Global seekers dive into Taoist culture at Tianma peak in Hubei
全球寻道者在湖北天马峰体验道教文化
As sunlight is piercing through the mist and illuminating the forest at the Tianma peak in Shiyan, Central China's Hubei province, Alan from Ireland and six others faced the rising sun, adjusting their breathing and stretching their bodies. This marked the beginning of their 15-day immersion in traditional Taoist culture.
阳光穿过薄雾，照亮中国中部湖北省十堰市的天马峰森林，来自爱尔兰的艾伦和其他六人迎着朝阳，调整呼吸，伸展身体。这标志着他们为期15天的传统道教文化之旅的开始。
A group of people from different countries, captivated by Chinese traditional culture, has journeyed to the Tianma peak in August. The peak, as one of the 72 peaks of the Wudang Mountain, home to a famous complex of Taoist temples and monasteries, has attracted hundreds of foreigners from all walks of life since 2005, including corporate executives and film actors.
被中国传统文化所吸引，一群来自不同国家的人八月来到天马峰。天马峰是武当山72峰之一，是著名的道教宫观建筑群所在地，自2005年以来吸引了数百名来自各行各业的外国人，包括企业高管和电影演员。
According to Hubei Daily, in their exploration, participants can study the Taoist classics, the Book of Changes and Tao Te Ching, and learn about sound therapy, fire therapy, and herbal medicine in practical sessions. Most foreign participants have their own jobs and live in their countries. Some visit the Tianma peak annually as a regular vacation spot, integrating it into their lives. Others, like a participant from Portugal, have changed career paths upon returning home by opening a wellness school, while a German participant started his own publishing house to translate classic Chinese cultural texts for international readers.
据《湖北日报》报道，在学习过程中，学员可以学习道教经典著作、《易经》和《道德经》，并在实践课程中学习声音疗法、火疗和草药。大多数外国学员都有自己的工作，生活在自己的国家。一些学员每年都来天马峰，把天马峰当成度假胜地，将其融入到日常生活中。其他学员，比如来自葡萄牙的学员回国后转行，开办了养生学校，还有一位德国学员创办了自己的出版社，将中国经典文化作品翻译给国际读者。
Alan from Ireland, who has spent over seven years intermittently on the mountain, said: "Here, one can not only practice Chinese martial arts, but can also learn traditional Chinese medicine and play traditional Chinese instruments, which offers a comprehensive experience of Chinese culture."
来自爱尔兰的艾伦断断续续在天马峰度过了7年多的时间，他说：“在这里，不仅可以练习中国武术，还可以学习中医、演奏中国传统乐器，全方位体验中国文化。”
Lola from Russia, who resides in London, began practicing Chinese martial arts at the age of nine with the aim of alleviating asthma and sinusitis, and gradually fell in love with Chinese culture. In 2013, she opened a Chinese medicine health center in London, attracting hundreds of Britons each year.
现居伦敦的俄罗斯学员洛拉9岁开始练习中国武术，起初为了缓解哮喘和鼻窦炎，后来逐渐爱上了中国文化。2013年，她在伦敦开了一家中医养生馆，每年吸引数百名英国人前来。
Like Lola, Simona from the Czech Republic opened a TCM health center in her hometown after graduating from university, and she has been running it for 29 years. She hopes to delve into the core of Chinese medicine and learn its health principles to achieve well-being through self-adjustment.
和洛拉一样，来自捷克的西蒙娜大学毕业后也在家乡开了一家中医养生馆，至今已经经营了29年。她希望深入研究中医的精髓，学习中医养生原理，通过自我调节实现健康。
Alan said he first came to the Tianma peak in 2011, and the following years of exploration helped him overcome his spiritual struggles. "Chinese traditional culture values harmony in diversity and does not emphasize adversarial thinking. Many are moved by this inclusivity, including myself. "This inclusive and open-minded approach is precious in our society," he said.
艾伦说，他2011年第一次来到天马峰，随后几年的学习帮助他克服了精神上的难题。“中国传统文化重视和而不同，不强调对抗性思维。这种包容性让很多人感动，包括我自己。”“这种包容和开放的态度在我们的社会里很珍贵，”他说。
