Top Shanghai Classes & Workshops

What makes RUUTS unique is our approach to Chinese tea: we move beyond traditional tea ceremonies to create playful, sensory and immersive experiences. Guests are invited to taste, smell, observe and guess before discovering the story behind each tea. Through the eyes of a tea traveler with 7 years of experience exploring China’s tea regions, we connect tea with the country’s landscapes, people, history and everyday life, creating a personal and memorable cultural experience. The small-group format, carefully selected teas and authentic Shanghai settings create a bridge between China’s traditions and modern city life.

• 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.

Follow one of the most experienced teacher to do Chinese Tea Ceremony and play 3000-year-old Chinese musical instrument Guqin. You will not only taste different kinds of tea, but also do Tea ceremony by yourself. Then followed by learning how to play Guqin. The Guqin is a seven-stringed zither with a long slightly curved body, known for its ethereal and serene sound. In 1977, a classical Guqin music has been recorded and send it to space by American space shuttle. Your teacher will be very patient to show you different skills for playing Guqin. Join us for this special and unforgettable culture experience while you are in Shanghai. Hotel pick-up is included.

Learn how to make traditional Chinese steamed dumplings in this three hour small group cooking class. You’ll learn how to marinate the meat (or choose a vegetarian version), and then fold the dumplings in different ways. Also make a delicious sauce to dip them into. Learn about the local ingredients used, and the best techniques for steaming. Enjoy them as a group at the end.

Set in a historic Shanghai villa with a private Chinese-style garden, this experience combines Chinese tea culture with traditional calligraphy in an intimate setting. Guests enjoy a guided tea tasting, learn about Chinese tea traditions, and receive a personalized Chinese name based on the sound or meaning of their original name. They will then practice writing their new Chinese name in calligraphy with guidance from an experienced instructor, creating a meaningful keepsake and a more personal connection to Chinese culture.

The world of Chinese tea is as complex and nuanced as fine French wine. Whether you’re a seasoned sipper or looking for the perfect souvenir, kickstart your understanding with this in-depth, small-group workshop. Try five different teas paired with traditional nibbles and learn how to prepare them like a pro in a classically elegant tearoom in downtown Shanghai. It’s an enriching encounter with tea’s flavors, cultures, science, and art.

Highlights Systematic introduction to China’s six major tea categories Guided tasting of 4 different Chinese teas Learn how tea processing shapes flavor and character Small-group setting for a more personal experience Includes Chinese tea snacks Ideal for solo travelers and first-time tea learners

Explore the rich tapestry of Chinese tea culture during a captivating 2-hour session in Shanghai. Engage in a traditional Gongfu tea ceremony that reveals the artistry behind tea preparation, and master the brewing technique using a Gaiwan. Taste and appreciate four premium teas, from delicate white to robust oolong, while discovering how different years、 terroirs and manufacturing process influence flavor. This experience is perfect for travelers eager to deepen their understanding of this ancient tradition and elevate their tea appreciation. More importantly, fully immerse yourself in the joy brought by high-quality Chinese tea.

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.

You probably didn’t come to Shanghai expecting to get your hands on a real Qing dynasty book — let alone help restore one. This is one of those experiences that’s genuinely hard to find: step inside a local antique shop, work with an authentic book page from the late Qing dynasty, and spend two quiet hours doing something almost completely removed from modern life. Just you, your hands, and a piece of the past. And this isn’t a replica or a craft made to look old. You’ll be working with the real thing — a page that has survived for more than a century — learning how to repair it using traditional conservation techniques under the guidance of a professional book conservator. The page stays with the collection, where your restoration becomes part of its continuing story. You won’t find this at the usual Shanghai attractions — and that’s exactly the point.

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.

We are an experienced team to guide people who love sketching in the city. In this activity, we will have an introduction to Shanghai downtown and then teach participants to have fantastic paint in downtown. At the same time, you will interact with local people to understand the real Shanghai. Tell us which style of place You wanna visit or sketch, and we will customize the sketch trip and message the details to you.

