SHANGHAI & HANGZHOU
Cultural Immersion
Wellness Retreat
&
May 26-June 1, 2026
Overview
This retreat is an invitation to slow down and reconnect
with yourself through culture, food, and embodied wellness.
Under the guide of Kerstin and Domi who are both Chinese, we begin in Shanghai , a unique city where ancient temples, neighborhood rhythms, and modern skylines coexist. Through meditation, Yin Yoga, Tai Chi, tea ceremonies, city tours, immersive cultural experiences, and plant-based nourishment, we explore how stillness can live alongside movement.
From there, we journey to Hangzhou, where nature takes the lead. Surrounded by tea gardens, water, and quiet pathways, the practices soften further — allowing space for rest, reflection, and integration.
This is not a packed itinerary.
It is a spacious, human-paced journey — designed to support your nervous system, curiosity, and inner rhythm.
All practices are optional though encouraged.
Rest is always honored.
Small Group for supportive and intimate experience:
6-8 Participants Total
Price
$3,690 for shared rooms between 2 people
$3,990 for private rooms
Early bird discount $250 OFF available until March 21st, 2026
What makes this retreat special
Travel with locals: Experience the real China under the guide of two Chinese women who are locals in Shanghai and Hangzhou respectively. You will be promised with an authentic, fun, and local experience in both cities.
Experience the past and future side by side: Embark on this unique journey in China where both ancient culture and advanced modern technology coexists in harmony. You will be amazed to see futuristic infrastructure, beautiful train stations, advanced electrical vehicles, and super apps that you will use to shop, dine, and transport during your trip.
Enjoy authentic Chinese wellness treatments: Experience ancient healing like ginger moxibustion treatment, hot stone body massage, medicine tea ceremony, optional gentle acupuncture, GuaSha, and more. You will find yourself more healed and recharged.
Feast for your stomach and soul: Relish seasonal and high quality plant-based food in a selection of highly rated restaurants that will offer you rich flavors, unique cultural dining experience, and deep nourishment.
Who is this retreat for
Cultural travelers: one who has a curious mind and heart for rich culture, deep connection, the real China you did not know about .
Wellness seekers: one who values self-care and intentional wellness practices. You will experience a curated wellness journey rooted in Eastern wisdom.
Food lovers: One who finds joy and nourishment in plant-based food and curious about the diverse and vibrant Chinese cuisine.
Innovation seekers: One who is curious and wants to experience advanced technology in apps, AI, infrastructure, electrical vehicles and more. Experience the future in China!
Who is not suitable for this Retreat
• One who wants packed sightseeing days
• One who prefers nightlife-focused travel
• One who wants luxury shopping or resort-style retreats
Schedule
Day 1 — Arrival & Grounding (5/26)
Intention: Arrive, exhale, and grounding
Arrive in Shanghai by early afternoon
Airport pickup & hotel check-in
Opening sharing circle & intention setting
Welcome plant-based dinner at a Michelin rated restaurant named Qing Chun Pu Men
Wellness goodie bag (journal, tea, ritual items)
Day 2 — Stillness in the City (5/27)
Intention: Find stillness within a busy city
• Morning meditation• Visit Jing’an Temple (famous golden temple in central Shanghai)
• Zen-style, plant-based temple lunch
• French Concession walk (optional)
• Chinese traditional wellness treatment/Ginger moxibustion treatment (60 min)
• Seasonal plant-based dinner
• Evening Yin Yoga & Sound Bath for relaxation
Day 3 — Old Shanghai, Tea & Cultural Immersive Dining (5/28)
Intention: Honor tradition while reconnecting with your inner rhythm.
• Morning Tai Chi or breathwork
• Visit famous tourist site named Yu Garden & surrounding artisan alleys
• Lunch at a fine restaurant named SuLaiHenHao (Xin Tian Di)
• Traditional Chinese tea ceremony
• Walk through “Old Shanghai” neighborhoods (1970s local life) (optional)
• Evening: Gong Yan- a highly rated Chinese cultural immersive dining experience
• Optional traditional wellness treatment Bojin deep tissue treatment / free time after dinner
Day 4 — Sightseeing & Deep Relaxation (5/29)
Intention: Balance movement and relaxation
• Morning Yin Yoga
• Visit Shanghai Tower (120th floor)
• Explore the highest bookstore in Shanghai
• Vegan lunch with skyline views
• Nanjing Road walk & visit to a historic TCM pharmacy (optional)
• Sunset views at The Bund
• Evening at Shui Guo (Shanghai-style spa + free buffet + relaxation)
Day 5 — Journey to Nature (5/30)
Intention: Return to nature and reconnect with your body, mind, and spirit
• Breakfast together at the hotel
• High speed rail train to the beautiful city of Hangzhou
• Gentle yoga & Breathwork
• Nature walks around the hotel grounds
• Guided reflection on gratitude, food, and lifestyle
• Lunch at the hotel
• Free personal time (rest, journaling, etc
• Outdoor dinner with bonfire, music & group connection
Day 6 — Hangzhou Immersion (5/31)
Intention: Listen deeply — to the land, culture, and self.
• Breakfast at the hotel
• Morning yoga & nature walk
• West Lake scenic walk
• Tea garden visit with tea that are medicinal
• Visit to Lingyin Temple
• Sound bath for integration
• Afternoon return to Shanghai
• Nourishing light dinner in Shanghai
Day 7 — Integration & Farewell (6/1)
Intention: Integrate, share gratitude for the journey, and carry the practice home.
