After years of anticipation, Reid Park Zoo is officially opening its landmark 4.5-acre expansion, Pathway to Asia, on Saturday, November 14, and Sunday, November 15, 2026. Walking through the new stone archways, bamboo groves, and the Wings of Wonder Aviary, visitors will meet Malayan tigers, acrobatic gibbons, red pandas, forest deer, and tropical birds right here in the heart of Tucson.
To celebrate the grand opening weekend, Instructor Dan Kimball is honored to join Sifu Shuping Zhao and Tucson Sino Martial Arts for a live demonstration on Saturday, November 14 at 1:15 PM at the zoo’s Event Garden—bringing to life the traditional movements inspired by the very animals in the new habitat.
☯️ When Wildlife Became Our Movement Teachers
Nearly two thousand years ago during the Han Dynasty, the physician Hua Tuo (華佗) noticed that while people who sat indoors all day grew stiff and tired, wild animals stayed supple and alert well into old age by stretching, turning, and shaking naturally. Observing that “running water never turns stale, and the hinge of an active door never rots,” he created a playful wellness practice called the Five Animal Frolics (Wu Qin Xi 五禽戲).
“I have an art called the Frolics of the Five Animals—the first is the Tiger, the second is the Deer, the third is the Bear, the fourth is the Ape, and the fifth is the Bird. It serves to clear away stiffness and keep the joints free and light.”
— Hua Tuo (Book of the Later Han)
As you stroll through Pathway to Asia, you can spot all five classical movement teachers in real life:
Malayan Tiger (Grounded Strength): Inspires the quiet, padded stepping and reaching spinal stretches of the Tiger Frolic and Tai Chi’s Embrace Tiger, Return to Mountain.
Chinese Muntjac Deer (Supple Waist Turns): Models the smooth, unhurried torso turns that keep our ribs and middle back flexible.
Red Panda & Asian Bear (Rooted Power): Teaches how heavy, grounded feet and a turning waist store explosive power (Fa Jin 發勁), seen in Chen Style Tai Chi.
Lar Gibbon (Playful Alertness): Brings light, relaxed shoulders and nimble stepping to the Ape Frolic and Step Back and Repulse Monkey.
Wings of Wonder Aviary (Effortless Balance): Shows how a wading bird rests tall on one leg while spreading wide, unhurried wings—just like White Crane Spreads Its Wings.
🌿 Live Performance & Video Preview
During our Saturday afternoon demonstration at the Event Garden, you will see these animal qualities flow through both peaceful Tai Chi forms and dynamic traditional weapons:
- Yang Style 24 Form, Tai Chi Fan & 32-Posture Sword: Flowing group and solo routines blending crane-like balance, smooth circular wrist motion, and crisp fan snaps.
- Kung Fu Staff, Broadsword & Double Fan (Sifu Shuping Zhao): Spirited classical routines showcasing tiger-like leaps, sweeping figure-eight saber cuts, and two-handed fan spirals.
Get a preview of Sifu Shuping Zhao and Tucson Sino Martial Arts in action:
🥋 Opening Weekend Schedule & Ticket Guide
📍 Where: Reid Park Zoo Event Garden (3400 E. Zoo Court, Tucson)
🗓️ Saturday, November 14, 2026 (Event Garden):
• 10:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Tucson Sino Choir
• 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM: Tucson Sino Dance
• 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM: Tucson Sino Martial Arts Exhibition
🗓️ Sunday, November 15, 2026: Cultural dances and music from 10:30 AM – 2:00 PM at the Event Garden, followed by a 2:00 PM Malayan Tiger conservation talk at the Lotus Pavilion.
🎟️ Timed-Entry Ticket Tip: Timed entry is required for all visitors and zoo members during opening weekend. Reserve a 12:00 PM entry ticket on the Reid Park Zoo Event Tickets Page so you have plenty of time to park and walk over to the Event Garden.
🪑 Join Our Studio Group Outing: Planning to come watch or stroll through Pathway to Asia with fellow students? Visit our Pathway to Asia Community Outing & RSVP page in the Old Pueblo Practice Community to let classmates know you will be there!
✨ Key Reflections to Carry With You
- Watch how animals rest and move: Next time you visit the zoo, notice how a tiger steps without sound or how a bird shifts its weight before lifting a foot.
- Try the Five Animals at home: Explore all five movements step-by-step in our guide to The Five Animal Movements of Tai Chi and Qigong.
- Connect with classmates at the park: Check our Community Outing thread to coordinate tickets and say hello at the Event Garden on November 14.
Old Pueblo Tai Chi — Traditional Yang & Sun Style Classes
Culture Connects Studio • 3000 E. 22nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85713 • https://oldpueblotaichi.com
Questions about classes? Contact Dan Kimball at dan@oldpueblotaichi.com
