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?
I am Chinese and I have a 3 years and half daughter . It was such an amazing experence .I added Nic and AJ on wechat in advance , they... read more shared lots of their experiences in China, which was so deep.They've been extremely kind, hospitable and humble , making it an unforgettable half day at their workshop.
I can see from their eyes that they love Chinese culture as 2 foreigners, for whom you dont know them , one of them have stayed in China for 20 more years , BTW.
They provided thoughtful services which can catering to many kinds of ppl's needs. I could easily tell they work so damn hard for their presentation and this event.
I am moved by their careful thinking to my daughter, My daughter just loves AJ and Nic even though she is bit shy to express her feeling. She kept telling me her excitment and how happy she was that day .
And for the content , I as a 100% born and raised Chinese can assure you it is very deep and meaningful and rich. Many Chinese they think they understand cultural but acturally we are not understand that so much, not if we dont study and experice any more .
THANK YOU again so much , would definitely come next time if they hold such one !
stonerocky
September 13, 2022 We had a great time with friends learning some traditional Chinese painting techniques with a pro. He was very patient and will to help us. Great way to dive into... read more learning about the culture. Definitely will make it back for another class at Cultural Keys.
May 16, 2019 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!
May 6, 2019 Cultural Keys' martial arts training program at the Shaolin Temple is like nothing else you will ever experience. Cultural Keys is run by two amazing individuals that work hard to... read more provide their students with the most immersive, authentic Shaolin Temple and Chinese Culture experience available to the public. If you decide to take the leap, AJ Donnelly will be your main instructor for the duration of your time in Shaolin and Nic will be your guide/encyclopedia.These two make a great team providing you with a well rounded experience, physically and culturally. If you are enthusiastic about martial arts and progressing yourself mentally and physically, you couldn't ask for a better instructor. AJ will push you beyond what you previously thought you were capable of, while guiding you for personal success throughout the trip.
March 14, 2020 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!
April 14, 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.
March 15, 2020 "I was in BJ for a month for work and was looking for Feiyue shoes for myself and bonus family. Searched internet and Cultural Keys came first. Took a taxi... read more to their shop. My driver had problems finding the shop. I called the number on the website and co-owner Nic guided the driver to the an area close to the shop in perfect Mandarin. Her husband, also a co-owner picked me up and directed me to shop. Turns out I was their first customer. I was able to get what I wanted and even had time to chat. After, they directed me to a nice cafe and art workshops in their neighbourhood. They also directed me to a bus which took me back home faster and cheaper than a taxi. I had to order a pair of shoes and they arrived on time. All together very kind and welcoming husband and wife team. Will definitely go to the shop again and have recommended it to friends."
April 2, 2020 Organisation, Communication, Trainer, Duration & Structure of Programm was absolutely super! The 2 weeks Programm in September was my second time with Martial Hearts at the Shaolin Tempel. Why... read more so? To find out, how it feels to be pushed to an absolute limit of my...More
October 8, 2019
See more great reviews of Cultural Keys on our TripAdvisor page here!
