Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre
Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre
5
About
Cultural Keys Chinese Culture Centre helps visitors and residents get more out of their time in China by providing unique and authentic cultural experiences, from traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting workshops to kung fu courses and cultural heritage tours. No matter your reason for being interested in this fascinating country and its culture, Cultural Keys can help you not just see China, but experience it too.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
39 reviews
Excellent
38
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
StoneRocky
1 contribution
Sep 2022
I am Chinese and I have a 3 years and half daughter . It was such an amazing experence .I added Nic and AJ on wechat in advance , they shared lots of their experiences in China, which was so deep.They've been extremely kind, hospitable and humble , making it an unforgettable half day at their workshop.Â
I can see from their eyes that they love Chinese culture as 2 foreigners, for whom you dont know them , one of them have stayed in China for 20 more years , BTW.
They provided thoughtful services which can catering to many kinds of ppl's needs. I could easily tell they work so damn hard for their presentation and this event.Â
I am moved by their careful thinking to my daughter, My daughter just loves AJ and Nic even though she is bit shy to express her feeling. She kept telling me her excitment and how happy she was that day .Â
And for the content , I as a 100% born and raised Chinese can assure you it is very deep and meaningful and rich. Many Chinese they think they understand cultural but acturally we are not understand that so much, not if we dont study and experice any more .Â
THANK YOU again so much , would definitely come next time if they hold such one !
I can see from their eyes that they love Chinese culture as 2 foreigners, for whom you dont know them , one of them have stayed in China for 20 more years , BTW.
They provided thoughtful services which can catering to many kinds of ppl's needs. I could easily tell they work so damn hard for their presentation and this event.Â
I am moved by their careful thinking to my daughter, My daughter just loves AJ and Nic even though she is bit shy to express her feeling. She kept telling me her excitment and how happy she was that day .Â
And for the content , I as a 100% born and raised Chinese can assure you it is very deep and meaningful and rich. Many Chinese they think they understand cultural but acturally we are not understand that so much, not if we dont study and experice any more .Â
THANK YOU again so much , would definitely come next time if they hold such one !
Written September 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sara C
Beijing, China76 contributions
Jan 2020
My husband and I attended the Spring Festival Event at Cultural Keys which included writing calligraphy, learning the history of the festival, and making dumplings. Transportation is organized for you (included in the price) from a central spot in Beijing. AJ and Nic are very friendly, inviting and knowledgeable about many aspects of Chinese life and culture. Experts were brought in to teach about Chinese calligraphy, and we got to practice the characters before writing them on beautiful scrolls so we could take them home and hang them on our door. They also had a mother/daughter team come in to teach us how to make dumplings which was really fun! They cooked them for us and we had a big meal together. It was a very fun and well-organized event. I would highly recommend signing up for one of their classes or events.
Written March 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sara,
Thank you so much for leaving such a detailed review! The Spring Festival Eve celebration is always one of our favourite events of the year, and it makes us so happy to hear you enjoyed it as much as we did. Thank you for being there, and I hope you'll both join us again for another event in the future.
Sincere best regards,
AJ
Written March 10, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jarrod Rogers
1 contribution
Oct 2022 • Solo
I’ve been studying monsters of mythology for quite a while now, but it’s difficult to find information in English here in China. Cultural Keys did a very well researched online presentation that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’d highly recommend any of their services if you wish to learn more about Chinese culture.
Written February 13, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kobus
1 contribution
May 2019
If you're looking for genuine Feiyue, this is the place. Cultural Keys are easy to find and they offer excellent service. There are many different styles of Feiyue to choose from, martial arts clothing and memorabilia. And if they don't happen to have your size or style in stock, AJ will order them for you. You can also order beautiful bespoke calligraphy wall hangings from them. AJ is also the founder of Cultural Keys who offers unique classes, services, and information about life and culture in China from calligraphy to martial arts.
Written April 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tyler P
2 contributions
Sep 2019
Cultural Keys' martial arts training program at the Shaolin Temple is like nothing else you will ever experience. Cultural Keys is run by two amazing individuals that work hard to provide their students with the most immersive, authentic Shaolin Temple and Chinese Culture experience available to the public. If you decide to take the leap, AJ Donnelly will be your main instructor for the duration of your time in Shaolin and Nic will be your guide/encyclopedia.These two make a great team providing you with a well rounded experience, physically and culturally. If you are enthusiastic about martial arts and progressing yourself mentally and physically, you couldn't ask for a better instructor. AJ will push you beyond what you previously thought you were capable of, while guiding you for personal success throughout the trip.
