Top Shanghai Classes & Workshops

Escape the urban rush in a serene Shanghai park. Train under Master John – an elite instructor whose rare skills come from 15+ years mastering Tai Chi, Wing Chun, and Sanda under China’s national team coaches. Why Choose This Experience: UNIQUE ACCESS: Learn from a coach who trained Gary Locke (Former US Commerce Secretary) and Fortune 500 giants like Volkswagen, Goldman Sachs & Air France. TWO ICONIC ARTS: Flow through Tai Chi’s meditative movements or master Wing Chun’s lightning defenses. Want both? Add the second(add-on) session! ELITE TECHNIQUES: John teaches rare combat applications – from Tai Chi’s soft-power throws to Wing Chun’s close-quarter strikes – honed through championship wins. NO PRIOR SKILLS NEEDED: Patient, personalized corrections adapt to all levels. Your Session Includes: Warm-ups Master John’s live demonstrations Hands-on practice with posture refinement Power drills & self-defense applications Qigong energy work & standing meditation (Zhan Zhuang)

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.

Eating is one of the great pleasures of visiting China. Learn how to take the experience back home with you in this private dim sum cooking class in Shanghai's French Concession. Under your instructor's guidance, gain a deeper understanding of flavors and techniques as you learn how to make your choice of two bite-size treats, including dumplings, egg rolls, and desserts.

See the city of Shanghai light up at night, without worrying about language barriers or navigating, on this private evening tour, which takes you to top attractions such as Yuyuan Old Street, Xin Tian Di, and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Take in panoramic views of the city from the VIP deck of a cruise along the Huangpu River, and then choose to be dropped off back at your hotel or to continue your evening out on the town.

Immerse yourself in the intricate world of traditional Chinese painting with this engaging workshop. Gain insight into the rich history, philosophy, and techniques that set Chinese art apart from Western styles. Familiarize yourself with essential materials like brushes, ink, and rice paper as you witness a live demonstration showcasing vital techniques such as brush strokes and composition. You'll have the opportunity to practice at your own pace, receiving personalized guidance to refine your skills. Conclude the experience by creating your own piece of art, enriched with symbolic meaning, and take home a unique masterpiece as a lasting memento.

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.

It is a chance to sit comfortably, rest your legs, and immerse yourself in a quiet moment of creation. Through the craft of Luodian, you will gain a genuine understanding of Chinese history and culture in a relaxed setting. The process is completely beginner-friendly—no artistic skill is required. By the end of the session, you will have not just a rested body and mind, but a beautiful, unique accessory made by your own hands to remember your journey.

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.

Get to know Shanghai with your own guide on this full-day private tour. Admire bird’s-eye views from a Shanghai Tower, stroll along the Bund, and visit the Yuyuan Garden and bazaar. Plus, explore the Confucius Temple and Former French Concession area, and enjoy a traditional tea ceremony. Choose to travel by public transport (own expense) if you're in a group of four or fewer, or upgrade to get around by private vehicle.

Create your own piece of Chinese art in a calm, small-group workshop guided by an experienced instructor. You’ll choose between painting a fan or decorating a traditional lantern using Chinese ink and calligraphy, and take home a handmade souvenir. With group sizes limited, the experience is relaxed, beginner-friendly, and a refreshing cultural break from busy sightseeing.

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.

Authentic Flavor, Zero Compromise. Forget the sweet, gloppy takeout you know; we teach you the real, vibrant techniques of Chinese cuisine. Our class is fully customizable to your cravings, 100% hands-on, and taught in fluent English. You leave with a delicious meal and the skill to recreate genuine flavors in your home kitchen.

Learn to paint elegant Chinese artwork in this ink and brush painting workshop in Shanghai. This is the art of shui mo, or water and ink. Your instructor and translator will help to 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.

You can choose the attractions you visit and the places you see on this private full-day tour of Hangzhou. Work with your guide to customize your itinerary to suit your unique interests, adding stops at the likes of Leifeng Pagoda or Hefang Street. Your package includes transfers, guide, fast train tickets, and lunch with a tea tasting: Upgrade to add a West Lake boat ride and entry to Lingyin Temple.

Enjoy drinks and socialize at top spots. Discover the Shanghai nightlife that earned the highest praise. Experience the bars and crowds that make our reviews unbeatable. Your epic night starts here! Experience the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai on a guided pub crawl. Meet new friends as you explore the city’s top bars and clubs. Enjoy a night of fun, drinks, and dancing in one of the world’s most exciting cities. This pub crawl features loads of fun and lots of interesting talks with fellow travelers and locals, while having opportunity to enjoy a variety of drinks in our hand-picked highly-rated bars (all with unique & distinctive ambiance) in Shanghai. The tour size is purposefully kept small so your local guide will be able to pay attention to every participant's interest and need, and always make sure everyone highly engaged and have chance chat with your local guide, have fun with other participants and mingle with local bar visitors.

This is not your average food tour. With Team Mercato, you’ll explore China’s culinary soul with local experts who’ve worked as chefs, bartenders, sommeliers, and F&B pros in top restaurants across the country. Whether it’s sipping tea in a quiet courtyard or tasting spicy skewers in a buzzing night market, we tailor every experience to your tastes, comfort, and curiosity. We don’t just feed you—we translate culture, spark conversations, and share the kind of local secrets only insiders know.

Simple, meditative, and deeply traditional, this experience offers insight into everyday Chinese folk art through careful handwork and thoughtful design, guided in a small, relaxed group.

A calm, hands-on introduction to a traditional Chinese craft, focused on patience, rhythm, and meaning. Small group sizes allow for personal guidance in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

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.

A slow, hands-on introduction to Chinese culture where you learn by doing. Small groups, personal guidance, and a peaceful setting inside a vegetarian restaurant make this a relaxed and authentic experience.

This is more than a Mahjong class—it's a cultural journey in the heart of Shanghai's Former French Concession. Held in a local Chinese tea bar hidden in a real local neighborhood, this experience offers an authentic setting where you can learn Mahjong with a professional instructor. It’s the perfect mix of learning, culture, and relaxation. With English translation provided, even complete beginners will feel confident as they discover Mahjong’s rules, play on automatic Mahjong tables, and explore the game’s rich history and social meaning in Chinese life. ✅ Hands-on Mahjong learning for all levels ✅ A rare look into everyday Chinese leisure life ✅ A perfect balance of learning and playing ✅ Fun, social, and culturally enriching Don’t just visit Shanghai—experience it like a local. After Mahjong class, you can have a walk around Former French Concession such as famous Tianzifang nearby. Book now and join us for Mahjong, tea, and stories you’ll never forget.

When night falls, Shanghai fades the elegance of the day and becomes a "city that never sleeps" full of vitality. If you also want to delve into Shanghai's nightlife, immerse yourself in the night's partying like a local and enjoy the fun of relaxing. Follow this guide to explore the charm of Shanghai late at night, experience different bars, use your senses to savor different fun, and start your night in Shanghai. One night, we will be going to different bars and neighborhoods, so are you ready?

Get the most out of your Shanghai trip by experiencing the combination of a Huangpu River cruise and a Xinjiang food experience. Take the stress out of navigating the metro, and instead travel in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. See multiple famous Shanghai landmarks from your river cruise such as Oriental Pearl TV Tower and World Financial Center, and have a guide to translate the menu during your Xinjiang feast.