Ancient Questions for Modern Minds, Ancient Path for Modern Times

A Pilgrimage Retreat through China
Led by Stephen & Martine Batchelor and Shantum Seth- (October 10-23 2027)

Pre Trip Option Suzhou: Gardens, Canals & Chan (Oct 8-10) Post Trip Option Hong Kong: Harbor, Hills & Buddha (Oct 23-25).

14 days from USD $9665

Join us for a retreat on wheels with Stephen & Martine Batchelor and Shantum Seth

Ancient Questions for Modern Minds, Ancient Path for Modern Times.

Register Now

Letter from Martine and Stephen Batchelor:

As two of your guides on this journey, we would like to offer a taste of what we lies in store for us. The pilgrimage will provide an immersive encounter with the Chinese Buddhist traditions, allowing us to follow in the footsteps of revered ancient masters, while witnessing the ongoing practice of the Dharma in China today. Each site will allow us an opportunity not only to enjoy the sublime beauty of the temples, their gardens and artwork but also to sit in meditation, listen to talks and, over the course of the pilgrimage, coalesce into a temporary sangha bound together by the values and experiences we share.   

Starting in Shanghai, we will find ourselves confronted by a city where a Confucian, Daoist and Buddhist past rubs shoulders with the hyper-modern present. Amidst the lakes, parks and pavilions of Hangzhou we will observe how Buddhist culture is not only visible in temples and pagodas but contributes to the aesthetics of the landscape itself. On the island of Putuoshan, we will experience how the land itself has become sacralised through its identification with Guanyin, the bodhisattva of compassion. In Nanhua monastery, we will stand before the embalmed body of Huineng, the sixth patriarch of Chinese Chan (Zen), before visiting the temple of Yunmen, the Chan master famed for his pithy koans. On Hengshan, one of the five sacred mountains of Daoism, we will visit the stupa of Huairang, the seventh Chan patriarch, while also exploring shrines associated with the Daoist sages. And in Guilin we will witness one of the most iconic mountainous landscapes in China, which has inspired poets and artists through the centuries. 

Since the two of us last visited some of these sites more than forty years ago, China has undergone enormous changes. This will allow us to share with you our own experience of a country and religion in transformation. In particular, the pilgrimage will enable us all to reflect on the challenges facing Buddhism as it seeks to address the conditions of modernity, whether in Asia or the West, as individuals or communities. We very much look forward to meeting you next October should you choose to join us.

Martine and Stephen Batchelor  

Last year, we journeyed “In the Footsteps of the Ancestors” through some of the most revered Buddhist sites of Western and Northern China, tracing the routes by which Buddhism travelled from India into China and along the Silk Route.

I am deeply grateful to Stephen and Martine for agreeing to curate and co-lead this next journey into Southern China, where Chan Buddhism developed and flourished. It promises to be another extraordinary pilgrimage.

Ancient Questions for Modern Minds invites us to walk an ancient path in our own times, encountering China’s surviving monasteries, landscapes, art and traditions, while experiencing the vibrant, modern country it has become.

I first visited some of these places in 1982, when my brother Vikram was studying at Nanjing University, and returned in 1999 with Thich Nhat Hanh’s delegation, visiting many of the surviving Chan monasteries. To return now with Stephen and Martine offers a rare opportunity to experience these places through both scholarship and lived practice.

For anyone drawn to Buddhist philosophy, meditation, history and art, this is an opportunity to explore the remarkable meeting of Buddhist, Taoist and Confucian traditions that shaped Chinese civilisation and to learn directly from Stephen and Martine.

To spend two weeks travelling, learning and practising together with them, immersed in the landscapes and sacred sites of Southern China, is a truly special opportunity. We will also be accompanied throughout by an excellent national guide, with specialist local guides joining us at selected sites to offer deeper insights into their history, culture and spiritual traditions.

The journey can also be extended by three days on either side: explore the classical gardens and waterways of Suzhou, or experience the contrasting energy of Victoria Harbour and the quiet heights of Lantau, where mountain, sky, the Great Buddha and the Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism (Plum Village Hong Kong) offer another dimension to the journey.

Shantum Seth

Trip Overview

  • Chan Buddhism is the oldest surviving school of Chinese Buddhist meditation, and the direct ancestor of Zen in Japan, Son in Korea, and Thien Vietnam. This pilgrimage traces its living roots - from the monasteries where the tradition was formed to the mountain retreats where its greatest teachers practiced and taught.

