7 Tai Chi & Kung Fu Classes in China That Earn the Early Start

1.Chinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 53 reviews · 3 days · from $45Our pick

Meet English-speaking guide Limeng and a Shaolin-trained master in Pudusi, a nearly 700-year-old royal temple beside the Forbidden City’s east gate. In a one-hour class, you learn basic kungfu forms, self-defense, and practical movements. The setting is intimate, with small-group or one-to-one teaching possible. Uniforms may be bought separately.

“Was lucky enough to have a one to one class. Enjoyed every second and would definitely do again. Highly recommended. Do not miss this.”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Private Tour: Longmen Grottoes, Shaolin Temple & Kungfu Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 17 reviews · 8 - 11 hours · from $158

Travel from Xi’an, Zhengzhou, or Luoyang in a private vehicle to two UNESCO-listed sights. Your guide leads you through Longmen’s 2,300 grottoes, then Shaolin Temple, lunch, and a kung fu show by Shaolin monks. Guides such as Lily, Jane, Francesca, Cecilia, and Shirley have been praised for clear explanations and thoughtful help.

“We had a wonderful tour with the loveliest guide and driver. They were so patient, kind and helpful with the toddler we had in our group. The Kung Fu show was incredible, as was the Shaolin Temple and the Longmen Grottoes - well worth a visit and we would all recommend booking this tour!”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $58Top rated

Meet an English-speaking master from Beijing San Feng Tai Chi Club for a private 90-minute beginner lesson. You’ll learn a nine-step tai chi form, standing meditation, push hands, and self-massage while exploring yin-yang and Taoist ideas. Morning and afternoon times are available, with the class ending at the meeting point.

“Had a great time learning tai chi in the Park. The teacher was informative a few all had a great time! I loved being in the area with others learning t”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Chinese Kung Fu Experience Class in Beijing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $65

Meet your Kung Fu master near Beijing’s Temple of Heaven and spend 90 minutes learning stances, punches, kicks, a five-stance fist form, joint locks, and self-defense. The private class suits families and mixed-age groups. Master Liu is praised for clear English, patience, and an engaging teaching style.

“We had a great experience at the kung fu course. Our kung fu master waited for us in time in front of the temple of Heaven area. We went inside the area and performed the course in the shade of some trees. We did not only learn the kRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $58

Meet your English-speaking Tai Chi master at the Temple of Heaven’s east gate for a private 90-minute beginner class. Eric, Leo, and Master Lui teach a nine-step form, standing meditation, push hands, Tai Chi culture, and simple self-massage. The class is practical, calm, and suited to first-time students.

“La nostra esperienza è stata davvero ottima: non avevamo mai praticato tai-chi prima della lezione ed il Maestro ci ha fatto un’interessante introduzione teorico-pratica da cui si può partire con il proprio percorso. Davvero consigliata!”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Temple Of Heaven+Tai Chi Class+Tea Ceremony

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · 6 hours · from $129

Spend six hours with an English-speaking guide at Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, where you’ll join a 30 to 40-minute Tai Chi class, explore the Echo Wall and secret Echo Stone, then visit a tea house for a Central China tea ceremony. Guides including Candice, Alice, Simon, Jaki, Jackie, and Lisa have led this experience.

“Excellent experience!! The Tai Chi class was so fun and informative. Simon is an incredible guide and knows so much about Temple of Heaven as well as China’s history. Highlight of the trip was the tea ceremony where we had really wonderful teas. Really engaging and would go again.”

Check availability →Read our full review

7.Bullet Train Day Tour to Shaolin Temple&Martial Arts

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 4 reviews · 15 hours · from $348

Travel from Beijing to Zhengzhou by second-class bullet train, then continue by private vehicle to Shaolin Temple. A Beijing driver helps you reach the correct train, while your Zhengzhou guide meets you at the station. Expect temple halls, the Pagoda Forest, a kung fu show, and roughly 15 hours of door-to-door travel.

“Es war ein fantastischer Ausflug. Ich wurde in Beijing zum Bahnhof und bis zum richtigen Zug gebracht. In Zhengzhou wurde ich am Bahnhof abgeholt. Dann ging es mit dem Auto weiter zum Shaolin Tempel. Der Tourguide konnte gut englisch und hat mir viel über chinesische Geschichte erzählt. Der Shaolin Tempel war wunderschön und das Wetter toll. Dann folgte noch eine super Kung Fu Show und dann ging es mit dem Zug zurück nach Beijing. Es war ein wundervoller Ausflug.”

Check availability →Read our full review