A transformative weekend retreat in Anji’s serene bamboo mountains, Sealskin, Soulskin invites participants to reconnect with their true selves. Through yoga, guided workshops, and soulful rituals, attendees will explore themes of identity, transformation, and the reclaiming of what has been lost. It’s an opportunity to embrace both light and shadow, and return to the soul-home within.
- Location: Anji Mountain
- Duration: 3 days 2 nights
- Trip Type: Nature retreat, meditation and self discovery
- Suitable for: Singles, couples, groups
- Organizer: Yoga for Life
What to Expect
A weekend in the mountains where we reclaim what has been lost or stolen and journey into the soul-home—a place where we can embrace both light and shadow within.
- Embodied Practices (yoga, meditation, breathwork, embodied dance) to reconnect with body and soul
- Guided Journaling to uncover their deepest desires and truths
- Circle Conversations to share, listen, and heal together
- Sacred Rituals to honor their soul’s journey and transformation
- Personal Reflection Time to integrate everything learned
What is the Sealskin, Soulskin Story About?
Sealskin, Soulskin is a mythical story that explores themes of identity, transformation, and the longing for freedom. Rooted in ancient folklore of the seal people (selkies), the story tells of a woman—part seal, part human—who is captured and forced to live as a wife, with her true nature concealed. As she gives birth and builds a family, her heart remains restless, yearning for the ocean and her authentic self. The story speaks to the tension between inner truth and familial duties, and the painful loss of one’s true identity. It serves as both a cautionary tale and an invitation to reclaim what has been lost or hidden, returning to one’s roots.
What Will Participants Gain from This Retreat?
- A deeper connection to their true essence and soul-home
- Reclaimed vitality and inner wisdom through transformative practices
- A greater understanding of their own identity, transformation, and freedom
- Tools to integrate ego and soul for a balanced, fulfilling life
- A renewed sense of purpose, creativity, and self-awareness
- Access to ancestral wisdom and intuitive guidance
- The ability to embrace both light and shadow within themselves
- A supportive, safe space to connect with like-minded women
- Techniques for self-reflection and inner healing through yoga, meditation, and journaling
- The opportunity to reclaim what has been lost or hidden, returning to their authentic self
- A deeper connection to the rhythms of their body and soul through embodiment practices
- A sense of empowerment to move through life with purpose, power, and grace
Who is This Retreat For?
This retreat is open to women who are seekers and want to understand themselves better, reconnect with their true selves, and live more fulfilled lives.
Noble Silence
During designated meal times, participants will observe Noble Silence, which encourages mindful eating. Talking and phone use are not recommended during these times.
For those new to Noble Silence, the focus can be on the breath as it enters and exits the nostrils. Observing body sensations, such as those while eating or walking, can also help shift attention away from a busy mind.
Yoga Classes
Yoga classes will be tailored by the instructor to suit the group's overall level. All schedules are subject to change depending on local weather or other conditions.
Free Time
During free time, participants can choose to remain silent in their rooms, meditate, or explore the surrounding area at their leisure. All activities outside of yoga and workshops are optional.
*Participants don't need to read Women Who Run With Wolves beforehand, but if they do, it will deepen their understanding. A PDF version of the story can be provided if they wish to read it beforehand.
Location
Anji, located in Huzhou, Zhejiang province, is approximately a 4-hour drive from Shanghai, situated in the northwest of Zhejiang. The town is covered by 75% bamboo forests, home to over 40 species of bamboo, making it the most diverse bamboo habitat in the world. Anji is also a pilot county for tourism, ecological efforts, and green building construction.
The retreat is set in a luxury resort located in a quiet village, offering breathtaking mountain views, an outdoor swimming pool (7m x 4m x 1.5m), a small hot spring, and stunning nature with ancient trees. The 45-minute drive to the resort takes guests through mountains, with the secluded home situated halfway, overlooking a vast bamboo forest. Guests can expect to be welcomed by peaceful mountains, endless bamboo, and star-filled skies on clear nights. This serene location was chosen because nature is considered the greatest teacher.
Accommodation: Luxurious resort with amazing mountain views and outdoor swimming pool. All rooms face the mountains.
Dining: The retreat offers farm-to-table, homemade vegetarian meals prepared with care and love. There is no fixed menu; meals are based on what’s grown locally in the village and are seasonal, ensuring fresh and flavorful dishes.
Schedule
Day 1
18:00 | Participants will meet and gather at the Marriott Shanghai Hongqiao Hotel for the private van. If anyone is unable to make it by 6 PM, they are asked to inform the organisers in advance.
19:00 | Intentions for the retreat will be set on the bus, with optional sharing.
22:00 | Arrival at Anji (estimated time).
23:00 | Bedtime (Practice Silence).
Day 2
08:00-08:45 | Light breakfast.
08:45-10:15 | Yoga/meditation/breathing session.
10:15-10:25 | Tea/snack.
10:25-12:25 | First workshop of the story.
12:55 | Mindful lunch.
13:50-17:00 | Mindful walking in the forest, reflection, journaling, reading, and meditation.
17:00-19:00 | Second workshop.
19:00-20:00 | Mindful dinner.
20:00-21:30 | Releasing ceremony: Walking meditation + Embodied dance + Tibetan singing bowl.
22:00 | Bedtime.
Day 3
07:00-07:30 | Tea/snack time.
07:30-09:00 | Chakra vowel sound chanting + Yoga/meditation.
09:00-09:30 | Breakfast.
09:30-12:00 | Third workshop.
12:00-13:15 | Nature walk, swimming, or packing time.