• Traditional breakfast together
• Foot massage with moxa & ginger
• Closing circle & integration
• Airport transfers & departure
Included in your trip
6 nights of accommodation in highly rated hotels
2-3 delicious and nourishing plant-based meals every day
All car rides and high speed rail travel during your retreat in China
Meditation, yin yoga, Tai Chi & Breathwork
Traditional Chinese wellness practices
Tea ceremonies & wellness goodie bags
Sound baths, rituals & journaling
Cultural immersion with generous free time
Meaningful group connection in comfortable settings
Not included in your trip
International flights to and from China
Subway rides within cities in China
Visa fee (if needed, please check the specific regulations pertaining to your passport)
International travel insurance that covers you while you are in China (REQUIRED)
Personal expenses like shopping, merchandise etc
Additional activities and costs not included in the itinerary
Your guides
As a local in Shanghai, she knows the charm of Shanghai by heart. She is fluent in both Chinese and English, as she is currently working in New York City. Kerstin is the founder of Veggie Chi, a plant-based wellness community rooted in Eastern philosophy and guided by compassion. She blends Eastern medicine, Western nutrition, mindful movement, and cultural traditions into a holistic approach to well-being. Through teaching and community building, she creates space for inner transformation that ripples outward-believing that mindful and compassionate living is a powerful way to care for ourselves, others, and Mother Earth.
Kerstin Du
Yoga teacher, health coach, wellness events curator
Domi Chen
Yoga and meditation practitioner, nutritionist, wellness events curator
Born and raised in Hangzhou, China, Domi appreciates the richness and depth of Chinese culture this city offers. She also is bilingual as she lived and worked in the US for 13 years. She founded a Wellness center named Serenity Retreat in Manhattan, New York City. She hosted numerous meditation classes, wellness events and cooking classes. Having strong interest in mindful living and conscious eating, she loves to share and learn about self-care, wellness practices, nutrition, and spirituality.
Knowing both Chinese and American culture, Kerstin and Domi will offer a seamless cultural bridge between the two worlds. You will experience an authentic, cultural, and hassle-free journey in China.
Step 1: Registration
In order to offer an intimate and supportive retreat experience, we limit the group to 6-8 guests. Registration is designed to be simple and transparent.
To reserve your spot, please pay the $500 non-refundable deposit.
Please note this is a non-refundable deposit required to hold your spot for the 7 Day Cultural Immersion & Wellness Retreat in 2026.
A retreat policy document and wavier will be sent for you to review and sign once your deposit is made.
Early bird discount option:
$250 OFF of the total cost, if you pay in full by March 21st, 2026.
$3,440 for shared accommodation
$3,740 for private accommodation
Installment plan option:
For private accommodation: total $3,990
$500 deposit upon registration
$1,745 the second payment by March 21st, 2026
$1,745 the last payment by April 21st, 2026
For shared accommodation: total $3,690
$500 deposit upon registration
$1,595 the second payment by March 21st, 2026
$1,595 the last payment by April 21st, 2026
Step 2: Visa
Chinese tourist visa: Please check if you need one based on your citizenship.
Step 3: Book your flight
Arrival in Shanghai Pudoing International Airport (PVG): Schedule your flight so that you arrive at the airpot anytime from 8am-5pm on May 26th, 2026. We will offer airport pick-up service and arrange car rides to the hotel we stay in.
Departure from Shanghai Pudoing International Airport (PVG): Schedule your flight to depart from Shanghai anytime after 4pm on June 1st, 2026. We will have activities planned to end by 12pm on June 1st and will offer car rides back to the airport on that day for everyone who leaves on June 1st.
Recommended option to add on a comfort day or two in Shanghai before you head home to enjoy more of the real China experience at your own pace. Book a well reviewed hotel through booking.com close to the airport, if you’d like.
If you have any questions about flights, please email us at peacefulveggiegirl520@gmail.com
Cancellation policy
Because multiple team members and business partners have made tremendous efforts and time to prepare for this retreat, there will be no refunds or discounts for arriving late, leaving early, flight cancellations, travel delays or illness.
Any money paid to the retreat are transferrable to someone else who will attend the retreat upon notice
If you cancel your reservation:
60 days or more prior to the start of the retreat (May 26th, 2026), you receive 70% of the money you have put down after the deposit (the deposit is non-refundable).
31-59 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive 50% of the money you have put down after the deposit (the deposit is non-refundable).
16-30 days prior to the start of the retreat, you receive 25% of the money you have put down after the deposit (the deposit is non-refundable).
0-15 days prior to the start of the retreat, no refunds $0 are given.
To cancel, you must send an email stating that wish to peacefulveggiegirl520@gmail.com
Shanghai Tower Night View
The Bund in Shanghai
Close up view of the Bund, Shanghai
City View in Shanghai
Hotel Room View
Double bed room view
Single Bed Room View
Hotel Bathroom View
FAQ
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No, international flights are not included. But we provide detailed travel tips and support via email to ensure your arrival in China is stress-free.
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No, travel insurance is REQUIRED because it offers peace of mind in case of unexpected emergency, health issues etc. We can help you to find a suitable one.
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Yes, you will need to purchase SIM cards and install VPN apps prior to your arrival in China. We will email you with our recommendations of SIM cards and VPN you can use while traveling.
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No. But we do recommend you to bring very small amount of RMB in Cash while you travel in China. Though China is pretty much a cashless country, we pay for everything with our phone apps, having a little cash in handy is not a bad idea. We will email you the specific helpful apps that you will need to download.
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We accept venmo, paypal, amd cashapp. Please be aware of the potential transfer fees associated with each payment method.
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Yes, the deposit is transferrable, but not refundable. Please email us at peacefulveggiegirl520@gmail.com, if you do wish to cancel and transfer your deposit to someone else who will attend the retreat.
Please view the refund policy section for more detail.
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No. There is no tipping culture in China. And our pricing for the retreat is transparent. Please review the pricing section for more detail.
Contact Us
Interested in this retreat? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!