THE TOP 20 Shanghai Art & Culture Classes (UPDATED 2026)

Carving Your Own Chinese Seal & Cultural Decoding Workshop

Dive into the 3,000-year legacy of Chinese seal art—where history, philology, and craftsmanship collide. This workshop is your bridge to understanding this UNESCO-recognized Chinese Intangible Heritage as both art and cultural DNA. After a systematic cultural decoding session, you'll carve your own irreplaceable seal! Two Editions Available (welcome to pick : ) 1. Standard Workshop (3 hours): offers a complete decoding-and-carving journey 2. Master Class + Private Studio Visit (4 hours): antique market tour + relic seal appreciation + hands-on coaching in master's private studio —— an elevated experience unavailable anywhere else Our Core Uniqueness: a) Pioneering "Decode + Create" system blending history with practice b) World-class master featuring a Ferrari-collaborated, Shanghai Museum-exhibited artist c) Fully personalized approach—no templates, just your story carved with human touch that no machine can replicate

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Carving Your Own Chinese Seal & Cultural Decoding Workshop

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Chinese knotting thread and materials used to make decorative knot or a small piece of jewellery

Chinese Knotting Workshop for Decorations & Jewelry in Shanghai

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride

4 to 5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Learn to paint elegant Chinese artwork in this private ink and brush painting workshop in Shanghai. This is the art of shui mo, or water and ink. Your instructor and local guide/translator will help share the techniques with you. You’ll be collected from your hotel in downtown Shanghai and taken to the workshop in the French Concession. Enjoy tea, painting, and relaxing today in this class lasting two to three hours.

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2-Hour Private Chinese Ink and Brush Painting Workshop in Shanghai

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

This experience lets you explore two different traditional Chinese arts in one afternoon, allowing you to create a personalised experience based on your interests. You can choose from: Chinese Knotting; Chinese Ink Painting & Calligraphy; Peking Opera Mask Painting & Dress-Up; Traditional Paper Cutting (more details below). Each activity is taught in a small-group setting with plenty of individual guidance, making it suitable even for complete beginners. You'll not only make authentic handmade souvenirs to take home, but also learn the cultural stories and symbolism behind each craft. The workshop is designed to be immersive, interactive, and memorable, giving you the opportunity to experience Chinese culture through creating, and hands-on participation rather than simply observing.

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Traditional Craft Afternoon in Shanghai

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Special Offer

Chinese Water Ink Painting with local artist-2hr

Move beyond surface-level sightseeing and dive deep into authentic Chinese culture with a fresh, hands-on art experience! At China Culture Land, you can directly engage with traditional art by choosing your own creative path: opt for the vibrant, bold colors of Intangible Cultural Heritage Peasant Painting, or try traditional Freehand (Xieyi) Painting—which feels like watercolor but carries a profoundly different Eastern spirit. Uncover the stories behind every brushstroke, and take home more than just photos: leave with a truly special, one-of-a-kind souvenir crafted by your own hands.

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Chinese Water Ink Painting with local artist-2hr

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Peking Opera Mask Painting & Dress-Up Experience in Shanghai

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Capture the essence of traditional Chinese culture with a unique photoshoot experience at Shanghai's iconic Yu Garden. Choose from a stunning selection of authentic Hanfu outfits from the Tang, Song, and Ming dynasties, complemented by professional makeup and ancient hairstyles. An experienced photographer guides you to the most picturesque spots, ensuring you leave with 30 original raw photos and 6 beautifully retouched images. This immersive experience is perfect for anyone wanting to create lasting memories in a historic setting.

