Visa

The visa process for China is straightforward.

Short stays (under 30 days): Tourist visa (L visa)

Medium stays (1-3 months): Cultural exchange visa (F visa)

Longer stays (up to 6 months): Study visa (X2 visa)

Note: Not all embassies accept kung fu schools for X2 visas. However, I successfully obtained X2 visas from Britain, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Japan but was rejected in Hong Kong.

Some countries offer 2-year multiple entry visas (e.g., Britain)—unlimited entries, max 120 days per stay.

For any visa:

1. Email Li Juan for an invitation letter at wugulunacademy@hotmail.com

2. Include: gender, visa type, dates, passport number

3. Check the requirements carefully and ensure you have all documentation before your visa appointment

If you want to stay long-term, you can do so easily by leaving the country to get a new visa before coming back. You can stay indefinitely using this strategy.

SIM Cards & Internet

Option 1: eSIM (Simple)

Download before arriving or through Alipay once here. Foreign eSIMs bypass VPN requirements. Examples: Ubigi, Airalo.

Option 2: Local SIM (Cheaper but tricky)

Hit-and-miss for short stays—they don't always allow short-term visitors to get SIM cards. Ben can probably sort you out (I'm friends with telecom company staff), but eSIM is more reliable.

Foreign websites like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and possibly your bank are blocked in China.

If you don’t download an e-sim, download one of these BEFORE arriving:

• Let's VPN (letsvpn.world)

• Ladder VPN (laddervpn.live)

• Roo VPN (iPhone)

Avoid: ExpressVPN and NordVPN—expensive and unreliable in China.

Money

Everyone uses QR code payments in China.

You cannot use foreign cards to make payments.

So, before arriving:

1. Download WeChat and Alipay (ensure back-up)

2. Link your bank card

   1. Alipay: Account > Bank Card > Add Bank Card

   2. WeChat:

3. Modern banks (Wise, Revolut) work without issues. Notify old-school banks about China travel before you arrive.

Cash exists but is rare.

ATMs now all accept foreign cards.

Pre-Departure Checklist

Essential Steps

1. Download apps: WeChat, Alipay, 有道翻译官, Amap, Didi

2. Link your bank card to Alipay and WeChat. Notify bank of China travel

3. Download eSIM or VPN (before arriving!)

4. Email Li Juan at wugulunacademy@hotmail.com for visa invitation letter. Her telephone number in China is: 15937138860

5. Save school address in Chinese on phone: 会善寺西800米路北800米古轮禅院

Nice to Have

1. Download Taobao for shopping

2. Download EZ Screen Translator

3. Learn to say "hello" and your country in Chinese

Questions? Email Li Juan at wugulunacademy@hotmail.com or Ben at ben@benlucas.co. We're here to help make your China experience smooth and enjoyable.

Living in China

Misconceptions about China

China has become much easier for foreigners in recent years. Contrary to popular belief, it's one of the least bureaucratic and most relaxed countries I've been to.

• Attitudes to Foreigners: It's far more common for people to give me discounts, waive fees, or refuse payment entirely than to try to overcharge me. It's absolutely not the case that people are trying to take advantage of foreigners. If you can say "nǐ hǎo" (hello) and your country name in Chinese, people will explode with excitement and tell you your Chinese is amazing.

• China is actually much safer than Europe. There's virtually no crime, drunkenness or no aggressive behaviour in China. The culture is more reserved and friendly—people aren't trying to one-up each other or compete to be the coolest. Instead, there's a genuine effort to make others feel comfortable. Personally, I feel much less threatened and more at home here than in Europe. While China has different customs and ways of communicating, people understand that Westerners are different and are very accommodating. Don't worry too much about messing up etiquette.

• Cost of Living: You can live like a king here for very little money. Everything costs about 25% of European prices. For example, at a luxury spa for €35, you get: 90-minute full body oil massage, private room with music, unlimited fruit and food, plus access to spa facilities with sauna and hot baths.

• Long-term Stays: Want to stay indefinitely? When your visa expires, simply leave, get a new one, and return. No restrictions. Since living costs are so low, it makes more sense to earn money here than save at home. We're flexible with training schedules if you need to work.

• Kung Fu Misconception: People think Chinese are protective about kung fu and don't want foreigners learning. Complete rubbish! Chinese people are thrilled that foreigners want to learn their culture. They're often more excited about Westerners practicing than locals.

