My friend Vyara Gylsen, who is a longtime reader, wanted me to pass on this information about a free Chinese culture event happening in Beijing this Saturday, December 29, from 10:30am to 4pm. You can enjoy guided meditation, classes on calligraphy and Chinese tea ceremonies, traditional Chinese health tips, and a martial arts performance, all at a gorgeous monastery set in the mountains. A vegetarian lunch will be provided.
Here’s a brief introduction to the setting and the overall experience (quoted from their flyer, available in English and Chinese):
You are cordially invited to participate in our event for expats in Beijing.
Experience traditional Chinese culture by visiting us at one of Beijing’s most beautiful locations to take part in activities especially prepared for friends from all over the world. Hosted at Beijing’s Longquan Monastery at the foot of the Phoenix Range mountain, this location is off the beaten path where tourists and expats can enjoy a hidden oasis only your Chinese friends could know about. Here you will be able to feel the serenity, friendship and relaxing atmosphere the venue offers, meet new friends from different backgrounds and have an experience very different to modern Chinese lifestyle. Take time out of your daily routine to learn authentic traditional Chinese culture away from the hustle and bustle of downtown Beijing, in a manner unlike any activity university or work place can offer.
The address is: Longquan Monastery, 27, Fenghuangling Road Haidian District, Beijing, China 100194. To get there, take bus 209, 330, 331, 332, 394, 718, 726, 732, 737, 801, 808, 817, 826 to Summer Palace, or take subway Line 4 to Bei Gongmen, then change to bus 346 or taxi to the destination. It takes approximately 20 minutes from Bei Gongmen. Otherwise, the monastery can arrange to pick you up from Bei Gongmen station at 10am.
For more information — or to reserve your space — contact either Vyara (13051458618) or Janet (13693210527), or e-mail the monastery ([email protected]). You can also visit the monastery’s website to learn more, or download an English or Chinese flyer.
Thank you for sharing!
What a pity we can’t attend!
Cool! Due to nomadic influence, Beijing area is well known for esoteric Tibetan Buddhism.
Sigh!!! Wishing SO much I could go to this… Do they do pick-ups from Central Station, Syndey, Australia? …. Didn’t think so..:(
I wish I could go. I have been going to the temple this yr alot.
Wow thanks so much for this Jocelyn! We had a massive success at the event, quite unexpected. Will have loads of these in the future, so if people are interested in such activities, please do keep in touch. Longquan Monastery is one of the most worthwhile places to visit in all of China for so many reasons. Much love for sharing this, especially at such a busy time like Christmas and New Year!
Hi Vyara, I’m glad to hear the event was such a hit! It was my pleasure to share this event, and if you have others in the future, don’t hesitate to let me know.