  • The journey follows a coherent lineage arc, moving from the classical Chan centres of Hangzhou and Ningbo southward through the Hongzhou school of Mazu Daoyi, the mountain lineages of Mount Heng, and finally to Shaoguan — home of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng, the most pivotal figure in all of Chan history.

  • Experience Chan spaces accompanied by Stephen, Martine and Shantum’s teachings inspired by the very people who built and lived in them.

  • Meet local people, and experience Chinese life—traditional and contemporary, bustling and serene. You will explore vibrant centers of pilgrimage and areas of rural tranquility.

  • Immerse yourself in history and culture with your world-renowned Buddhist teachers, Stephen and Martine Batchelor and Shantum Seth, all with decades of experience in leading transformative Buddhist pilgrimages.

  • Enjoy daily opportunities for sitting and walking meditation, dharma dialogue, and quiet contemplation as a traveling sangha — a community of practice moving together through the sacred landscape.

  • An optional three-day Suzhou Option, Gardens, Canals & Chan before the main journey offers a chance to explore the gardens and waterways of Suzhou, visiting the Lingering Garden, ancient Shantang Street, and Hanshan Temple, famed for its bell and New Year's Eve tradition of 108 strikes, before wandering the canals and 14 stone bridges of the "Venice of the East" and the UNESCO-listed Humble Administrator's Garden, a beautiful and tranquil glimpse into the region's cultural heritage.

  • An optional Hong Kong Extension, Harbor, Hills & Buddha of three days offers an opportunity to practice at the Asian Institute of Applied Buddhism and visit the Great Buddha on Lantau Island combing modern Chan and the Plum Village tradition. This is a beautiful serene island.

  • On this journey we will be accompanied by wonderful local guide, Jack Liu who we know well and is a fountain of knowledge on all things China and Buddhism.

  • A percentage of revenue from all Buddha Path journeys goes to Ahimsa Trust (www.ahimsatrust.org) which represents and promotes the work of Thich Nhat Hanh in India and brings mindfulness to different facets of Indian society while building Plum Village India.

Teachers

  • A group of people attending a seminar, with the focus on a smiling, bald man wearing a dark brown jacket.

    Stephen Batchelor

    Stephen Batchelor was born in Scotland and educated in Buddhist monasteries in India, Switzerland and Korea. In 1972, at the age of nineteen, he settled in Dharamsala, and in 1974 he was ordained as a Buddhist monk in the Tibetan tradition and later traveled to Korea where he practiced as a Zen monk. Batchelor disrobed in 1985, when he moved to Devon, England to live and teach at the Sharpham Community and Gaia House. Stephen Batchelor has synthesized a distinctively Western Teaching style of Secular Buddhism, drawing from multiple Buddhist traditions. He is co-founder of Bodhi College. He currently lives in south-west France, with his wife, Martine.

    His books include: The Awakening of the West: The Encounter of Buddhism and Western Culture, Buddhism Without Beliefs: A Contemporary Guide to Awakening, Verses from the Center: A Buddhist Vision of the Sublime, Living with the Devil: A Meditation on Good and Evil, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist and The Art of Solitude.

  • Close-up of smiling middle-aged man with gray hair and beard against a pink background.

    Martine Batchelor

    Martine Batchelor was a Buddhist nun in Korea for ten years. She studied Son Buddhism under the guidance of the late Master Kusan. She translated his book ‘The Way of Korean Zen’. Following Master Kusan’s death she returned her nun’s vows and left Korea to come back to live in Europe where she also studied insight meditation. She lives in France with Stephen, her husband and her elderly mother.

    She is the author of different books showing her interest in various subjects from Buddhism and ethics “The Path of Compassion” to Buddhism and Women “Women in Korean Zen”. At the moment she is focusing on meditation and compassion in daily life as in “Let go: A Buddhist Guide to Breaking Free of Habits”. Her latest book is The Spirit of the Buddha’.

  • Smiling man wearing glasses, a red shirt, and a white scarf outdoors with a blurred background of trees and brick walls.

    Shantum Seth

    Shantum Seth was ordained and “Transmitted the Lamp” by Thich Nhat Hanh in 2001, receiving the Dharma name Satya Marg (True Path). The foremost expert on sites associated with the Buddha, he has been leading pilgrimages since 1988. He worked for over fifteen years with the United Nations on volunteering, peace, and social development, and later served as a Senior Advisor on pilgrimage tourism for both the World Bank and the Government of India. He has co-authored books such as Walking with the Buddha and Volunteers Against Conflict, and served as a consultant on documentaries including BBC-Discovery’s Life of the Buddha and BBC-PBS’s The Story of India.

