Your experience begins at 93 Courtyard Museum, a century-old siheyuan hidden in the hutong lanes of Xicheng District. Step through the red wooden gates into a quiet courtyard of grey brick, carved lintels, and a tranquil garden. Your host welcomes you with Chinese tea, and you'll have time to explore the museum's folk art exhibits before the workshop begins.
Then, choose your craft from six hands-on workshops, each led by a local artisan in English:
-Kite-Making: Shape bamboo frames, paint symbolic motifs, and string your own kite
-Rabbit God Sculpting: Mold and paint Beijing's beloved folk deity
-Opera Mask Painting: Paint a plaster mask using the color code of Chinese opera
-Cloisonné Enameling: Bend copper wire into patterns and fill with vibrant enamel glaze
-Paper-Cutting: Fold and cut red paper into intricate designs with a single continuous cut
-Tie-Dye: Fold, bind, dye, and unravel a cotton square to reveal a unique pattern
Your artisan instructor guides you step by step through real techniques. No prior experience needed — just curiosity and open hands. In 1.5 to 2 hours, you'll create a finished piece, beautifully packaged for travel.
