Ancestral Homecoming Retreat
Rest, Rejuvenate & Remember Who You Are
May 24-30, 2026
A Chinese diaspora community retreat for ancestral wisdom, embodied ritual and soul-nourishment in Dali, Yunnan, China
We invite you to join us on the peaceful foothills of Cangshan mountain in Dali, China for a soul-nourishing retreat crafted to help you reconnect with your essence and ancestral power.
This experience invites you to let go of the old, reset your mind and body, and cultivate a new orientation to life aligned with your inner wisdom. Nestled in a sanctuary surrounded by nature, you’ll find yourself landing in a mystical but familiar realm that help you remember how you deserve to feel, guided by enriching practice sessions and excursions that nurture your energy system and a profound sense of wholeness.
Held in a sacred container, each day unfolds with meaningful practices and the support of a community of like-minded Chinese diaspora members. Together, we’ll embrace a journey of self-renewal, community co-regulation, and inner peace.
This retreat balances transformative group experiences with free time to explore the beauty and magic of Dali. Reflect, relax, and immerse yourself in this ancient land’s inspiring landscapes.
Leave Dali feeling renewed, embraced by a circle of soul tribe members, and more deeply connected to your true self.
Join us for May 2026 for 7 days, 6 nights as we embark on a profound spiritual retreat journey in Dali.
“Between Heaven and Earth,
There seems to be a Bellows:
It is empty, and yet it is inexhaustible;
The more it works, the more comes out of it.
No amount of words can fathom it:
Better look for it within you.
— Dao De Jing
What to Expect
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Movement & Healing Arts
Feel deeply grounded and transformed each morning as you engage in traditional Chinese Yang Sheng (养生), nourishing life practices. We will learn Taiji /Qigong led by led by Hong Chen Dao Zhang, a local Daoist master of Zhengyi lineage, as well as exploring the art of Calligraphy, Meditation, and Tea Ceremony.
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Nature Excursion & Relaxation
Embrace the beauty of the land we bike around Erhai, dance in Cangshan, and pick and roast fresh tea on a local tea farm. Our nature excursions will deepen your connection to elemental wisdom and allow you to receive support and blessings from the land itself.
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Process & Sharing Circles
We will have facilitated containers to hold space and help you integrate your emotions, thoughts and experiences. We will become each other’s mirrors and delight in honest laughters, heart-opening stories, and affinity in our shared vulnerability and learning.
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Embodiment & Dance
Let your body be loose, be wild and release all that does not serve you. You will be surprised how powerful somatic & energy release practices can be and how you might enjoy dancing with your fellow Chinese diaspora members as well as Chinese locals
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Community Magic
The most fun of our community comes from each of you, bringing unique stories, songs, and histories to co-create this sacred space. We welcome you to bring your own unique flavor and offering to our activities. Together, we make magic.
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Ancestral Ritual
Learn the foundational principles of ancestral work and participate in an ancestral honoring group ritual. Discover and honor the unseen influences that shape your life’s narrative, and receive the guidance and blessings of kind and well ancestors
Who is this Retreat for?
This retreat is for Chinese diaspora adults who…
🌿 You’re Seeking Inner Alignment
Struggle to find a sense of inner peace and belonging, feeling unrooted and disconnected
Has achieved "external" success but craves deeper fulfillment and alignment within
Is tired of hustle culture, exhausting your energy on misaligned work and being disconnected from your life energy
Wants to learn how to truly love and care for your body, mind, and soul
🤝 You Long for Community and Belonging
Is feeling burnt out and longs to recharge in nature and community
Is seeking a soul tribe community of like-minded folks of shared cultural lineage
Has Dali, Yunnan on your bucket list and is ready to experience its magic
🐉 You Feel the Call of Ancestral Wisdom
Feels called to reset your energy through Chinese ancient movement and healing arts
Is curious to integrate ancestral wisdom into your daily and seasonal practices
Wish to access more of your innate power and unlock y
our birthright as a descendant of the Dragon
🔥 You’re Ready for Deep Transformation
Is ready to let go of old patterns that keep you feeling stuck and start a new chapter of your life
Feel the call to mend cultural and societal wounds that have kept you from feeling whole, worthy, and valued
Is ready to expand your relationship to spirit, nature, and the sacred wisdom within
We welcome all members of Chinese diaspora community:
1st or 1.5 Generation Immigrants
People born in China, now living far from your ancestral land
Adoptees
People who were adopted and seeking to connect with your Chinese roots
Descendants of Chinese Immigrants
2nd, 3rd, 4th etc generation, longing to reconnect with your cultural heritage
Mixed Heritage
People navigating a complex cultural identity and seeking connection with their Chinese lineage
Our workshops and experiences are inclusive, integrative, and non-dogmatic, welcoming individuals from all political, spiritual, and religious backgrounds
We aim to support each participant's emotional processing and journey, while also empowering everyone to take ownership and responsibility for their own learning experience
No experience with the Chinese language or prior knowledge of Chinese culture is required. English translation will be provided when needed.
