking instructor dedicated to foreign students. One of the most academically rigorous traditional kung fu schools currently accepting foreign students in China.

Shaolin Yongzhi Academy is run by Master Yongzhi, a respected figure in traditional Shaolin kung fu lineage. The school only recently began accepting foreign students and notably follows the same curriculum used for Chinese students — not a program specifically designed for foreigners. This makes it one of the more authentic options currently available near the Shaolin Temple area.

Wudang Mountain Kung Fu Academy is located inside the Wudang Mountain UNESCO World Heritage scenic zone in Hubei Province. The school teaches traditional Wudang internal arts including Tai Chi, Bagua Zhang, and Wudang sword, with a strong emphasis on Taoist philosophy and meditation alongside physical training. Class sizes are capped at 10 students.

An Wushu School is run by An Jian Qiu, a practitioner with a background on China's national Sanda team. The school teaches both traditional kung fu forms and practical combat application, which is relatively rare among schools that accept foreign students. Recommended by experienced practitioners in the kung fu community.

Chenjiagou Taijiquan Gongfu School traces its origins to the Chen Family Northwest Boxing Society founded by Chen Huamei (15th generation) during the Qing dynasty. Rebuilt in 1988 and renamed in 2005, the school was founded by Chen Zhaosen (19th generation Chen family lineage holder, 11th generation Tai Chi direct lineage) and is currently run by his son Chen Zhiwei (20th generation, 12th generation Tai Chi direct lineage) as principal. Known for small class instruction, flexible enrollment, and one of the most affordable pricing structures in Chenjiagou.

Chenjiagou International Tai Chi Institute was founded in 2007 by Chen Bing, a 12th generation Chen family direct lineage holder. Located at the southern entrance to Chenjiagou Village, it is the largest training facility in the village by area, offering comprehensive programs for children, adults, and international students. The institute operates both an old campus and a newer campus opened in 2021.

Dengfeng Epo Kung Fu School is one of the most affordable options for foreign students wanting to train in the Shaolin Temple area. Located near Dengfeng city in Henan Province, the school offers genuine Shaolin kung fu training at a price point significantly lower than most foreigner-oriented schools.

Qufu Shaolin Kung Fu School is located in the Shimen Mountain area near Qufu, Shandong Province — the birthplace of Confucius. The school teaches Shaolin kung fu, Wing Chun, Northern Mantis Fist, Tai Chi, and Qigong, and is notable for being close to one of China's most significant cultural heritage sites.

Shaolin Wudang Kung Fu School operates within Wudang Jingwu Martial Arts School in the Wudang Mountain area of Hubei Province. Founded in 2025, the school is run by two 34th generation Shaolin Temple lay disciples — Shifu Shi Yanpeng and Shifu Shi Yanning — and offers an unusual combination of Shaolin and Wudang styles in a single location.

Shen Jiangfei Martial Arts School is located on Longhu Mountain in Jiangxi Province — one of China's most sacred Taoist sites and a UNESCO World Heritage candidate. The school combines Tai Chi, Shaolin kung fu, and practical self-defence in a setting that is among the most visually striking of any kung fu school in China.

Siping City Shaolin Martial Arts Academy was founded in 1995 by Shi Xingkuo, a former Shaolin monk, and is one of the longest-running kung fu schools for foreigners in China. Located near Ye He Ancient Castle in Jilin Province, Northeast China, the school has trained over 2,000 students from more than 50 countries. It offers a wide range of styles and allows students to choose their training group based on intensity preference.

Tianmeng Kung Fu Academy operates two training camps on Tianmeng Mountain in Shandong Province. The school teaches a range of styles including Shaolin, Wing Chun, Plum Blossom Fist, and Sanda, with a notable emphasis on Taoist health cultivation and Qigong. The academy grows its own organic food and integrates health and wellness into the training philosophy.

Wang Zhanjun Tai Chi School was co-founded in 1996 by Wang Xian — a UNESCO intangible heritage representative, one of the Four Tigers of Chen Tai Chi, and Chinese Martial Arts 9th Duan — and Wang Zhanjun, a leading figure in Chinese Tai Chi with over 100 arena competition victories. Located in Chenjiagou, the school is Henan Province's only Grade 1 rated martial arts school and has trained over 100,000 students.