Day
Immersion
Dragon Leader Retreat: Executive Business & Culture Retreat in China
Understand China Beyond the Boardroom
The Dragon Leader Retreat is designed for leaders who want a deeper edge: cultural fluency, stronger relationship instincts, and a more grounded understanding of how trust, communication, hierarchy, and long-term thinking shape business in China. Through immersive learning, curated discussions, and local context, this experience helps you engage opportunities with greater respect and commercial intelligence.
Chinese Business Culture Matters More Than Ever
Business in China is shaped by context, trust, timing, hierarchy, and relationship-building.
A practical shortcut for professionals who want to reduce cultural friction, avoid costly missteps, and approach Chinese partnerships with more confidence. Instead of learning through trial and error, you gain direct exposure to the cultural patterns behind communication, etiquette, collaboration, and strategic patience.
Your Guide During This Retreat
Kathy De Leye
China Business Culture Expert & Executive Coach
Kathy is a Belgian-born China business culture specialist, entrepreneur, and executive advisor who speaks French, Dutch, Chinese, and English. With over a decade of immersive experience living and working across China, she has guided executives, founders, and leadership teams in understanding the cultural intelligence that drives real business outcomes in Chinese markets.
Lived and worked across China for over 10 years
Featured on CCTV4, CCTV9, and China Daily
Advised executives from Fortune 500 companies on Chinese business culture
Fluent in Mandarin, English, French, and Dutch
Trained across China's most demanding cultural and professional environments, Kathy has been featured on CCTV4, CCTV9, and China Daily, and has worked directly with senior business leaders seeking a sharper, more credible understanding of Chinese business relationships.
Featured on CCTV4, CCTV9, and China Daily
Her work bridges the gap between Western business thinking and Chinese cultural intelligence — giving executives the confidence and context they need to build stronger, more trusted partnerships in China.
Who This Executive Retreat in China Is Designed For
This retreat is built for professionals who see China not just as a market, but as a long-term strategic priority. If you are navigating joint ventures, partnerships, supplier relationships, or investment decisions involving China, this retreat will give you the cultural context to engage with more confidence.
Personalized Immersive Chinese Culture Guided Training
Discover Beijing's imperial splendors, Shaolin temples and Pingyao's timeless charm through guided tours that delve deep into their historical and cultural significance.
Led by Kathy De Leye — China Business Culture Expert
Kathy is a Belgian-born China business culture specialist, entrepreneur, and executive advisor who speaks French, Dutch, Chinese, and English. With over a decade of immersive experience living and working across China, she has guided executives, founders, and leadership teams in understanding the cultural intelligence that drives real business outcomes in Chinese markets.
Hierarchy, Respect, and Decision-Making
Understand how seniority, face, and formal hierarchy shape every business interaction in China. Learn how to navigate decision-making structures, show proper respect to senior stakeholders, and avoid the most common missteps that cost Westerners credibility.
Building Trust & Long-Term Relationships
Learn why relationship capital matters, how trust is earned over time, and why guanxi still shapes business outcomes. Gain practical frameworks for building credible, lasting professional relationships in China.
Inside the 10-Day Dragon Leader Retreat Experience
A Structured Immersion Designed for Leaders
Dive into authentic Kung Fu historical sights and fundamental Tai Chi immersive experiences, cultural explorations, and martial arts revelations in historic Chinese settings. Experience true historic and a martial arts cultural immersion with locals, a hands on experience unlike any other!
A Structured Immersion Designed for Leaders
Day
1–2
1–2
Beijing - Arrival & Orientation
2 Days - Grounding in the capital
- Arrival, hotel check-in, rest & acclimatization
- Forbidden City (context, not checklist) + hutong walk
- Evening Daoist/Qigong intro with Beijing teacher
- Intention-setting circle & retreat briefing
Depart to Wudang Mountain →
Day
3–5
3–5
Wudang Mountain - Daoist Internal Arts
3 Days - Core cultivation block
- Residential Tai Chi & Qigong program (morning + afternoon)
- Temple visits on the mountain; guided meditation
- Light hikes between peaks; breath-in-motion practice
- Evening reflection circles & peer integration
Fly to Guilin → Transfer to Yangshuo →
Day
6–8
6–8
Yangshuo - Embodiment in Nature
3 Days - Deep practice & recovery
- Morning Tai Chi by the Yulong River
- Countryside cycling/hiking in karst landscape
- Optional rock climbing or bamboo rafting
- Evening group integration + optional 1:1 coaching
Continue in Yangshuo →
Day
9–10
9–10
Yangshuo - Deep Practice & Integration
2 Days - Internalize & apply
- Extended forms practice; partner drills
- Silent walk in karst hills; journaling time
- Personal project work (strategy notes, leadership plan)
- Farewell dinner & closing circle
Prepare for departure →
Day
11–12
11–12
Guilin - Wind Down & Depart
2 Days - Restore & travel home
- Light morning practice; slow breakfast
- Transfer to Guilin airport; buffer for flight delays
- Optional city stroll or tea stop before flight
- Depart back home
End - Depart Back →
Retreat Dates, Pricing, and Early Offer
A limited-group executive retreat starting November. Early offer: €1,000 off for the first 3 sign-ups.