What to Expect

This journey is co lead by Stephen Batchelor, Martine Batchelor, Shantum Seth and the best guides in China at each location.

There will be scheduled time each day for sitting and walking meditation, dharma sharings, and Q&A with all the teachers, as well as personal contemplative time for quiet reflection. A central intention of this journey is the creation of a traveling sangha — a community that moves, practices, and learns together, offering mutual support and fostering the kind of depth that only sustained group practice can bring.

The daily rhythm of the retreat will be unhurried and rooted in the places themselves. Most mornings begin with meditation at the site we are visiting — letting the space settle into us before we engage with it historically or intellectually. Breakfast follows at the hotel, after which we make our way to one of the day's principal sites. Stephen will offer a detailed talk in context — drawing on the history of the place, the lineage it represents, and what was unfolding in Chinese Buddhist life during the centuries when these masters lived — while always drawing the thread back to practice and to our own times. Pilgrims will have unhurried time to walk, sit, and absorb the site before we gather for lunch together.

Afternoons are for rest, and then, where the itinerary allows, a second visit — to another Buddhist site, a village, a school, or a local home — the kind of encounter that grounds the journey in the living culture of contemporary China. We return to the hotel in time for dinner, and on many evenings there will be a dharma sharing to close the day.

On travel days the rhythm shifts to suit the road. Throughout, the itinerary holds room for flexibility — adjusting to the needs, pace, and interests of the group as the journey unfolds.

You’ll stay at the best available accommodations in the vicinity of the sites (which are normally five-star hotels, heritage hotels, and guest houses), based on shared, twin-bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. The accommodations are clean and comfortable—in some cases monastic-style, and in some cases more luxurious. 

Transport is by comfortable private coach (apart from internal flights and airport transfers). All meals are included, with a large variety of delicious local dishes and plenty on offer for vegetarians. Bottled water is also provided. English is widely spoken, and transportation and infrastructure are good, but travelers must still expect the unexpected! China is a place of contrasts: often crowded and impoverished, but also friendly, colorful, and magical. A good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and a sense of adventure will stand you in good stead.

Register Now

Suzhou Gardens, Canals & Chan: October 8-10 2027

  • The Taj Mahal, a large white marble mausoleum with a central dome and four smaller domes, surrounded by a landscaped garden and reflecting pool.

    Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai

    Welcome to China. Upon landing in Shanghai, you will be met and transferred to your hotel, leaving the rest of the day free to settle in.

  • View of a riverside with boats, old buildings, and temples in the background during sunset.

    Day 2: Shanghai | Suzhou

    Leave the skyline of Shanghai behind and drive to Suzhou, a city long celebrated for its gardens and waterways. Your first stop is the Lingering Garden, one of Suzhou's most beloved classical gardens. Then step into living history along Shantang Street, a canal-side lane more than 1,100 years old. Your day closes at Hanshan Temple, the "Cold Mountain Temple," first built in the Liang Dynasty (502–557) and immortalised in Zhang Ji's Tang poem "A Night Mooring by Maple Bridge." Famed for its bell, it holds a cherished New Year's Eve tradition of 108 strikes, offered in prayer for good fortune.

  • Bing in front of a large, reddish-brown, dome-shaped historic structure on a grassy field with trees and a blue sky with clouds

    Day 3: Suzhou | Shanghai

    After a leisurely breakfast, travel to Suzhou, one of China's most famous ancient water towns and often called the "Venice of the East." Wander beside picturesque canals, past well-preserved residential houses and 14 ancient stone bridges, including the iconic Twin Bridges, whose shape recalls an old Chinese key and has become the town's most celebrated symbol. With a history of more than 900 years, this offers a tranquil glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage. We will visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Humble Administrators Garden. After lunch, return to Shanghai and your hotel.

Main Journey: October 10- 23 2027

  • The Taj Mahal, a large white marble mausoleum with a central dome and four smaller domes, surrounded by a landscaped garden and reflecting pool.

    Day 1: Arrive in Shanghai

    Begin your journey in Shanghai, where the modern skyline gives way to centuries of spiritual tradition. You'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel to rest before the journey ahead. We will have an orientation that evening and a special welcome dinner.