Location & Things to Do

The school is located halfway between Dengfeng city and Shaolin Temple—perfect because it's quiet yet convenient. 15 minutes to the city, 15 minutes to the temple.

There are many great spots in town for tea, massage, and general exploration.

With Amap or Didi ride-hailing app, you can easily hop into town for 20 RMB. Otherwise, there are regular buses. I bought an electric scooter for €180. This was perhaps the best investment of my life – zipping around the mountains. We can help you easily rent one.

The Sacred Mountain: This is Songshan, the central sacred mountain of China—seen as where heaven meets earth. From ancient Chinese perspective, this was the center of the world. The landscape is vast and sweeping, with dinosaur fossils found throughout. It has powerful yang energy, said to be healing for those who are sick. You can feel why Zen was born here—the energy is ancient and profound.

Nature: Endless stretches of mountain and forest paths where you can lose yourself in quiet contemplation. I know secret spots for swimming in nature. There's a great hike up the main peak with spectacular views.

It's a true feast to wake up on a Sunday morning and think about which incredible historical site to explore. This area is extraordinarily rich in culture and ancient wisdom.

Options:

• Shaolin Temple. The birthplace of Chan Buddhism and kung fu, just 15 minutes from the school. Best visited early morning to avoid crowds. Walk through the compound to the main temple, then continue up to Bodhidharma's cave for spectacular valley views. Two cable car routes offer different perspectives—one to his disciple's dwelling, another leading to a breathtaking 4km mountain ridge walk ending at San Huang Zhai temple. The walk is challenging but unforgettable.

• San Huang Zhai. A newly rebuilt temple on an ancient site, conceived by Master Shi Dejian. This architectural marvel perches dramatically on the mountainside—a spectacular feat of engineering and spiritual vision. Best reached via the cable car and mountain walkway from Shaolin Temple. The journey itself, winding along cliff paths, is as remarkable as the destination.

• Fawang Temple. The second oldest temple in China at 2,500 years, built in the 7th century on an even more ancient site. Perched high on Yuzhu Mountain's slopes, it offers sweeping views of Dengfeng and houses a wushu school. The peaceful grounds and well-preserved buildings reward the climb to the summit. Far fewer tourists make it here, preserving its contemplative atmosphere.

• Songyue Pagoda. Constructed in 523 AD during the Northern Wei Dynasty, this is China's oldest brick pagoda and one of the few intact 6th-century structures. Most buildings from that era were wooden and didn't survive. Standing in solitary grandeur about 3km from Fawang Temple, it's a testament to ancient engineering and spiritual devotion.

• Songyang Academy. One of China's four great ancient academies, originally built in 484 AD. First a Buddhist site, then Taoist, finally becoming a renowned Confucian center of learning in 1035. While mostly rebuilt, it houses China's oldest tree—a 4,500-year-old cypress honored with military titles by Emperor Wu. Standing before this ancient life puts everything in perspective.

• Zhongyue Miao. The largest Taoist temple in Henan Province, with roots stretching back to 700 BC. The current Qing dynasty complex features remarkable Song dynasty iron guards from 1064 and a unique stele depicting China's five sacred mountains. Unlike bustling Shaolin, this temple maintains deep silence—perfect for meditation. A pagoda behind offers panoramic views.

• Laomu Dong. An extraordinary Taoist temple that, for me, surpasses even the famous temples of Wudang. The energy here is uniquely powerful—ancient, peaceful, and deeply mystical. Tucked into the mountains, it remains relatively unknown to tourists, preserving its sacred atmosphere. The journey there through winding mountain paths adds to its otherworldly quality.

• Gaocheng Astronomical Observatory. A UNESCO World Heritage site where 13th-century Chinese astronomers calculated Earth's orbit around the sun with stunning accuracy—within 20 minutes of modern measurements. Built in 1279 under Kublai Khan, this observatory represents centuries of Chinese astronomical tradition. Standing here, you feel the ancients' dedication to understanding heaven's movements.

• Zen Music Performance. A spectacular outdoor performance set in a natural valley amphitheater of Songshan. Using the mountain itself as backdrop, lights, music, and movement tell the story of Zen's evolution. The setting sun, ancient peaks, and artistic mastery combine for an unforgettable evening. Visible from the school when lit up at night.

• Longmen Grottoes. A bit farther afield (2 hours) but absolutely worth it—this UNESCO World Heritage site near Luoyang contains thousands of Buddha statues carved into riverside cliffs. The artistry and devotion carved into stone over centuries is breathtaking. Best visited with a small group to share transport costs.