How safe is the area?
The short answer: Yes, it’s very safe.
Jima Village, located within the UNESCO Heritage-listed Yangshuo Scenic Area, is one of the safest places you’ll probably ever live. People are kind, helpful, and often go out of their way to make sure you’re okay. Sometimes literally—they might walk you all the way to the place you asked for, just to help you find it.
🛡️ Safety
- Theft is practically unheard of here. In fact, it’s more common that locals chase you down to return money or belongings you accidentally left behind.
- Even at night, it’s calm and safe. Just use common sense and keep a normal eye on your things.
- The roads are… well, creative. Don’t be surprised to see scooters without lights, or a grandma balancing a two-meter gas bottle on her bike.
🗣️ Language
- Master Kim speaks “Chinglish” (half Chinese, half English, full of charm).
- The other staff don’t speak English, but they communicate with hands, feet, and big smiles.
- On the street, English is hit or miss, but many locals will quickly grab their phone and open a translator app.
Learn a few basics:
- Xiè xiè (谢谢) = thank you
- Méiyǒu (没有) = not available / doesn’t exist
⚠️ Local Etiquette & School Rules
- This is a Tai Chi school, not a hotel. So don’t ask staff to serve you coffee like you’re at Starbucks—it’s slightly painful for Master Kim 😅
- If you’re not eating at the school, let Master Kim know.
- If you can’t make it to class, let Master Kim know too.
- If you ever feel unwell (say you swallowed tap water while brushing your teeth), Master Kim has ways to help.
🍽️ Dining Room Etiquette
- Clean up after yourself
- Bring your bowl to the sink
- Toss your trash (no need to separate)
- Leave chopsticks in the sink
📋 Other Basics
- No smoking in the rooms 🚭
- Save water and electricity 💡💧
- Respect the calm environment 🧘
In short: be polite, be relaxed, and enjoy the laid-back rhythm of village life.