2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China
Recommended by 100% of travelers
Shanghai, China
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
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.
- Learn Chinese calligraphy in a workshop in Shanghai
- Includes all tools, materials, instruction, and tea or coffee
- Choose from morning, afternoon, or evening class times
- Enjoy more personal attention in a small-group setting
What's Included
- Writing tools and materials
- Coffee and/or Tea
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Yugucun （North Gate）China, Shang Hai Shi, Jing An Qu, Yu Yuan Lu, 愚园路361弄3-127号 邮政编码: 200040
We are 500 meters from the Jing’an Temple subway station, Exit 1. After you enter the entrance of 361 Yuyuan Road, go straight and make a right turn at the 4th alley (there is a barber pole at the corner). At the end of the alley, we are the last door on your right, #50 (front door).
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 50 reviews
Rowena_B, Feb 2026
Other than the class itself, we were given a brief history and information which are vital to the class. We enjoyed our calligraphy class so much than what we expected. Lucy is a very knowledgeable instructor. We look forward to having more classes with her.
Adrienne_C, Oct 2025
History, ink, brush, paper, hand movements combined into art in the wonderful company of Lucie, our host and teacher. An unforgettable experience
Mariia_A, Oct 2025
Our calligraphy master class in Shanghai was a highlight of our trip. The session was incredibly interesting and well-structured. It began with an informative introduction to the art's history, which really helped us appreciate the craft. The practical part was both challenging and fun – getting to paint with the brushes was a hands-on experience we loved. We were also thrilled that we could keep our artwork as a souvenir.
What made it truly special, however, was the personal touch. After the class, we had a lovely, heartfelt talk with the host and even exchanged small gifts. It felt like a genuine cultural exchange, not just a tourist activity. We enjoyed every minute and would definitely recommend this master class to anyone visiting Shanghai.
Robin_R, Oct 2025
Had an afternoon to myself and so glad I did because I was able to take Lucie’s class. She is so kind, patient, and welcoming. She explained some of the history behind the art of calligraphy before giving us time to practice and ultimately creating our scroll or fan. Wonderful class!
Shane_J, Oct 2025
This was great. I brief history of Chinese scripts, and treasured examples of calligraphy. The tools, practice, and a personally finished piece.
Chris_C, Jul 2025
Lucie was an excellent guide and teacher, with some great hands training for doing calligraphy. She showed us how to do the characters we selected, then helped refine our technique, each of us leaving with a nice example of the handiwork. I highly recommend the diversion from the usual sight seeing activities!
Irina_P, May 2025
I would like to recommend this class a million times! It was so interesting, fun, and informative. Many thanks to Lucy! 😊
Simran_D, May 2025
Lucy was such a great teacher and the class was very informative and interesting. I would highly recommend to anyone wanting to learn calligraphy. It was so fun!
Anna_B, Apr 2025
Wonderful class in a beautiful space. I really enjoyed learning about the history of Chinese characters and making my own beautiful fan. Lucy was very attentive and made sure I was happy with the finished calligraphy.
Olga_V, Mar 2025
It was very interesting and informative caligraphy class! Lucy speaks perfect English and it was easy to communicate. I made beautiful fan for hot days in Shanghai!:) Thank you Lucy and it was lovely meeting you! All the best!
Allyson_J, Feb 2025
This artist is one of the nicest, most patient and informative teachers we have ever interacted with. My kids (all 3-ages 5,9,12) all walked away with a great memory of China. They still talk about it.
Skyler_D, Feb 2025
Lucy was extremely knowledgeable, and flexible with timing. My friend and I both enjoyed the activity a lot!
Marina_M, Jan 2025
Wonderfull experience in Shanghai!!! We learned a lot from Lucy about history and calligraphy in general. Really recommend it!
Esther_E, Jan 2025
Lucy was knowledgeable, kind, and a good teacher! We had a marvelous time learning about some famous Chinese calligraphy and trying our hand at it ourselves. A great, reasonably priced experience in a convenient location near Jing An. Absolutely recommend!
Julia_L, Nov 2024
It was a delight from beginning to end ☺️! Lucy expertly guided us through a brief history of Chinese calligraphic script, showing us facsimiles of particularly esteemed scrolls and then invited us to try ourselves; first getting used to the brush, then practice and then making our own scroll to take home. I’d throughly recommend it .
Lee_O, Nov 2024
We had a really interesting afternoon with Lucy, learning about the history and intricacies of chinese calligraphy before having a go ourselves. Her studio is a little off the beaten track, but she provided excellent directions from the nearby metro station and we found it with no problems. Our calligraphy skills may need a little work, but we were happy that we could take our personalised work home as souvenirs. Thanks Lucy!
Colleen_D, Jul 2024
My two hours learning some basics of calligraphy with Lucy was a highlight of my trip to China. I enjoyed looking at all Chinese writing, both in museum art and on the streets, with a new appreciation. I intend to continue with ink brush calligraphy and painting now that I am back home. Lucy is well informed, and was encouraging and inspiring for me as a beginner. I enjoyed seeing examples of different types of Chinese calligraphy. I would have liked better directions from the subway to the lane - once in the lane the house numbers are well marked.
Myriam_D, Jul 2024
I came to spend a relaxing and fun moment learning something new and left with good tips and a few notions on how to appreciate the ancestral art of Chinese calligraphy. Lucy is very gentle and wise and knows very well how to express her love for this discipline.
Her knowledge has helped me look at Chinese calligraphy works during my trip with new eyes. Very enriching experience!