Make the most of your airport layover on this whirlwind guided tour of Shanghai—also well-suited to cruise ship passengers. Tick off impressive landmarks, from the cutting-edge Bund waterfront to the 400-year-old imperial gardens. Veteran travelers who have already covered the highlights can choose from lesser-known sights like the Propaganda Poster Art Center or Jade Buddha Temple.

Shanghai is one of Asia’s most dynamic shopping destinations, offering everything from modern malls and designer boutiques to historic streets lined with traditional specialty shops. On this private shopping tour, your itinerary is tailored around your interests—whether you’re hunting for fashion, souvenirs, silk, electronics, antiques, or custom-made clothing. With a local guide to navigate the city’s vast retail scene, discover both well-known shopping hubs and hidden local markets, learn where to find authentic goods, and pick up insider tips on bargaining.

Discover the elegance of tea culture with a 60-minute journey through the six classic teas of China at our Tianzifang teahouse in Shanghai. This private class, designed for up to five participants, invites you to learn traditional brewing techniques and delve into the rich stories behind each tea. Enjoy a serene atmosphere as you savor the distinct flavors and aromas that have been cherished for centuries, making it an enriching experience for both tea enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

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.

Don’t spend your Shanghai stopover inside the airport; maximize your time in China and opt for a private and customizable sightseeing tour instead. This personalized layover tour is tailored to your needs and allows you to tick off The Bund (Waitan), French Concession, and Yuyuan Garden in limited time. Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.

If your time in Shanghai is limited, the private 3-hour Shopping tour makes the most of it. Enjoy time with your guide and shop till it drop. Customize your itinerary to suit your interests.Please always feel free to let your guide know your wish lists ahead of time. Shop fabulous bags, jewelry, toys and even tailor made suits. 1: Make your shopping list done for your family 2: Choice of morning , or afternoon departure 3: Savor a delightful authentic noodles along the way 4: Take it easy with pickup-and drop-off

Highlights of the Experience: · Led by a local, certified, fun, English-speaking master chef · Explore a vibrant wet market to immerse yourself in local freshness · Master the art of making two types of traditional Chinese dumplings · Unveil the secrets of stir-frying technique with a fiery Chinese wok · Learn to prepare two iconic Chinese dishes with special stories behind · Discover the mysteries behind traditional Chinese dressings and sauces · Have a delightful Chinese tea tasting to perfectly pair with your meal · Enjoy complimentary soft drinks and beer (and Chinese liquor if you are keen!) · Leave with exclusive recipes and surprise gifts as memorable takeaways · And more！

Visit Suzhou and a scenic water town, without having to book separate excursions, on a private day tour from Shanghai. Travel to Suzhou to explore its historical canals and bridges, and visit a historic garden or silk factory. After lunch (own expense), choose to visit Zhouzhuang or Tongli, two ancient water towns famous for their stone bridges, tranquil canals, and Ming- and Qing-era houses. Enjoy a flexible itinerary with included hotel pickup and drop-off.

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.

Rather than rushing to keep up with a large group, explore Hangzhou at your own pace on a private day trip that you can customize according to your interests. Traveling by bullet train on your own saves hours stuck in traffic, while exploring with a private guide promises undivided attention at highlights such as West Lake and the Longjin Tea Farm.

Explore a Local Market: Dive into a bustling Shanghai wet market and discover fresh, seasonal ingredients. ‍ Hands-On Cooking Class: Learn to cook 4 traditional Chinese dishes (2 meat, 2 veg) with a skilled local chef. Enjoy Your Creations: Savor a delicious meal of the dishes you’ve prepared, paired with rice or noodles. Chinese Tea Tasting: Relax with a cultural tea session and learn about China’s rich tea traditions. Take Home Recipes: Impress friends and family with your new skills and authentic recipes!

Designed for cruise ship passengers arriving at Shanghai Cruise Terminal (Wusongkou Cruise Terminal), this private shore excursion features the highlights of Shanghai. Stops include the Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, the Bund, French Concession, Jade Buddha Temple, Lujiazui Financial Center, and more. The tour can also be customized based on your interests.