  • View of a riverside with boats, old buildings, and temples in the background during sunset.

    Day 2: Shanghai

    Spend a full day exploring the sacred side of China's largest city. Wander the lanes of the Old Town, then visit the Jade Buddha Temple, Longhua Temple, and Jing An Temple. Each has its own atmosphere of incense, chanting, and quiet devotion in the middle of a bustling metropolis.

  • Bing in front of a large, reddish-brown, dome-shaped historic structure on a grassy field with trees and a blue sky with clouds

    Day 3: Shanghai | Hangzhou

    Start the morning at Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden of rockeries, pavilions, and carp ponds. Then take the high-speed train to Hangzhou (1-2 hours). On arrival, visit Jingshan Temple, known as the origin of the tea ceremony. Walk the bamboo-lined paths and admire the grand architecture of the Song Dynasty.

  • Stone sculpture of a meditative figure seated cross-legged with hands in a prayer gesture, surrounded by intricate carved patterns and mythical creatures.

    Day 4: Hangzhou

    Begin at Yongfu Temple, called the "Most Beautiful Temple in China." Enjoy the serene atmosphere and a cup of "Suiyuan" coffee with a view of the mountains. Continue to Feilai Peak, where ancient Buddhist carvings line the rock face, and on to the majestic Lingyin Temple. Here you can pray for blessings and feel the incense-filled spiritual heritage of one of China's great Buddhist sites. In the afternoon, visit the Meijiawu tea plantation and try your hand at tea picking (seasonal). Then enjoy a cup of authentic Longjing tea while overlooking the lush green hills. End the day with a relaxing boat cruise on West Lake.

  • A historic temple with intricate architectural details during a colorful sunset with trees in the foreground.

    Day 5: Hangzhou | Ningbo

    Travel by private transfer to Ningbo (about 2 hours) to visit two of the region's most storied temples. Tiantong Temple is one of the five great Chan (Zen) temples. Known as a "Zen kingdom deep in the mountains," it offers a secluded, ancient atmosphere that invites meditation. Ashoka Temple was founded in 282 CE during the Western Jin Dynasty and has over 1,700 years of history. It is China's only ancient temple named after the Indian Emperor Ashoka, a link back to the Buddhist homeland.

  • A group of baboons sitting on rocky terrain overlooking a scenic landscape with green fields, scattered trees, distant mountains, and a cloudy sky.

    Day 6: Ningbo | Zhoushan

    Travel by private transfer to Zhoushan (about 1.5-2 hours), then take a 15-minute ferry to sacred the Putuoshan Island. Visit Prajna Temple, known for its imperial architecture and the majestic Hall of the Nine Dragons, where ancient camphor trees create a solemn, mystical mood. Then explore Puji Temple, the island's main temple, dedicated to Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy. Walk around the Lotus Pond in front of the temple and feel the strong religious devotion of the pilgrims gathered here.

  • Ancient brick temple ruins surrounded by greenery with worn stone stairs leading up to the structure.

    Day 7: Putuoshan | Hangzhou

    In the morning, visit Huiji Temple. From the top, a panoramic view of sea and sky is said to symbolize wisdom and enlightenment. Then see the South China Sea Guanyin Statue, the island's iconic 33-meter gilded bronze landmark. It gazes over the water as a symbol of compassion and protection.

  • Silhouette of a person with shaved head watching a sunset with a partly cloudy sky.

    Day 8: Hangzhou | Shaoguan

    Today is a travel day. After a private transfer to the station, board the high-speed train south to Shaoguan (6.5-8 hours), watching the landscape change as you go. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to your hotel.

  • Ancient brick stupa with a single tall pillar topped by a small sculpture, surrounded by trees and ruins.

    Day 9: Shaoguan

    Visit Nanhua Temple, founded in 502 CE and the birthplace of Southern Chan Buddhism. It houses the thousand-year-old mummified body of the Sixth Patriarch Huineng. Its serene courtyards remain a sacred pilgrimage site for Zen followers around the world. Then continue to Yunmen Mountain in Ruyuan County, which rises 1,215 meters into the clouds. At its foot sits Yunmen Temple, founded in 923 CE by Chan Master Wenyan as the birthplace of the Yunmen School, one of the five major branches of Chinese Chan. After exploring its ancient halls and peaceful atmosphere, hikers can trek forested trails, enjoy waterfalls, and breathe the pure air of northern Guangdong.

