Dezhou City, located just 305 kilometers from Beijing, was founded during the Han Dynasty and is situated in Shandong Province. The city is famous for its modern Solar Valley and Dezhou Chicken (Dezhou Pa Ji, 德州扒鸡), which is considered a delicacy throughout China. Dezhou offers a glimpse into typical Chinese city life without the hustle and bustle of mega-cities like Shanghai, Beijing, or Shenzhen.

At every corner, you’ll find a variety of restaurants offering something for every taste. A visit to some modern parks provides a deep insight into the Chinese understanding of harmony and peace. Dezhou combines urban life with a wealth of cultural experiences: skyscrapers and busy city life blend seamlessly with beautiful cultural districts featuring tea houses and Buddhist temples. In the evenings, elderly men gather outside to play Mahjong – a truly Chinese sight.

The city is also well-connected for day trips to Mount Taishan, Tianjin, or Beijing. This is partly thanks to the modern high-speed trains, known as Gaotie, which allow for quick travel across vast distances. A typical feature often found in Dezhou and throughout China is the blend of tradition and modernity. For training and immersion in Chinese culture, Dezhou is the perfect location. Here, one can not only master martial arts but also familiarize themselves with Chinese customs and society. A shift in perspective will consistently surprise you with the diversity of Chinese culture and society.

While it’s certainly helpful to know a few words of Chinese, the An Kung Fu Family ensures that the language barrier is overcome. A special highlight for martial arts enthusiasts is the Renmin Gongyuan, or People’s Park. There, An De Sheng, An Shifu’s father, trains his students every morning in the early hours. The parks are generally already filled with people of all ages engaging in sports early in the morning – a must-see! A fun fact to finish: Dezhou is also the Chinese name for Mexico. We warmly invite everyone to visit the Chinese Mexico and immerse themselves in the fascinating Chinese world.