1h Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai

Overview

Available languages

Chinese

English

1 hour 15 minutes

Mobile ticket

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.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

You’ll take part in a hands-on Chinese ink painting and calligraphy workshop in a calm setting. After a short introduction to traditional Chinese brush, ink, and paper, your instructor will demonstrate basic brush techniques and explain how ink, water, and movement work together. You’ll then choose your project: • Paint a traditional fan, or • Decorate a Chinese lantern using calligraphy or ink painting Step by step, you’ll practice brush strokes, learn how to control ink tones, and explore simple Chinese characters or classic motifs such as flowers, bamboo, or symbols of good fortune. The instructor will guide you individually, helping you adjust your strokes and composition. No prior experience is needed. The workshop is designed for small groups, allowing plenty of personal guidance and a relaxed pace. At the end of the session, you’ll complete your own finished piece to take home, a meaningful souvenir created by you. The experience is a peaceful break from the city and a chance to slow down, create, and connect with Chinese culture through doing, not just watching.

What‘s Included

All tools and materials

Written instructions to take home

Certificate of participation

Coffee and/or Tea

Additional food or drinks outside the workshop

Options

Nine-Treasure Vegetarian Set

Nine-Dish Seasonal Veggie Set: A balanced vegetarian meal featuring nine seasonal dishes, whole-grain rice, a warming soup, and house Zen tea.

1h Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai

Reviews

5.00

6 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Traditional calligraphy experience
nahlal2026,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Definitely the warmest welcome I’ve received!! Incredible teachers and team members. The experience itself was unique and mind opening. Can’t wait to go back!
Best welcoming atmosphere
Departure22918409571,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I honestly didn’t expect to enjoy it this much. The whole experience felt very authentic and welcoming. The instructors were kind, patient, and made everything easy to follow, even for beginners. I left feeling inspired and happy that I got to experience a real part of Chinese culture.
Review
O6900GU,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I recently attended a Chinese calligraphy masterclass and it was a wonderful experience. The instructor explained the basic principles of brush technique, ink control, and the structure of Chinese characters. I truly enjoyed the experience and would highly recommend this masterclass to anyone interested in art or Chinese culture.
An unforgettable artistic experience
Quest50820599261,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Great learning experience in Chinese character calligraphy with personalized guidance and explanations of the history behind each character, allowing you to truly immerse yourself in Chinese culture by discovering the various meanings that a single character can have!
Best place to explore Chinese Culture in Shanghai
K9587HP ,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
In December 2025, my friend and I had a great opportunity to join a Chinese cultural workshop at ChinaTown Cultural Center. I have been living in Shanghai for two years, and I was surprised to discover that the Former French Concession has such an amazing place where foreigners can both try one-hour workshops and attend long-term classes. During the weekend workshop, we made handmade dumplings, created Chinese knots, and practiced calligraphy, so we had the chance to experience different traditional Chinese crafts. Our group was quite comfortable in size, around 12 people, so everyone could enjoy their time. The atmosphere was very meditative, so you can really relax and just be in the moment. The teachers are very professional, and ChinaTown Cultural Center has both English- and Chinese-speaking teachers, so you don’t need to worry about your Chinese level.