Shanghai · TEA, CALLIGRAPHY & CHINESE CRAFTS
10 reviewed
Slow down for an afternoon with a brush or a teapot. These are the best craft and tea experiences in Shanghai: which teach calligraphy with a working artist, which run a full tea ceremony, and which suit families. Prices and session lengths are all here.
Shanghai Royal Banquet pairs a royal-style Chinese banquet with a traditional music-and-dance show, plus dress-up and makeup options.
“Was super fun! The dresses and hair-does were to pretty! Loved the performance even though it’s all in mandarin. Super worth it”
Shanghai royal banquet with an English guide, photo help, cultural rites, tea ceremony, optional costume and massage. 3 hours.
“The dining experience was great and the show was really entertaining. The best part of all was our guide Bonnie who was super nice with us, always available for questions, resolved any issue we had and moreover added the extra touch to create a magical experience for us! If you want to go to the royal banquet absolutely choose this option”
Learn Chinese calligraphy in Shanghai with Lucie: ink, brush, and a fan souvenir plus tea/coffee in a small group, 2 hours.
“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.”
Small-group bike tour through Shanghai’s French Concession and Old Town, finishing with a tea tasting lesson and included tea samples.
“Helen was super nice and took very good care of us. the bicicles were new and well kept. We were blessed with a sunny day and this tour was an awesome way to discover Shanghai. :)”
5-hour private Zhujiajiao water town trip from Shanghai with optional canal boat ride and calligraphy in a calm historic setting.
“Very fun visit just outside of Shanghai. Jenny was super knowledgeable and charismatic. Definitely pick the calligraphy option; a soothing and enlightening learning experience!”
Private Shanghai Old Town walk with Yuyuan Garden and tea tasting. Downtown pickup, English guide, and flexible pace for $80.80.
“This 3-hour tour was the perfect way to explore Shanghai’s rich history. Yu Garden was beautiful and peaceful, and our guide shared great insights about its architecture and cultural significance. The tea tasting was a real highlight – we samRead more”
A small private Chinese ink and brush workshop in Shanghai with pickup, a translator, tea, and a take-home Shui Mo painting.
“I took this Chinese brushwork class on my last day in Shanghai. A local guide and translator Eric accompanied me and was very helpful! The art teacher, Ms. Zhang, walked me through a few exercises to practice the building blocks of linewRead more”
Learn Shanghai xiao long bao in a small group class. Two cooking methods, vegan options, tea, and a take-home recipe.
“Yin was a great teacher and easy to talk to. She gave an amazing recommendation for a nearby tea shop. My friend and I had a wonderful time learning how to wrap xiaolongbao. The class overall was very fun and interactive. Definitely a memorable experience that my friend and I will not forget and became one of the highlights of our time in Shanghai”
A small-group Chinese tea tasting in Shanghai with Max, featuring tea history, science, snacks, and hands-on brewing with real teaware.
“Max knows so much about tea and makes you learn everything you need to know about Chinese tea! I would recommend it to any tea lovers out there :)”
Learn the Song Dynasty powdered tea method in Shanghai with an expert tea master, hands-on whisking, and a calming cultural lesson.
“This was a highlight of my trip. Unlike any tea ceremony I had seen before, the Song Dynasty method emphasizes artistry and elegance. I truly felt transported back in time—both peaceful and inspiring”
