Tai Chi or Kung Fu plus Chinese Calligraphy Learning Class

The appeal here is the change of pace: you spend one half of the class learning deliberate martial arts movements, then the next holding a brush and forming Chinese characters. It offers a hands-on way to meet Beijing beyond its major sights, with a choice between slow tai chi and faster kung fu.

I like two things in particular: the class combines movement with an art form that rewards patience, and it’s described as a private activity, so your group gets the instructor’s attention. A guide named Eric has led the session, and the family-friendly format means children can take part with an adult.

One practical wrinkle: the description places the class near the Temple of Heaven, but the stated meeting point is Jixiaolan’s former residence, and bad weather has sent the lesson to a Kung Fu studio. Check the precise meeting arrangements before setting out, and don’t assume the martial arts class will take place outdoors.

Key points to know before you go

• Two classes in three hours: Plan on 90 minutes of tai chi or kung fu, followed by 90 minutes of calligraphy.
• Choose your martial art: Tai chi is slow and controlled; kung fu is the faster, more dramatic option.
• A private activity: Only your group participates, which can make it easier to ask questions and follow along.
• Meeting details need attention: The address provided is Jixiaolan Former Residence Ticket Office, not the Temple of Heaven gates.
• Rain need not end the lesson: The class has moved into a Kung Fu studio in wet weather.
• Budget $95 per person: Group discounts are available, and hotel transfers are not included.

A Beijing morning with two very different kinds of focus

At about three hours, this is a compact cultural activity rather than a full-day excursion. The schedule pairs two 90-minute sessions, first martial arts and then calligraphy. That’s a useful combination: the first gets you moving, while the second asks you to slow down and pay close attention to the brush.

The listed start time is 9:00 am. The experience description also mentions morning or afternoon classes, so if timing matters, confirm the session you’re booking rather than relying on the general wording. The meeting details give Jixiaolan Former Residence Ticket Office at 241 Zhu Shi Kou Xi Da Jie, in Xicheng District, as the starting point. The activity ends back there.

There’s a location mismatch worth sorting out in advance. The introduction refers to meeting at the gates of the Temple of Heaven, but the detailed meeting point names Jixiaolan’s former residence. One rainy-day session took place in a Kung Fu studio rather than at the Temple of Heaven. Treat the listed address as the firmest detail, and confirm the exact rendezvous point with the provider before you leave.

That bit of planning matters in Beijing, where a wrong assumption about the meeting place can cost you time. Hotel transfers aren’t included, so you’ll need to arrange your own way to the start and back to your accommodation. The meeting point is also the ending point, which makes it easier to plan the rest of your day once the class is over.

Tai chi or kung fu: choose your kind of movement

The first 90 minutes introduce the basics of either tai chi or kung fu. Your instructor explains the foundations of the chosen practice, with attention to Taoist ideas and yin and yang. The class then moves into practice: tai chi uses slow, deliberate motions and deep breathing, while kung fu is presented as a faster, more dramatic martial art.

The distinction isn’t just about speed. Tai chi may suit you if you want a calm introduction to controlled movement, balance, breathing, and focus. Kung fu may be a better fit if you’re drawn to a more energetic lesson. Neither option requires you to be an experienced martial artist; the class is described as covering the basics, and most people can participate.

I’d choose based on what you want from the morning, not on which style sounds more impressive. Tai chi offers room to concentrate on each movement. Kung fu may feel livelier, but the information provided doesn’t specify particular techniques or how strenuous the practice is. If you have concerns about the physical demands, ask the instructor before the session begins.

A private activity can make a beginner’s class feel less intimidating. You’re not joining a large public group, and your own party takes part together. That setup is especially handy for families or friends with different levels of confidence. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the general guidance says most participants can take part.

One named guide, Eric, has led the experience. The martial arts instruction is provided by a Kung Fu master; the class also includes a woman who has been warmly associated with the session. The supplied details don’t give the calligraphy instructor’s name, so it’s best not to expect a particular teacher by name.

Calligraphy: a quieter second act

After martial arts, you spend another 90 minutes in a Chinese calligraphy classroom. That change of activity is one of the tour’s strongest ideas. You move from using your body to using a brush, and the class gives you time to experience calligraphy culture rather than treating it as a quick demonstration.

Calligraphy is an art of control and attention. Here, you can expect an introduction to writing Chinese characters with a brush. The available details don’t specify which characters you’ll practise, what materials are supplied, or whether you take your work home, so ask the provider if those points matter to you. What is clear is that calligraphy is a full 90-minute lesson, not a brief add-on at the end.

