In 2024, while traveling in China, I stopped in Xi’an. During that visit, I posted several photos on Facebook of people practicing Tai Chi. Two people commented on the post and suggested that I check out the Zhao Youbin Tai Chi Center, with John Rogers kindly providing the address in Chinese. (You can see my original post here.)
More recently, I was contacted by a woman in Italy who is interested in traveling to Xi’an to study at the Zhao Youbin School. That prompted me to gather my notes and a few photos and send the information to her. Realizing that others might also be interested in visiting and training there, I decided to post the information below.
How I Found the School
It all began with a post of people practicing Tai Chi in Xi’an on my Redding Tai Chi Facebook page on May 10, 2024, which was later shared to the page “Taijiquan One Taiji Family.” John Rogers commented on that post and generously provided the school’s address in Chinese—an absolute necessity if you want to find it. The address is:
西安市碑林区和平路东六道巷世纪广场杏园公寓12层
The nearest metro station is Dachaishi (Exit C). Walk south along Heping Lu (Heping Road), turn left into East 6th Alley, and ask if needed.
Once you turn left into East 6th Alley, after about 20 meters you’ll see a restaurant on the left-hand side at the corner of a courtyard. Enter the courtyard and go through the second entrance on the left. Take the elevator to the 12th floor.
Good luck!
There is free practice in the morning from 7:30 to 8:30, followed by classes throughout the day.
(Mr. Zhao has a very busy schedule and travels frequently, but his instructors are equally welcoming, and the atmosphere at the wuguan is very positive.)
Visiting the School
It turned out that the school was not far from where we were staying—the Xi’an Hilton—and a short taxi ride brought us to Heping Road. Following John’s directions, we initially walked past the alley we were supposed to turn into. After retracing our steps, we found it, and I asked a man nearby for confirmation. He pointed to a building with no exterior signage.
We entered the building and took the elevator upstairs.
Here is a photo of the street at the intersection of Heping Lu (Heping Road) where the taxi will drop you off.
From there, walk a short distance and you’ll find an alley on the left. Here is another photo taken from inside the alley. Although the picture is a few years old, I believe the woman holding the umbrella is standing in front of the correct building.
Inside, you’ll find a very small elevator. Take it to the top floor. The elevator opens directly into the Zhao Youbin Taijiquan Studio.
I had come just to visit, but I was immediately invited to join the class that was in progress. I understand that arrangements can be made to study there, although I am not sure of the formal process. My sense is that if you simply show up, they will likely try to work something out.
Language Considerations
If you go, be aware that English is not spoken. If you speak Chinese or have someone who can translate, that would be ideal. I speak and understand a little Chinese and was able to follow along, but I also went with a Chinese friend, which made things much easier such as arranging a private lesson for the next day.
Below is more detailed information that I have found regarding the Zhou YouBin School
Xi’an Yongnian Yang-Style Taijiquan Association
Training at the Source of Traditional Yang Family Taiji
Located in the heart of Xi’an, the Xi’an Yongnian Yang-style Taijiquan Association (西安永年杨氏太极拳学会) is one of the most important centers for traditional Yang-style Taijiquan in China. The school is based on the 12th floor of Xingyuan Apartments (杏园公寓) in Century Plaza, Beilin District, and serves as the primary teaching center of Grandmaster Zhao Youbin (周游斌)—a highly respected authority in the Taiji world.
The Lineage: Direct Connection to the Yang Family
Grandmaster Zhao Youbin is a 5th-generation descendant of the Yang family tradition, placing him directly within the historical transmission of Yang-style Taijiquan.
- Family Lineage: He is the son of Zhao Bin, who was both the nephew and a senior disciple of Yang Chengfu, the legendary master responsible for standardizing and popularizing modern Yang-style Taiji.
- Professional Standing: Master Zhao serves as President of the Xi’an Yongnian Yang-style Taijiquan Association and holds a Level 8 rank in China’s official martial arts evaluation system—an honor reserved for individuals who have made lifelong contributions to their art.
- Reputation: He is widely recognized in China and internationally, with students throughout mainland China, Hong Kong, Thailand, and the West.
Training here offers one of the closest opportunities available today to study Yang Family Taiji at its modern source.
Teaching Style and Training Environment
Instruction at the association reflects both depth and discipline, shaped by decades of traditional transmission.
- Instruction: Master Zhao personally oversees the program. Daily instruction is often led by senior assistant teachers who have trained under him for many years, ensuring consistency and precision.
- Focus: Teaching emphasizes correct structure, posture, frame, and internal mechanics, particularly within the traditional Yang 85 Form and its martial applications.
- Atmosphere: Visitors consistently describe the environment as serious, professional, and attentive, yet welcoming. Daytime classes typically maintain small group sizes (often under 20 students), allowing for close correction and guidance.
- Who Benefits Most: While open to all, the technical depth is especially rewarding for practitioners who already have some Yang-style experience and wish to refine and “polish” their practice.
The Training Space: Apartment-Style School
The school operates out of a dedicated indoor training space within Xingyuan Apartments, making it well-suited for year-round practice regardless of Xi’an’s seasonal weather. Though modest in appearance, the location reflects a traditional Chinese martial arts model—focused on substance rather than spectacle.
Practical Information
Official School Name
- English: Xi’an Yongnian Yang-style Taijiquan Association
- Chinese: 西安永年杨氏太极拳学会 (Xī’ān Yǒngnián Yángshì Tàijíquán Xuéhuì)
Address (for Taxi or Map)
西安市碑林区和平路东六道巷世纪广场杏园公寓12层
(12th Floor, Xingyuan Apartments, Century Plaza, Dongliudao Lane, Heping Road, Beilin District, Xi’an)
A helpful landmark is Century Plaza (世纪广场) on Heping Road (和平路).
Here’s a link to google maps which shows where the school is located
https://maps.app.goo.gl/cQgYK16WD8YrAvFo6
Contact and Communication
- Lead Master: Grandmaster Zhao Youbin (周游斌)
- Email: zhaoyoubin@yahoo.com (traditionally used)
- Primary Communication: In practice, WeChat is the main method of communication for students in China.
- Introductions: The China Taichi Guide maintains an active listing for Master Zhao and often assists foreign students with first-time contact and introductions. https://china-taichi-guide.com/Taichi-Schools-Teachers/Zhao-You-Bin.php
Advice for Visiting Students
- Language: Instruction is primarily conducted in Mandarin Chinese. Non-Chinese speakers are advised to use a translation app or inquire whether an English-speaking senior student is currently training at the school.
- Experience Level: Beginners are welcome, but students with prior experience—especially those familiar with the Yang 85 Form—will gain the most from the depth of correction and refinement offered.
Final Thought
For practitioners seeking authentic Yang-style Taijiquan, grounded in direct family lineage and taught within a serious, traditional framework, the Xi’an Yongnian Yang-style Taijiquan Association stands as one of the most meaningful places in the world to train.
Having a private lesson inside the School.
Redding Tai Chi 
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