Courtyard in a class of its own

Kung fu enthusiasts practice martial arts in the Fly by Knight Courtyard, a hostel in Beijing that offers free martial arts classes for guests. [Photo provided to China Daily]

"It motivates me to focus on the essentials of any task and do solid work."

The hostel has hosted more than 300 kung fu students, who are given free lodging in exchange for work. Most are from Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Taiwan student Liao Boryeu is currently spending his summer holiday working at the hostel. He has met many interesting people during his stay, including an astronomer and fresco artists.

"I can learn many things from them," says the 20-year-old visual communication major at Asia University.

"It improves my communication skills and motivates me to learn English better."

He enjoys painting and exploring the city during his leisure time outside of the kung fu lessons. "Practicing kung fu truly eases my mind and comforts my body," he says.

The hostel also offers free Chinese calligraphy courses. Huang regularly invites scholars and artists to give lectures on their respective fields.

Zhang Zehao, a volunteer martial arts teacher at the hostel, sees the place as a platform to promote Chinese culture.

"Domestic and foreign guests experience Chinese culture's essence here," he says.

If you go

4 pm-6 pm (martial arts class), on Saturdays. 6 Dengcao Hutong, Dongcheng district, Beijing. 010-6559-7966.