Our Grand Opening
by Laoma Wai-Yii Yeung, April 2026
Grand Masters Zhao, Murray and Zhu, Vice Consul General Qin and Councillor Hannah Bithell cut the ceremonial ribbon. Photo credit: Adam Mitchinson Photography.
The key points in this article are:
- Sea Cloud Hall was officially opened in April 2026 as a European centre for Taoist learning and practice.
- Sea Cloud Hall is the first such place to be recognised by the Chinese Taoist authorities and the Chinese government.
What happened?
Over the Easter weekend, Sea Cloud Hall marked its official opening with a huge gathering of the community and many distinguished guests being invited. The event was hosted by Laoba Desmond Murray, President of Sea Cloud Hall, and co-hosted by Laoma Wai-Yii Yeung, our Vice President.
We were delighted to host many honoured guests especially Vice Consul General Mr Qin Xiangdong, of the Chinese Consulate General in Manchester; Grand Master Zhao Yuanfu of the White Cloud Temple in Beijing; Grandmaster Zhu Changhai of the Northern Ireland Wushu Association; and Councillor Hannah Bithell of Leeds City Council.
The event included a demonstration and taster sessions on the Lee Family Taoist Arts, a visit to the Temple room containing our San Qing statues (the Three Pure Ones), tea tasting, a talk on the Daodejing, time to admire the River Aire, and presentations on the history of the Lee Family system and our vision for Sea Cloud Hall. Students demonstrate the Lee Family Arts.
Students demonstrate the Lee Family Arts.
Why is this important?
The event marks a significant milestone in the history of the Lee Family Arts in the UK. They started here (see the blog on our history) very nearly a hundred years ago. The opening of our own centre reflects our authenticity and growing international engagement, supported by recognition from Daoist and Chinese experts. Asked to speak at the ceremonial ribbon cutting, Vice Consul General Qin Xiangdong said:
“Tai chi courses offered by Sea Cloud Hall have received high praise from many learners. The Hall provides a platform for many people to strengthen their health, cultivate their character, and relax their mind and body.”
The Sea Cloud Hall community and Honoured guests.
Laoma Wai-Yii Yeung said:
“While Taoism originates from China, its wisdom is not limited by geography or culture; it is a gift to the whole world and very much needed in today’s modern society”
A mass practice of Happy Days breathing exercise
Asked afterwards how she enjoyed it, Councillor Hannah Bithell said:
“I was absolutely delighted to attend the official opening of Sea Cloud Hall and grateful to be part of the ribbon cutting ceremony with distinguished guests from across the world. My daughters and I had a lovely time experiencing the demonstrations and trying some of the Arts ourselves. The girls and I are excited to try the classes in the near future. It is wonderful that every community can find a home in the natural beauty of Kirkstall.”
Some pictures from the event:
Photo credit: Adam Mitchinson Photography
Photo credit: Adam Mitchinson Photography
#Lee Family Taoist Arts #Taoism #centre of excellence #community