Beijing Courtyard: Dumpling Making Experience

Explore Beijing’s hidden alleys, craft dumplings, and connect with local culture in a genuine hutong courtyard experience.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • North Guanfang Hu Tong - Enter a serene Beijing courtyard home for an immersive experience in Chinese culture.
    1 Choose Your Craft
    Select one or two crafts to explore:
    Calligraphy: Grip the brush, inscribe your name, or attempt a poem.
    Paper Cutting: Design red paper symbols for good fortune.
    Ink Painting: Illustrate bamboo, plum blossoms, or…
What's Included
  • Bottled water
Additional Information

Experience an authentic Beijing courtyard, away from tourist spots, and learn the art of dumpling-making from a local host who was raised in these hutongs. Listen to tales of Beijing’s secret alleys, explore life behind the grey walls, and enjoy a meal in true local fashion. This is more than a cooking class; it’s an engaging cultural exchange that immerses you in the essence of old Beijing.

Location
Guo Moruo Residence
Qian Hai Xi Jie
Please arrive 10 minutes early at Guo Moruo Former Residence. Look for a guide holding a ‘Beijing Traditional Arts & Cooking Class’ sign. If you are delayed, please message us on WhatsApp/WeChat.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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Charles_s
Oct 10, 2025
Great local experience in Beijing - This was the highlight in Beijing. We already did the Great Wall, Tian An Men Square, and the Forbidden City. We went to the museum where our host told us to meet. Just text him when you’re outside and he’ll come get you. That’s because you will walk through ancient city streets to the house where the cooking and calligraphy takes place. Our host was translator while the calligraphy expert guided us through writing several meaningful Chinese characters. We each did about 10 copying the master. Afterward, we got a demonstration on how to make dumplings. Rolling the dough, cutting the pieces, rolling the individual skins, placing the filling, and how to wrap them like a pro. Then they served us a massive lunch which included our own dumplings cooked. Finally, our guide dropped us by the adjoining lake and pointed us toward drum and bell towers. We wandered through the ancient village - window shopping all the way. Then got a cab after we watched the on-the-hour demonstration of the drum beating at the top of the drum tower. GREAT day. Really our favorite activity. The 6 of us (3 couples) had an awesome day.
Review provided by Viator
Apriall2025
Oct 2, 2025
Wonderful Experience in Beijing - This experience was a highlight of our trip! The host welcomed us into a real Beijing courtyard home and showed us how to make dumplings from scratch. She spoke Chinese, but our guide translated everything clearly, which made it easy to follow and added to the authentic feeling. Beyond cooking, we learned about daily life in the hutongs and shared a delicious meal together. It felt warm, personal, and truly local, nothing like a tourist show. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a genuine cultural experience in Beijing! No file chosen
Review provided by Tripadvisor
From $45
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).