
Interested in learning more about and experiencing the traditional culture of China?
Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre helps visitors and expat residents get more out of their time in China by providing unique and authentic cultural experiences, content and services all related to traditional Chinese culture.
At our tranquil culture centre in Xiaopu Village in Beijing’s Songzhuang Art District, as well as other convenient locations around the city, we can help you experience, understand and enjoy Chinese culture by offering both regularly scheduled and private workshops and presentations in:
- Calligraphy
- Painting
- Beijing Opera
- Lion Dancing
….And more than 20 other subjects!

We also offer services such as:
- Chinese culture presentations and lectures in English
- Cultural heritage tours
- Custom-made calligraphy for gifts, souvenirs and prizes
- Chinese art decoration services
- Team-building cultural activities
Whether you live in China, are just visiting, or are simply interested in learning more about this fascinating country, Cultural Keys can help. For more information on our events, both scheduled and private availability, see our upcoming events here, or our list of workshops you can book here.
Alternatively, simply contact us and let us know how we can help you, your friends and family, staff, students or members explore Chinese culture! We’ll be happy to hear from you!
Why Cultural Keys?

Founded in 2013, Cultural Keys is an expat-owned and operated company developed and run on the love and passion we have for traditional Chinese culture. We believe 100% in making the beauty, wisdom and traditions of Chinese culture available to everyone.
No matter what your reason for being interested in this country and its culture, whether at our culture centre, at your school or office, at iconic locations around China or on our website and social media channels, when you are with Cultural Keys you truly have the opportunity to unlock the potential of China!
Learn more about the history and aims of our company here.

What do other people say about their experiences with Cultural Keys?
The perfect activity to join for fun, knowledge and to get new and fresh view of all that Chinese traditional culture has to offer. So don't hesitate, is way more... read more than you can think. Is definitely a must! Such an experience 😉

juanipardocarrasco
May 2, 2020
I attended a few online presentations throughout March. Nick and AJ are really passionate about giving foreigners an introduction to Chinese culture. They present really well and naturally and are... read more always available to answer any questions you may have.

Chris4711inBeijing
April 1, 2020
This program isn't like other Kung Fu programs in China: you get close training with a real Shaolin monk for at least five hours every day plus additional training time... read more for application of what you're learning, and it's totally fine if you have no experience in martial arts or fitness although the more you train beforehand, the "easier" it will be; everything is already panned out so you don't have to worry about figuring out what to do (plus your instructor doubles as a translator); three meals a day and rooming are all taken care of, as well as transportation; you get to learn the history of what and where you're practicing along with other sights you venture to; and you control how much you do, but expect to be pushed to your limits physically, mentally, and even emotionally. I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a different kind of challenge and experience.

T2158MUmikej
March 15, 2020
I attended a 2 weeks Boot Camp organized by CK Martial Hearts at the Shaolin Temple during last September and It really surpassed my expectations.
Although I’d experience... read more with other Martials Arts I didn’t have any previous experience with any style of Kung Fu and I personally think that I learned in these two weeks with CK Martial Hearts much, much more than If I would joined the Temple by myself for two months.
AJ (co-founder of CK) help us a lot during our staying: he was the translator with the Shaolin Monk assuring a smooth communication, he gave us additional classes - to the 4 hours per day we had with the Monk - in order to improve specific aspects (like Speed, Resistance, Focus, etc.) and he was willing to answer us any questions regarding the styles we were training here.
And talking about the training: we had the chance to train during these two weeks the styles ‘Tong Bi Quan’ (Unarmed Form) & ‘Yin Shou Gun’ (with Shaolin Staff), that I really enjoyed. The training it was around 7 hours per day, so It arrives to push you to your own limit what it is great.
I only can have good words with CK Martial Hearts and I truly recommend to anyone who want a 100% real Kung Fu experience and more over to anyone who is interested in the Chinese Culture.

Javi_dn_1980
December 8, 2019
I attended this afternoon workshop on traditional sugar blowing and sugar pouring, and it was quite good. I know the language barrier will always be a challenge in China, but... read more with something as difficult as this, I would have appreciated a more step by step approach. The cultural presentation was lovely, not too much info and very interesting. I would definitely attend other events with Cultural Keys!

Musician2018
May 22, 2019
Cultural Keys has been organizing online presentations on Chinese traditional culture in these past few months, and they have been really fun, informative, engaging, memorable! Really pleasant experience!
They... read more also have many on-site programs for all those interested in learning great details about China, those that only people who are so immersed in the culture and its intricacies can provide. Real treasure!
The team has rich experience in making Chinese culture closer to other cultures! I will definitely attend more of their programs!
Definitely inquire about their martial arts programs and their trips to Shaolin Temple!

AleksandrainBeijing
April 14, 2020
My husband and I attended the Spring Festival Event at Cultural Keys which included writing calligraphy, learning the history of the festival, and making dumplings. Transportation is organized for you... read more (included in the price) from a central spot in Beijing. AJ and Nic are very friendly, inviting and knowledgeable about many aspects of Chinese life and culture. Experts were brought in to teach about Chinese calligraphy, and we got to practice the characters before writing them on beautiful scrolls so we could take them home and hang them on our door. They also had a mother/daughter team come in to teach us how to make dumplings which was really fun! They cooked them for us and we had a big meal together. It was a very fun and well-organized event. I would highly recommend signing up for one of their classes or events.

Sara C
March 7, 2020
I visited the studio with some friends for a Calligraphy workshop,and I must say I was impressed by how bright and spacious it was,Nic and AJ were great,welcoming,fun and indeed... read more very knowledgeable about the Chinese culture.We learned about the history of Chinese calligraphy then we wrote our own (May your wishes come true) in chinese characters,and had it signed by the artist.we had a scrumptious lunch in a lovely Local restaurant and visited few galleries at xiaopu village,thanks Nic and AJ for a wonderful day!

amal b
May 16, 2019
Recognizing my Spirit The experience at the Shaolin Temple was as I expected, hoped for and much more. I knew I had to push my body, this was a... read more fact I tried to prepare myself for this back in Holland. However, I was more curious...More

zyvh
October 15, 2019
Amazing workshop with friendly staff. Very informative with background history of the art told before we took part in the sugar art sticks and sugar blowing. Would definitely recommend. It... read more was alot of fun.

658priyap
May 20, 2019
See more great reviews of Cultural Keys on our TripAdvisor page here!