  • Buddha statue with a golden finish, lying on its side, covered partially with yellow cloth, with flowers nearby.

    Day 10: Shaoguan | Hengyang

    Travel by private transfer to the station (about 30 minutes), then take the high-speed train to Hengyang (1-1.5 hours). In the afternoon, visit Nanyue Grand Temple (about 20 minutes away), a first glimpse of the sacred mountain that awaits tomorrow.

  • A white Buddhist stupa with a gold pinnacle, reflected in a pond filled with pink water lilies, under a blue sky with scattered clouds.

    Day 11: Hengyang

    Spend a full day on Mt. Hengshan, known as Nanyue, the Southern Great Mountain, and one of China's Five Sacred Taoist Mountains. Its highest point, Zhurong Peak, rises 1,300 meters above lush forests and winding trails. With over 200 temples and pagodas scattered across its peaks, the mountain blends Buddhist and Taoist heritage, most notably at the Nanyue Great Temple, a rare complex combining both faiths. Nicknamed "The Longevity Mountain," it remains a living center of pilgrimage, with scenic hiking, majestic sunrise views, and a tranquil atmosphere that invites you to slow down.

  • Group of people relaxing outdoors under a tree, some sitting and one lying down, with lush greenery in the background.

    Day 12: Hengyang | Guilin | Yangshuo

    Take a private transfer to the station (about 15 minutes) and board the high-speed train to Guilin (2-2.5 hours). From there, travel by private transfer to Yangshuo (1.5-2 hours), where the landscape changes from sacred mountains to the karst peaks Guangxi is famous for.

  • A group of people dressed in white clothing walking outdoors in a park with trees and green grass, some carrying umbrellas and bags.

    Day 13: Yangshuo

    Today is a signature Yangshuo experience: drifting by bamboo raft down the Yulong River (known in your itinerary as the Dragon River). The clear water carries you past classic karst mountains and quiet countryside. Continue along the Ten Mile Gallery, a scenic road lined with karst peaks, bamboo groves, and rice paddies. You can bike or hike through its villages, past the river and Moon Hill. Then explore Ruyi Peak, a symbol of good fortune and wishes come true. Its name means "as one wishes," and its shape resembles a traditional Chinese Ruyi scepter, a source of local folklore and legend. We will have a closing circle.

  • A historic palace with domes and minarets, surrounded by well-maintained gardens and pathways, in a cityscape view.

    Day 14: Yangshuo | Guilin | Hong Kong

    Transfer from your Yangshuo hotel to Guilin station and take the train to Hong Kong. On arrival, you'll be met and transferred to the airport for your onward journey.

Register Now

Hong Kong Harbor, Hills & Buddha: October 25-27 2027

  • Ancient carved stone relief of a woman with jewelry, surrounded by other figures and detailed carvings.

    Day 1: Hong Kong

    After arriving in Hong Kong. Spend the day with locals. Hong Kong is a major global financial hub and a special administrative region of China known for its dense skyline and busy Victoria Harbour.

  • Ancient Indian rock-cut cave temples with intricate carvings and statues, bustling with visitors.

    Day 2: Lantau Island

    Spend a full day on Lantau Island (5-6 hours, with a 9:00 pickup). Ride the cable car up to Ngong Ping for views over the island's green hills and coastline. Visit the Great Bronze Buddha Statue, then Po Lin Monastery, where a vegetarian lunch is served. Continue to the Asian Institute for Applied Buddhism. Around 2:00 pm, take the cable car back down from Ngong Ping to Tung Chung, where your coach returns you to the hotel.

  • A bustling outdoor market with stalls selling colorful jewelry, bags, clothing, and accessories. Several people are walking and browsing, with some engaged in conversation, under a canopy with hanging lights. Green trees are visible overhead.

    Day 3: Hong Kong

    On your final morning, enjoy a half-day island tour (4 hours, with a 9:00 pickup). Ride up to Victoria Peak for sweeping views of the city and harbor. Visit Repulse Bay, then Aberdeen Fishing Village. Afterward, enjoy a dim sum lunch at a local restaurant before your transfer from the hotel to the airport for your departure flight.

Register Now

Pricing

The total cost for the pilgrimage retreat led by Stephen & Martine Batchelor and Shantum Seth (October 10-23, 2027) is US $9665*, based on double occupancy. The single room supplement is an additional US $2990*.