A limited-group executive retreat starting November. Investment: $6,800–$7,800 per person. First 3 sign-ups receive €1,000 off.
FAQs
Answers to Your Top Questions About Your Journey
How does the retreat prepare teams for Chinese-style business meetings?
The retreat provides hands-on simulations of Chinese business meetings, including how agendas are structured, why senior figures speak first, and why silence often reflects respect rather than disengagement. Teams learn that meetings in China often serve to reinforce relationships and signal alignment, rather than finalize decisions.
What will participants learn about relationship-building in Chinese business culture?
A key pillar of the retreat is understanding guanxi — the Chinese approach to relationship-building. Participants will discover why trust in China is developed through repeated interactions and demonstrated consistency, rather than contracts or first meetings. Sessions focus on how to invest in long-term partnerships that unlock deeper business opportunities.
How does the retreat help teams navigate Chinese business hierarchy?
The retreat immerses your team in authentic settings that mirror the structured dynamics of Chinese organizations. Through guided sessions and real-world scenarios, participants learn how hierarchy shapes decision-making, communication, and leadership — and how to position themselves respectfully within these dynamics to build trust with Chinese counterparts.
How does the program address cross-cultural communication differences?
The retreat dedicates significant time to indirect communication styles common in Chinese business contexts. Participants will learn to interpret subtle cues, understand the significance of what is left unsaid, and avoid the common mistake of assuming polite responses equal agreement. Practical exercises help teams communicate with greater sensitivity and clarity.
What business etiquette practices will the retreat cover?
From meeting protocols and gift-giving norms to the order of seating and how to handle business cards, the retreat covers the essential etiquette expected in Chinese corporate environments. Participants leave with a confident and respectful approach that makes a strong impression from the first interaction.
What should I bring with me?
Participants must bring their own loose sportswear, sports shoes, toiletries, and change of clothes. We also offer our WOYD kimonos. On site at certain temples electronic devices such as mobile phones, tablets, and game consoles are prohibited, as well as snacks, jewelry and other items.
What practical takeaways will participants leave with after the retreat?
Participants leave with a clear framework for working effectively with Chinese partners and teams — including how to interpret indirect communication, respect hierarchical norms, build lasting relationships, and manage disagreement constructively. These insights are directly applicable to cross-border negotiations, partnerships, and day-to-day collaboration with Chinese colleagues.
How will the retreat help our team understand Chinese decision-making processes?
The retreat decodes the consultative, consensus-driven approach to decision-making common in Chinese organizations. Participants learn why decisions often appear slow, how approvals are shaped through private discussions before being communicated, and why patience and relationship investment are critical to moving business forward.
Will the retreat cover how to give and receive feedback in Chinese business culture?
Yes. One of the most critical insights covered is how feedback in Chinese organizations is typically delivered indirectly, privately, and through trusted channels to preserve dignity and face. Participants learn to adapt their own feedback practices to maintain trust and navigate performance conversations without causing embarrassment.
How are accommodations chosen during the trip?
Accommodations are selected for comfort, location, and cultural significance, ensuring a true traditional experience tailored for westeners.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated during the trip
Yes, we strive to accommodate all dietary needs. Please inform us in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements.
What if I need to cancel my reservation?
If cancellation occurs up to 60 days before the trip start date, a full refund minus a handling fee is available. For cancellations made 59 to 30 days before the trip, 50% of the total cost is refunded. There are no refunds for cancellations made less than 30 days prior to the trip. We recommend travel insurance for all participants.
How do I get started?
Its very easy, ensure you have the time available for your holidays and enroll via the form in this site.
Do you Still have any questions?
We are happy to help you understand whether this experience is the right fit for you.
If you feel called to dive deep into Chinese culture and business in a more meaningful way, this is your chance.