Our story
Ancestral Homecoming was founded by Xuel, a Chinese Psychotherapist, and Tian Tian, a Chinese-American Holistic Wellness & Transformation Coach. The two first met at a meditation retreat in Bali and became close friends through their shared journeys of intergenerational healing and spiritual growth. Feeling called to serve, they started creating spaces for the Chinese diaspora community to reconnect with their ancestral and spiritual roots since 2022. Through these connections, they aim to foster both individual and collective healing, cultivate a deep sense of belonging, and ultimately guide others to find inner peace and a sense of home within themselves.
Meet Your Hosts
Tian Tian 甜甜
Tian Tian is a Holistic Wellness & Transformational Coach dedicated to creating spaces for deep emotional and spiritual healing.
Born in Dalian, China, Tian Tian immigrated to the United States at age 11. Navigating the complexities of being caught between two cultures left her feeling ungrounded and struggling with cultural and identity wounds, driving her to seek validation through external achievements. She earned her bachelor’s from New York University and MBA from Harvard, and built a successful 10+ year career on Wall Street and in Silicon Valley, yet these accomplishments left her unfulfilled.
This realization sparked a journey of profound healing, where Tian Tian addressed cultural, immigrant, and intergenerational trauma. Through restorative, somatic, and ancestral healing practices, she learned to regulate her nervous system and reconnect with her roots and the voice within. Today, Tian Tian uses transformative healing tools to guide others in finding a sense of home within themselves, reconnecting with their bodies, hearts and inner wisdom to live with greater authenticity, joy and ease.
more: www.tiantianwellness.com
Xueling Sun / Xuel 雪儿
Xuel is a California-trained, China-based bilingual psychotherapist and workshop facilitator with over six years of experience specializing in emotional healing, trauma and relational work.
Born and raised in Nanjing, China, in a family impacted by historical and intergenerational trauma, Xuel’s journey led her to come to the U.S. alone at age 17 in pursuit of educational growth. This path included establishing her identity in California, transitioning from a software engineer at Salesforce to a professional in the healing arts, and recently moving back to China to answer her calling.
She holds a BA in Computer Science from Claremont McKenna College, and MA in Integral Counseling Psychology from California of Integral Studies. Her biggest teachers are Earth Wisdoms that awakened her ancestral and indigenous soul. As a way-shower and cycle-breaker for lineage healing, she aims to serve the earth community by weaving together ecological and collective healing, social change, magic and the arts.
more: www.xuelsun.com
Schedule
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Day 1
Afternoon:
Welcome Tea Circle & Check-in
Opening Circle
Night:Dinner
Authentic Relating Games
Rest -
Day 2
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group or Morning Workshop
Optional: Meditation, Tea & CalligraphyAfternoon:
Lunch
Excursion to Tea FarmNight:
Dinner
Fire Song Circle -
Day 3
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group or Morning Workshop
Optional: Meditation, Tea & CalligraphyAfternoon:
Lunch
Excursion: Cang San Forest Bathing & JournalingNight:
Dinner
Ecstatic Dance w/ Locals -
Day 4
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group or Morning Workshop
Optional: Meditation, Tea & CalligraphyAfternoon:
Lunch
Excursion: Chinese Medicine Learn & ExperienceNight:
Dinner
Somatic Release + Sound Bath -
Day 5
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group or Morning Workshop
Optional: Meditation, Tea & CalligraphyAfternoon:
Lunch
Excursion: Temple & Rituals 101Night:
Dinner
Ancestral Honoring Ceremony -
Day 6
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group or Morning Workshop
Optional: Meditation, Tea & CalligraphyAfternoon:
Lunch
Excursion: Er Hai Biking & Expressive ArtNight:
Dinner
Somatic Release -
Day 7
Morning:
Tai Ji & Qi Gong
Breakfast
Process Group
Closing Ceremony
Afternoon:Lunch
Check-out
Offering
What is included:
Accommodations: 6 nights of accommodation either single or double occupancy with private bathrooms, AC, wifi, laundry
Food, snacks and tea: 20 meals over 7 days, primarily vegetarian meals that are locally grown(dietary restrictions will be generously accommodated), snacks and high quality, locally-grown tea
Activities: All excursions and transportation fees during retreat
Support: Pre-retreat preparation call & post-retreat integration call
What is not included:
Plane tickets or other transportation fees to/from retreat
Visa fees
Travel insurance
Personal activity costs
Payment & Logistics
Our cost philosophy is based on accessibility, quality and sustainability.
Payment Option 1: $500 non-refundable deposit to reserve your spot. Remaining balance due on or before March 15, 2025.
Please note: This retreat is limited to 10-16 participants and all participants must align with the retreat’s general guideline and are equipped with skills for self-responsibility and group learning to get the best benefit from this retreat. We are not a clinical treatment program and is not intended for individuals seeking treatment for mental health issues. We are not a tour group or a service-oriented experience. Participants are expected to engage actively, take responsibility for themselves, and contribute to the group experience. To ensure that everyone gains the most benefit from this retreat, you will be asked to complete an intake form during the check-out process. If we determine that this retreat may not be the right fit for you at this time, we will issue a full refund.
