觀雲 GUANYUN
RETREAT
Two-week Creative & Meditative Immersion through the Sacred Landscapes
& Ancestral Craftsmanship of Southwest China
September 15-28, 2025
Itinerary : Yangshuo,
The lands of the Dong people in Qiandongnan,
& Fanjingshan
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Our JOURNEY intention
We are delighted to invite you to GUANYUN 观云, a transformative retreat nestled in the breathtaking landscapes of Yangshuo and Guizhou, in Southwest China. The majestic mountains, flowing rivers, and ever-changing skies create the perfect environment for deep reflection and spiritual renewal. The name Guanyun comes from the expression in Chan Buddhism 观云修心 (Guanyun xiuxin), which means “contemplating the clouds to cultivate the heart.” This immersion is an invitation to step away from the noise and distractions of the world, to reconnect with the profound wisdom of Nature and indigenous knowledge. Just as the clouds drift across the sky, we will learn to flow with the natural rhythms of our inner landscapes, letting go of what no longer serves us and opening to the pure beauty and stillness of the present moment.
The journey will unfold in three chapters, from 15 to 28 September 2025. We will first gather in the ethereal beauty of Yangshuo, Guangxi Province, surrounded by vibrant landscapes that inspired traditional Chinese paintings, contemplating the dance of the Five Elements of Nature—Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
From there, we will journey to the Qiandongnan region in Guizhou Province, a cradle of indigenous communities rich in ancestral wisdom and extraordinary textile heritage. Since 2019, DEYI design studio has been building deep connections with local communities through ethnographic research and creative collaborations there, establishing a cooperative of thirty weavers from the Dong people. DEYI founders will welcome us into their workshop nestled in the mountains, where we will live alongside a community of Dong women artisans, immersing ourselves in their daily lives, crafts, and spirituality—a precious heritage now threatened by modernization.
Our journey will then continue to an extraordinary retreat center nestled amidst the sacred Buddhist mountains of Fanjingshan, rising above the clouds in Guizhou. Bathed in silence and mystery, this revered sanctuary offers a powerful space for deep listening and spiritual reflection. The full program of this mindfully curated immersion is detailed below.
This experience will be guided by dedicated souls, passionate about the living wisdom of ancient China: the DEYI founders — French creative Pauline Ferrières & Chinese designer Zhang Xing; Canadian guest teacher Jade Brunel, founder of Waotea and steward of elemental teachings; Yang Yi, Dong indigenous artisan and cultural guardian; and the collaborative artisans of the DEYI textile cooperative — wise hands and open hearts rooted in the mountains of Guizhou.
Throughout the retreat, we will engage in practices that gently return us to stillness and clarity: contemplative crafts, meditation, tea rituals, mindful walking, and moments of sacred presence beneath open skies. We will enter into the rhythms of hand-weaving, natural dyeing, and other ancestral crafts as pathways to meditation—allowing the spirit to settle, and the sacred to emerge through the gestures of daily life.
GUANYUN 观云 retreat is an invitation to return to the essence of being, to move with the sacred rhythms of Nature, and to listen once more to the quiet wisdom of the heart. We welcome you to share this transformative journey with us, to slow down, soften, and nourish your spirit amidst the mystic landscapes of China.
For more information and registration, please contact us at contact@deyi-living.com. Only 14 spaces are available for this once-in-a-lifetime journey, lovingly curated for mindful beings ready to walk with intention and an open heart.
Our journey essence
Consciously woven journey
We are not a travel agency — we are storytellers, bridge-builders, and companions. This immersion is the fruit of years of presence, listening, and meaningful collaboration. Since DEYI’s birth in 2019, we have walked alongside Dong and Miao artisans, nurturing trust and creative dialogue. Each element of this experience has been thoughtfully shaped in deep respect for the land, its rhythms, and the people who welcome us. It is an invitation to live something rare and deeply rooted.
Nature wisdom
SHIZAOHUA 师造化, “Nature is our Master”. In the spirit of this ancient Chinese saying, we will walk with humility and reverence. Nature will be our guide — a sacred force that teaches us how to listen, observe, and live in harmony. Amidst the vibrant landscapes of Yangshuo and the sacred mountains of Guizhou, we will slow down to attune ourselves to Earth’s intelligence. We will explore the Dong people’s ancestral bond with the natural world and its deities and their profound knowledge of plant medicine.
