Top Shanghai Classes & Workshops

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.

Enjoy an immersive cultural experience in Shanghai that brings together two of China’s most beloved traditions: handmade dumplings and authentic tea tasting. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to make one type of traditional Chinese dim sum—Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings), Boiled Dumplings, or Pan-fried Dumplings—followed by a guided tasting of all six major Chinese tea categories. Ideal for travelers seeking a meaningful cultural activity, this experience combines cooking, tasting, storytelling, and cross-cultural interaction.

This tea tour immerses yourself in the rich tradition of Chinese tea with an exclusive Chinese Tea Culture Experience. The venue is close to Shanghai's former French Concession area, close to Tianzifang or Xujiahui. Why Choose Our Chinese Tea Tour? 1. Discover Authentic Chinese Traditions – Go beyond drinking tea and uncover the deep history, philosophy, and artistry behind Chinese tea culture. 2. Gain Hands-on Skills – Experience three authentic brewing styles, from Song Dynasty tea whisking to traditional Chinese tea ceremony, and take these timeless skills home. 3. Learn from a Tea Expert – Gain insights from a professional tea master with over 10 years of experience in tea selection and evaluation. This experience is ideal for tea lovers, culture seekers, and anyone looking to slow down and connect with China’s rich heritage in a memorable way.

Meet a TCM practitioner with over 20 years of professional experience Experience traditional pulse reading and tongue observation Discover your personal body constitution through Chinese medicine Receive a handwritten Chinese constitution report on the day Get a personalized English wellness report within three days Learn practical lifestyle and dietary ideas based on TCM principles

Hidden in central Shanghai. Wan Ling Tea House is a peaceful oasis. Emerse yourself in the moment and enjoy the wonderful tastes and aromas of fine Chinese tea, whilst learning about tea ceremonies.

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.

Craft a unique birth-themed crystal bracelet at our workshop in downtown Shanghai. Guided by cultural experts, you'll explore seasonal color palettes to create a bracelet that resonates with your personal energy. Learn traditional Chinese knotting techniques while receiving personalized insights through Eastern wisdom, including elemental balance tips and spectral analysis. This workshop blends creativity with cultural depth, offering a meaningful way to express your individuality through design.

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.

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.

We hope that orders can be placed at least 24 hours ahead of the cut-off time, so that we can have more time to prepare and ensure a pleasant experience for you. If you are interested in traditional handicrafts, you shouldn't miss this opportunity. Under the guidance of an instructor, you can choose to make one of the these five handicrafts: Shell Inlaying, Cloisonné Coaster-making, Tie-dye, Kingfisher Feather Art or Scented Pendant-making. Shell Inlaying: Learn to grind and embed colorful shells onto a base, then polish them into a jewelry. Cloisonné: Learn the art of copper wiring and enamel coloring to design, seal, and polish your unique souvenir. Tie-dye:Use the techniques of fabric binding and indigo dyeing to craft a blue-and-white T-shirt or tote bag. Kingfisher Feather Art: Learn the art of applying colorful feathers to design and create your very own jewelry. Scented Pendants: Learn to blend natural incense and mold it by hand to create your very own fragrant pendant.

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.

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.

1. Discover Shanghai’s creative side: Explore M50’s galleries and former factory art spaces on a 60-minute English-guided walking tour. 2. Choose your hands-on experience: Weave a bamboo butterfly, make soup dumplings, carve a Chinese seal, or paint a traditional fan—one workshop of your choice. Try traditional techniques with materials and instructor guidance included. Take home your creation, where applicable. 3. See Shanghai sparkle after dark: Enjoy an approximately 45-minute Huangpu River cruise with views of the illuminated Bund and Pudong skyline. Your ticket is valid after 18:00 on the same day; travel to the pier independently. Please arrive at the designated pier before 20:00 to collect your tickets. 4. Start with added convenience: Choose optional one-way hotel pickup to M50, or meet directly at the park. 5. Add a photo stop at 1000 Trees: Walk to this striking nearby complex after your workshop for independent sightseeing before heading to the cruise pier.

• 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.

