The Top 5 Kung Fu Destinations in China

Written by Julia Ruston

As you may have heard, Kung Fu is one of the world’s oldest forms of martial arts. Throughout the years, Kung Fu has developed many different variations and styles of discipline so there is something out there for everyone! This 5000-year-old practice is so much more than just a sport as it integrates elegance, strength and philosophy. This article will take you through the 5 best Kung Fu destinations to visit when travelling China. Whether you’re just interested in the history of this ancient practice, or fancy watching a live performance, read our list to plan your Kung Fu trip at your best!!

1. Dengfeng, Henan

Located in the area of Zhengzhou, Henan Province, Dengfeng carries an interesting nickname: “The Land with the Greatest Number of Tough Guys”! Developed at the feet of the Songshang Mountain, the sacred mountain of China, the city is home to the “Centre of Heaven and Earth”, a cluster of 11 ancient religious monuments bringing together the Buddhist, Taosist and Confucian traditions in one place, all enlisted in the UNESCO world heritage. Among them stands the famous Shaolin temple, a 1,500 years-old a majestic architectural complex ago, which is home to the original Shaolin Kung Fu, the most influential style of Kung Fu in China, With over 60 martial arts schools, Dengfeng is considered the homeland of Shaolin martial arts and Zen culture. If you want to experience what it’s like to be a Shaolin monk, then look no further. Get ready for a full immersion in this Mecca of Kung Fu!

2. Cangzhou and Yongnian, Hebei

Want to follow the steps taken by a long line of warriors and Kung fu masters? The Hebei province is the place for you! Cangzhou and Yongnian are two cities located in Hebei which are home to some of the most influential styles of Kung Fu arts: Chinese Acrobatics and Tai Chi Chuan. The city of Cangzhou located in the Southeast, is particularly relevant to the development of kung fu practice. Considered to be the birthplace of acrobatics, the city was of strategic importance during wartimes when local people had to learn Kung Fu moves to protect themselves in order to survive. This is why practicing Kung Fu has been so prevailing in this city since Ming Dynasty (1368 – 1644 A.D.). With more than 50 Kung Fu schools it is a great place to learn or perfect your skills. Especially since it is home to many Kung Fu masters like Ding Fangxian, Huo Diange and Zhang Zhijiang!

The other great destination, Yongnian, is the hometown of Tai Chi Chuan. This county is home to the Guangfu Ancient Town, a world-wide place of pilgrimage for Tai Chi fans. This small walled city is surrounded by a big moat and is definitely worth checking out!

3. Foshan, Guangdong

Foshan is famous for being known as “the capital of Chinese Kung Fu”, so it is a must in your list! It is the hometown of one of China’s most recognized icons: Bruce Lee as well as his master; Wong Fei Hung. If you are a Bruce Lee fan, you must visit the Bruce Lee Ancestral House. This testament to Bruce Lee’s roots, built by his grandfather, is located in the Shang Village area. Another interesting characteristic of this city is the Foshan Lion Dance. This Lion Dance is developed from Kung Fu and incorporates dance, kung Fu moves whilst accompanied by drums, gongs and cymbals.

4. Mount Emei, Sichuan Province

This mountain is one of the Four Sacred Buddhist Mountains in China. This beautiful and scenic area rich with history and nature, designated as a UNESCO world natural and cultural heritage site. It is also the origin of Emei Kung Fu. This is one of the three major Chinese martial arts, along with Wudang Kung Fu and Shaolin Kung Fu. One characteristic of Emei Kung Fu is that its movements are inspired by monkeys as it imitates how the animals flail their arms. The style of Emei Kung Fu is characterized by a mix between the vigor of Shaolin and the softness of Wudang Kung Fu. It merges techniques of both and advocates for a combination of movement and stillness.

5. Beijing

As China’s capital, you can find pretty much everything you want! But, as mentioned, there are many authentic smaller destinations to experience authentic Kung Fu as Beijing is a huge city. One thing I would definitely recommend is going to watch a live Kung Fu show there! There is a very famous show named Kung Fu Legend which is performed in the Beijing Red Theatre. This show tells the growth of a young monk who tries to fulfill his dream of becoming a Kung Fu master. This 80-minute show is mostly without any speech as it centers around Kung Fu actors presenting dance and acrobatics.

There you have it, 5 amazing locations full of historical, cultural and philosophical insights and knowledge about Kung Fu. As you can see, you don’t need to be an expert to appreciate these amazing places, there is something for everyone! So, if you are planning to travel to China, make sure to check out at least one of these destinations and learn about this ancestral martial art that is so embedded in Chinese culture and lifestyle.

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Bruce Lee

Born in 1940 and died in 1973, Bruce Lee was a world-renowned Chinese kungfu master and kungfu movie actor, as well as the creator of Jeet Kune Do. He made remarkable contributions to martial arts and movies. Various magazines and special journals were simultaneously published in countries and regions like America, Japan, the UK, Hong Kong and Taiwan to commemorate Bruce Lee and honored him as “the most effective Chinese Kungfu promoter”.