The calligraphy portion has been singled out as especially fun, which makes it a good match for people who aren’t sure about martial arts. You don’t need to be keen on exercise to get something from the day. The two halves give you different ways into Chinese culture: one through physical practice, the other through brushwork.

The change of venue can matter here. In rainy weather, both the Kung Fu lesson and calligraphy have taken place in the Kung Fu studio. That means you shouldn’t count on practising outdoors or seeing the Temple of Heaven as part of the class itself. The experience offers a different side of the area, but it is not a Temple of Heaven tour or a guaranteed outdoor activity.

What the $95 price buys

At $95 per person, the price covers two instructor-led classes totaling about three hours. You’re paying for a combined experience, not just a short martial arts taster: half the time is set aside for calligraphy, and the private format means your group is the only one participating.

For a family or small party, that can be appealing. The class’s personal scale may give you more room to follow the instructor and ask for help than a large group session would. Group discounts are available, although the amount of the discount isn’t specified. Check the final price for your party before booking.

The value depends on what you want. If you’re looking for a convenient way to try two distinctly different activities with an instructor, the combined format makes sense. If your main aim is to visit the Temple of Heaven, this is not a substitute for an entry ticket or a guided visit to the complex. The class is described as offering a fresh perspective on the area, but transportation and a Temple of Heaven sightseeing itinerary are not included.

No hotel transfer is included, so add the cost and time of getting to the meeting point when comparing the price with other activities. Also consider the class’s location uncertainty: the listed starting address and the Temple of Heaven reference don’t match. A quick confirmation can prevent a frustrating start to an otherwise well-planned morning.

Weather, clothing, and other practical details

The activity operates in all weather, with a change of venue possible when conditions call for it. A rainy day has moved the class indoors to a Kung Fu studio, and a hot day hasn’t prevented families from enjoying the session. Still, dress for the forecast and wear comfortable walking shoes, as advised.

The experience is listed as suitable for most people, but that doesn’t tell you exactly how vigorous the Kung Fu session will be. If you’re booking for a child, an older family member, or someone with mobility or health concerns, contact the provider about the movements involved. Children must be with an adult.

The class is private, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you can choose any time you like. The detailed schedule lists a 9:00 am start, while the highlights also refer to morning or afternoon options. Confirm your chosen time and the meeting point before making other plans around the activity.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours beforehand aren’t accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time. That policy offers some flexibility if plans change, but keep the deadline in mind.

Who will enjoy this class most?

I’d recommend this for curious first-timers who want to do something hands-on rather than spend another morning looking at monuments. The pairing works particularly well for families, since you can share the martial arts session and then try a quieter activity together. The private format also suits a small group that prefers learning among its own party.

It’s a good choice if you’re interested in Chinese culture but don’t want a lecture-heavy outing. The instructor introduces ideas such as Taoism and yin and yang in connection with the martial arts, while calligraphy gives you a practical encounter with Chinese characters. The experience is active but not described as advanced.

It may be less suitable if your main priority is a guaranteed lesson outdoors, a Temple of Heaven visit, or hotel pickup. The class location can change with the weather, transfers are excluded, and the meeting-point wording needs clarification. Those aren’t reasons to rule it out, but they’re worth resolving before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this if you want a private, three-hour introduction to tai chi or kung fu paired with a substantial calligraphy class. The combination is the draw: two different activities, one focused on movement and one on brushwork, with enough time for each to feel like a real lesson. For a family or small party, the format offers a shared experience without requiring prior skill.

Before booking, confirm whether you’ll meet at Jixiaolan’s former residence or near the Temple of Heaven, and check whether your session starts at 9:00 am or another time. If you’re comfortable arranging your own transport and staying flexible about an indoor venue, this is a distinctive way to spend part of a Beijing day.

FAQ

How long does the class last?

It lasts about three hours: 90 minutes of tai chi or kung fu and 90 minutes of Chinese calligraphy.

What time does the activity start?

The detailed meeting information gives a 9:00 am start. The activity description also refers to morning or afternoon classes, so confirm the time for your booking.

Where is the meeting point?

The stated meeting point is Jixiaolan Former Residence Ticket Office, 241 Zhu Shi Kou Xi Da Jie, Xicheng District, Beijing. The activity description also refers to the Temple of Heaven gates, so confirm the exact rendezvous point.

Can I choose between tai chi and kung fu?

Yes. The class offers a choice of tai chi or kung fu, followed by the calligraphy lesson.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transfer to and from your hotel is not included.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.