Beijing · WORKSHOPS

15 Workshops & Classes in Beijing, Compared

25 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Beijing is a city of early starts and long transfers. These 15 workshops & classes are the ones worth giving a half-day to, priced and timed.

Beijing Calligraphy Class - Start With the Brush, Not the Finished Character
Beijing Calligraphy Classes, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing Calligraphy Class

1.Beijing Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 112 reviews · 30 minutes - 1 hour · from $20Our pick

Meet your English-speaking calligraphy teacher at the Sun World Dynasty Hotel in Wangfujing for a 30-minute or one-hour lesson. You’ll hear about calligraphy’s place in Chinese culture, learn brush basics, and practice characters on rice paper. Teachers include Richard, David, and Li; the class suits beginners and families.

“We learned about the philosophy of calligraphy, which includes a meditative and light focus. We practiced and improved a lot :). The teacher was patient, and helped us make adjustments to improve our work before our final piece.”

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Chinese Calligraphy Class for Small Group - Choosing the right lesson length
Beijing Calligraphy Classes, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Chinese Calligraphy Class for Small Group

2.Chinese Calligraphy Class for Small Group

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 104 reviews · from $20Top rated

Meet your calligraphy teacher near Wangfujing for a hands-on lesson in brush use, posture and basic strokes. Classes run from 30 minutes to two hours, with morning, afternoon and evening options. Teachers named for this experience include Richard, David and Robert Lee. Supplies are provided, and you can create a finished piece to take home.

“Really fun experience! Richard was kind and attentive. He made the class really fun and enjoyable. It was great to learn calligraphy and we would recommend for anyone wanting a fun experience whilst learning some history.”

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Beijing: Dumpling Making Workshop with Meal and Tea - Meeting your guide before the flour comes out
Beijing Cooking Classes, Beijing Tea Experiences, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing: Dumpling Making Workshop with Meal and Tea

3.Dumpling Making Workshop with Meal and Tea

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 69 reviews · 3 hours · from $35

Meet your English-speaking guide at a hotel lobby at 16:30 for a three-hour Beijing dumpling workshop. Learn to shape dumplings, hear about their place in Chinese traditions, and share a meal with tea and other dishes. Hosts have included Julie, Rachel, Eric, Zoey, Jenny, and Heyang, though the guide varies.

“Heyang and his sister are excellent teachers. I booked this knowing nothing about how to make dumplings. But they guide you through the entire process and the meaning of dumplings in Chinese culture and cuisine. We made dozens of both meat and vegetable dumplings. I got to chat with the other participants as the dumplings were boiled. In the end, we got to eat a delicious meal and have a few beers. Highly recommended experience in Beijing.”

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Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef - What $20 buys, and what it does not
Beijing Cooking Classes, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef

4.Online Cooking Class Beijing Dumplings and Cuisine by Sunflowerli Renowned Chef

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 65 reviews · from $20

Join Chef Miss Sunflower Li online from Beijing for a private, hands-on Chinese cooking class. Choose from dumplings, hand-pulled noodles, steamed buns and other dishes, with vegan options available. You cook from scratch in your own kitchen, using an ingredient list sent three days ahead. Classes usually last 60 to 90 minutes and can be scheduled for different time zones.

“I enjoyed very much learning to prepare dumplings and they turned out better than expected! It was so nice hearing all your anecdotes about family meal traditions! The ingredients list sent in advance was clear and instructions easy to follow, also well equipped with the two cameras. Thank you for this fun experience!”

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Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class by Forbidden City - The Class, Step by Step
Beijing Calligraphy Classes, Beijing Tours, City Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class by Forbidden City

5.Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class by Forbidden City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $20

At a bookstore in Beijing’s Wangfujing area, an English-speaking calligraphy teacher introduces brushwork, ink, rice paper, and the cultural meaning of Chinese characters. You’ll practice at a small table, with supplies provided. Richard is one teacher associated with the class, though a particular instructor is not guaranteed. Choose from class lengths of 30 minutes to two hours.

“Wonderful experience to learn just a little about the ancient art of Chinese calligraphy. My wife, daughter and I learned to do some characters and after we had gotten better we painted the characters on a decorative board that we were able Read more”

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Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class Nearby Forbidden City - Practice Before the Finished Character
Beijing Calligraphy Classes, Beijing Tours, City Tours, Forbidden City Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class Nearby Forbidden City

6.Beijing Wangfujing Calligraphy Class Nearby Forbidden City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 56 reviews · 45 minutes - 2 hours · from $35

Meet your English-speaking calligraphy teacher at the Sun World Dynasty Hotel near Wangfujing, then learn brush handling, basic strokes, and character writing in a class lasting 45 minutes to two hours. Teachers named Richard, David, and Master Li have led sessions. Supplies are provided, and you’ll work toward a calligraphy piece to take home.

“One of our favorite activities we have ever done! David was an amazing teacher and we had a wonderful time. We had some tea and he taught us everything — we ended up with a lovely calligraphy gift and the best memory in Beijing. Totally recommend for a fun and relaxing time!!”

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Chinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci - From introduction to practical technique
Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Chinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci

7.Chinese Kungfu class in old temple beside Forbidden Ci

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 53 reviews · 3 days · from $45

Meet kungfu master Limeng and an English-speaking translator in a historic hutong beside the Forbidden City’s east gate. In a one-hour class at Pudusi, learn basic Shaolin and other traditional kungfu techniques, including practical self-defense. Training suits may be available to buy; ask the host about sizes and colors.

