Paint a Beijing souvenir in 90 minutes. I like that this class is hands-on and focused, and you actually finish with a custom fan you designed yourself. I also like the small group feel (max 9), where the instructor, Richard Li, can give calm guidance as you practice basic watercolor moves.

Here’s the only catch: watercolor looks easy until you’re holding the brush. This is a simple class format, but it can feel a bit not as easy as it looks, so go in expecting to take your time and enjoy the learning.

Hands-On Beijing Art: Your Fan Becomes the Souvenir

This is the kind of Beijing experience that doesn’t ask you to just look at art. You practice Chinese watercolor techniques directly on a traditional folding fan shape, so your souvenir is personal in a way most shopping options never are.

The fan matters because it’s practical as well as symbolic. It’s the kind of item that reads as unmistakably Chinese art: paper, brushwork, and design that fits the cultural form. In at least a few class accounts, people treated the session like a mini reset after busy sightseeing, and the finished fan helped make the whole day feel like it had meaning.

Stop 1: Meet Richard Li at Hilton Wangfujing and Start Painting

The class meets back at the same point you start: Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, at the hotel lobby. You’ll choose the timing you want by picking a Morning Class or Afternoon Class slot, and the schedule offers a wide range of start times so you can fit it between other plans.

Once you’re gathered, the instructor’s job is to translate traditional art ideas into something you can do with your own hands. The core of the session is 1.5 hours of watercolor on a traditional fan, with instruction that includes technique practice plus cultural context about Chinese arts.

You’re not left wandering around for a long time. The whole plan is built around one main activity and ending where you began, which makes it easier to manage if you’re trying to keep your Beijing day from turning into a logistics puzzle.

What You Actually Learn in the 90 Minutes

You’ll use watercolor supplies and materials that are included, so you’re not hunting for basics in the city. The lesson is designed for beginners through more experienced participants, and the class format is meant to keep you moving step by step.

Expect to start with fundamentals that make watercolor behave the way it’s supposed to. In the class accounts shared, people highlighted instruction that includes clear tips on using brushes and colors, along with help as you correct or improve your own work.

Two details I think you’ll appreciate:

• You get guided practice, not just a final “make one and leave” worksheet.
• You leave with a finished fan you made, which helps you remember the techniques instead of just the outcome.

One review also mentioned sipping jasmine tea while painting, which fits the overall tone of the session: calm, focused, and a little Zen. If you’re the type who needs a slower moment in Beijing, that atmosphere is part of the value.

Chinese Art Traditions, Explained Without the Lecture

The class description promises more than brushwork, and that cultural piece shows up in how the instructor talks through what you’re doing. You get insight into Chinese culture while practicing water coloring, with an emphasis on understanding Chinese traditional arts rather than treating the fan as a random craft.

In other words, the lesson tries to connect technique to meaning. That’s what turns a souvenir activity into something you can actually talk about later—especially if you’re used to touring museums where you mostly look.

And based on people’s experiences, the teaching style is a big part of why the cultural context lands. Several accounts praised the instructor for being patient, clear, and supportive, with guidance that helped people get better than they thought they could.

Personal Attention in a Small Group (and Why That Matters)

This is capped at 9 people, which changes the entire feel of a hands-on art class. With a bigger group, you often wait for attention. With this size, you’re more likely to get corrections, reassurance, and practical tips at the moment you need them.

You can also plan for real-time pacing. Reviews noted how the instructor was calm and patient, and that people felt they got enough individual help to make the best fan they could. One account even described a situation with just one student, where the instructor spent additional time—so if your group is small, you may get extra support.

If you care about leaving with a result you’re genuinely proud of (not just a messy first attempt), this structure is one of the strongest reasons to choose this class.

Price and Value: Is $65 Worth It?

At $65 per person for about 1.5 hours, the price makes sense when you look at what you receive. You’re getting more than a craft session: you’re paying for an excellent art teacher, instructor fee, and the full set of art supplies and materials.

The key value point is the combination of instruction + finished keepsake. Many sightseeing activities cost money and you leave with photos. Here, you leave with an object you made—an actual custom-designed fan—so the cost doesn’t feel abstract.

Also, the pricing often feels reasonable because there’s no need for you to buy supplies separately. The session includes materials, so you can spend your time on learning, not spending extra on basics.

One more value angle: start times. With a wide range of times available, you can pick a slot that reduces stress in your schedule. In a city where it’s easy to burn a whole day moving between sites, a short, well-defined experience can be a smart use of time.

Logistics That Keep It Easy: Mobile Ticket and a Simple Start Point

You’ll receive a mobile ticket, and the activity ends back at the meeting point, so you don’t need to figure out a complicated second location. It also runs near public transportation, which is handy if you don’t want to rely entirely on taxis.

Most people can participate, since the class is open to different ages and skill levels. That matters because it makes the experience feel like it isn’t only for artists or only for families with drawing backgrounds.

If you’re planning your day, I’d treat this as a “soft landing” between harder sightseeing blocks. It’s structured, it’s calm, and it’s short enough that you can still pack in other Beijing highlights afterward.

Who This Beijing Watercolor Fan Class Fits Best

This class is a good match if you want a break from the usual sightseeing rhythm. If you’ve been walking all morning through crowds, a seated activity with step-by-step instruction feels like a reset.

It’s also a good fit if you:

• Want a quintessentially Chinese souvenir that’s handmade
• Like learning skills you can reuse later
• Prefer small-group attention over large tour formats
• Are traveling with kids or family members who need an activity with structure

If you’re extremely time-pressed, the 1.5-hour length is manageable. Just remember that watercolor takes a little patience. The people who enjoyed the experience most seem to lean into the learning curve.

Should You Book This Watercolor Fan Class?

Yes, if you want something genuinely hands-on in Beijing that ends with a custom keepsake. The strongest reasons to book are the combination of small-group instruction, the chance to learn basics without intimidation, and the fact you walk away with your own fan.

You might skip it only if you want a fast, no-effort activity. This is straightforward, but the painting part still takes concentration. If you go in with a relaxed mindset, that turns into the point: you get a calmer hour and a half, plus a souvenir that feels earned.

If you book, I’d choose the morning or afternoon slot that aligns with your energy, and plan to treat it like practice, not performance. The best result usually comes from slowing down and following the instructor’s tips.

FAQ

How long is the Water Color Class?

It runs about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing hotel lobby (王府井东街8号, 100006).

Is a mobile ticket provided?

Yes, you’ll receive a mobile ticket.

What do I take home?

You take home a custom-designed, handmade fan made during the class.

What’s included in the price?

The class includes the 1.5-hour water color instruction, art supplies and materials, and the instructor’s fee.

What’s the group size?

The class has a maximum of 9 travelers.

Are there different start times?

Yes. You can choose between a Morning Class or an Afternoon Class, and there are multiple start times available.

Is the class suitable for beginners?

Most people can participate, and the class is open to all ages and skill levels.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the class near public transportation?

Yes, the meeting location is near public transportation.