TEXTILE SYMBOLOGY
We will dive into the craftsmanship and ancestral textile culture of the Dong and Miao peoples — indigenous communities with no written language, where embroidery and woven patterns on their ceremonial garments become vessels of memory, myths and legends. As the etymology reveals, text y textile both stem from the Latin word textere, meaning “to weave.” To weave a fabric or to write a text is to create meaning — to interlace threads or words into a language that whispers through time.
Healing Arts
We genuinely believe in the nurturing power of Art & Handcrafts. The ancient Chinese character for “Art” YI 藝 depicts a human planting a tree, symbolizing growth, rebirth and vitality. Our journey will be filled with unique creative explorations, guided by designers, indigenous artists and artisans: textile craftsmanship, natural dyes, sacred music, free dance, intuitive drawing & writing practices, journaling and more — all designed to nurture and ignite our inner creative fire.
INNER ALCHEMY
We will journey into the realms of Chinese metaphysics, exploring the Five Elements of traditional Chinese medicine and Bazi astrology. We will also delve into the teachings of Chan/Zen Buddhism and Daoism. Through the indigenous wisdom of the Dong people of Guizhou, we will connect with animism, a profound spiritual dimension of their culture. Along the way, guided Qigong practices and meditations will accompany us, fostering personal transformation and a profound connection to the sacred lands of China.
Heartfelt Connections
We gather a group of 14 mindful beings for this life-changing journey. Our intention is to create a safe, intimate space where each person feels supported in sharing their emotions and reflections with the community. Every day, we will dedicate time in circle to share and nurture the collective spirit. The sense of community and mutual support is central to this experience, mirroring Dong people’s values, where collaboration and collective well-being are at the core of their way of life.
TEA MEDICINE
Tea will be our companion all along the immersion. We will infuse our body, mind, and spirit with the finest medicinal teas from across China, carefully sourced by our tea master, Liu Laoshi. In the embrace of Nature, we will share sacred rituals, allowing each sip to deepen our connection to the Earth and to ourselves. Through exploring plant medicines, we will uncover the resonance between the craft of tea and the craft of natural dyeing, guided by the art of fermentation.
Immersive lodgings
We have curated inspiring accommodations throughout the journey, each fully immersed in Nature. The experience begins in a peaceful retreat center among the karst mountains of Yangshuo. From there, we continue with a stay among Dong indigenous artisans in a traditional wooden house. The journey then takes us to beautiful lodges nestled on the sacred Buddhist mountain of Fanjingshan, before concluding with a cosy hotel in Guilin for a soft landing.
Rooted food
Throughout this all-inclusive experience, we will share earth-rooted meals — simple, seasonal, and deeply nourishing — prepared with reverence for the land, its cycles, and its spirit. Infused with wild plants and medicinal herbs from the mountains of Guizhou, and enriched by the ancestral flavors of Dong cuisine, each meal becomes a moment of care and connection. We believe the truest taste of a culture begins with its food. Vegan options are available.
Our JOURNEY ITINERARY
Please note that the schedule may be subject to small adjustments.
TWO-WEEK IMMERSION IN SOUTHWEST CHINA
FROM Monday, September 15 to Sunday, September 28, 2025
Day 1 – A Warm Welcome in the Majestic
Mountains of Yangshuo
09.15
Arrival at Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.
Gentle landing in Guangxi province.
Time to rest with healing tea, fresh fruits, and nourishing food.
Settle into the retreat sanctuary, embraced by Yangshuo rivers and misty peaks.
As night falls, a welcoming tea ceremony with guqin music opens our circle.
We share gifts from the heart and set our intentions for the days to come.
Overnight stay at Yangshuo Banyan Tree Mountain Retreat.
Day 2 – In Harmony with the Flow
of Yulong River
09.16
Morning tea meditation, supported by a Yijing oracle reading.
Presentation of the journey program and team,
followed by a sharing circle to introduce all participants.
