Top Shanghai Art & Culture Classes

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.

Discover old and modern Shanghai on a private, fully customizable tour. With a personal guide who can help you navigate any language barriers, explore attractions such as the Bund, Ming-Dynasty Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, and the observation deck of one of Shanghai’s highest skyscrapers. Upgrade to an all-inclusive tour option to include lunch, entrance fees, and pickup.

Escape the hustle and bustle of Shanghai with a getaway to Zhujiajiao Water Town. Explore traditional architecture and take a relaxing boat ride through the waterways. This private half-day tour takes care of all transfers and entrance fees, and you can upgrade to include lunch or dinner.

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.

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.

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.

Travelers can experience the Chinese Cheongsam outfits, the Bund (Hema) Photo Studio will take photos for them and make the photos into pictorial photography. PLEASE CONTACT US AT FIRST TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS TO TAKE PHOTOS BECAUSE THE PRICES ARE DIFFERENT DEPENDS ON THE NUMBER OF DRESSES AND PICTURES. By fusing traditional Chinese elements into photography, the craft of picturesque photography inherits and carries forward the traditional Chinese culture, turning photography into painting-like art piece. ?Carefully overlapping the photographs with elaborate Chinese realistic style painting and adjusting the tone, we converge dreams with reality. By shining classic lights into modern photographs, fusing photography and Chinese classic art into one, we promise to turn the real you into a piece of art. Recommend to contact us by email or cell phone first before you put your order.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This private transfer service offers you the most convenient and worry-free experience from your downtown Shanghai area to Shanghai Wusong Kou International Cruise Terminal, located at Baoshan District in Shanghai. It is also named "Baoshan Cruise Terminal" (open since 2011). It is the largest cruise port in Shanghai that can accommodate two large passenger liners at the same time - one at 100,000 tons and the other at 200,000 tons. Your local professional driver will pick up you at your place at your desired time and you will ride in the comfortable and air-conditioned vehicle and be transferred safely and smoothly to the port.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Our Core Uniqueness: 1. Pioneering "Decode + Create" System – The first workshop to systematically blend cultural history with hands-on carving. No copy-paste templates—you'll learn why seals matter, then how to make yours unique. 2. World-Class Mentorship – Our expert team includes a renowned seal artist who has collaborated with Ferrari China, appeared on television, and exhibited at the Shanghai Museum. This isn't just an art class; it's cultural mentorship. 3. Personalized, Non-Formulaic Experience – No cookie-cutter lessons. Work one-on-one with your host to design and carve a seal that tells your story(not a factory’s). The "human temperature" of hand-carving—something no machine can replicate—makes each piece a soulful artifact.

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.

This experience lets you explore two different traditional Chinese arts in one afternoon, allowing you to create a personalised experience based on your interests. 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.

Enhance your experience of Shanghai regardless of time constrains on a morning or afternoon half-day sightseeing tour. See the best of Shanghai with a knowledgeable guide as you discover historical highlights like The Bund and the Jade Buddha Temple. Learn the complex process of pearl cultivation at the Fresh Water Pearl Gallery; absorb the antique charm of Shanghai Old Street; and delve into the city’s rich historical heritage at Shanghai Museum. Convenient round-trip transportation from your Shanghai hotel is included on this tour.

If you are interested in Chinese culture and traditional handicrafts, you shouldn't miss this opportunity. Under the guidance of your instructor, you can choose to make one of the following five Intangible Cultural Heritage handicrafts, including Shell Inlaying, Cloisonné Coaster-making, Tie-dye, Kingfisher Feather Art, and Scented Pendant-making. Shell Inlaying: Learn to grind and embed colorful shells onto a base, then polish them into a hairpin or brooch. Cloisonné: Learn the art of copper wiring and enamel coloring to design, seal, and polish your very own cloisonné coaster. Tie-dye: Learn the art of fabric binding and indigo dyeing to craft your own personalized 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 handmade hairpin or brooch as a keepsake. Scented Pendants: Learn to blend natural incense and mold it by hand to create your very own fragrant and personalized traditional pendant.