All the Tea in China: An Interview with Tea Expert Johnny New

Few aspects of Chinese culture are as easily identifiable or universally appreciated and enjoyed as tea. But with a history spanning more thousands of years, and so many types, it can be a little intimidating to know where to start learning more about it.

As with most things of course, the best place to start is usually talking to an expert. Cultural Keys took time to drop by Gengxiang Tea, a well-known tea shop in Beijing’s Chaoyang District to say hi to owner Johnny ‘New’ Niu and get his insight on many aspects of all the tea in China.

Read on to see what Johnny had to share with us, plus see how you can save money the next time you visit Gengxiang Tea! 

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Offers and events from Cultural Keys in April!

Slowly, but surely, things are returning to normal in the Chinese capital. People are starting to venture outside, work is beckoning us back to the office and the warming weather is encouraging us to dream of in-person social activities and long walks in beautiful parks.

But step by step. There are still necessary restrictions in place, and we need to remain cautious while planning for the weeks and months ahead. In the meantime, read on for some great offers from Cultural Keys that will help you get through the (hopefully!) last few weeks of restrictions, or even help you save money in the months ahead!

UPDATED: Our March offers were so well received, we have extended, and widened them, into April as well! Take a look at what we have going on, and let us know if there is anything here that catches your eye!

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How Beijing’s tourism companies are dealing with the Coronavirus

The Coronavirus (or Covid-19, as it is now officially called) has been dominating the headlines around the world for weeks. For the most part, those stories have focused on the threat of the virus: threat to life, stability and the world economy.

But while there has been tragic loss of life and continued financial burdens for companies, very little has been said about how companies in one of the hardest hit industries, culture and tourism, are fighting on, and what they are doing to survive this difficult time.

Read on to hear from some of Beijing’s best-known companies, how they are coping and what you can expect from them next!

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Cultural Keys’ happiest moments from the Year of the Pig

Failing to live up to its namesake’s stereotypical laziness, the Year of the Pig was a non-stop hurtle from project to project at breakneck speed for Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre.

While we were hoping the Year of the Pig would see us raise the profile of our company, and continue to help people access and experience traditional Chinese culture, the number of people who joined us, and the number of partners who decided to work with us, exceeded even our greatest hopes for the year!

Read on to see our happiest moments of the year, and be sure to share yours with us on Facebook and Twitter! Continue reading “Cultural Keys’ happiest moments from the Year of the Pig”

Spring Festival 2020: Allow Cultural Keys to help you host a Spring Festival to remember!

Spring Festival is the cultural highlight of the Chinese calendar, and it’s the perfect time to experience many traditional Chinese cultural treasures.  But as important as it is, not everyone has the time or insight to be able to put together a program that is perfectly designed to help participants get the most out of it. 

To address that, Cultural Keys has put together a special Spring Festival program for hotels, embassies, schools and companies, perfect for your staff, guests or clients, that introduces them to the history and traditions of Spring Festival and allows them to try one of a variety of cultural experiences for themselves.

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