Ask anyone in China where to find the best meal, and the answer usually isn't a restaurant. It's someone's kitchen. One wok, a few dishes, everything brought to the table still steaming. That's what home tastes like here. I live in Shanghai, and I'd love to have you in my kitchen to cook a few of the dishes we make most often. None of them are difficult, and none of them are fussy, they're simply what's on the table in millions of Chinese homes every night. I'll walk you through the cutting, the seasoning, and the timing, and tell you the stories behind each dish along the way. Before we start, we'll take a relaxed stroll through a nearby wet market, seasonal produce, unhurried vendors, and a glimpse of daily life you won't find at any landmark. Afterwards, I'll send you a PDF of the recipes, so you can make these dishes again in your own kitchen wherever you are. One meal is enough to get to know Chinese food and each other. Come cook with me!

• Explore Shanghai’s creative side: Enjoy a 60-minute English-guided tour of M50’s galleries and former factory art spaces, included in every option. • Choose your hands-on experience: Select one when booking—bamboo butterfly weaving, soup dumpling making, Chinese seal carving, or traditional fan painting. • Turn inspiration into creation: Try traditional techniques with workshop materials and instructor guidance included. Take home your handmade creation, where applicable. • Discover more in your language: Access a mobile web guide in eight languages to complement your English-guided visit. • Choose a convenient start: Meet at M50 or select an option with one-way hotel pickup and transfer to the park. • Keep exploring nearby: After your workshop, take a 5–10-minute walk to the striking 1000 Trees complex for photos and independent sightseeing. This optional stop is self-guided; no guide or transfer is included.

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?

Master the culinary secrets of China in a hands-on cooking class that takes place in the heart of Shanghai. Learn to prepare iconic dishes such as Kung Pao Chicken and delightful Shepherd's Purse Wonton, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of a local kitchen. This immersive experience offers not just cooking skills but a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine!

Step into the world of legendary Shaolin warriors with a hands‑on, 90‑minute self‑defense experience designed exclusively for inbound travelers. Highlights:
 Authentic Shaolin Monk Instruction ️ Professional Indoor Venue . True Shaolin Zen Spirit Rapid Self‑Defense Skills Zen Tea Break & Cultural Talk From basic stances to joint locks and escapes, each move is rooted in centuries of Shaolin wisdom. No prior experience needed – just bring your curiosity and energy. Perfect for:
Solo travelers, families, or anyone who wants a unique, empowering souvenir from China that stays with them for life. Duration: 2 hours 
Includes: English‑speaking Shaolin monk instructor, all training gear, and a small Zen tea break. Book now – walk like a traveler, defend like a master.

Discover one of the most unique things to do in Shanghai with this immersive Chinese wellness experience. This half-day tour combines a hands-on Kung Fu class with authentic Traditional Chinese Medicine therapy, offering both physical activity and holistic healing. Perfect for travelers looking for a deeper cultural experience, this tour allows you to learn real martial arts techniques, receive a personalized TCM diagnosis, and enjoy traditional treatments such as Acupuncture, Cupping therapy, and Moxibustion.

Come to Shanghai M50 and step into the world of Xiaolongbao at CCW Restaurant. Under the guidance of a professional pastry chef, you can start from kneading the dough and make your very own Xiaolongbao step by step. We offer two packages to choose from: the Xiaolongbao Making Experience (60–90 mins), or the Xiaolongbao + Kung Pao Chicken Making Experience (120 mins), which adds this classic dish to your session. Once done, you can taste your creations on the spot and enjoy the most authentic flavors of Shanghai. ● Learn hands-on from a master chef—from kneading dough to steaming. ● Roll, pleat, and shape in one fluid motion—master the art of forming Xiaolongbao. ● Rich, juicy pork filling delivers authentic Shanghai flavor in every bite. ● Full journey from dough to dumpling—immerse in Shanghai's dim sum culture. ● Savor your own freshly steamed creations—an authentic taste of Shanghai.

Explore the rich history of Chinese writing in this engaging workshop that takes you from Oracle Bone Script to modern Standard Script. Uncover the cultural significance of each character while learning about the essential “Four Treasures of the Study.” Experiment with traditional writing materials as you practice basic strokes in Seal Script. Delve into the “Six Principles of Chinese Character Formation” to craft your very own character using ancient techniques. Wrap up your creative journey by transforming your chosen character into a personalized badge that you can take home as a unique souvenir.

Join this award-winning archery club for an adventure in becoming a Ming Imperial Guard – craft your own weapons, wear royal guard robes & earn your Imperial Token through mastering the martial art of archery.

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.