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Hanfu Photoshoot Experience at Shanghai Yu Garden

1 hour 30 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

More Than a Class—An Immersive Journey Discover a Hidden Sanctuary: Tucked away in Shanghai's vibrant former French Concession, our studio is a peaceful haven designed for immersion. Leave the noise of the city behind and find your focus in our exclusive, private space. Guidance from a Legacy Practitioner: Your teacher, Master Zhou, doesn't just teach calligraphy—she lives it. Hailing from a lineage of calligraphers and with 18 years of mentoring students, she offers an authentic and insightful learning experience that is both expert and patient. Create Your Personal Masterpiece: This isn't just a lesson; it's a creation. You won't just practice strokes—you'll apply them to craft a unique souvenir: a classic Chinese fan adorned with your own brushwork. It's a meaningful piece of art and a lasting memory of your cultural journey.

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Chinese Calligraphy Cultural Experience in Shanghai

2 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Discover the unique art of pottery using fine high-white clay from Jingdezhen—the porcelain capital of China. Guided by an experienced instructor, you’ll experience the full creative journey: from shaping your piece on the wheel to decorating and painting with beautiful underglaze colors. Everything is provided—tools, glazes, and professional high-temperature firing—so you can focus purely on creating. Whether you're joining us alone, with a partner, as a family, or with friends, this hands-on workshop offers a meaningful and memorable experience for all. Take your time to perfect your piece—there’s no rush. Once fired in your kiln, your finished artwork will be ready to take home as a special handmade keepsake.

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Creative Pottery Workshop in Shanghai

2 hoursFree Cancellation

5% savings

from

$38$36

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Explore the intricate world of Chinese art and culture in a hands-on silk fan painting workshop, set in a tranquil studio near Jing’an Temple. Over three engaging hours, delve into the historical significance of Chinese painting while using traditional tools and techniques to create your own masterpiece. This workshop offers an intimate atmosphere, ensuring personalized attention as you sip on tea and connect with fellow art enthusiasts. No prior experience is needed—just bring your creativity and passion for learning.

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Shanghai Art Class Tour Experience

3 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights

7 to 8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Discover the Jewish history of Shanghai on a half-day tour with an expert guide. Hear about Jewish immigration to Shanghai and visit important sites around the Hongkou district, also known as the Shanghai Ghetto, where thousands of Jewish refugees lived during World War II. Stop at the memorial plaque in Huoshan Park and the Jewish Refugees Museum—formerly Ohel Moishe Synagogue. Your guide shares fascinating stories about the people whose lives intersected in Shanghai.

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Tour of Jewish Shanghai led by a Jewish History Expert

4 hoursFree Cancellation

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Save time without compromising on experience with this door-to-door private guided tour that covers Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and Shanghai highlights. First, explore the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao by boat and foot, and savor a local lunch. Then, spend the afternoon discovering Shanghai: 16th-century Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and the Shanghai Tower. As this is a private tour, you may opt to visit the Shanghai Museum or another skyscraper instead.

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Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Escape the bustle of modern Shanghai on this private guided day trip to Suzhou, a picturesque riverside city famed for its centuries-old heritage. Your package includes round-trip bullet train tickets, transfers in both Shanghai and Suzhou, and a local lunch. Upgrade to the all-inclusive package which offers a scenic boat ride along the Grand Canal, a rickshaw ride through history-packed Pingjiang Road, and entrance to one of Suzhou’s famous gardens.

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Private Suzhou Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train with All Inclusive Option

8 to 9 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

China Calligraphy Workshop & Tour in Qibao Ancient Water Town

This isn't just a calligraphy class—it's an immersive dive into the heart of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage. Held in the historic Qibao Ancient Town, this experience takes you into the world of traditional Chinese calligraphy in an authentic, hands-on setting. Learn from a skilled calligraphy master as you explore the art, history, and meaning behind this ancient practice. - Hands-on Chinese calligraphy learning for all levels - Explore the rich history and culture of Chinese calligraphy - Create your own calligraphy masterpiece to take home - Savor local delicacies in the charming Qibao Ancient Town - English-speaking guide for a smooth and enriching experience Don’t just visit Shanghai—immerse yourself in its cultural traditions. Book now and experience Chinese calligraphy, history, and local flavors in one unforgettable journey.

