Guangzhou isn’t just a bustling economic hub; it’s also a city full of hands-on experiences that let you connect with local culture in a meaningful way. Whether it’s standing atop the Canton Tower at night, learning to make dim sum, or practicing traditional martial arts, this city offers a rich variety of workshops and classes suited to curious travelers. We particularly like the Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Pearl River VIP Class Cruise. It combines stunning skyline views with a relaxed cruise experience that captures the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Guangzhou’s workshops reflect its diverse cultural tapestry—from culinary classes to traditional crafts—making it an ideal place to learn and create. If you’re looking to learn about authentic local traditions, these experiences are worth considering. So, whether you have a few hours or a full day, you’re sure to find something that sparks your interest.
Quick Overview
This list features a variety of workshops and classes that showcase Guangzhou’s culinary delights, traditional crafts, and martial arts. Expect hands-on cooking classes, bamboo weaving workshops, and even martial arts lessons—all designed to give you a taste of local life. For example, the Guangzhou: Food Tour – Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop offers a fun, interactive way to discover Cantonese cuisine. Meanwhile, for those interested in traditional crafts, the Bamboo Weaving Workshop with Handmade Fan allows you to create your own bamboo fan. For more active travelers, the Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Class provides a unique martial arts experience. Read on for full details.
1. Private Guangzhou Night Tour with Canton Tower and Pearl River VIP Class Cruise
This private night tour offers an unbeatable way to see Guangzhou’s stunning cityscape after dark. It starts with a visit to Canton Tower, where you can take in the city’s skyline from the star observation deck at 433 meters. The tower’s sleek design and panoramic views are memorable even in a city known for its modern architecture. Your guide will help you appreciate the mix of old and new Guangzhou illuminated at night, making it perfect for photographers or anyone who loves city lights.
After marveling at the tower, the tour moves to a VIP river cruise along the Pearl River. Boarding from the cruise terminal, you’ll enjoy a comfortable VIP experience as you glide past landmarks like Zhujiang Town, Haixinsha Concert Hall, and the IFC buildings. The cruise’s illuminated skyline, especially with the city lit up at night, offers a different perspective of Guangzhou’s energy.
What makes this tour stand out is the combination of high-altitude city views and an elegant river cruise in one package, all with a private guide. Guests consistently praise the personal attention and the stunning sights, with one reviewer calling the tower experience “amazing,” and the river ride “even more spectacular.” It’s ideal for couples or small groups wanting a luxurious, comprehensive look at Guangzhou’s nighttime glow.
Bottom Line: A luxurious, well-rounded evening experience that combines city views and river scenery, perfect for first-time visitors wanting to see the city’s lights from multiple angles.
2. Guangzhou: Food Tour – Eat Like Local + Rice Roll Workshop
If you’re a food lover, this 4-hour experience is a must. It immerses you in the legendary Cantonese cuisine, with the chance to taste more than five local dishes, from dim sum to wok-fried noodles. What makes it special is the hands-on rice roll (Cheung Fun) workshop, where you learn to steam your own silky rice noodles—something you can impress friends with back home.
Led by an engaging guide, the tour is flexible enough to tailor the food crawl to your preferences. You’ll sample secret alley eats and traditional favorites, all while discovering why Guangzhou’s food scene is renowned across China. The session concludes with some sweet treats like buffalo milk pudding and ginger-spiked curds, giving a perfect balance to the savory bites.
Guests rave about how approachable and fun the guide makes the experience, with one saying, “You really get to see how much thought and tradition goes into each dish.” This tour is best suited for adventurous eaters eager to explore local flavors hands-on, and the price offers good value for such an authentic culinary immersion.
Bottom Line: A lively, interactive way to enjoy authentic Cantonese food, learn new cooking skills, and discover local street eats all in one go.
$96 per person
3. Private Cooking Canton Cuisine Cooking Class in Guangzhou
For those who want to master the art of Cantonese cuisine, this private 4-hour cooking class is a top choice. It includes transfer time and a personalized experience where you learn to prepare three classic dishes, guided by an expert instructor. The class takes place in a professional kitchen setting, giving you a real taste of cooking in Guangzhou.
The class covers everything from ingredients to techniques, with an emphasis on traditional Cantonese flavors. Participants report that their instructor, Mango, was “excellent at explaining each step,” making it easy for even beginners to follow along. After cooking, you get to enjoy your creations, often with a beer or tea, turning the experience into a delicious meal.
What makes this experience special is its focus on personalized instruction and the chance to take home recipes for future practice. It’s well-suited for foodies, families, or couples wanting an immersive cultural activity. The price is higher, but the personalized attention and takeaway recipes provide good value.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, hands-on introduction to Cantonese cooking, perfect for foodies eager to bring authentic flavors home.
$265.65 per person
4. Guangzhou: Bamboo Weaving Workshop with Handmade Fan
This workshop offers an authentic look at Zhuzhi, a traditional Chinese bamboo weaving craft. Over the course of the session, you’ll learn the basics of weaving and create your own round bamboo fan. It’s a peaceful, meditative activity that results in a functional souvenir you can take home.
The workshop emphasizes the deep roots of bamboo weaving in Southern Chinese culture, offering insight into a craft that has persisted for generations. No prior experience is necessary, making this accessible to everyone. The natural materials and simple tools create a calming environment, ideal for those interested in traditional arts and crafts.
