1h Chinese Ink Art Experience: Calligraphy & Painting in Shanghai
Overview
Available languages
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
4 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
First steps in calligraphy
irinasub,Mar 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00ChinaTown Cultural Center is a perfect place to try your hand at calligraphy. Its location makes it very convenient to combine a visit with a walk around the Shanghai French Concession. During this one-hour calligraphy workshop, we learned how to use calligraphy brushes, how to write basic characters, and even created our own traditional Chinese lanterns with the character “Fu.” We really enjoyed the warm and calming atmosphere, where you can fully focus on the process. The calligraphy workshop is suitable for all ages — you only need to know how to hold a brush.
Review
O6900GU,Mar 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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
5.00Great 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
5.00In 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.
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Operated by ChinaTown Cultural Center