Top Shanghai Craft Classes

Learn the ancient Chinese art form of calligraphy and create a unique souvenir with this small-group calligraphy class with a local artist. Discover the history of Chinese calligraphy, learn how to use the tools and basic writing technique, then create your own piece of art in the form of a traditional folding fan decorated with calligraphy.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Explore the vibrant heart of Shanghai with a morning filled with local flavors and cultural craftsmanship. Begin your adventure at bustling wet markets, where the sights and sounds of the early morning create an authentic atmosphere. Savor a traditional breakfast of da bing, you tiao, and more from local stalls that have perfected these dishes over generations. Join locals in community parks for tai chi and traditional games, before diving into hands-on workshops where you can craft your own jewelry and experience a Song Dynasty tea ceremony. This tour promises deep cultural insights and engaging activities that connect you with the essence of Shanghai. - Dive into Shanghai’s local life at bustling wet markets - Savor a traditional breakfast from hidden alleyway stalls - Join locals for tai chi and cultural games in community parks - Create Mother-of-Pearl Inlay jewelry and whisk tea in hands-on workshops

It's an immersive journey into the vibrant world of Chinese drama, right in the heart of Shanghai. Spend your morning stepping into the fascinating history and artistry of traditional Chinese theater through an engaging, hands-on experience designed for all curious travelers. Hands-on Chinese theater activities: craft your own theatrical miniature props Try on authentic traditional costumes and experience the magic of the stage Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the evolution of Chinese drama, from Kunqu Opera to Peking Opera Visit an iconic historic theater, home to the renowned Shanghai Peking Opera Company English-speaking guide for a smooth, informative, and unforgettable experience Don’t just see Shanghai—experience its stories, traditions, and stagecraft firsthand. Book now and bring the spirit of Chinese theater to life in this one-of-a-kind cultural adventure!

⭐ Experience featured in a Japanese travel magazine. Create elegant Camellia jewelry with bamboo weaving, complete with wooden gift boxes and tea service.

Experience traditional calligraphy in an exclusive private studio, led by a disciple of a renowned Qing Dynasty calligrapher (Wu Changshuo). Learn the art of calligraphy in a quiet studio tucked away in a historic 1930s lane. The studio is part of a heritage-protected building, offering a peaceful and authentic setting for you. By the end of your session, you'll have your own calligraphy artwork to take home as personal reminder of the experience.

Unlike typical cultural tours or standalone spa treatments, our experience offers a deeply personalized understanding of your body and chinese medicine. We don't just demonstrate TCM—we immerse you in it with organic-certified herbs, licensed practitioners, and insights you can take with you after the experience. We also welcome you to personalize your experience. Please reach out to us for possibilities.

A calming, creative experience suitable for all age groups, this workshop offers a relaxed way to connect with Chinese performing arts through color and symbolism. Small group sizes and a peaceful setting make it welcoming for both children and adults.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.