Study In China I have been to China five times with study groups. It is awesome to see Qigong in its natural habitat and visit the parks, hospitals and temples where these practices are completely woven into the fabric of life.
While there may be reason to question China's politics, there is also good reason to explore China's wisdom. Some of things that the Chinese take for granted, like for instance the Qi, are things that will change our culture in very positive ways once we understand them. Qigong, for example, is the foundation of the health care system and it happens spontaneously in the park for no cost to anyone. That breakthrough alone would change the face of health care in our culture.
But there is more. The Chinese have a powerful social vision that is based in respect. While horror stories of human rights problems make it into our the news and media, it is astounding to meet such humble citizens in China. The Chinese discovered the Quantum concept several thousand years ago without splitting the atom or building an atomic bomb, simply by quietly doing their deep Qigong practices and merging with universal resource. It is a marvel to go to China, think of these things and imagine what Marco Polo found at the end of the Silk Road.
It is far to travel and it is expensive and challenging. So please don't feel like you must travel to China to learn Qigong. There is so much available in the US, after all the Qi is everywhere. Like the Chinese who touched the hem of the Quantum in their Qigong practice, you can reach out right where you are and touch the essence and the wonder of the Qi, simply by doing your practice.