• 11 Nan Guan Fang Hu Tong - Immerse yourself in the charm of a traditional Beijing hutong courtyard home and engage in authentic family life through calligraphy and dumpling-making activities.

1️⃣ Welcome to a Family Courtyard

Meet the host family in their historic hutong residence. Receive a brief introduction to courtyard living and discover how local families maintain traditions in contemporary Beijing.

2️⃣ Chinese Calligraphy Workshop (Default Experience)

Start with an interactive calligraphy session.

Learn to:
• Hold the brush correctly
• Practice basic strokes
• Write your name in Chinese
• Attempt a simple word or poetic phrase

The instructor will guide you step by step, explaining the cultural significance of Chinese characters.

Take your calligraphy creation home as a personal memento.

3️⃣ Dumpling Making & Home Lunch

Head to the kitchen to craft traditional Chinese dumplings from scratch.

Learn to:
• Mix fillings
• Roll wrappers
• Fold dumplings correctly

Then, enjoy a freshly prepared homemade lunch with tea, just like a local family gathering.

4️⃣ Tea & Stories

Unwind with tea while discussing hutong life, neighborhood traditions, and contemporary daily life in Beijing.

• All calligraphy materials (brush, ink, paper)
• Bilingual host (Chinese instructor with English translation)
• Take-home artwork and craft
• Handmade dumpling lunch
• Seasonal family-style side dishes
• Traditional Chinese tea
• Dumpling-making ingredients and kitchen tools

• Private transportation

• 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).
• 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.
• Handmade Pork & Cabbage Dumplings - Traditional northern-style dumplings from scratch. Vegetarian options available upon request.
• Sweet & Sour Pork or Homemade Meatballs - A classic family-style dish prepared using traditional home cooking techniques. Menu rotates based on seasonal ingredients.
• Kung Pao Chicken or Crispy Salt & Pepper Chicken - A popular Beijing-style home dish, balanced with mild spice and savory flavors.
• Fresh Seasonal Fruit - A light seasonal fruit selection such as mandarin oranges or other locally available fruits.

This unique experience is set within an authentic family courtyard home in Beijing’s historic hutongs, rather than a classroom or commercial studio.

Participants will receive step-by-step instruction in Chinese calligraphy, followed by a dumpling-making session with the host family, culminating in a shared home-cooked lunch.

The small group sizes ensure personal interaction, cultural storytelling, and direct engagement with the daily life of locals.

Visitors depart with their own handmade artwork and a richer appreciation of traditional Beijing family culture.

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