An introductory course on traditional Chinese art accompanies
our immersion in the magnificent landscapes of Yangshuo,
where the beauty of Shanshui (mountains-rivers) paintings comes to life.
A peaceful bamboo raft ride along the Yulong River
connects us with the sacred waters of Yangshuo.
Time for journaling practice to reflect on the experience.
Overnight stay at Yangshuo Banyan Tree Mountain Retreat.
Day 3 – Embracing the Five Elements
in Yangshuo’s Scenery
09.17
Morning tea meditation,
followed by an introductory course on the Wisdom of the Five Elements
Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water.
We then embark on a gentle hike to Xianggong Hill,
where we witness the breathtaking dance
of Earth’s mountains and Water’s rivers in Yangshuo.
A time for integration, allowing the wisdom of the elements
to settle within us.
Packing for the next chapter of our journey.
Last night at Yangshuo Banyan Tree Mountain Retreat.
Day 4 – Arrival in the Sacred lands
of the Dong Indigenous People
09.18
A morning of rest, enjoying the retreat center’s peaceful atmosphere.
After brunch, we begin our journey to Guizhou province,
heading toward the Qiandongnan region.
Arrival in the late afternoon at the Deyi workshop-guesthouse,
a traditional Dong wooden house nestled in the mountains
— home of Yang Yi, who will be our precious guide.
Dong welcoming ceremony with traditional singing.
Visit and settling in our new home for the days to come.
Evening tea sharing and presentation of Deyi ethical project.
Overnight stay at Deyi workshop.
Day 5 – Immersion in the Living Heritage
of Dong Matriarchal Wisdom
09.19
Morning tea meditation.
Visit to Sanbao Dong village, by the banks of Rongjiang River.
We pay tribute to the ancestors at Yang Yi’s family house.
We visit the Drum Tower and the mystic Temple of Sama,
divine mother of the Dong people,
where we meet the temple’s guardians, bearers of ancient knowledge.
Creative afternoon guided by the artisans at the workshop:
initiation into traditional loom weaving and cotton hand-spinning.
Festive dinner with Dong traditional delicacies and sacred songs under the stars.
Overnight stay at Deyi workshop.
Day 6 – Nurturing the Creative Fire through
Handcrafts & Natural dyes
09.20
Morning tea meditation.
Floral art workshop using local plants and herbs
— a way to root ourselves in the nourishing land.
Introduction to the ancestral ritual of preparing the indigo vat,
a living ecosystem blessed by the artisans’ masterful hands.
Through a special indigo workshop, we explore various tie-dye techniques,
shaping our own textile runner for tea rituals and beyond.
Journaling practice to reflect on the wisdom of medicinal plants dyes,
accompanied by an indigo leaf infusion.
Overnight stay in Deyi workshop.
Day 7 – Delving into the Way of Life in tune
with Nature of the Dong Villagers
09.21
Early morning departure for our excursion to Zengying Dong village,
where we explore the yellow rice terraces just before the harvest.
We meet the beloved artisan Yang Seimei and her mother,
who share their precious crafts and traditional jewelry with us.
The villagers bless us with a traditional Dong singing ceremony,
part of UNESCO intangible heritage.
Our journey continues with an immersion in Yaxian remote village,
where we learn from several artisans from Deyi textile cooperative.
A mesmerizing Lusheng music performance concludes this beautiful excursion.
Back to the workshop in the evening.
Overnight stay in Deyi workshop.
Day 8 – Exploring the Mysterious Language of Textiles
& Taoist Metaphysics
09.22
New Moon tea ceremony followed by an introduction
to Chinese Bazi astrology — an exploration of our inner landscape
and the keys to harmonizing our energies.
In the afternoon, we meet Pan Xiaomei at the workshop,
a gifted embroiderer from the Miao indigenous people,
and discover her exceptional collection of Guizhou textiles.
We delve into the legends, myths, and symbology
of the Dong and Miao cultures,
uncovering the hidden messages woven into their textile language.
Intuitive drawing practice to reflect and anchor the experience.
Overnight stay in Deyi workshop.
Day 9 – Celebrating the Autumn Equinox
through Ancestral Wellness Rituals
09.23
Tea meditation to welcome the energies of Autumn,
followed by a gentle practice of the Six Healing Sounds.