Participants appreciate the chance to make something tangible and culturally meaningful. The process is engaging, and the finished fans are both beautiful and practical, perfect for summer days or as a gift. The workshop provides a unique opportunity to connect with local craftsmanship beyond typical sightseeing.
Bottom Line: An engaging and relaxing craft activity that produces a beautiful bamboo fan, suitable for anyone interested in traditional Chinese arts.
$160 per person
5. Guangzhou: Bruce Lee’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Class
This 2-hour Wing Chun Kung Fu class in Guangzhou offers a rare chance to explore the martial art that Bruce Lee famously studied. Led by a seasoned instructor, you’ll learn the basic techniques and philosophy of Wing Chun, a fast and efficient style emphasizing close combat.
The class takes place in an authentic martial arts studio, creating an immersive environment. You’ll start with warm-ups, then move on to practicing specific moves, with the instructor explaining the origins and cultural significance of Wing Chun. The focus is on practical skills, making it suitable for beginners and those with some martial arts experience alike.
Many participants find the class both fun and educational, gaining a better understanding of Chinese martial arts and Bruce Lee’s roots. The session also provides insight into how Wing Chun differs from Western boxing in technique and philosophy.
Bottom Line: A fascinating introduction to Chinese martial arts with a focus on Bruce Lee’s favorite style, ideal for martial arts fans or those seeking a physical activity with cultural depth.
$99 per person
6. Guangzhou: Taiji Self-Healing Workshop in a Park
This Tai Chi workshop takes place in a peaceful Guangzhou park, offering a quiet space to learn and practice. Over the course of this experience, you’ll focus on Tai Chi moves designed to improve health and well-being, incorporating traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) principles.
The instructor guides you through simple routines that emphasize body harmony and breath control, making it accessible for all fitness levels. Participants often comment on the calming effect and the practical benefits for daily health. The session ends with tips for incorporating Tai Chi into your daily routine, helping prevent illness and reduce stress.
The outdoor setting enhances the experience, allowing you to connect with nature while practicing. It’s ideal for travelers interested in holistic health, meditation, or traditional Chinese practices.
Bottom Line: A gentle, restorative activity that blends movement and mindfulness, suitable for anyone looking to improve their health and find serenity.
$69 per person
7. Shenzhen Cantonese Dim Sum Cooking Class with Lunch
This hands-on dim sum cooking class in Shenzhen offers a deep dive into Cantonese culinary traditions. Under the guidance of a master chef, you’ll learn the art of making dim sum, from dumplings to buns, and understand their cultural significance in Guangdong.
The class includes a tea pairing and tasting session, allowing you to savor your freshly made dim sum alongside traditional teas. Participants receive a production manual, so you can recreate the dishes at home. The experience is lively and educational, perfect for those who love cooking or want to gain a new skill.
Guests highlight the chef’s expertise and the fun atmosphere. This class suits foodies, home cooks, or anyone curious about Cantonese eating customs. It offers excellent value, combining learning, tasting, and a memorable cultural experience.
Bottom Line: A flavorful, practical class that turns you into a dim sum chef, with the bonus of enjoying your creations with traditional tea.
$86 per person
8. Guangzhou: Mahjong lesson & Tea Tasting Immersion Experience
This immersive 4-hour experience combines Mahjong, a key part of Chinese social life, with a tea tasting of 10 iconic Chinese teas. The session begins with a 60-minute Mahjong lesson, where you learn the basic rules and strategies, then moves to friendly game sessions.
Meanwhile, you’ll savor a selection of green, black, and Oolong teas, learning about their cultural significance and brewing techniques. The experience offers insight into Guangdong-style Mahjong and traditional Chinese tea customs, making it perfect for those interested in social traditions.
Participants say it’s a fun way to “get a taste of local culture,” with many enjoying the casual game sessions. The combination of Mahjong and tea makes this experience both engaging and relaxing, suitable for social travelers or those curious about Chinese leisure activities.
Bottom Line: An enjoyable cultural experience pairing traditional Mahjong with Chinese teas, perfect for making new friends and understanding local customs.
$125 per person
How to Choose
When selecting a workshop or class in Guangzhou, consider your interests and schedule. If you want a comprehensive evening with city views, the Night Tour offers a memorable experience. For culinary enthusiasts, the Dim Sum Cooking Class or the Food Tour + Rice Roll Workshop provide hands-on learning and tasting opportunities.
Those interested in traditional crafts should consider the Bamboo Weaving Workshop, while active travelers might enjoy the Wing Chun Kung Fu or Tai Chi. If cultural leisure appeals, the Mahjong & Tea offers a relaxed yet immersive experience.
Always book early, especially during peak travel seasons, and choose experiences that match your fitness level, curiosity, and time constraints. Many of these classes can be tailored or combined for a full culture.
Guangzhou offers an array of workshops that suit diverse interests—from culinary arts to traditional crafts and martial arts. For a romantic evening or a family activity, the Night Tour stands out as a top choice. For food lovers, the Dim Sum Class will turn you into a dim sum chef in no time. Meanwhile, craft enthusiasts will love creating their own bamboo fan, connecting with a piece of Guangzhou’s cultural heritage.
Whatever your interests, these experiences are a great way to deepen your understanding of local life and enjoy meaningful, hands-on activities. Be sure to book in advance to secure your spot and enjoy a memorable stay in Guangzhou.