Beijing Culture: Tea Ceremony, Heritage Instrument & Calligraphy

Overview

Available languages

English

2 hours 30 minutes

Mobile ticket

In just 2.5 hours, you’ll gain insight, memories, and skills that no museum or show can offer.

✔️ Step into the soul of Chinese culture

Far from crowds and clichés—this is a rare, quiet sanctuary where tradition still lives and breathes.

✔️ The core of Chinese civilization—in your hands

· Brew and taste real Chinese tea with a national tea master

· Write meaningful Chinese characters in traditional calligraphy

· Play a full melody on the Guqin, China’s most revered ancient instrument

✔️ Not a show. Not for tourists.

Led by national-level cultural masters, guided in English, designed for those who want more than sightseeing.

✔️ Only here, only with us

This experience exists nowhere else in Beijing.

If you skip this, you’re missing the most meaningful part of your journey.

Additional Info

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

Step into a serene, air-conditioned cultural haven—a private heritage venue in Beijing, closed to the public and curated by master artists to preserve China’s most meaningful traditions. In just 2.5 hours, this immersive, hands-on workshop invites you to explore three of the core pillars of Chinese culture: ✔️ Write real Chinese characters and understand their ancient roots ✔️ Learn to play a full melody on the Guqin, China’s most classical instrument ✔️ Enjoy a tea ceremony guided by a national-level tea master Far from crowded tourist shows, this is a peaceful, authentic experience where you’ll learn directly from national-level cultural masters, guided in English by an expert trained in Chinese philosophy and history. You'll not only do—but understand—the rituals, the meaning, and the elegance behind each tradition. Relaxing, insightful, and deeply memorable—this is the perfect way to connect with China’s living heritage.

Sample Menu

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Tea Ceremony

Guided by a certified tea master, learn the ancient six-step tea-making process, using authentic porcelain sets to brew top-tier teas.

main

Guqin Learning

Under expert guidance, learn a simple piece on the Guqin and experience its calming, ancient rhythms.

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Calligraphy

Practice Chinese calligraphy, from pictographs to modern characters, and create your own cultural mark.

What‘s Included

Chinese calligraphy workshop with expert guidance

Traditional outfit attire rental for ritual and photos

Live Guqin performance by a national-level heritage artist

Hands-on Guqin learning session

bilingual guide (M.A. in History & Sociology)

Traditional Tea Ceremony and tea tasting with certified tea master

Gratuities

Transportation to/from the venue

Meals outside of the provided tea snacks

Personal expenses and optional tips

Options

Beijing Culture Workshop: Traditional Music, Tea & Calligraphy

Reviews

5.00

57 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Surprisingly emotional
576marinc,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I didn’t expect to feel so moved. Playing the Guqin while the master guided my fingers felt like stepping into another time. It was quiet, personal, and completely different from anything else in my itinerary.
.Thoughtful, elegant, and deeply immersive
613calls,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Everything was done with care—from the welcome tea to the final group photo. The calligraphy teacher helped me write my Chinese name, and I even took the paper home. It’s now framed in my apartment!
A rare chance to do, not just watch
videog228,,Jul 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Unlike museums where you just look at artifacts, here you touch the culture. You write with a brush, drink the tea you brew, and feel the strings of a thousand-year-old instrument. Totally unforgettable.
One of the most peaceful experiences in Beijing
vinsonb95,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The venue is calm, beautifully decorated, and tucked away from the busy city. Sipping warm tea while listening to live Guqin music was incredibly soothing. A welcome pause from sightseeing chaos.
Not a show—this is the real deal
63nicej,,Jul 10, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I was expecting a typical tourist experience, but this was completely different. Small group, intimate setting, and the instructors were national-level artists, not just performers. You could feel their passion. Highly recommended.
A quiet gem in the heart of Beijing
phoenixk598,,Jul 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I’ve lived in China for 3 years, and this was hands-down one of the most authentic cultural experiences I’ve had. No crowds, no staged performances—just real people sharing their traditions. The Guqin session gave me goosebumps.
A hidden gem for anyone seeking true Chinese heritage
P5125ZQisabellam,,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
This experience completely exceeded my expectations. If you're tired of tourist traps and want something real, this is it. The tea ceremony was like a meditation — slow, purposeful, and deeply rooted in tradition. Our guide explained the different types of tea and the philosophy behind tea culture. The guqin music added a serene backdrop and was introduced with just enough history to make it approachable. What really stood out was the level of hospitality and the attention to detail. They even provided a translated booklet so we could follow along. The calligraphy was a perfect final touch — I now have a brush-written souvenir with my name in Chinese characters. Highly recommended for families, solo travelers, or anyone curious about the “why” behind Chinese art and tradition.
An authentic slice of Chinese culture – so much more than a tourist show
danielrC4267NU,,May 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I’ve done several cultural tours across Asia, but this was something else. It’s not just performance — it’s a hands-on, thoughtful experience. You can tell the team really cares about cultural preservation and sharing knowledge. We began with a tea-tasting led by a tea master who made me appreciate tea in a whole new way. Then came the guqin performance, and the music… wow. Gentle, haunting, poetic — it gave me goosebumps. I had never heard of this instrument before but now I want to learn more. The calligraphy was also fun, especially learning the philosophy behind each stroke. Everything was explained clearly in English, and the hosts were incredibly patient and open to questions. I recommend this for travelers who want a quiet, meaningful encounter with Chinese traditions.
You don’t need to know anything — just go
S9397CZmiam,,May 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I went in knowing absolutely nothing about Chinese traditions — and still loved every minute. They made everything so approachable. Tea first (delicious), then music (relaxing), then writing (hard but fun!). Everyone was super kind, and the group was small, so it felt personal. I wish I could do this in every country I visit.
A rare cultural experience that balances education and elegance
R3733OPisabellas,,May 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
As a university lecturer in East Asian studies, I was curious how “authentic” this would feel — and I was blown away. The hosts are clearly passionate practitioners, not actors. They walked us through the philosophy of the tea ceremony, the ancient origins of the guqin (including Confucian ties), and even gave background on calligraphy as a moral and artistic discipline. But it never felt like a lecture. Everything was experiential — from holding the brush to feeling the resonance of the guqin strings. This is ideal for travelers who want substance, not just snapshots.