
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?
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
We had a great private lesson with AJ in a parc. As it was a private lesson, we could create it to our own concerns. We never did Kong-fu before... read more and wanted to get an overview about the different styles. So we had a fulfilling 2 hours lesson with High intensity warm-up, basic movements, TaiChi and Shaolin.
We all got a good first impression of King-fu, where happily exhausted and would love to do it again. Afterwards, we felt so well and upright, great! I really can recommend AJ, as he is a very good and patient teacher. And he is very polite, easygoing and has a lot of knowledge. Highly recommended if you are interested in Material Arts!

thz15
May 25, 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

Kerstin H
October 8, 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
If you're looking for genuine Feiyue, this is the place. Cultural Keys are easy to find and they offer excellent service. There are many different styles of Feiyue to choose... read more from, martial arts clothing and memorabilia. And if they don't happen to have your size or style in stock, AJ will order them for you. You can also order beautiful bespoke calligraphy wall hangings from them. AJ is also the founder of Cultural Keys who offers unique classes, services, and information about life and culture in China from calligraphy to martial arts.

kobusvan
April 7, 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
Amazing experience with AJ and Nic in Tianjin! They've been extremely kind, hospitable and cheerful, making it an unforgettable trip. Very insightful too, I learnt a lot about Tianjin's... read more / China's history. Great food choices! Made some new friends. Loved the tourist attractions. The trip was super well organized! I highly recommend it!

Natiavrb
February 14, 2020
See more great reviews of Cultural Keys on our TripAdvisor page here!