“Was lucky enough to have a one to one class. Enjoyed every second and would definitely do again. Highly recommended. Do not miss this.”

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Noon Calligraphy Class - What happens during the class
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Noon Calligraphy Class

8.Noon Calligraphy Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 47 reviews · from $20

At a small-group calligraphy class on Wangfujing Dongjie, an art teacher introduces brushwork, ink, rice paper, ink stones, and seal carving before you practice Chinese characters. The class is offered in 30-minute, one-hour, and 1.5-hour formats. Richard and Li are among the instructors named by past participants, though your teacher may vary.

“Great experience, highly recommended!!! Richard is an amazing teacher and kind person, you’ll learn a lot from him!!!”

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Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai - The Huangpu River cruise: VIP seats and a changing skyline
Beijing Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Tour Reviews, VIP, Workshops

Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai

9.Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 31 reviews · from $173

A private guide and driver take you from a central Shanghai hotel to the Bund, then to a 60-minute Huangpu River cruise with VIP seating and dinner at Din Tai Fung. The tour lasts about four hours. Sunny and Mason are among the guides praised for friendly, attentive service. Confirm your hotel’s location and choose an early start if you want an unhurried meal.

“The overall experience was excellent. The guide (Mason) was polite, friendly and takes care of us during the whole tour. Would highly recommend him as the guide to my family and friends if they are to visit Shanghai.”

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Water Color Class in Beijing - Starting with basic watercolor techniques
Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Water Color Class in Beijing

10.Water Color Class in Beijing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 25 reviews · from $65

Meet instructor Richard Li at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing for a 90-minute watercolor class. You’ll practice basic techniques, learn about Chinese art traditions, and paint a traditional fan to take home. Art supplies are included, and the class welcomes all ages and skill levels, with no more than nine participants.

“We had a wonderful time and sipped jasmine tea as we painted our own fans. Unforgettable memories sitting with family. Thank you.”

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China's Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop - The appeal of learning jian bing
Beijing Cooking Classes, Beijing Food Tours, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

China’s Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop

11.China’s Favourite Street Food Cooking Workshop

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $80

At a private workshop in Beijing’s Dongcheng district, Dom from Our Beijing guides you through the story and technique of jian bing, the city’s popular street crepe. Mix batter, cook your own creations, and try fillings ranging from traditional savory choices to chocolate and banana. The class lasts about 90 minutes and ends where it begins.

“Such a fun workshop. Dom explained the history of Jian Bings with an entertaining story, then the technique of making them and was there to help when needed. There was a plentiful assortment of fillings to use, from traditional savoury to sweet chocolate and banana. Read more”

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Beijing Private Tai Chi Class - Why the Temple of Heaven setting adds something
Beijing Private Tours, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

12.Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews · from $58

Spend 90 minutes learning tai chi with an English-speaking instructor from Beijing San Feng Tai Chi Club. The private beginner-friendly class covers a nine-step form, standing meditation, push hands, self-massage, and the ideas of yin and yang. Instructor Eric Liu is named in class accounts. Morning and afternoon sessions are offered.

“Had a great time learning tai chi in the Park. The teacher was informative a few all had a great time! I loved being in the area with others learning t”

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Chinese Kung Fu Experience Class in Beijing - A Short Class With a Personal Feel
Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Chinese Kung Fu Experience Class in Beijing

13.Chinese Kung Fu Experience Class in Beijing

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $65

At Beijing San Feng Tai Chi Club, a kung fu master leads your private group through basic stances, kicks, punches, a five-stance fist form, joint locks, and self-defense techniques. The 90-minute class takes place in the Temple of Heaven area. Master Liu has been praised for his friendly manner and English, though the instructor may vary.

“Keeping the interest levels of adults through 6 years old is no easy task but our guide knocked it jour of the park! He was fun, engaging and attentive to the whole of the group. Must do on trips!”

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Beijing Private Tai Chi Class - Why the Temple of Heaven setting adds something
Beijing Private Tours, Beijing Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

14.Beijing Private Tai Chi Class

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 10 reviews · 1.5 hours · from $58

Meet an English-speaking instructor, such as Eric, Leo, or Master Lui, near the Temple of Heaven’s east gate for a private 90-minute beginner class. You’ll try a nine-step Tai Chi form, standing meditation, push hands, and self-massage, with explanations of Yin Yang and Taoist ideas. The Temple entrance fee is not included.

“One of our favorite activities in china so far!”

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Beijing: Dumpling-Making Class with wet Market visit - Make dumplings in a family home
Beijing Cooking Classes, Markets, Shopping Tours, Tianjin Tours, Tour Reviews, Workshops

Beijing: Dumpling-Making Class with wet Market visit

15.Dumpling-Making Class with wet Market visit

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 5 hours · from $50

Visit a Beijing wet market with an English-speaking guide, then make dumplings and local dishes in a family home. Guides have included May, Sonia, and Peter. The five-hour outing includes transport, tea, and a meal, with options for private or small-group bookings.

“Peter was GREAT! He was friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging. He is extremely well traveled and easily draws cross cultural comparisons. The visit to the wet market was fun. Our dumpling teacher was engaging and informative. With that said, a tour that was listed as approximately 5 hours lasted under 3. It was certainly long enough but, had we known the true duration, we would have made other plans for the rest of the day.”

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