Experts explained the growing popularity of kung fu tours among Russians
Kung fu tours are becoming an alternative to beach holidays for those who are tired of overloading, gadgets and standard routes. Why tourists are increasingly choosing vacations with discipline, early risers, and physical challenges is in the Izvestia article.
Why choose Kung Fu tours
The popularity of kung fu tours and trips to the Shaolin Monastery is associated with global changes in the behavior of tourists. Alexander Perepelkin, founder of the premium travel agency PrimeTours, said that this format combines a healthy lifestyle, wellness practices and a request for self-discovery. According to him, China is perceived as a region with a deep philosophical base necessary for spiritual practices and meditations.
Many travelers choose such tours because they are tired of classic vacations. There is a demand for trips that provide not only a change of scenery, but also a new experience in a different environment.
"There is a demand for so—called meaningful travel - when a trip gives not only a change of location, but also a new experience, a new environment, new sensations. And at the intersection of these trends — healthy lifestyle, self—knowledge, interest in China and fatigue from standard formats - kung fu tours appear as a separate direction," the expert noted.
Features of monastic recreation
The main group of tourists are people over the age of 40 who face professional burnout and stress. For them, the strict regime in the monastery becomes a way to get out of the usual rhythm of life. However, a younger audience is gradually forming, which is looking for non-standard and meaningful formats after the experience of mass tourism.
Recreation programs can vary significantly in terms of workload. In some cases, this is a strict schedule with training and limited use of gadgets, in others it is a softer format with tours of temples and cultural sites. For most people, kung fu is just a tool for personal transformation, not a goal for professional martial arts studies.
Psychological aspects of disciplinary rest
Alexandra Grazhdanov, a psychologist and member of the AKPN, connects her interest in the monastic lifestyle with chronic fatigue from information noise. She noted that in a megalopolis, people are constantly forced to make decisions, so the rigid structure on the tour is perceived as a relief. This allows you to temporarily relieve internal tension, as the external environment takes over all organizational tasks.
In addition, according to Citizens, physical activity during kung fu helps to return to bodily sensations after prolonged work behind screens. Rhythmic practices reduce anxiety and cortisol levels.
"Paradoxically, a strict regime can give a person not tension, but relief. When everything is decided for you, when the external environment takes over all the decisions, <...> then the head finally gets the opportunity to switch off," the expert added.
Prospects and alternative directions
Perepelkin estimates that about 40-45% of Russians are already interested in retreat and meaningful travel. Although kung fu tours are still a niche product, they have high growth potential. Among other countries developing similar tourism formats, the expert singled out India, Thailand and Maldives. In addition, similar areas are developing in Russia, for example, expedition trips to Lake Baikal or Kamchatka.
At the same time, Perepelkin did not rule out that some of the audience may perceive such trips as fashionable exotics for social networks.
"If tours give a real result — whether it's physical condition, psychological relief, or a new experience — they will generate repeat demand and grow due to recommendations," the expert concluded.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
