Xi'an Calligraphy & Tea Ceremony - Dive into Ink & Brush Artistry

Xian , China

Xi'an Calligraphy & Tea Ceremony - Dive into Ink & Brush Artistry

Active

(4 reviews)

3h - 3h

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

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

️ Hands-on Cultural Creation - Unlike typical sightseeing tours, you'll actively create authentic Chinese artworks using traditional brush and ink techniques.

Complete Traditional Experience - From jasmine tea ceremony to incense ritual, experience how ancient Chinese scholars practiced calligraphy in authentic cultural atmosphere.

Personal Expert Guide - Learn from a native Xi'an travel planner with 20+ years of calligraphy practice who combines cultural knowledge with international perspective from 50+ countries.

Meaningful Takeaways - Leave with your own hand-painted fan, personalized bookmarks, and scroll painting - not just photos, but art you created yourself.

3,000-Year Journey - Discover how characters evolved from oracle bones to modern script through engaging storytelling and hands-on practice.

✍️ Progressive Learning - Master meaningful characters like 龙 (dragon), 武 (martial), 爱 (love) that connect you to Chinese philosophy and culture.

Available options

Xi'an Calligraphy & Tea Ceremony - Dive into Ink & Brush Artistry

What's included

Painted folding fan • Personalized bookmarks • Traditional scroll painting

All writing materials (ink, paper, inkstone)

Jasmin Tea & Snacks

Small-group tour (less than 6 people)

Calligraphy Instructor

Detailed itinerary

Our authentic calligraphy studio welcomes you with a traditional jasmine tea ceremony and incense ritual. Here you'll learn the fundamentals of Chinese brush painting in an atmosphere that recreates how ancient scholars practiced this art. The space is designed with traditional Chinese décor, complete with calligraphy scrolls, wooden furniture, and all the tools of the "Four Treasures of Study" - brush, ink, paper, and inkstone.

Discover 3,000 years of Chinese writing evolution through our interactive character wall display. I'll guide you through the fascinating transformation of characters like "家" (home) from ancient oracle bones to modern script, explaining the cultural stories behind each evolution. You'll see real examples of different dynasty writing styles and understand how Chinese characters carry both meaning and art.

At your personal practice station, you'll master the art of brush handling and learn to write meaningful Chinese characters. Starting with basic strokes, you'll progress to writing characters like 一, 十, 大, 小, 米, 永, 龙, 武, 爱. Each character teaches specific techniques while connecting you to Chinese philosophy. I provide one-on-one guidance to ensure proper technique and cultural understanding.

Create your unique takeaway artworks in this hands-on creative session. You'll design and paint your own folding fan with chosen Chinese characters, craft personalized bookmarks with your Chinese name, and create a traditional scroll painting. All materials and tools are provided, and I'll guide you through each step to ensure beautiful results. These authentic pieces become your personal connection to Chinese culture.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

4 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

The calligraphy activity will be held at Huanxi Jingchen Teahouse (欢喜静尘茶社）, which is located in Anju Alley within Shuyuanmen. Though the alley itself is a bit cluttered, the teahouse is easy to find—it’s a single-story building with distinctive Chinese-style interior decor.

About Xian

Xian is one of the oldest cities in China, serving as the capital for 13 dynasties, including the famous Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its rich history, ancient architecture, and as the starting point of the Silk Road. The city offers a unique blend of ancient and modern attractions, making it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and cultural explorers.

Top Attractions

Terracotta Army

Discovered in 1974, the Terracotta Army is a collection of terracotta sculptures depicting the armies of Qin Shi Huang, the first Emperor of China. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century.

Historical 2-3 hours 150 RMB (including museum)

Ancient City Wall

The Ancient City Wall is one of the oldest and best-preserved city walls in China. It encircles the old city and offers a unique perspective of Xian's history and urban landscape.

Historical 1-2 hours 54 RMB (including bike rental)

Muslim Quarter

The Muslim Quarter is a bustling area known for its vibrant street food scene, historic mosques, and unique Islamic architecture. It offers a glimpse into the multicultural history of Xian.

Cultural 1-2 hours Free (food and shopping costs extra)

Big Wild Goose Pagoda

The Big Wild Goose Pagoda is a famous Buddhist pagoda and a symbol of Xian. It was built in the Tang Dynasty and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding area is a popular spot for both locals and tourists.

Historical 1-2 hours 50 RMB (including museum)

Shaanxi History Museum

The Shaanxi History Museum is one of the most important museums in China, showcasing the rich history and culture of the Shaanxi region. It houses a vast collection of artifacts spanning thousands of years.

Museum 1-2 hours Free (but requires a reservation)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Roujiamo

Also known as the Chinese burger, it consists of braised pork belly stuffed in a crispy flatbread.

Snack Contains pork

Liangpi

Cold noodles made from wheat or rice flour, served with a spicy sauce and various toppings.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Yangrou Paomo

Lamb soup with bread pieces, a staple dish in Xian.

Dish Contains lamb

Biangbiang Noodles

Wide, hand-pulled noodles with a thick, chewy texture, often served with a spicy sauce.

Dish Vegetarian options available

Popular Activities

Hiking in Lishan Mountain Biking along the Ancient City Wall Visiting Huaqing Palace hot springs Tea tasting in local teahouses Exploring the Terracotta Army Visiting the Shaanxi History Museum Walking the Ancient City Wall at sunset Trying local street food in the Muslim Quarter

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This is the best time to visit Xian as the weather is pleasant and ideal for outdoor activities. The city hosts various festivals and events during this period.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Xian is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas.

Important Precautions:

• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi Chuxing.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or tours.
• Keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings in crowded areas.

Getting there

By air

Xian Xianyang International Airport • 40 km from city center

By train

Xian Railway Station, Xian North Railway Station

By bus

Xian Long-distance Bus Station, Xian North Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Xian Metro is efficient and covers most major attractions. It's the fastest way to get around the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Yanta District Beilin District Muslim Quarter Qujiang New District

Day trips

Huaqing Palace

15 km from city center • Half day

Huaqing Palace is a complex of hot springs and palaces known for its historical significance and beautiful gardens. It was a favorite retreat for emperors and is associated with the Tang Dynasty.

Lishan Mountain

20 km from city center • Full day

Lishan Mountain is a scenic area known for its natural beauty, hiking trails, and historical sites. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular spot for outdoor activities.

Famen Temple

120 km from city center • Full day

Famen Temple is one of the most important Buddhist temples in China, known for housing the relics of the Buddha. It is a significant pilgrimage site and offers a peaceful retreat from the city.

Festivals

Chinese New Year • January or February (varies) Lantern Festival • 15th day of the first lunar month Qinling Mountain Marathon • October

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Chinese phrases to enhance your experience and interact with locals.
Visit major attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and heat.
Try local street food, but choose busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and food safety.
Use the metro or bike-sharing services to get around the city efficiently and affordably.
Book tickets for popular attractions like the Terracotta Army in advance to avoid long queues.