From Wudang to the world: The wisdom of connection

From the lush mountains of Wudang, a sacred center of Taoism, to a world more connected than ever, Jake, an American-born 16th-generation disciple of the Wudang Sanfeng lineage, has made his home in this tranquil landscape, where ancient wisdom meets a modern, interconnected world.

Jake thinks about connection the way he thinks about balance – between people and nature, tradition and innovation, and different cultures and civilizations. 

Take China and the United States: different histories, traditions and ways of thinking, but genuine engagement can open doors to mutual understanding. Travel and see for yourself, Jake says. Sharing ideas and experiences builds bonds between people that bring communities and countries closer together and help them find common ground.

Cultures grow not by standing apart, but by meeting, exchanging and inspiring one another. In a connected world, every conversation is a chance to build a deeper understanding and a shared future.

Supervisor: Zhang Jingwen

Producer: Yang Sha

Director: Wang Yuxin

Copy editors: John Goodrich, Xu Wen, Lu Wei

Cover: Jia Jieqiong