A creative workshop invites us to craft a protective talisman,
made from Dong handwoven fabrics and infused with healing plants.
We then explore Dong haircare rituals with fermented rice and wild herbs
and receive the grounding benefits of a traditional mugwort foot bath.
We close the journey in Qiandongnan with an Equinox tea ceremony,
sharing reflections and gratitude alongside the Dong women.
Last night in Deyi workshop.
Day 10 – Transitioning from the Heart of the Dong
to the Peaks of Wuling Mountains
09.24
Five Animals Qigong practice.
We gently pack for our next adventure in Guizhou.
Farewells with the Dong women — full of gratitude, until we meet again.
After brunch, we journey to our next destination, Fanjingshan,
the sacred Buddhist mountain and highest peak of the Wuling range.
We settle into our exceptional retreat hotel in the heart of the mountains,
Fangxia Yunju, meaning “Letting go among the clouds”.
Tea meditation at night to attune ourselves with the new energies.
Overnight stay at Fangxia Yunju Retreat hotel.
Day 11 – Pilgrimage to the Mountain
of Awakening
09.25
Tea meditation, anchoring ourselves before the ascent.
A slow and mindful hike leads us into the majestic realm
of Mount Fanjing, rising above the clouds.
We bow in reverence within the ancient temples nestled in the sacred peaks.
Fanjingshan is revered as the site of Maitreya’s enlightenment
— the ‘Buddha of the Future.’
A sacred pilgrimage site since the Tang Dynasty, now recognized by UNESCO
for its spiritual and natural significance.
Overnight stay at Fangxia Yunju Retreat hotel.
Day 12 – Cultivating Balance through Mindfulness
& Reverence for Nature
09.26
Five Elements meditation, supported by the healing sounds of the guqin,
guiding us to reconnect with our Essence.
In the afternoon, we wander through the vibrant
natural reserve of Yamugou and share a Qigong practice,
soothed by the gentle flow of Waters.
A journaling moment in Nature allows us to deepen
our reflections and ground the transformative experience.
At night, we gather for a tea ceremony and heartfelt sharing circle.
Last night at Fangxia Yunju Retreat hotel.
Day 13 – Embracing the Winds of Change
09.27
Morning tea meditation.
Five Elements dance practice held in Nature,
honoring the movement of transformation
within and beyond us.
Nourishing lunch before our transition to the city.
Heading back to Guilin, returning to Guangxi province.
Arrival in the late afternoon.
Time to rest and integrate the journey’s countless teachings.
Night in Rong Unique Hotel in Guilin.
Day 14 – Carrying the Spirit of the Journey Home
09.28
A last slow morning in China,
followed by a grounding brunch before we transition home.
Departure from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport.
A loving farewell, knowing our paths will cross again.
The journey is all-inclusive, covering everything except international flights, visas, and travel & medical insurance. We will assist you in selecting the best flight options to Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and support you throughout the visa application process. Please note that several European countries benefit from a 30-day visa-free travel policy to China.
THE HUMANS BEHIND THE JOURNEY
Jade Brunel is the founder of WAOTEA, an online space and educational platform dedicated to tea culture, where she curates and shares teas and objects sourced from conscious farmers and artists across Asia. Jade has traveled extensively to China, Japan, Thailand, and Laos, deepening her connection with tea through study and collaboration with tea farmers.
Rooted in her passion for Chinese culture, metaphysics, and the healing arts, Jade draws from a rich background in tea studies, creative writing, mindfulness meditation, Bazi astrology, biodynamic psychology, qigong, and somatic practices. She facilitates online courses, workshops and retreats that explore personal and collective healing through tea ritual, elemental embodiment, astrology, and creative exploration. Jade supports her community navigating life’s transitions ; infusing, creating, dying, transforming.
In 2022, Jade published her first book, Tea, Remembering the Essence of Life, created in collaboration with artists who share her reverence for tea, Nature, and Chinese wisdom. This creative journey led her to meet Pauline, sparking a profound friendship and the co-creation of the Guanyun retreat in China. During this immersion, Jade will facilitate several meditative and creative practices to support the transformative experience.