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Tyler,
We could not be more grateful for your praise of our program at the Shaolin Temple! You pushed yourself both physically and mentally past what anyone could have expected of you, and as a result were a true embodiment of the Shaolin martial spirit! Sincerely, remembering how hard you worked, training through sickness and injury and always giving 100%, inspires me to keep pushing harder with my own training and life. So thank you for that, and thank you for joining us. We look forward to seeing you on another CK program sometime in the future! 　
BR,
AJ & Nic
Written March 14, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
prodgepowa
Dar es Salaam, Tanzania7 contributions
May 2019
"I was in BJ for a month for work and was looking for Feiyue shoes for myself and bonus family. Searched internet and Cultural Keys came first. Took a taxi to their shop. My driver had problems finding the shop. I called the number on the website and co-owner Nic guided the driver to the an area close to the shop in perfect Mandarin. Her husband, also a co-owner picked me up and directed me to shop. Turns out I was their first customer. I was able to get what I wanted and even had time to chat. After, they directed me to a nice cafe and art workshops in their neighbourhood. They also directed me to a bus which took me back home faster and cheaper than a taxi. I had to order a pair of shoes and they arrived on time. All together very kind and welcoming husband and wife team. Will definitely go to the shop again and have recommended it to friends."
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there!
Thank you so much for taking the time to write! Yes, our first customer and certainly a great memory! If ever you're in the neighbourhood again, don't hesitate to drop by for a cup of tea. Would love to have you with us again!
Always best regards,
AJ
Written April 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chris4711
1 contribution
Mar 2020 • Friends
I attended a few online presentations throughout March. Nick and AJ are really passionate about giving foreigners an introduction to Chinese culture. They present really well and naturally and are always available to answer any questions you may have.
Written April 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Chris,
Thanks so much for the heart warming review! Yes, giving information about Chinese life and culture is the biggest and most important reason we do what we do, and we couldn't be happier that it came across so clearly! Sincere, it was a pleasure to have you join us each week, and we really do look forward to having you join us for the next round soon!
Until then, all the best!
AJ
Written April 4, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tom
2 contributions
Oct 2020 • Friends
Having lived in Beijing for a few years, I thought it was about time to have a go at Kung Fu and went to AJ's class after a friend's recommendation.
It was a fantastic cultural experience and a tough but fun work out! AJ will out you through your paces and give you interesting facts about his time learning with Shaolin monks.
I'd recommend it without a doubt!
Thanks AJ.
Thomas
It was a fantastic cultural experience and a tough but fun work out! AJ will out you through your paces and give you interesting facts about his time learning with Shaolin monks.
I'd recommend it without a doubt!
Thanks AJ.
Thomas
Written November 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
thz15
7 contributions
May 2020 • Family
We had a great private lesson with AJ in a parc. As it was a private lesson, we could create it to our own concerns. We never did Kong-fu before and wanted to get an overview about the different styles. So we had a fulfilling 2 hours lesson with High intensity warm-up, basic movements, TaiChi and Shaolin.
We all got a good first impression of King-fu, where happily exhausted and would love to do it again. Afterwards, we felt so well and upright, great! I really can recommend AJ, as he is a very good and patient teacher. And he is very polite, easygoing and has a lot of knowledge. Highly recommended if you are interested in Material Arts!
We all got a good first impression of King-fu, where happily exhausted and would love to do it again. Afterwards, we felt so well and upright, great! I really can recommend AJ, as he is a very good and patient teacher. And he is very polite, easygoing and has a lot of knowledge. Highly recommended if you are interested in Material Arts!
Written May 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Thz15,
Thank you so much for joining us for the kung fu class in Ritan Park. It was a sincere pleasure to meet you and your daughter, and I appreciate the effort you put into the class. Similarly, thank you for putting the time into writing this review. It's actions like this that will help us to get through the difficult times we are all facing!
We are very grateful for all your support and encouragement, and very much hope to see you again soon.
Best regards,
AJ Donnelly
Written June 17, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Luke V
Huntingdon, UK8 contributions
Jan 2020
This was a well organised trip to Tianjin. We were shown the Italian concession and were given time to look around. I think it was nice we got time to explore the city ourselves, while also being guided. The lunch was brilliant and we then saw the old town of Tianjin, which we had time to explore. Worth taking some cash with you as some places still didn't accept WeChat Pay
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Luke,
It's so wonderful of you to take the time to review us, and of course we are pleased to know you enjoyed the experience so much. It's why we do what we do, and it's great to know we are doing it right! I certainly hope you'll join us again soon.
Best regards,
AJ
Written February 18, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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