Private Tour
Hutong Calligraphy Crafts and Dumpling Making in a Local Home
Overview
Available languages
3 hours
Mobile ticket
Step into a real Beijing courtyard, not a tourist restaurant, and learn to make dumplings from scratch with a local host who grew up in these hutongs. You’ll hear stories of Beijing’s hidden alleys, discover daily life behind the grey walls, and share a meal the way locals do. This is not just a cooking class, but a warm, hands-on culture exchange that connects you with the heartbeat of old Beijing.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Bottled water
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Step into a peaceful Beijing courtyard home for a hands-on journey into Chinese culture. 1 Choose Your Craft Pick one or two crafts to learn: Calligraphy: Hold the brush, write your name, try a poem. Paper Cutting: Create red paper symbols for luck. Ink Painting: Paint bamboo, plum blossoms, or landscapes. Opera Mask Painting: Paint masks, learn character stories. Kite Making: Decorate a traditional kite to take home. Your instructor guides you step-by-step, sharing cultural stories behind each art form. 2 Dumpling Making Learn to make Chinese dumplings, fold your own, and enjoy a fresh dumpling meal with tea while chatting about local life in Beijing. 3 Tea and Stories Enjoy traditional tea while hearing stories about the neighborhood, local traditions, and modern Beijing. You’ll leave with your crafts, new skills, and a deeper connection to Chinese culture.
Options
Hutong Calligraphy Crafts and Dumpling Making in a Local Home
Reviews
2 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great local experience in Beijing
Charles S,
Oct 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00This was the highlight in Beijing. We already did the Great Wall, Tian An Men Square, and the Forbidden City. We went to the museum where our host told us to meet. Just text him when you’re outside and he’ll come get you. That’s because you will walk through ancient city streets to the house where the cooking and calligraphy takes place. Our host was translator while the calligraphy expert guided us through writing several meaningful Chinese characters. We each did about 10 copying the master. Afterward, we got a demonstration on how to make dumplings. Rolling the dough, cutting the pieces, rolling the individual skins, placing the filling, and how to wrap them like a pro. Then they served us a massive lunch which included our own dumplings cooked. Finally, our guide dropped us by the adjoining lake and pointed us toward drum and bell towers. We wandered through the ancient village - window shopping all the way. Then got a cab after we watched the on-the-hour demonstration of the drum beating at the top of the drum tower. GREAT day. Really our favorite activity. The 6 of us (3 couples) had an awesome day.
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