The cost of the Suzhou Option, Gardens, Canals & Chan (October 8-10, 2027) is US $1320* with a single room supplement of US $395*.

The cost of the Hong Kong Extension, Harbor, Hills & Buddha (October 23-25, 2027) is US $1545* with a single room supplement of US $490*.

Includes Government Service Tax; can be paid in the equivalent currency of your country.

What’s included 

  • airport transfers and escort services in Shanghai and Hong Kong

  • teachings

  • meditation

  • guide services 

  • transportation inside China including local flights and trains as scheduled 

  • site entrance fees 

  • all meals and bottled water 

  • lodging arrangements for the duration of the journey 

What’s not included 

  • international airfare to and from China

  • visas and other international arrangements 

  • costs for any extra days spent in China and Hong Kong beyond the dates of the journey 

  • any additional activities not included in the itinerary 

  • excess baggage fees on flights 

  • medical or other insurance coverage including travel insurance 

  • sim cards/phone calls during the journey 

  • laundry 

  • spending money 

  • tips 

  • any other items not specified in what is included

Forced singles room supplement (in case we are not able to room you with anyone else) will be 50% of the single supplement.

Because accommodation options can be limited —and groups may overlap—single rooms are not always guaranteed. We appreciate your understanding if this happens.

To register, a non-refundable deposit of US $820 per person is required at the time of booking, with the remainder of the cost due by July 10, 2027. All registration fees are payable in US dollars or the equivalent in other currencies. 

Please Note: This pilgrimage may be Tax- Deductible. We can give you a suitable letter if necessary.

Register Now

TESTIMONIALS (“From Our Travelers”)

“Whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim or simply want to learn more about the sources of Buddhism, you will find Shantum Seth’s guided journey… a deeply enriching and unforgettable experience.” 

Stephen Batchelor, Author of “Buddhism without Beliefs” 

"Pilgrimage with Shantum is an extraordinary and inspiring experience! These voyages are the best and most blessed way to encounter Buddhist Asia."

Jack Kornfeild, Founder of Spirit Rock Mediation Centre

“This wondrous journey opens dharma door after dharma door. Led by Shantum Seth, the pilgrimage teaches you through history and living Buddhism what the heart of the Buddha was truly about. Shantum himself is an example of practice, an inspiration and a teacher of grace, kindness, and insight. With him, you feel the presence of Buddhism as a living tradition of compassion.” 

Joan Halifax Roshi, Founding Teacher Upaya Foundation, USA 

“Shantum's love of buddhadharma and in-depth historical understanding was a constant source of enrichment. For me the value of an 'outer' pilgrimage is the ability to nourish the 'inner' pilgrimage – traveling with Shantum did just that.” 

Larry Rosenberg, Guide and Teacher, Cambridge Insight Meditation Center, USA 

“Throughout the journey Shantum looks after every detail. Whether it’s sorting out tickets, bargaining with shopkeepers, buying fruit, or just choosing a menu, Shantum takes care of it all. You are then free to concentrate on the pilgrimage and to absorb the atmosphere.”

Robert Bluck, Author of British Buddhism

“"With each step and breath the Buddha comes alive. Shantum's balance of knowledge, insight and humor brings joy to those journeying with him in the footsteps of the Buddha."

Thich Nhat Hanh, Zen Master

“It was important to me was to be guided by someone with intimate knowledge of and sensitivity to the dharma, the sacred sites, the land and its people. Shantum Seth manifested this rare combination. For me, the pilgrimage was very rich and fulfilling. I will savor it for years.” 

Eloise Ross-Jones, Participant  

“Shantum guided us skillfully through the sacred ancient sites and also through modern India, treating us as friends and guests. He bridges East and West effortlessly, with great humanity. The stories of the Buddha's life as we sat in the gardens at Lumbini, strolled the ruins of Buddha's palace, or watched the sun set on the exact spot where he died, helped me understand the drama of his life, and the significance of his teachings.” 

Jim Gollin, Participant and Board member Rainforest Action Network 

“Shantum’s ability to coordinate scheduling, living accommodations, and transportation was impressive. His skill and knowledge as a guide are unsurpassed. He made the journey highly meaningful for me and my fellow travelers, all from the States. His passion for the history and teachings of the Buddha made the experience a life-changing one.” 

Katharine Bertolet, Participant 

“The most worthwhile journey of my life. This pilgrimage is unique.” 