Pauline Ferrières is a French creative entrepreneur based in Beijing, deeply passionate about traditional Chinese culture, craftsmanship, and healing arts. Through her creative projects, she envisions a future in harmony with Nature, inspired by the timeless wisdom of ancient China.
As the co-founder of DEYI, Pauline works hand in hand with Dong indigenous women in Southwest China, preserving their extraordinary textile heritage through slow fashion, contemporary art, and community empowerment. Fluent in Chinese, she has been immersed in the study of Chinese arts, calligraphy, and metaphysics since 2018. Her path has been shaped by precious encounters with masters such as Taiwanese Tea Master Liu, with whom she explores the medicinal dimension of tea and the depths of Chan/Zen Buddhist philosophy.
With a background in arts management, Pauline curates exhibitions and facilitates creative retreats and workshops in China, Europe, and the United States. Her offerings are known for weaving together a poetic, embodied understanding of Chinese culture, traditional arts, and tea philosophy. This immersion in China has been mindfully curated by Pauline to invite the community into an intimate connection with the spirit of the lands she now calls home.
Yang Yi is a wise artisan from the Dong indigenous people and the coordinator of the DEYI textile cooperative. Dedicated to preserving the traditional craftsmanship of her ancestors, particularly cotton handweaving, handspinning and natural dyeing, she was inspired by her grandmother’s exemplary weaving skills. After years spent in the city, Yang Yi returned to her roots in Qiandongnan to revive her family’s textile traditions.
Through her work, Yang Yi blends traditional techniques with modern design, ensuring the survival of Dong craftsmanship while improving the artisans’ livelihoods. She aims to inspire a deeper appreciation for the rich cultural history of the Dong people and create opportunities for their craftsmanship to thrive in the modern world. Yang Yi will be our most precious guide in the Guizhou mountains, at the heart of the artisan network.
Zhang Xing is the Chinese interior designer at DEYI, guided by an ethical design philosophy that fosters a deeper connection with Mother-Earth. He collaborates closely with contemporary artists and indigenous artisans to preserve their craftsmanship while infusing it with modern design. Zhang Xing’s work aims to inspire reflection on life’s essence and global issues, creating spaces that honor the innate human desire for self-expression.
Passionate about ancestral Chinese wisdom, Zhang Xing immerses himself in tea medicine as a disciple of Master Liu, the guqin (an ancient Chinese instrument), and Chan philosophy, all of which deeply influence his design practice. Through DEYI, he is dedicated to safeguarding and sharing the cultural heritage of ethnic minorities in China, creating designs that bridge the past and the future.
TESTIMONIES
In the summer of 2024, the founders of DEYI had the joy of welcoming groups of young designers from around the world for a creative immersion and ethnographic exploration in their studio in Guizhou. Together, we discovered the rich, living culture of the Dong people and shared in the daily rhythms of the women who carry these ancestral traditions forward with grace. Here are a few heartfelt reflections from the students who took part in this experience.
“In July, I embarked on an adventure with other designers to explore and study the culture of the indigenous people of Guizhou, China. I am still processing everything I experienced. Sometimes, while studying something external, we also engage in deep introspection. I realize how everything is interconnected: the people I met, the places I visited, the experiences we shared — each has changed me in ways I am only beginning to understand.
This journey was filled with discoveries, emotions, and learning that left an indelible mark on me. There are not enough words to capture the magnitude of what I experienced and how transformative this trip was. Sometimes, the deepest truths are beyond the reach of language — and this trip is one of those experiences that you carry in your soul forever.”
A.
Participant of the creative retreat with Dong people in Guizhou
“I wanted to write to you to express how grateful I am for every single one of you who made this journey possible. I went there not knowing what to expect, and I came home feeling like a different person, loving this beautiful country even more.
You showed us China in the most mindful, eye-opening way, and I couldn’t be happier that this was how I experienced the country for the first time. Thank you for allowing us to discover China in all its richness — its values, people, culture, food, and philosophy — from the forests and villages of Guizhou to the breathtaking mountains of Guilin.
You have reminded us — those of us who live in the city — of what we so often forget: how to live slowly, how to appreciate the little details in life, and how to reconnect with Nature.”
B.
