Share this tour
Offered languages
- English
This experience takes place inside a real family courtyard home in Beijing’s historic hutongs, not in a classroom or commercial studio.
You will learn Chinese calligraphy with step-by-step guidance, then prepare dumplings together with the host family and share a home-cooked lunch.
Group sizes are small, allowing personal interaction, cultural storytelling, and direct engagement with daily local life.
Guests leave with their own handmade artwork and a deeper understanding of traditional Beijing family culture.
Example Menu
Starter
Traditional Beijing Sweet Snacks
Served with tea, guests may sample classic local treats such as Misandao (fried honey-glazed pastry) or Jiangmitiao (crispy glutinous rice sticks).
Starter
Stir-Fried Seasonal Vegetables
Depending on the season, this may include sautéed broccoli, bamboo shoots, or other fresh local vegetables prepared in a light garlic sauce.
Main
Handmade Pork & Cabbage Dumplings
Traditional northern-style dumplings from scratch. Vegetarian options available upon request.
Main
Sweet & Sour Pork or Homemade Meatballs
A classic family-style dish prepared using traditional home cooking techniques. Menu rotates based on seasonal ingredients.
Main
Kung Pao Chicken or Crispy Salt & Pepper Chicken
A popular Beijing-style home dish, balanced with mild spice and savory flavors.
Dessert
Fresh Seasonal Fruit
A light seasonal fruit selection such as mandarin oranges or other locally available fruits.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
The nearest subway station is Shichahai Station (Line 8). Exit C is approximately a 5-minute walk. Your host will be waiting near the entrance. If you have any difficulty finding the location, please contact us via WhatsApp or phone 10–15 minutes before the start time.
What to expect
1️⃣ Welcome to a Family Courtyard
Meet your host family in their historic hutong home.
Get a short introduction to courtyard living and how local families have preserved traditions in modern Beijing.
2️⃣ Chinese Calligraphy Workshop (Default Experience)
Begin with a hands-on calligraphy session.
Learn how to:
• Hold the brush correctly
• Practice basic strokes
• Write your name in Chinese
• Try a simple word or poetic phrase
Your instructor guides you step by step while explaining the cultural meaning behind Chinese characters.
You’ll take your calligraphy work home as a personal keepsake.
3️⃣ Dumpling Making & Home Lunch
Move into the kitchen to prepare traditional Chinese dumplings from scratch.
You’ll learn how to:
• Mix fillings
• Roll wrappers
• Fold dumplings properly
Then sit down together for a freshly cooked homemade lunch with tea, just like a local family gathering.
4️⃣ Tea & Stories
Relax with tea while chatting about hutong life, neighborhood traditions, and daily life in Beijing today.
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
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
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Your guide to the flawless travel experience
Popular Countries
Company
Get our app