Doris Field, Participant

Register Now

FAQs

What is the accommodation like?

The accommodation provided is in comfortable and well-located high-end hotels. Prices are based on shared, twin/double bedded rooms with a private bath or shower and toilet. If you prefer a single room, there is a price supplement. Solo travelers who wish to room with another participant will be accommodated where possible. However, in the event that a solo traveler must room alone, they will be liable to pay 50% of the single supplement.


Food & Water

We stay in clean, safe places, and the food in the places we visit will be hygienically prepared, fresh, and cooked to suit a delicate digestive system. We will provide you with bottled water for drinking along the journey.

Health Concerns

We carry a first aid kit with us, but many people prefer to bring their own medicine supply as you may not be able to purchase the same range of medications you are used to. If you take any prescription medications, we recommend you bring them in the original labeled packaging.

Please let us know at the time of registration if you have any special dietary restrictions or medical needs.

What cultural considerations should I know?

Western travelers visiting China, it's important to consider the unique cultural considerations of these East Asian countries. While English is spoken in tourist areas, it is not widely spoken in China (except in Hong Kong). Transportation systems are good.  We recommend travelers expect the unexpected! Rest assured, we will take every measure to ensure a smooth experience—your travel is by comfortable transportation be it coach, first class train (wherever possible) or flight your experienced guides will bridge any language gaps.

Chinese people are friendly and welcoming; visitors will likely encounter warm hospitality and genuine kindness.  People tend to be respectful, friendly and family oriented. Packing your good sense of humor, flexibility, patience, and sense of adventure will stand you in good stead.

What is the cancellation policy?

For cancellations received up to eight weeks prior to the commencement of the tour, only the deposit  will be forfeited. There is no refund for cancellations made within twelve weeks of the beginning of the journey, 100% of the total cost will be forfeited.

What travel insurance will I need?

Participants are required to carry medical insurance. The range of coverage can vary significantly from policy to policy, and travelers are encouraged to speak with a travel agency to identify a policy that suits their needs. Things to consider are travel delays, trip cancellation or interruption, medical coverage, and baggage loss or delay. Before purchasing insurance, you may wish to check with your health insurance carrier to see if your policy includes medical care overseas. Please note that many insurance carriers require that insurance be purchased at the time a deposit or final payment is made; check with your carrier for details.

What happens upon arrival?

The journey will begin at 6pm in Shanghai on October 10, 2027, with a complimentary airport transfer upon arrival.

For those coming to Suzhou Option, Gardens, Canals & Chan come at noon on October 8, 2027, with a complimentary airport transfer upon arrival. 

For those coming only for the Hong Kong Extension, Harbor, Hills & Buddha arrival is at Hong Kong airport at noon on October 23th, 2027, with a complimentary airport transfer upon arrival. 

What happens upon departure?

For those completing the journey in Hong Kong on 23 October, we recommend booking onward international flights after the late evening/night of 23 October. As the 2027 train schedules between Guilin and Hong Kong have not yet been confirmed, this allows sufficient flexibility for the journey to Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Extension, Harbor, Hills & Buddha — until 25 October 2027

For those joining the Hong Kong Extension, onward international flights may be booked any time after lunch on 25 October.

Participants are responsible for booking all international flights. If you have any questions, feel free to check with us before you confirm your flight bookings. For international flights, tickets should be booked as early as possible.

We will arrange complimentary airport transfers for your departures on the last day of your journey.

Can I book extra nights?

For those wishing for an extra day or two to recover from air travel before the journey begins, or who wish to stay longer after the journey ends, we would be happy to book on your behalf.

What travel documents are required?

Passports should be valid for six months from the date of entry into China. You will need visas for this trip. We recommend you make a photocopy of your passport and keep it somewhere separate.

China Visa Information:

For tourists, the L visa is suitable.

Prepare all documents needed: Documents required for all types of visa include passport and visa application form attached with a recently-taken photo. Besides, other supporting documents are required, but they vary according to the visa type you are applying for. For instance, if you apply for a tourist L visa, the supporting documents will refer to round-trip tickets, hotel bookings or an invitation letter from your China travel agency. See detailed China Visa Application Requirements.

Be sure your documents meet the requirements of Chinese embassy.

Passport: with a remaining validity of at least 6 months; have a blank visa page.

Visa Application Form: truthfully completed; type-written with no blanks left.

