Live Your Best Lives
Explore the birthplace of Tai Chi in Chenjiagou, experience the traditional martial arts demonstrations, and visit the Tai Chi Museum to learn about the history of this practice. Enjoy the peaceful village setting and the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Chenjiagou, located on Qingfeng Ridge east of Wen County, Henan Province, was once Changyang Village, a world-renowned Tai Chi sanctuary, six hundred years ago. Due to the growth of the Chen family, their martial arts traditions gained a great reputation in the area, and a large north-south ditch running through the village, the old name of Changyang was gradually changed to Chenjiagou.
In the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, Chen Wangting, the ninth generation of the Chen family, created Tai Chi here, which gradually evolved into many schools such as Chen, Yang, Wu, Sun, and He, and was widely spread in more than 150 countries and regions around the world.
Here, you can experience the Tai Chi culture of combining strength and flexibility, and the ultimate state of harmony and integration of mind, energy, form, and spirit. Watching a Chen-style Tai Chi performance allows you to experience the charm of Tai Chi even more deeply.
Suitable for all seasons
Recommended play time: 1-3 hours
40 yuan/person
May 1st - September 30th : 8 : 00-18 : 00
October 1st - April 30th : 8 : 00-17 : 30
Chenjiagou is renowned as the birthplace of Tai Chi, a form of Chinese martial arts. It holds significant cultural and historical value as the home of the Chen family, who are credited with developing the traditional style of Tai Chi practiced worldwide today.
Chenjiagou is located in Jiaozuo, Henan province. The best way to get there is by taxi or private car from Jiaozuo city center, which is around a 30-minute drive. Public transport options may also be available, but they might require transfers.
Chenjiagou is open year-round, with typical visiting hours from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities like Tai Chi demonstrations can be enjoyed.
The entrance fee is generally low. Tickets can be purchased at the site entrance or online in advance, especially during busy seasons.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended during peak seasons such as national holidays, but it is not strictly necessary during off-peak times.
It typically takes 1 to 2 hours to explore the Chenjiagou village, enjoy the Tai Chi demonstrations, and visit the Tai Chi Museum. For a deeper cultural experience, you may want to spend more time learning from local masters.
The must-see highlights include the Tai Chi Museum, the village where Tai Chi was developed, and watching the Tai Chi demonstrations by local masters. Don't miss the chance to visit the ancestral halls and learn about the Chen family's contribution to martial arts.
Guided tours are available in Chinese, and some tours may be offered in English, especially for international visitors. It's best to check in advance for availability in your preferred language.
Best photography spots are around the Tai Chi demonstration areas, the traditional village houses, and the scenic countryside surrounding the village. The Tai Chi performance offers excellent opportunities for action shots.
Start by visiting the Tai Chi Museum to understand the history, then explore the village where you can watch Tai Chi performances and interact with local practitioners. Finish by visiting the ancestral halls and learning about the Chen family's legacy.
Night visits or light shows are not typically available at Chenjiagou, but the village is a peaceful place to explore during the day, with plenty of Tai Chi practice to observe.
The village can be crowded during national holidays and weekends. To avoid crowds, it's best to visit during weekdays or early in the morning.
Basic facilities such as toilets, rest areas, and water stations are available. There are also small shops where you can buy souvenirs and local snacks.
Chenjiagou is relatively accessible for elderly and children, though some areas may have uneven terrain. Visitors with disabilities may find certain spots difficult to access, so it's recommended to check accessibility in advance.
Cash is accepted, but mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely used in the area. Credit cards may not be accepted at all locations, so it's best to use mobile payments or carry some cash.
There are several small local restaurants offering traditional Chinese cuisine, including Henan specialties. Some are located within Chenjiagou village or nearby.
Vegetarian options are available at most local restaurants. Halal food may be found at some eateries catering to Muslim visitors, but options may be limited.
There are several budget to mid-range hotels near the site, with more options available in Jiaozuo city center, which is a short drive away.
Nearby attractions include the Yuntai Mountain Scenic Area, the Red Flag Canal, and the Yuntai Waterfall. These can all be combined in a day trip from Chenjiagou.
Souvenir shops in the area offer Tai Chi-related items such as books, clothing, and small trinkets. Local handicrafts and traditional items are also available for purchase.
From Chenjiagou, taxis or private cars are the best options to continue to other nearby attractions. Public buses may also be available for larger towns or cities nearby.
