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

hamzar2017
March 13, 2020
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
"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
I attended this program after finding it through YouTube, and I could not speak more highly of it! It’s definitely challenging, but if you seek personal enlightenment, be immersed in... read more chinese culture, and pushing your limits... this program will do just that!!More

LeAnn T
June 3, 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.

Tyler P
March 14, 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
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!

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