
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?
Since I was a kid I always have wanted to go to Shaolin Temple. So I had the great oportunity to go there with the Cultural Keys company.
All the... read more staffs were very polite and attentive with me and I felt very confortable with them. They had all the support during the training inside of Shaolin Temple and helped everyone who had needed, especially during the training because it is really hard :D.
I recommend this program for people who really want to learn about kung fu and who want to feel one of the highest expectations in their life.
I recommend this program to people who really want to learn about kung fu and who want to feeling one of the most great expirence in them life. More

IgorP1807
June 17, 2019
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
This was a 3 hour workshop which touched on some of the basic (beginner) skills you need to master in Shaolin Kung Fu. We started with fitness training at the... read more beginning was structured in such a way that it also prepared us for some of the stances.
I'm very unfit, so it was difficult for me to keep up at the beginning. As I got into it, I became more comfortable and better. The team does a great job of pushing you, but also making you feel safe. Therefore you want to push yourself and do better.
Great work shop! Will definitely join the beginners classes!
If martial arts in on your bucket list, I'd suggest you do this work shop!

Madelein_who
December 16, 2019
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
"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."

prodgepowa
April 2, 2020
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.

Tyler P
March 14, 2020
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
Nice location, bought a nice T-Shirt and got some valuable advice from AJ. Looking forward to the new location!

hamzar2017
March 13, 2020
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.

Amber N
May 16, 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!