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China Calligraphy Workshop & Tour in Qibao Ancient Water Town

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Best of Shanghai Day Tour including Jade Buddha Temple and The Bund

Enhance your sightseeing experience of Shanghai on an enriching full-day excursion around the city. See some of the city’s top sights with a local English speaking guide to provide context and commentary. Highlights include the Shanghai Museum, People's Square, Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Xintiandi. Includes entrance fees, lunch, and central Shanghai hotel pickup and drop-off.

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Best of Shanghai Day Tour, including Jade Buddha Temple & Bund & Yuyuan Garden

8 hoursFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

Expert Guidance: The instructor is highly knowledgeable, with deep expertise in Dunhuang art and culture. Customizable Designs: Choose from a wide range of traditional mural patterns—majestic Buddhas, graceful Bodhisattvas, or mythical creatures like the Nine-colored Deer from ancient Chinese folktales. Hands-on Experience: You'll use authentic materials such as mineral pigments, clay boards, and traditional tools to recreate historic art in a peaceful, meditative setting. Cultural Immersion: The quiet, serene classroom atmosphere offers a rare chance to connect deeply with China’s spiritual and artistic traditions.

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Hands On Chinese Cave Murals with Local Expert

2 hoursFree Cancellation

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Chinese Tea Ceremony and Guided Tasting Experience

1 hour 15 minutesFree Cancellation

Member Pricing

• Discover two sides of Shanghai: Pair a 90-minute English-guided visit to Jade Buddha Temple with a hands-on cultural workshop at M50. • Find an experience that suits you: Choose one of four workshops—bamboo butterfly weaving, soup dumpling making, seal carving, or fan painting. • Connect with Chinese craftsmanship: Learn through hands-on practice, with materials and instructor guidance included. • Explore beyond the workshop: Discover M50’s contemporary art atmosphere independently with an eight-language mobile web guide. • Start with added convenience: Choose optional one-way hotel pickup to Jade Buddha Temple, then make your own way to M50 after the temple visit. • Finish with a memorable photo stop: Walk to nearby 1000 Trees after your workshop to admire its distinctive architecture and explore independently.

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Shanghai Jade Buddha Temple Guided Visit and M50 Craft Workshop

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Snip, Savor, Stroll: Tianzifang Paper-Cut and Culinary Odyssey

Craft traditional paper-cut art with masters in Tianzifang's heritage shop, explore artsy alleyways, and savor iconic Shanghainese flavors to cap off your cultural journey! At least two people are required for the tour to proceed. Highlights: - Learn from Heritage Masters: Create your own paper-cut art guided by a decade-old shop's inheritors -Alleyway Art Quest: Wander Tianzifang's retro Shikumen lanes, discovering galleries and indie boutiques - Taste Shanghai's Soul: Explore iconic dishes—soup dumplings, scallion oil noodles, and classic pear candy desserts Itinerary: Paper-cutting workshop - Tianzifang - Dinner

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Snip, Savor, Stroll: Tianzifang Paper-Cut and Culinary Odyssey

5 hoursFree Cancellation

5% savings

from

$180$171

Price varies by group size

Member Pricing

Get a taste of Shanghai’s highlights and famous cuisine on this flexible private tour, with a choice of morning or afternoon departure. Settle inside a private, air-conditioned vehicle and tailor the itinerary around your interests. Explore the Yuyuan Bazaar, admire bird’s-eye views from the Shanghai Tower, take a River Huangpu cruise, savor a classic Shanghai lunch or dinner, and more.

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Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner

5 hoursFree Cancellation

Price varies by group size

Top Shanghai Art & Culture Classes in 2026

53 results

Must-Dos in Shanghai

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu Ta)

Pudong

Zhujiajiao

Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)

Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

Shanghai Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu Ta)

Pudong

Zhujiajiao

Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)

Yu Garden (Yuyuan)

Shanghai Tower

Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu Ta)

Pudong

Zhujiajiao

Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si)