Brief Introduction

Lee was born in San Francisco to parents of Hong Kong heritage but was raised in Hong Kong until his late teens. Lee immigrated to the United States at the age of 18 to claim his U.S. citizenship and receive his higher education. It was during this time that he began teaching martial arts, which soon led to film and television roles.

Film

His Hong Kong and Hollywood-produced films elevated the traditional Hong Kong martial arts film to a new level of popularity and acclaim, and sparked a major surge of interest in Chinese martial arts in the West in the 1970s. The direction and tone of his films changed and influenced martial arts and martial arts films in Hong Kong and the rest of the world, as well. He is noted for his roles in five feature-length films: Lo Wei’s The Big Boss (1971) and Fist of Fury (1972); Way of the Dragon (1972), directed and written by Lee; Warner Brothers’ Enter the Dragon (1973), directed by Robert Clouse; and The Game of Death (1978), directed by Robert Clouse.

Wing Chun

The largest influence on Lee’s martial arts development was his study of Wing Chun. Lee began training in Wing Chun at the age of 13 under the Wing Chun teacher Yip Man in 1954, after losing a fight with rival gang members. Yip’s regular classes generally consisted of the forms practice, sticking hands drills, wooden dummy techniques, and free-sparring. There was no set pattern to the classes. Yip tried to keep his students from fighting in the street gangs of Hong Kong by encouraging them to fight in organized competitions.

Philosophy

Lee is best known as a martial artist, but he also studied drama and philosophy while a student at the University of Washington. He was well-read and had an extensive library. His own books on martial arts and fighting philosophy are known for their philosophical assertions, both inside and outside of martial arts circles. His eclectic philosophy often mirrored his fighting beliefs, though he was quick to claim that his martial arts were solely a metaphor for such teachings. He believed that any knowledge ultimately led to self-knowledge, and said that his chosen method of self-expression was martial arts.

The following quotations reflect his fighting philosophy.

“Be formless… shapeless, like water. Now you put water into a cup, it becomes the cup. You pour water into a bottle; it becomes the bottle. You put water into a teapot; it becomes the teapot. Now water can flow, or creep or drip or crash! Be water, my friend…”

“All types of knowledge, ultimately leads to self knowledge”

“Quick temper will make a fool of you soon enough”

“I always learn something, and that is: to always be yourself. And to express yourself, to have faith in yourself. Do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate him”.

In a lifetime comprising a mere 32 years but thought by many to be the ‘Greatest martial artist of the 20th Century’, Bruce Lee revolutionized the world of martial arts through his profound teachings and philosophy, and created a legacy through his work in motion pictures, that has evolved into a Legend. To those involved in martial arts, the years from 1972 to 1975—the height of Lee’s popularity—are often cited as the Bruce Lee era.

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The Top 10 Chinese Kung Fu Stars

In the history of Chinese film and television, there are many world-famous martial arts actors, who not only have excellent acting, but also have a solid foundation of the martial arts. People can really marvel at and admire the charm of Chinese martial arts from their marvelous works.

Below are the top 10 Chinese Kung Fu stars ranking, for your reference only.

No.10 Jason Wu 吴京

Jason Wu (吴京), hailed as Kung Fu boy, began to act in films and televisions from the year 1995. He started to learn and practice Kung Fu in sports school of Beijing when he was six years old, and he has won the champion of national martial arts competition. Jason Wu has acted in many televisions and some action movies, presenting skilled Kung Fu and impressing audiences a lot.

Jason Wu’s Movies and televisions: Tai Chi Master《太极宗师》, S.P.L.《杀破狼》, Seung Chi Sun Tau《双子神偷》

No.9 Ha Ling Chun 元彪

Ha Ling Chun (元彪), an action actor in Hong Kong , began to act in films and televisions at the age of ten. He has presented a number of well-known and excellent movies and televisions, among many of which, he cooperated with Jackie Chan and Sammo Hung. Ha Ling Chun has won the best Martial arts direction in Taiwan ‘s Golden Horse Awards.

Representative Movies and televisions: Enter the Dragon《龙争虎门》, Hand of Death《少林门》, Game of Death《死亡游戏》, Enter the Fat Dragon《肥龙过江》, Knockabout《杂家小子》, The Young Master《师弟出马》, Project A《Ａ计划》, Wheels of Meals《快餐车》, Once Upon a Time in China《黄飞鸿》, A Man Called a Hero《中华英雄》, Dragon from Shaolin《少林七金刚》

No.8 Sammo Hung 洪金宝

Sammo Hung (洪金宝) is a humorous action movie actor, and he has had wonderful performances in many Kung fu comedies. Besides being actors, Sammo Hung has succeeded in working as the guidance of the martial arts and director. He has won the Best Actor in a Leading Role Award in Hong Kong Film Awards and in Asia Pacific Film Festival. Sammo Hung has cooperated with Jackie Chan in many films, giving excellent performances.