Single Bedroom - Courtyard A
Shared Bedroom - Courtyard A
Single Bedroom - Courtyard B
Shared Bedroom - Courtyard B
About the Retreat Center
Our retreat will be hosted at a premier, secluded and private Zen style retreat center nestled in the foothills of Cangshan (苍山) in a serene village in Dali, Yunnan (大理云南), overlooking Erhai Lake (洱海). The center features a private courtyard with beautiful water pools, peaceful and spacious common dining space and areas for tea ceremonies, music, taiji and meditation, along with comfortable accommodations that offer ample space for everyone to relax and rejuvenate.
Right next to a local temple emanating with incense aroma and surrounded by beautiful mountain view, this venue provides the best backdrop for deep reset and meaningful connection. It also provides peaceful walkways to nearby villages and easy access to hiking trails. During our retreat, we will enjoy the privacy of this entire venue. Together we will meditate under an ancient ancestral tree, drink tea picked in local tea farms, dance until our bodies are loose and hearts open, and immerse in conversations that form lifelong friendships.
About Dali, Yunnan China
大理云南
Nestled between the majestic Cangshan Mountains (苍山) and the tranquil Erhai Lake (洱海), Dali (大理), also known as Dalifornia, is a spiritual and cultural hub known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich biodiversity and diverse cultural traditions.
Home to 25 Chinese ethnic minority groups, Dali embodies a rich heritage interwoven with Daoism (道教), Buddhism (佛教), and indigenous and Chinese folk religions (本土教). Dali’s unique inclusive vibe has fostered a holistic community drawing seekers and travelers from China and overseas/ As the birthplace of tea, Yunnan holds a profound tea culture rooted in Pu'er (fermented tea). Yunnan’s biodiversity also nurtures a rich tradition of using local herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (中药), making Dali a place where nature, healing, and culture come together to inspire deep reflection and connection.
FAQs
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The retreat will be taking place in Dali, Yunnan, China. The nearest airport is Dali Fengyi Airport. From there, you can take a taxi/didi to the venue. Alternatively, you can fly into Kunming Changshui International Airport and then take a train or taxi to the venue. We will send out more details on transportations, carpool rides, where to meet etc. and help with the logistics once you sign-up.
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A non-refundable deposit ($500) is required in order to register and reserve your spot.
Our cancellation & refund policy:
No refund for cancellations made within 30 days or arrival date
50% refund for cancellation made 30-45 days before arrival date
80% refund for cancellation made more than 45 days before arrival date
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You know yourself and your energy level the best. While we do ask you to respect our container and fully participate to get the most out of the entire, we also understand that you might need to honor your needs and take care of yourself under certain circumstances.
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We would love to make this experience accessible for anyone who would like to join. You are invited to let us know what kind of installments you would like. We can do 2 installments or 3 installments. Unless arrangements are made for special circumstances, we ask that all fees be paid by April 1, 2025.
Our Guiding Principles & Approach
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Authentic and Living Wisdom
China holds a vast reservoir of traditional wisdom that could be hard to access beyond the language and cultural barriers. The essence of this wisdom could only be felt and understood through embodied experiences. We serve as a bridge, reconnecting English-speaking overseas Chinese with the visceral tastes and textures of this heritage. Through sharing our personal process, partnerships with local teachers and immersive experiences in nature, we bring this wisdom to life, honoring its depth and multidimensionality.
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Safe Containers for Healing
Our spaces, led by Xuel, a Psychotherapist, and Tian Tian, a Holistic Wellness Coach, are thoughtfully designed to foster safety, authenticity, and acceptance. We believe that healing requires a nurturing environment where people feel seen, heard, and respected. By addressing systemic, generational, and cultural wounds within an non-judgemental and compassionate space, we empower individuals to explore their inner landscapes and engage in transformative personal and collective healing.
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Decolonization & Honoring Indigenous Wisdom
We stand against cultural appropriation in the healing industry, grounding our work in integrity and respect. After extensive field research, we carefully selected our collaborating local healers, farmers and venues, highlighting experiences that could best present traditional and indigenous wisdom in its essence. Our offerings are rooted in dedicated research and our years of experience facilitating ancestral healing processes.
What if coming home to yourself began with reconnecting with your deepest roots?
Imagine...
Walking in the footsteps of your ancestors, feeling the sacred energy of the land where they once lived, loved and thrived
Arriving in a place you’ve never been, yet feeling like home - familiar and comforting, as if you’ve always known it
Participating in ancient rituals that awaken a deep sense of connection, activating something within your DNA that has been waiting to be remembered
Being held and supported by a loving community of kindred spirits, all committed to collective healing and honoring you for exactly who you are
Reclaiming and embracing the wholeness of who you are, and in that moment, truly coming home to yourself