Palace of the Heavenly Dragon 天龍宮
Frequently Asked Questions
If I study in China are there tourist activities?
You can choose to stay from 2 weeks to 3 months in China. You can study at Master Zhang’s school, the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon or at Huazhong University in Wuhan. You can combine your study trip with tourist activities, including a trip to Tibet, or you may concentrate your studies at the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon or Huazhong University in Wuhan.
What is a typical day like at the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon?
There are two resident Kungfu and Medical Qigong instructors at the Center who are available throughout the day as well as guest instructors in Kungfu, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Painting and Calligraphy. Before your departure, Master Zhang assesses the needs of the students participating and makes available the instructors needed. The schedule is prepared for each individual by Master Zhang and passed along to the instructors. Master Zhang then oversees the instruction of each of the students and at times undertakes the instruction himself. You can either choose a structured schedule or a loose one. Some prefer to take each day as it comes. There are always instructors practicing at the Center and you can ask them to teach you what they are practicing, or you can ask them to teach you according to your interests. Some prefer to have a structured approach with certain times of the day set aside for instruction and practice. Again, you will develop your program with Master Zhang and he will oversee your development.
What are some of the tourist sites I will visit in China?
The itinerary is planned according to the group’s interest. There are many tourist opportunities available depending on variety of conditions such as expense, availability and interest. Some of the tourist sites available are Leshan, located at Mt. Emei, home of the largest stone Buddha sculpture in the world. Jiulong Valley, a large forest with waterfalls and hiking trails, home of the Panda. Lao Tze and Confucius Temples at Mt. Qingcheng. Historical East Lake in Wuhan. The Crane Tower in Wuhan. At Beijing the Great Wall and the Imperial Palace, and in Tibet, Lixan City, home of Nyingma Tibetan Monasteries and Natural Hot Springs.
Could you explain Work Study?
Basically, work study means you want to pretty much stay at the Palace of the Heavenly Dragon and learn as much Kungfu or other traditional Chinese Art as you can within a set amount of time. You will be asked to clean up after yourself, do your own laundry and keep your own rice bowl clean and maybe assist others in learning a little English. Since you aren’t involved in the tourist sites you are only paying for your tuition, room and board and taxis.
What is the weather like in China?
In the Winter it is going to be cold and snowy in Beijing. But you don’t have to go to Beijing. You can fly to Chengdu via Guangzhou or Shanghai. In the Summer time Beijing is much like the Summers in the Northern U.S.A. The Palace of the Heavenly Dragon is located in the Mountains about an hour and a half from Chengdu. It is semitropical there and in the Summer time it is hot and humid, but you are protected a bit from the Sun by the clouds. The Winter is damp and chilly, in the 40’s. But there are heated beds available and the amount of time you spend practicing keeps your body plenty warm. The Aba region of Tibet is much like Northern U.S.A. and Southern Canada.
What are the costs for the China trip?
Since these are customized tours, costs can vary a lot and there are a number of factors that determine this, including airfare, ground transportation, or trips to Tibet, Beijing or other long distance trips. Please contact us for more information. Again, the price is largely determined by your personalized itinerary as discussed with Master Zhang.
Are there scholarships available?
Yes, depending on our donations there are some scholarships available. Of course, there is great demand for a lower tuition rate, but you are always encouraged to further your studies. You should consult with us to determine your eligibility and needs.
