Frequently Asked Questions

No. The foundations — standing meditation, breathing, and the five basic stances — are designed for complete beginners.

What matters more than experience is willingness to practise slowly and consistently. Many of our students came from other traditions; many came with none at all.

Almost certainly not. Gulun Kung Fu is internal kung fu — a quiet mind matters more than an athletic body.

This practice is more suitable for adults than children and is much less physically demanding than most external forms of Shaolin Kung Fu – although as you progress, the training will become more challenging.

Not much. Head teacher Hufei sometimes teaches combat applications, but as Shifu Wu Nanfang puts it: “We practise Chan, not Chuan.” Zen, not fighting.

If fighting is your priority, this isn’t the right school.

Not as part of the official training, although the regular practice does demand a certain degree of leg strength.

The students typically train an hour of conditioning work – flexibility, running, balance, strength training – in the early mornings to complement the regular training.

You may recognise the emphasis on slow movement, breathing and relaxation. Gulun Kung Fu has its own lineage and training system, rooted in Shaolin and Chan practice.

Standing meditation, breathing exercises and compact, coiling movements form the foundation. See The Practice for a closer look at how we train.

Most Shaolin content online shows external Shaolin — fast, athletic, acrobatic, performance-oriented. Gulun Kung Fu is internal Shaolin. Slow, spiralling, meditative. The movements come from the dantian and flow outward. Both traditions are legitimate; they’re simply different branches with different aims.

You don’t have to stay at the academy. There are three options:

• Academy dormitories, included in the standard fee.
• A nearby hotel with private rooms, around a 20-minute walk away.
• Apartments around 5km from the academy, with a kitchen, bathroom, washing machine and living room.

See Before You Arrive for photos, rates and transport details. Contact Li Juan to confirm availability before booking.

Rooms are clean, modern dormitories for a maximum of four people.

In practice it would be unusual for there to be more than two others in your room. Often you’ll have it to yourself.

Yes. Rooms are equipped with air conditioning and hot water. Wifi is available.

Full pre-departure checklist: Before You Arrive.

The school is a 90-minute taxi ride from Zhengzhou Airport. Fly into Zhengzhou via a major Chinese city, or consider flying to Wuhan and taking a train.

Book your taxi via Didi or Amap using this address: 会善寺西800米路北800米古轮禅院. The fare is around 200 yuan plus a 50 yuan road toll.

Full logistics guide: Before You Arrive.

The appropriate visa depends on your nationality, the purpose of your visit and your planned stay. Check the current requirements with the Chinese embassy or visa application centre handling your application.

An X2 visa is for short-term study of up to 180 days. Contact Li Juan about the school’s supporting documents and confirm that your application centre accepts them. Visa approval, extensions and re-entry are not automatic.

School documents and preparation: Before You Arrive. Official guidance: Chinese Visa Application Service Centre.

Some foreign websites and services are unavailable on mainland Chinese internet connections. Access varies with your connection and provider, so arrange and test the services you need before travelling.

See the SIM cards and internet section of Before You Arrive, and check current local requirements. No provider can guarantee uninterrupted access.

WeChat Pay and Alipay are widely used. Set up the apps before travelling, link an eligible bank card and complete any identity checks they request.

Cash and bank cards are also payment options, though foreign-card acceptance varies by merchant. Use an ATM displaying your card network’s logo if you need to withdraw cash, and check fees with your bank.

School payment arrangements and preparation: Before You Arrive.

Start with WeChat and Alipay for messaging and payments, plus Amap and Didi for navigation and taxis. Youdao or Microsoft Translator can help with conversations.

Install and set up the apps before flying; account verification is easier to sort out while you still have access to your usual phone number. Save the school’s Chinese address offline.

The app list and setup instructions are in Before You Arrive.

Dengfeng and the area around the academy are quiet places to stay and train. Take normal precautions with your belongings and on the roads, and arrange travel insurance.

Check your government’s current travel advice before booking. For practical questions about the local area, contact Li Juan.