The Best Yoga Retreats in China

If you’re looking to combine a short trip with the chance to reconnect, recharge and unwind, a yoga retreat may be just the tonic. We list five of the best in China.

Beijing

Described as a “tranquil and serene hideaway to relax, reflect and recharge”, the Mountain Yoga Retreat is situated in the western mountains of Beijing, close to Asia’s largest botanical garden, a number of ancient temple sites and numerous hiking trails. This atmospheric retreat is the perfect location to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. You can participate in one of the regular weekend or weekday retreat programs such as the Meditation & Cleansing workshop hosted by Sannyasin Mantramurti from Satyananda Yoga Ashram in Australia. The retreat offers a number of activities besides yoga: meditation, drumming circles, Chinese calligraphy, tea ceremonies and Kirtan(mantra chanting). All meals are homemade and vegetarian.

Shanghai

The oh-so-groovy Y+ brand has three fantastic studios situated across Shanghai; a large architect designed flagship studio in Xintiandi; a vast renovated loft space that used to be a movie theatre in Anfu Lu; and a small but perfectly formed studio in Fuxing West, in a heritage building in the heart of the French Concession. There’s a mind boggling array of classes on offer - over 200 - covering every style from the latest, hippest yoga to more traditional methods. There’s truly something for everyone, and at weekends they run special workshops and ‘yoga clinics’ covering yoga techniques, nutrition, meditation and philosophy. They also offer comprehensive training courses for anyone looking to become a yoga teacher.

Mutianyu - Great Wall

Revel in the luxury of simplicity at the Brickyard Eco-Retreat at Mutianyu Great Wall; a unique and charming destination situated on the site of a former tile factory with stunning views of the Great Wall and Yanshan Mountains. Just an hour’s drive from Beijing, the Brickyard forms part of an extended stable of quietly luxurious eco venues and dining options throughout the Bohai Township, all managed and owned by ex-Beijing expats Jim Spear and Liang Tang, who have revitalized the village and maintain a dedicated vision of sustainability and partnership with the local community. They run regular weekend yoga retreats taught by Western Academy Beijing‘s dance director Kelly Wadlegger, who specializes in vinyasa flow yoga. The weekend retreat includes instruction on Thai massage techniques, pranayama and meditation, as well as classes in vinyasa flow yoga that address all skill levels. Guests can enjoy locally sourced vegetarian food, including an al fresco dinner with live folk music.

Jiangsu/ Zhejiang

Find “intimacy with your soul” at one of Yejo Circle’s unique yoga retreat weekends held at temples situated in the atmospheric mountain regions of either Zhejiang or Jiangsu provinces (both are a two and a half hour drive from Shanghai). The two-day, two-night silent retreat features a full program of meditation and yoga practice, where contemplation and connecting with your inner thoughts are the order of the day. Live simply among the monks sharing the facilities, which are basic but functional. All food is vegetarian and prepared by the monks using produce from nearby farms. No previous experience of meditation or regular yoga practice is necessary, and the flow is regulated according to your own requirements. The emphasis is on personal development and establishing good habits, regardless of ability.

Zhejiang

Naked Stables Private Reserve is establishing itself as the go to retreat for city dwellers looking to combine a glorious mountain location with a touch of rustic luxe pampering. This eco resort boasts unique Earth huts, and their four-day yoga immersion retreat package includes meditation, twice-daily expert tuition in the techniques of hatha and kundalini yoga, and also features various talks on topics such as ‘The Energetics of Food’, ‘Healing Strategies in Yoga’ and ‘Vegetarianism & Yoga’ from expert teacher Julien Balmer. The delicious all-vegetarian meals include a gourmet welcome dinner, and all produce is sourced locally. Guests can enjoy the many top-notch facilities including a spa, three swimming pools and a whole range of activities such as golf, horse riding, hiking, biking and fishing. 

Loved this article? Like and share!