The guide will meet you at the hotel and take you to an old courtyard in the hutongs. The age-old building techniques used in the construction of the hutongs is revealed in a fascinating workshop conducted by a master craftsman. Specifically, you will learn how to create a mortise and tenon joint, a wooden connection that consists of two parts. The tenon portion of the joint works as a peg and the mortise is the hole or slot into which the tenon is inserted. This piece of craftsmanship has been used in binding buildings together in the hutongs for centuries.

This is a perfect hands-on and fun activity that involves using tools to create your own example of a tenon and mortise joint. The endeavour involves some instruction into the theory behind this component, followed by the practical session. The aim is to make a perfect connection that slides into place effortlessly. You will leave this excursion with a new-found respect for the craftsmen of old and with a greater awareness of ancient building construction methods.