Ancient architecture is the best introduction to traditional culture

It is not a dry term found only in textbooks, but a living culture that can be seen, touched, and even created by hand. A painted decorative motif contains systems of rank and regulation; a set of dougong brackets and mortise-and-tenon joints embodies philosophy and craftsmanship; and a carved brick carries stories and blessings.

Ancient architecture is the best form of aesthetic education

Children who grow up immersed in the proportions, colours, and rhythms of traditional Eastern architecture naturally develop a different way of seeing. This sense of aesthetics cannot be gained from a few drawing classes. It must be absorbed through long-term exposure and become deeply rooted within them.

Ancient architecture is the best way to cultivate character

In this fast-paced age, children need opportunities to slow down—to paint a traditional architectural design, carve a brick, or assemble a set of dougong brackets. Through this process, they can understand the principle that “fine work takes time” and develop calmness, patience, and concentration. These qualities are more valuable than anything else.

This summer, give your child a different kind of experience.

Over five days, participants will learn from scholars of ancient architecture, documentary filmmakers, and intangible cultural heritage craftspeople. They will open the door to the world of ancient architecture with their own hands and awaken the cultural heritage that lies naturally within them.

Part One | Why Choose Us?

Professional · Created by a genuine cultural heritage organisation

The course content has been repeatedly reviewed and developed by a team of ancient architecture specialists. All instructors are active scholars, video production experts, intangible cultural heritage craftspeople, and master timber-frame builders.

What they teach is not merely textbook knowledge, but real expertise gained through years of practical, hands-on experience in the field.

In-Depth · Real hands-on work, real ancient architecture, real study

From mixing plaster to carving and polishing, from outlining and applying colour to assembling dougong brackets, participants will complete every stage themselves and take home four finished works.

The programme also includes a field visit to the thousand-year-old Dule Temple. Standing beneath an authentic ancient building from the Liao dynasty, ancient architecture will no longer be merely a term in a textbook.

Growth · More than knowledge: concentration and aesthetics

Children will be encouraged to slow down and complete each task with care and attention, developing calmness and concentration.

At the same time, the colours, proportions, and rhythms of ancient Chinese architecture represent one of the highest expressions of Chinese aesthetics. Early exposure to this tradition can provide lifelong benefits.

Reassuring · Thoughtful and ceremonial

Every child will receive sufficient attention and support.

At the end of the camp, a formal exhibition of participants’ work will be held, and parents will be warmly invited to attend. Each participant will receive a “Young Ancient Architecture Builder” certificate, ensuring that their efforts are recognised and that their growth is celebrated with a meaningful sense of occasion.

Part Two | Course Schedule

Day One: Architectural Photography · Gazing into the Depths of History

Full-Day Visit to Dule Temple in Ji County, Tianjin

Participants will follow a master timber-frame builder to explore this Liao-dynasty structure and use photography to document the cultural meanings expressed through its dougong brackets, painted decoration, brick carvings, and other architectural features.

Day Two: Painted Decoration · The Rhythm of Line and Colour

Morning | Introduction to Traditional Architectural Painting

Participants will learn about the systems, conventions, and artistic qualities of painted decoration used in imperial architecture.

What distinguishes the Hexi, Xuanzi, and Suzhou-style traditions? What meanings and intentions lie behind their elaborate patterns?

Afternoon | Painting Traditional Architectural Decoration by Hand

From outlining to applying colour, and from selecting materials to creating tonal gradations, participants will complete their first piece of traditional architectural painting by hand.

The lines may appear simple, but only after placing brush to paper does one truly understand the value of patience.

Day Three: Brick Carving · Craftsmanship Shaped with Care

Morning | Hands-On Brick Carving

Participants will mix plaster, pour it into moulds, polish the surface, and carefully carve the design, experiencing the full transformation from raw material into a work of art.

Every cut and every stroke reflects intention; skill is revealed only through repeated refinement. What participants take home will be more than a carved brick—it will also represent a period of focused and meaningful time.

Afternoon | Recording and Presenting the Process on Camera

The creation of a brick carving involves many stages, decisions, and careful thoughts. The children’s creative process and personal experiences deserve to be thoughtfully documented through video.

They will also learn how to introduce the carving techniques and explain the symbolic meanings contained within their work to a wider audience.

Day Four: Dougong Woodwork · Ancient Mortise-and-Tenon Construction That Is Even More Fun Than LEGO

Morning | Colouring and Sketching Ancient Architecture

Drawing on what they have learned over the previous days, participants will add colour to line drawings of ancient buildings or create observational sketches, placing their own vision of architectural beauty onto paper.

Afternoon | Disassembling and Assembling a Dougong Model

Without using a single nail or rivet, the structure is held together entirely through interlocking mortise-and-tenon joints. This is one of the great achievements of traditional Chinese architecture.

Participants will personally dismantle and rebuild a dougong model. The moment the structure is successfully assembled will also be a moment of connection with the ingenuity of ancient craftspeople.

Day Five: Presentation · Exhibition by the Young Builders

Morning | Preparing the Final Exhibition

Participants will either edit their own video projects or personally arrange their exhibition displays in preparation for sharing what they have created and learned over the five days.

Behind every work will be a personal story.

Afternoon | Closing Ceremony · Parents’ Open Day

A formal closing ceremony will be held, during which participants will receive their “Young Ancient Architecture Builder” certificates.

Parents are warmly invited to attend, view the children’s work, and witness their growth and achievements over the five-day programme.

Part Three | Registration Information

Dates: August 3, 2026, Monday–August 7, 2026, Friday

Location: Near Wenyu Plaza, Shunyi District, Beijing

Participants: Students from Grade 3 to Grade 9 who are interested in traditional culture and ancient architecture

Fee: RMB 4,380 per person

The fee includes: Course materials, venue costs, expert instruction, attraction admission tickets, transportation for outdoor activities, lunch, the closing certificate, and other related expenses.

Registration: Scan the QR code below to register or make an enquiry.

This summer, let your child step into the world of ancient architecture.

Perhaps these five days will mark the beginning of their lifelong connection with traditional culture.