"Usually I don't choose popular tourist spots, but some special places related to Chinese culture that have not been exploited for commercial goals," Feng said.

Modest Beginnings

Humble is the first word that comes to mind when describing CCC's offices and classrooms located in an old courtyard surrounded by storehouses in a small hutong in east Beijing's Chaoyang District. Feng's office contains many Chinese antiques and traditional items such as a woodcut casement and wooden chests, tables and chairs.

When Feng set up CCC as a non-profit organization, he had only one employee, but later hired an accountant. Now he has more than 20 full-time employees, including several foreigners, and 10-20 part-time employees. Every summer, he receives applications from overseas college students who want to work as interns.

CCC offers 40-50 regular courses and classes and has provided services to a total of at least 40,000-50,000 foreigners, Feng said. Although he declined to specify CCC's annual revenue, he said that its total annual expenses are more than 1 million yuan (about $143,200).

When discussing CCC's future, Feng said he does not have an ambitious plan, except to find "a nicer place for the CCC." He and his employees are very confident about CCC's future. Feng still has a lot of ideas about how to expand the club's offerings and recently started offering Mandarin classes. "This is something I want to do and I hope to do it perfectly," he said.

CCC's team of workers is one of the reasons why the club has developed so quickly, Feng said. All his employees must have an excellent command of English, a passion for Chinese culture and be attentive to details in their work.

Crystal Ma, CCC's account manager and longest-serving employee, is very satisfied with her job and has nothing but praise for her employer.

"It is pleasant to work here [and] Feng is more like friend, even an elder brother, rather than a boss to us," she said. "He is very humorous, so we enjoy our meeting time, because we can solve problems during our discussions in a relaxing atmosphere.

Feng's best quality is that he listens to people well and is willing to adopt good suggestions, which is "a very precious quality for a boss," Ma said.

"Feng works very hard and is industrious," she said. "He devotes almost all his time and energy to CCC."

Day-trippers

Many of those who have taken CCC's courses or trips keep coming back because of the wide range of activities the club offers. They also say that Feng's affable personality and his knowledge of and insight into traditional and contemporary Chinese customs and culture have been the keys to CCC's success.

"Feng is a wonderful person; he is very helpful," said Marilyn Schlueter, an American who participates in CCC activities about once a month. "The CCC courses and events are very fun, and I can learn a lot of interesting things about Chinese culture."

John M. Courtney, an Australian who first came to China in 1982, has used the services of many similar agencies and organizations in Beijing. He decided early on to stick with CCC, largely because of Feng.

"I like the passion Feng displays and his love of his culture," he said. "I have a terrific time here. Since I found CCC as soon as it was established, I have never turned to other agencies."

Courtney recently took CCC's course on contemporary Chinese history and found it to be "rich and informative and deserving of participation" by not only those who have just arrived in China, but also those who have been here for some time. The course helped improve his understanding of modern China and why many things are done in particular ways today, he said. As an added bonus, Courtney said CCC activities provide a meeting place for developing friendships with other foreigners.

CCC's clients are not the only ones who praise Feng's efforts. Chen Juanjuan, the Peking opera actress, said CCC has invited her to perform there several times.

"I am very happy to come and perform here," she said. "I think Mr. Feng's idea of having a Peking opera course is very brilliant." The workshop offers a rare glimpse into the make-up procedures and costumes of Peking opera actors and actresses. Such courses help foreigners to understand Chinese culture better, Chen said.

A hands-on guy

Even though CCC's operations have grown considerably over the past few years, Feng remains directly involved in most of the club's activities. He sometimes provides English translations and narrations during some classes and leads walking tours in Beijing and trips to other cities.

"I want to make sure that our service is of the best quality," he said.