The Five Senses
Eight days shaped around the five senses
Small group · up to 8 guests
A week in Dali to eat well, move gently, spend time outdoors and try practices that may be new to you.
food forest
singing bowls
mountain
qigong
incense practice
The shape of a day
Day by day
The first cup
Arrive in Dali and settle into the courtyard house. At dusk, a welcome tea in the courtyard and a first slow dinner at the long table. An early night.
Movement · none today, simply arriveThe food forest
Spend the day in the food forest, gathering what is in season, then cook and share a meal together. The afternoon is for gardening, or simply being outdoors.
Movement · qigong at dawn, tea by the fireThe bowls
Walking meditation through the pines in the morning, and an afternoon left open. At dusk, a guided singing-bowl session in the courtyard. Guests lie down as bowls are played nearby; the session is a quiet listening practice.
Movement · yoga at dawn, walking meditationAbove the clouds
Up the Cangshan range for the sea of clouds and the long view over Erhai Lake. Walk the high path or take the gentler valley trail; both end at the same tea flask. Golden hour by the water asks nothing of you but your eyes.
Movement · qigong at dawn, mountain walkingThe body
A day given to qigong, a traditional movement and breath practice: slow standing forms and one-to-one guidance from our teacher. It is the day you feel the body from the inside. After dark, the hot springs in the next valley, where the day dissolves in warm water.
Movement · qigong through the day, a restorative eveningThe scent
A slow morning walk in the Cangshan foothills, then an afternoon devoted to a traditional Chinese incense and scent practice. Guided by our teacher, guests explore a sequence of scents and share their observations. In the evening, the farewell feast, cooked together and shared at one long table.
Movement · qigong at dawn, tea by the fireRoom to choose
Leave this day open: read, walk, rest, or join a guided period of silence. We come together around the fire that evening for the closing pot and a chance to share, if you wish.
Movement · yoga at dawn, silent sittingOne Last Pot
A sunrise sit for those who wake for it, then breakfast, a closing circle and one last pot for the road. Transfers to the airport or the high-speed rail station, whenever your flight calls.
Movement · an optional sunrise sitPractical matters
Included
- Seven nights in a restored courtyard house, in private and twin rooms
- All meals, from the first cup to the last pot
- Food-forest visit, singing-bowl session, qigong, incense practice and hot springs
- Daily qigong, yoga and meditation, and evenings of fire-side tea with our teacher
- Bilingual hosts with you the whole week
- Airport and rail transfers in Dali
- Pre-trip concierge: flight advice, entry guidance for your passport, packing list
Not Included
- International flights to China
- Domestic flight or rail to Dali, though we advise on routes and book with you
- Travel insurance, required for all guests
- Personal purchases and any meals or drinks not listed above
- Additional spa and treatment sessions beyond the programme
A few honest notes
Visas. Entry rules depend on your passport and travel dates. We will help you check current guidance before you book; please confirm eligibility with the relevant official source.
Fitness. If you can walk for two hours at an easy pace, every day of this programme is open to you. Mountain days always have a gentler alternative.
Phones. They work here, and we set you up with an eSIM and VPN before you fly. The quiet day is the only time we will gently dare you to leave yours in the room.
This programme is a proposed itinerary. Some local partners are still being confirmed. We will tell you clearly what is confirmed and what may change before you book.
Ask About Dates
We arrange retreat dates by enquiry. Share a date or rough time of year that could work for you; we’ll reply with possible options and say clearly what is confirmed before you book.
Thank you. Your enquiry has been received. We will reply by email.