Representative Movies: Wheels on Meals《快餐车》，Dragon Forever 《飞龙猛将》，Project A《A计划》，Millionaire’s Express《富贵列车》，Eastern Condors《东方秃鹰》

No.7 Michelle Yeoh 杨紫琼

Michelle Yeoh (杨紫琼) is an international female action star famous at home and abroad. She has acted in many famous movies, acting as female knight-errant, showing her authentic Chinese Kung Fu. Her beauty, acting skills and skilled Kung Fu impress people a lot.

Representative Movies and televisions: Butterfly & Sword《新流星蝴蝶剑》，The Heroic Trio《东方三侠》，Esay Money《通天大盗》，Holy Weapon《武侠七公主》，Reign of Assassins《剑雨》, Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 《卧虎藏龙》.

No.6 Chiu Man-Cheuk 赵文卓

Man Cheuk Chiu (赵文卓) is a stylish man of strong build who is famous at home and abroad for his high-level Kung Fu and hearty personality. Man Cheuk Chiu has a good command of sword, spear and Chinese boxing. He is very skilled with over 300 kinds of fist positions, such as shadow boxing. He won a national martial arts championship in the year 1991.He has pursued a career in acting since the year 1992, and has presented marvelous performance in Kung Fu films and television programs. Man Cheuk Chiu was nominated the best actor in Golden Rooster Awards for his Sino-Dutch War 1661, and his movie True Legend got the best Asian action movie award.

Representative Movies: Once Upon a Time in China 4 《黄飞鸿四-王者之风》, Once Upon a Time in China 5《黄飞鸿五-龙城歼霸》, The Blacksheep Affair《碧血蓝天》, Sino-Dutch War 1661《英雄郑成功》, True Legend《苏乞儿》, Green Snake《青蛇》

No.5 Donnie Yen 甄子丹

Donnie Yen (甄子丹), born in a martial arts family, is the idol of numerous young people for his wonderful Kung Fu and good shape. He is a martial arts generalist who can digest Chinese and western martial arts. Donnie Yen has given perfect performances in many Kung Fu movies for both his Kung Fu and outstanding acting skills.

Donnie Yen’s Movies: Hero《英雄》，Tiger Cage II《洗黑钱》，Iron Monkey《铁马骝》，IP Man 1《叶问1》, IP Man 2《叶问2》S.P.L.《杀破狼》，Legend of the Wolf《战狼传说》

No.4 Bruce Leung 梁小龙

Bruce Leung (梁小龙) can be ranked as one of the most famous and influential Kung Fu stars in the eighties. Since the year 1973, he has acted in more than 70 action movies and a series of televisions.

Representative Movies and televisions: Chen Zhen 《陈真》, Blow Up 《怒火风云》, Kung Fu Kids Break Away《三毛流浪记》, Story Of Drunken Master《醉侠苏乞儿》, Shaolin Fighters《少林拳》，Big Boss《唐山二兄》

No.3 Jet Li 李连杰

Jet Lee is famous for his authentic Shaolin Kung Fu. He has acted as many degage righteous chivalrous men in lots of famous films. Jet Lee has won the best actor in the 27th Hong Kong Film Awards, and won 2008 You Bring Charm to the World Award.

Jet Lee’s Movies: The Shaolin Temple《少林寺》，Hero 《英雄》, Black Mask《黑侠》，Fist of Legend《精武英雄》，The Defender 《中南海保镖》，The Tai Chi Master《太极张三丰》，The Kung Fu Cult Master《倚天屠龙记之魔教教主》，Dragon Fight《龙在天涯》，Swordsman Ⅱ《笑傲江湖之东方不败》，Dragons of the Orient《东方巨龙》

No.2 Jackie Chan 成龙

Jackie Chan (成龙) is an outstanding martial artist famous across the world, whose films are loved by audiences of all ages. His breathtaking action, excellent driving skills and unique humor impress people a lot. Many of Jackie Chan’s movies can be ranked as Hong Kong ‘s biggest-grossing movies.

Jackie Chan Movies: Drunken Fist《醉拳》, Rumble in the Bronx《红番区》, Rush Hour《尖峰时刻》, Police Story 《警察故事》The Young Master《师弟出马》, Project A《A 计划》, Armour of God《龙兄虎弟》, City Hunter《城市猎人》, Who am I《我是谁》, The Accidental Spy《特务迷城》, Around the World in 80 Days《环游世界八十天》, The Karate Kid《功夫梦》.

No.1 Bruce Lee 李小龙

Bruce Lee (李小龙), a great master of Chinese martial arts, is also a famous and influential action movie actor both at home and abroad. As the pathfinder of action movies, Bruce Lee disseminated Chinese Kung Fu to the whole world. Bruce Lee is the first Chinese who goes to Hollywood, pushing forward the development of martial arts and action movies.

Bruce Lee Movies: Fist Of Fury《精武门》, Enter the Dragon《龙争虎斗》, Fists of Glory《唐山大兄》, Game of Death《死亡游戏》, The Way of the Dragon《猛龙过江》

There are various rankings by different sources though. Here is another ranking from youtube video for your reference.