Photo: taken within latest six months; full face against a light background; size: 48mm x 33mm; bare-headed unless for religious causes.

Submit the application: Visit the Chinese embassy, consulate or Chinese Visa Application Center (CVASC) which serves your residence area. You can show up in person or ask an agent to do this for you. In some consular offices and CVASCs, mail service is also available.

The normal processing time is four working days including the day you submit the application and the day you collect. Remember there might be additional non-working days for Chinese public holidays. By paying an additional fee you can usually have your application processed faster. It is normally possible to have your application processed overnight, for collection in the following afternoon, though some offices might offer a same-day service if you arrive in the office soon after opening. In general, try to apply for it well in advance to allow for any delay.

Pay the fee and pick up your visa: Go to the place where you apply for China visa on the date appointed at the pick-up slip. Pay the fee and you will get your passport back with visa. See China Visa Fees.

Best time to apply for a China visa: The best time to apply for China visa is one or two months before your departure date. Usually, a China visa is valid for only three months from the date of issue, which indicates that the earliest time you can apply is three months before your departure.


Will I need to bring money?

Hotels, food, transportation and guide services are all included by the tour fees. We suggest that travelers carry cash for expenses like gifts or souvenirs. Travelers will also need money if they plan to extend their stay before or after the journey. Credit cards such as VISA or American Express are widely accepted in hotels and large shops and there are ATMs in most locations where you can access cash.

We suggest bringing $ 1000 USD in small denomination cash as it is widely accepted in China. There is no need to exchange money in your country and it is best to do so in China.  

How does tipping work?

Travelers often have questions about tipping. We have developed a system where we collect a kitty at the beginning of the journey, and the tips are distributed from it (contributing is optional). This contribution covers all the incidental tipping/donations during the pilgrimage at hotels/restaurants etc. Thus far, this has worked well. It usually works out to 15 to 20 USD per person per day. We recommend setting aside approximately $200 per person for tips.

If you arrive before the start of the journey or stay after it concludes, it is good to bring extra small denomination cash.

Do I need a plug adaptor?

In China, the common power voltage is 220 Volt 50 Hz AC.

Is Outlet Adaptor Needed in China?

As the shapes of sockets and voltage vary among countries, a portable plug adaptor is usually necessary

Chargers of most electronic devices like cell phones, tablets, and cameras can function normally in the wide power voltage of 110~240V. Some higher-end hotels may offer a 110V shaver socket in the bathroom., though in guest rooms usually only 220V sockets are available.

What Power Sockets are Used in China? There are two kinds of sockets widely used in Mainland China: type A and type I. The type A can also accept plugs of type C or F, which are commonly seen in most European countries.

What should I pack?

Given that there can be variation between the daytime and evening temperatures (the general range is from 10 - 20°C/50 - 68°F), light layering is a practical approach. We recommend bringing jackets and sweaters for in the hills and in the evening and a shawl for meditations in the morning.  

For the warmer part of the day, cotton shirts, T-shirts, and trousers work well. An umbrella or a parasol is recommended for light rain and sharp sunshine. Modest dress is advisable, with legs and arms covered especially when visiting religious sites.  Please bring comfortable sneakers or sandals (which you can wear with socks if it gets cold).  There is no need to bring formal clothing.

We also visit temples where you will need to remove your shoes, so it is helpful to bring a pair of socks (the airline slip-ons are very convenient).  Having a hat or cap to protect you from the sun is always useful.  The free baggage allowance is 20 kilos (44 lbs.) of check-in baggage. Your cabin baggage limit is 5 kgs, so we recommend that you travel light.  Laundry facilities are available everywhere we stay, and laundry is usually returned within 24 hours.

Will I need vaccinations?

There are no medical restrictions upon your entry into China with one exception. Yellow Fever Certificate: Required only for travelers aged 9 months or older who are arriving from, or have transited for more than 12 hours through, a designated country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. If you are flying directly from the UK, US, Canada, or Europe, this does not apply

Can I use my mobile in China?

If you prefer not to buy a SIM card, you can stay in touch over Wi-Fi, which is available at our hotels. Please note that WhatsApp, Google services and several other Western apps are restricted in mainland China and may not work reliably without a VPN, which should be installed before you travel. WeChat works well in China and is widely used. Alternatively, a travel eSIM lets you use your usual apps without a VPN.


Are there any age restrictions?

Under-18s must be accompanied by an adult.

Register Now
For further information, questions & registration you can also contact us