The location might seem a bit difficult to find. If you follow the instructions that Lucy provides, you’ll get there without problems ;)
Alice_C, Jun 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed our calligraphy experience with Lucy. Exceeded all expectations. Lucy very kind and welcoming. We loved learning some of the history behind calligraphy as well as being able to practise and create a Chinese calligraphy fan/ scroll.
Lucy was very helpful with directions prior to the session and replied to our messages on wechat.
A great memory to take home- thank you!
BARBARA_L, Jun 2024
We booked the two hour calligraphy class and had a great time. Lucy provided a short but insightful introduction into Chinese calligraphy and explained the brush strokes very well. She was very encouraging and supportive while we painted on skript rolls and a fan. Great experience!
Bridget_H, May 2024
What a great experience in Shanghai! Lucy is a wonderful teacher. As a complete beginner, I was worried about being able to keep up, but we started from the basics and Lucy tailored her teaching to our group's abilities. I learned a lot about the history of Chinese calligraphy and was able to make my own scroll using what I'd learned. Highly recommend for an off the beaten track experience in Shanghai!
Talya_E, May 2024
I really enjoyed Lucy's calligraphy class! Her explanation of the culture and history of Chinese calligraphy was very interesting and informative, and she was so patient and helpful when we were practicing our calligraphy. She answered a lot of questions I had about calligraphy and it was clear she really has a lot of knowledge on the subject.
The class is in a lovely space in the heart of the city, a very welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere.
Whether you're just visiting Shanghai or you've lived here for a while, this is a great hands-on experience to learn more about Chinese art & culture!
Alex_R, Apr 2024
It was an excellent introduction to Chinese calligraphy and I enjoyed it so much that I have asked for more lessons.
Lucy was flexible in her teaching approach and happy to answer questions and adapt to my needs and interests. For example, I wanted to do the final piece of art in regular script rather than seal script.
Lucy’s studio is spacious and calming, an ideal place to study calligraphy.
Lucy was extremely generous with her time, giving considerably more than the two hour time slot. Her enthusiasm and love of the subject really shows. I also appreciated her ability to answer my questions about the pieces of calligraphy we discussed in a straightforward, clear way. Lucy’s approach feels very honest and genuine.
Alexander_R, Dec 2023
We really enjoyed the ambience and the content of the workshop. Lucy is very knowledgeable and supportive.
Yining_W, Aug 2023
I highly recommend this tour if you’re looking for hands-on experience in Chinese calligraphy without the need of any preparation in advance by simply walking into the studio empty-handed (kind of like watching flamingo when in Seville, but this time you get to dance by yourself); or if you’re looking for a short break from the tight travel schedule and to take a rest and spend 2 hours in an air-conditioned studio with tea and lo-fi music in between your visits of shopping malls and museums in Shanghai; or if you’re interested in learning a little bit more about traditional writing techniques by talking to local artists. I feel everyone can find what they’re looking for here as it’s a pretty relaxed and interactive private workshop, that you can easily communicate to the owner.
I booked this tour during my 1 week visit back to Shanghai. From the past few years, I’ve tried “doing” the calligraphy from time to time. But I always find it’s like drawing that I don’t really get the true techniques, so I decided to look for an experiencing tour that I can have a quick calligraphy 101 with in-person tutoring from an experienced artist that later on I may be able to write and practice by myself.
Luckily, I find Lucy’s workshop. The place is easy to find at the center of Shanghai, near the Jing’an Temple which is also a place to visit, and few shopping centers, all making it easier to arrange my schedule on the day of visit as it’s just few minutes away from a metro station.
The calligrapher, and instructor, Lucy also makes the experience far beyond my expectation. She explained various writing styles and let me try different strokes to get a taste of different techniques, though some are not easy that earlier I was never able to start by myself by just mimicking the writings of the masterpieces at home.
However, the experience does not stop here, there’s a final product which is a traditional folding fan that I got to finish it by writing the calligraphies on the fan in a way that ancient handcrafters do. Lucy was very patient and guided me through the process to ensure the output is pretty decent. I honestly like the fan and am carrying it with me through the rest of the trip in Shanghai as it’s a pretty hot summer.
Tia_C, Aug 2023
I really enjoyed this introductory calligraphy class. To be honest, I went into it thinking Chinese art is a bit intimidating and hard to grasp, but instructor Lucy put my fears to rest. She was really engaging and explained the different scripts in a way that made sense.
I found myself enjoying putting brush to paper (it’s quite mesmerizing) and getting a more in-depth and tactile experience. It was both easier (the ink flows very quickly) and harder (nice strokes are hard to create) than I expected. The studio was easy to get to and nicely decorated. I’d highly recommend this class for anyone.
Alessia_C, Aug 2024
É stata una bellissima esperienza molto divertente ed interessante. Abbiamo scoperto meglio la cultura cinese e la nostra insegnante è stata perfetta. Un'esperienza lontano dalle vie turistiche. Da fare assolutamente!
From $50.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China
50
2 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$50.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Shanghai, China
- Huangpu River Tours & Tickets
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) Tours & Tickets
- Jin Mao Tower Tours & Tickets
- Pudong Tours & Tickets
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Tours & Tickets
- Zhujiajiao Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai French Concession Tours & Tickets
- Tianzifang Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan) Tours & Tickets
- Duolun Road Tours & Tickets
- Zhujiajiao Kezhi Garden Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Chedun Film Park Tours & Tickets
- Xin Tian Di Tours & Tickets
- Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu) Tours & Tickets
- China Art Palace Tours & Tickets
- The Bund (Waitan) Tours & Tickets