
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 trip was well organised and very good value for money. It was very informative and Nic and AJ made it feel like a family trip.

Companion747288
February 12, 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!

Amalsbm
May 16, 2019
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
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 recently visited Nic and AJ’ s lovely art studio for a calligraphy workshop with my friends. This experience gave me much more than I expected: we learned about the... read more history and the making of Chinese calligraphy and I now truly appreciate the depth and sophistication of the true masters. I was able to bring home my very first attempt of calligraphy with my name written on it by the master. I would definitely take friends and visiting family members to this workshop and to the art village. Thank you Nic and AJ for a lovely day!

Tilda H
May 6, 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! More

Musician2018
May 22, 2019
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
I have now done two workshops with Cultural Keys and they were both great. The studio in the art village is a bright and cheery place filled with different Chinese... read more arts. Nic gave interesting and informative presentations before the workshops and then a master artist gave instruction. Tea and snacks were provided as well as a delicious dumpling lunch at a quaint local restaurant. All in all a fun outing with friends, and I went home with a lovely piece of art!

435lauriel
May 16, 2019
I have now done two workshops with Cultural Keys and they were both great. The studio in the art village is a bright and cheery place filled with different Chinese... read more arts. Nic gave interesting and informative presentations before the workshops and then a master artist gave instruction. Tea and snacks were provided as well as a delicious dumpling lunch at a quaint local restaurant. All in all a fun outing with friends, and I went home with a lovely piece of art!

435lauriel
May 16, 2019
See more great reviews of Cultural Keys on our TripAdvisor page here!