Participant of the creative retreat with Dong people in Guizhou
“As I slowly begin to assimilate everything we experienced, I’m writing to thank all of you for your teachings and kindness. I still can’t believe I was there with you in Guizhou — not even in my wildest dreams would I have imagined living something like that. You are a true inspiration for so many of us. I’m writing to you while listening to the rain… I know I will never be able to hear it again without thinking of Sama, the Dong goddess of rain, and everything we shared together in China. I miss drinking tea and meditating with the sound of the rain in the background. I know that, at some point in my life, I will return to Guizhou.
I dream of creating something in the future that transmits as much beauty and depth as you do with DEYI.
J.
Participant of the creative retreat with Dong people in Guizhou
“I was given the opportunity to collaborate with DEYI among other talented designers to become part of an ethnographic research project in Guizhou. My gratitude remains with them. They all left me completely speechless with their dedication, discipline, and ethical values.
From the moment the immersion began, I couldn’t believe I was in China. I found myself in a loop, constantly questioning if it was real or if I was daydreaming. My mind kept asking the same question: Have I ever been so present?
Guizhou left a mark on me. Guizhou nourished me. Guizhou is a blooming teacher and a caring mother.
Guizhou stitched my heart back together.”
V.
Participant of the creative retreat with Dong people in Guizhou
In November 2024, Pauline, Jade & Zhang Xing crafted a retreat in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan — a profound journey into tea culture and the ancient traditions of the indigenous Bulang and Dai peoples. Sixteen participants from diverse backgrounds came together, deeply enchanted by the experience in the tea mountains, as their words beautifully testify.
“This incredible experience allowed me to see China’s true colors — a potent blend of vibrancy, sacred reverence, beauty, and delightful wonder. I honestly believe that I would not have been able to witness and sense these tender moments with locals, the land, and their way of living on any other trip. This highly curated, bespoke experience is truly a trip of a lifetime. There’s truly no way I could have experienced all of the incredible moments on this trip on my own with my own planning — not a chance! Being able to fully trust each of the guides / facilitators and receive this experience fully was beyond what I could have envisioned. Can’t recommend this experience enough, there simply aren’t enough words to express how magical every detail was thought through and felt!”
K.
Participant of the Yuhui Retreat in Xishuangbanna tea mountains
“This journey was so intentionally and thoughtfully crafted, and lead by such inspirational souls… I will be so eternally grateful to be a part of it. To be in a land of deep reverence to Nature and its roots, and to see the continued love and respect for Earth, its inhabitants, and ancestral connections, is very humbling. Having such unique opportunities to explore the land, immerse yourself in ancient traditions, to mingle among the warm people, and to share together in rituals and ceremonies has all been life changing, eye opening, and soul awakening. I thank, from the depths of my being, Pauline, Jade, Zhang Xing, and everyone who made this journey possible, by deepest gratitude.
I am still, and will forever, be reeling in the feels of it all.”
M.
Participant of the Yuhui Retreat in Xishuangbanna tea mountains
“This retreat was beyond anything I could have imagined—an experience so profound, it’s hard to put into words. Every moment felt intentionally crafted, yet effortlessly flowing, like a dream unfolding in real time. From the misty morning walks to tea rituals under sacred trees, from hands-on artistry to witnessing ancient traditions come alive, every experience was layered with depth, beauty, and meaning.
What made it truly special, though, was the way we were held—so gently, so completely. Every detail was considered, from the smallest comforts to the grandest gestures. It wasn’t just a retreat; it was a portal into another way of being, a reminder to slow down, listen, and truly be.
I came back with more than memories—I came back transformed.“
E.
Participant of the Yuhui Retreat in Xishuangbanna tea mountains
“This was an incredible journey beyond any expectations. The program was curated with so much attention and love and Pauline, Zhang Xing and Jade guided us with an open heart sharing precious knowledge but also gently guiding us without interfering in rediscovering our true nature, in connection with nature, the elements and the wisdom of tea.
The journey felt very authentic and I appreciated all the amazing local people we met that shared a precious moment of their life with us and brought us closer to their culture.
The connection between the participants and our guides was sincere and it felt like one big family.”
A.
Participant of the Yuhui Retreat in Xishuangbanna tea mountains
