Pia Vilaragut, Feng Shui Practitioner in the Black Sect tradition will lead a personal retreat with Guo Xianying (John).

This retreat promises the opportunity to experience some of the most mystical and spiritual places in the world.  Bring a journal to record your special journey to your soul.

Arrive :Shanghai.  

Shanghai is the center of China’s economic resurgence cities, with a population of 16 million. Shanghai is the busiest city in China, very prosperous. It has the reputation as the “Ever Bright City” from the 19th century.

Hotel: The Peace Hotel, 2 nights / 5 star

Renowned for almost a century, the Peace Hotel is known as the most famous hotel in China. Located in the prime downtown Shanghai and situated at the doorstep to the Bund - Shanghai's most prominent landmark.

After a day of travel, we will relax and enjoy dinner at the Peace Hotel.
 

Day 2 Suzhou

Suzhou is a principal tourist city in China situated on the lower Yangtze River, and the shores of Lake Taihu. This magnificent 2,500 year old, ancient city lies in a region of rivers, lakes and canals. The streets and alleys in the city extend side by side with the canals. Quaint bridges and flowing waters unfold a serene tone. Known as the “Venice of the East”, because of its canals. Suzhou has been described as the "Land of Abundance" and the “Capital of Silk”. The classical gardens in Suzhou hold a distinctive position in world gardening history and are considered a national treasure. There are over 60 gardens in Suzhou.

We will enjoy an enchanting river cruise, a visit to the Master of the Nets Garden, reputed to be the most well-preserved garden in Suzhou. A visit to Hanshan Temple also known as Cold Mountain Temple is one of our stops. The Bell Tower is an important highlight of this temple. When the bell is tolling, the resonance of the strokes and the chants of the monks create an unspoken reverence for all worshippers. According to Buddhist legend, each person has 108 kinds of annoyances per year and each bell tolling can help chase away a kind of annoyance.

Lunch and dinner will be enjoyed in Suzhou, we will be returning to Shanghai in the evening. Shanghai at night is an incredible lightshow.
 

Hotel: Wang Hu Hotel, 2 nights / 4 star

Wanghu Hotel is a four-star hotel suitably located just a few steps from the picturesque West Lake. There are 406 elegant and comfortable rooms and five restaurants. 

During our stay in Hangzhou we will visit many attractions. After dinner we will have fun shopping in the night market, an assortment of goods can be found at unbelievable prices.

Longjing Dragon Well Tea Plantation, most famous for its unique fragrance and flavor, is found at the Hangzhou in the Zhengjiang Province. In olden times, residents believed that a dragon dwelled in their village controlling the rainfall. In ancient China it was mandated by the royal court that this exceptional tea be served. Dragon Well Tea is known as the best green tea in the world. We will be able to pick the tender tea sprouts, view the process of tea making and learn the medicinal qualities of this superb tea.

Near West Lake can be found the Ling Yin Temple, also known as the Temple of Soul's Retreat. This woodland set temple was built in 326AD recognized as one of the ten most famous Buddhist temples of China. The Temple contains an important collection of Buddhist literature together with many other treasures. A statue of Sakyamuni, Buddha carved from 24 sections of camphor wood with an overall height of 24.8 meters (82 feet) is quite impressive. The palaces, pavilions and halls are incredibly beautiful and tranquil.  In the rear of this hall is a group sculpture of 150 figures that tell the story of Sudhana-Kumara visiting Avalokitesvara Budhisattva on an island.

The Six Harmonies Pagoda lies on the north bank of the Qiantang River in Hangzhou. The name "six harmonies" comes from the six Buddhist ordinances, meaning "harmonies of the heaven, earth, north, south, east, and west". At the silk factory we will view the process of how silk is made, and have plenty of time to indulge in purchasing lovely silk items including bed comforters ,scarves, suits, coats, etc.
 

Hotel: Xi Lai Xiao Zhuang, 3 nights / 4 star

This magical mountain island will be our home for 3 days. Putuoshan is regarded as one of the four sacred Buddhist Mountains. and as the island of Guanyin, the Bodhittsava of Mercy and Compassion.
 

Putuo is to Chinese what Potala or Potalaka (the mountain home of the deity) is to Sanskrit. The Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet is inhabited by the same bodhisattva.  It is in this enchanting island that our classes will be held.

We will visit the Puji Monastery, the 100-foot high statue of Guanyin, Chaoyindong “Sounds of the Tides Cave”.

You will have free time to explore, at your own pace.
Excellent non-pressure street shopping is the way in Putuoshan Island.

Classroom time will include:

• Chants, their meaning, and the use of a Mala. We will join the monks in early morning chants, if you desire.
• Meditation and Visualization Techniques
• Feng Shui Basics, Five Elements,...
• Joss papers, the history and specific use
• Red Chinese knots
• I-Ching, learn how to consult the oracle
• Calligraphy, a local specialist will teach basic technique
• Chi exercises at the seashore
• Chinese history, Buddhism and the life of a monk

Bring a notebook or journal.
 

Hotel: Guilin Royal Garden Hotel 2 nights / 5 star

The Guilin Royal Hotel is located on the banks of the winding Li River across the famous "Wave Subduing Hill."

After breakfast, we embark on an 83km (52-mile) cruise on the Li River from Guilin to Yangshou. The boat trip takes 5-6 hours. The mountains seem to surround us in a mystical embrace. The villagers believe that there exists mystical cosmic energy  in the mountains. It is a breath-taking experience. At Yangshou, we will have the opportunity to shop in a quaint town bazaar.

We will visit Elephant Trunk Hill, a natural rock formation that resembles an elephant dipping its trunk in the Li River.

We will visit the Reed Flute Cave with fantastic various stalactites, stone pillars and rock formations created by carbonate deposition. It is quite remarkable.

Guilin is world renowned for its Chinese fluorite.
 

After breakfast, we will depart Guilin and fly to Shanghai. After arriving at our hotel, enjoy a free afternoon in Shanghai to wander at your pleasure.

Hotel: The Peace Hotel, 2 nights / 5 star

We will visit the Yu Yuan Garden, which is 300 years old, the City God Temple and a Taoist Temple where you will be able to find your own guardian based on your birth year.

After lunch we will walk around the Old Town Bazaar, a large marketplace with quality items at unbelievable prices. Lots of fun shopping for last minute gifts.

Dinner at Minority Show Restaurant. You will see a colorful dance show and experience excellent food.
 

Included in the Tour

• English, Spanish and Chinese speakers with tour guide Guo Xianying (John) of China!
• Roundtrip transportation by air from Los Angeles International Airport to Shanghai
• All domestic travel within China (air, land, sea)
• All flights on China Eastern Airlines
• All hotels, based on double occupancy (extra charge for single occupancy)
• All meals including choice of vegetarian or standard, one serving of your choice of beverage with each meal
• All classes and informational handouts
• All entry fees for temples, gardens, sacred sites, etc.
• All tips and gratuities for porters, drivers and guides

Not included in the Tour

• Airport departure/arrival taxes.
• All passport applications and fees
• Visa to China application and fees
• Hotel extras; mini bar, phone charges, Internet charges, laundry, etc.
   

Feng Shui Geomancy
P.O. Box 2513
Flemington, New Jersey
08822 U.S.A.

 

Call 1-908-237-8109.