13:15-14:00 | Eye gazing meditation, beauty report & closing of the retreat.
14:00 | Lunch.
15:00 | Return to Shanghai.
Packlist
Essentials to Bring:
- Passport/ID (very important)
- Yoga mat (very important)
- Notebook and pen (a must)
- Comfortable clothes for yoga practice
- Comfortable shoes for walking/hiking (waterproof and slip-resistant if it rains)
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses
- Swimming suit (Outdoor pool open from May to October, hotel hot spring open in March and April)
- Warm clothes for chilly mornings and evenings (temperatures can be 5°C lower in the mountains)
- Toothbrush and toothpaste (more environmentally friendly to bring your own)
- Reusable water bottle
- Mosquito repellent
- Tea provided at the retreat (green tea, goji berry tea, lemon ginger tea)
- If you're a coffee drinker, please bring your own coffee
- Medication (if you're prone to motion sickness)
- Open mind
Pricing Details
Early Bird Price:
- Shared bedroom for 2 (2 single beds or 1 large bed, all rooms facing the mountain): 2800 RMB/person
Normal Price:
- Shared bedroom for 2 (2 single beds or 1 large bed, all rooms facing the mountain): 3000 RMB/person
Add 750 RMB for a private room
Special Offer: The first 5 bookings for each retreat will receive the early bird price. Book now before it sells out!
Room Arrangement Policy
If booking alone, there will be an additional charge for a private room. However, guests who are open to sharing a room may inform the event organizer, and efforts will be made to match them with another single participant. Please note that a shared room arrangement is not guaranteed, and if no suitable match is found, the private room supplement will still apply.
What’s Included in the Package?
a) Transportation to and from Shanghai (private van) and daily allowance for the driver
b) Vegetarian meals (Vegan upon request) as listed in the schedule
c) Guiding and coaching
d) Accommodations
Other personal expenses not included (e.g., entrance fees for tourist attractions, insurance)
*Once payment is completed on SmartShanghai, the event organizer will contact the guest to confirm the booking. Further details, including trip specifics, schedules, and any additional information needed to prepare for the retreat, will be provided. If there are any questions or special requests, guests are welcome to reach out. The spot will be secured, and guests can look forward to an enriching experience!
How to Book
- Secure your spot by completing payment on SmartShanghai.
- Once payment is made, the event organizer will contact you to confirm your booking.
- Further details, including trip specifics, schedules, and any additional information, will be provided.
- For any questions or special requests, guests are welcome to reach out.
Your spot will be secured—just pack up, bring yoga mat, and get ready to zen out!
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations made more than 7 days before the trip will receive a 50% refund.
- Cancellations made 4-7 days before the trip will receive a 20% refund.
- Cancellations made within 4 days before the trip will not be refunded.
*Retreats will only proceed if 8 or more people sign up. In the event of insufficient participants, guests will be notified one week in advance, and a full refund will be provided.
*Please note that your booking is confirmed only when full payment is made. Seats are limited. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to a friend, but rescheduling to another retreat is not permitted.
Retreat Facilitator
Izabela Misiuk (Iza)
Iza is a seasoned trauma-informed facilitator with a strong academic background, including an MSc in Psychology and Coaching. She is also pursuing an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling while continuing her studies in mythology, somatics, EMDR, and mindfulness. With her deep expertise and passion, this retreat offers a profound and insightful experience. Throughout the Wolves Tribe program, Iza will guide and support you on your journey to embracing the wild woman archetype.
Mandy Yang
Mandy is one of the few certified Forrest Yoga teachers in China, with extensive training in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Vipassana Meditation, and the Zen tradition. An RYS 500-hour certified teacher and dedicated meditator with eight years of deep practice, she brings profound wisdom and experience to every session.
Mandy’s journey with yoga began as a lifeline through work stress, anxiety, depression, and personal trauma. After experiencing firsthand the transformative power of yoga, she discovered her true passion: helping others heal, grow, and reclaim their inner strength. Teaching is not just her profession—it is her soul’s calling.
With a teaching style rooted in love, warmth, empathy, and deep intuition, Mandy creates a safe and nurturing space for her students. She doesn’t just guide a class—she mirrors their emotions, understands their struggles, and tailors each session to their unique journey. Her classes go beyond physical postures; they are profound experiences of self-discovery, healing, and renewal.
Since 2017, Mandy has led transformational yoga retreats across China, bringing participants to secluded, breathtaking natural sanctuaries. Her retreats are more than just an escape—they are deep, soulful journeys inward. Under Mandy’s guidance, you will experience something that awakens your spirit, heals your heart, and transforms your life, with lasting impact long after you return home.
If you’re ready to reconnect with your true self and step into a space of healing, growth, and empowerment, Mandy is here to guide you.
Disclaimer
All forms of outdoor recreation carry a higher level of risk compared to most ordinary activities. By participating in Yoga for Life's events, participants acknowledge and accept full responsibility for assessing the suitability of the activities—including but not limited to hiking, yoga sessions, and wellness workshops—for themselves. Participants are responsible for their own safety, conduct, and well-being and agree to participate solely at their own risk.
Yoga for Life, its organizers, and workshop leaders will not be held liable for any loss, injury, or damage sustained as a result of participation in these activities. Participants are encouraged to consult a healthcare professional prior to engaging in any physical activity, particularly if they have pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.
Photography Policy: Photos taken during the trip may be used for promotional purposes. Those who wish to opt out should notify the organizers before signing up.
From Jun 13 until Jun 15 
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