From 580 cny
Min. 4
Discover the ancient secrets of Chinese architecture in Beijing’s historic hutongs. Learn the remarkable tenon and mortise technique – a 300-year-old craft that built the Forbidden City without a single nail. Create your own wooden masterpiece under the guidance of master craftsmen in this authentic hands-on cultural experience.
Authentic Cultural Immersion
Historical Heritage Experience
Experience the ancient art of Chinese royal architectural craftsmanship with this 4-hour hands-on workshop in a traditional hutong setting. Available daily with flexible departure times before 4:00 PM, this unique cultural immersion introduces you to the intricate mortise and tenon joinery techniques that have defined Chinese architecture for centuries.
Begin your craftsmanship journey with hotel pickup by your private English-speaking guide, followed by comfortable transportation to a traditional hutong neighborhood where a local family will welcome you into their home. This authentic setting provides the perfect backdrop for learning about the royal architectural heritage and traditional construction methods that built Beijing's historic structures.
Under expert guidance from both your professional guide and the local hutong family, participate in a comprehensive hands-on mortise and tenon workshop using traditional woodworking tools and techniques. Learn about the ingenious joinery system that allows wooden structures to be assembled without nails or screws, creating buildings that have withstood centuries of use.
The workshop provides detailed instruction on traditional architectural techniques while offering fascinating cultural insights into the craftsmanship that created Beijing's imperial palaces and hutong courtyards. Create your own small mortise and tenon joint samples to understand these time-honored construction methods firsthand.
Throughout the experience, enjoy meaningful cultural exchange with the local family as they share stories about hutong life and traditional craftsmanship heritage. This authentic cultural immersion suitable for participants aged 12 and above requires no prior woodworking experience, making it accessible to all skill levels.
The workshop duration remains flexible and can be adjusted based on participant skill development and interest level. Advance booking of 1 day is required, and closed-toe shoes are essential for safety during woodworking activities. This year-round experience operates consistently regardless of season, with alternative indoor activities available during severe weather conditions.
/
/
Few important details to frame the experience:
