Shanghai: Chinese Culture and Calligraphy Experience

Imagine wandering through the bustling streets of Shanghai and then stepping into a tranquil studio where you get to unravel the secrets of Chinese characters and calligraphy. This tour, offered by Shanghai Glopen Travel Agency for $159 per person, takes about 2 to 3 hours and is perfect for those curious about Chinese culture, art, or seeking a unique hands-on activity. It’s a chance to learn while creating a meaningful keepsake—your own personalized badge—making it a wonderful mix of education and personal craftsmanship.

What we especially appreciate about this experience are the clarity of storytelling—the guide will walk you through the origins and evolution of Chinese characters—and the opportunity to practice real calligraphy techniques with authentic materials like xuan paper. On the flip side, it’s worth noting that transportation isn’t included, so planning for your arrival is key. This experience suits travelers who enjoy cultural crafts, want a break from sightseeing, and are open to trying something new without prior experience needed.

Key Points

• Authentic learning about the evolution of Chinese characters and their history
• Hands-on practice with basic strokes of seal script using traditional materials
• Creative activity to invent your own Chinese character and craft a personalized badge
• Insight into the Four Treasures of the Study—brush, ink, paper, and inkstone
• No prior calligraphy experience needed—materials provided for all skill levels
• Flexible booking with a simple cancellation policy

You can check availability for your dates here:

What Is This Experience All About?

When you think of Chinese calligraphy, you probably picture elegant brush strokes and characters that seem to dance across rice paper. This workshop offers a fascinating peek into how Chinese characters originated and evolved—from oracle bone script to the familiar regular script used today. Our guide, whose enthusiasm and clarity made complex topics accessible, explained how the shapes and meanings of characters have transformed over centuries, turning a language into a visual art form.

You’ll start by exploring the Four Treasures of the Study—the essential tools for traditional Chinese calligraphy: the brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. The guide demonstrated how each material contributes to the craft’s unique textures and qualities, particularly with items like xuan paper, bamboo slips, and silk. We loved the tactile experience of feeling the roughness of bamboo slips or the smoothness of silk, which really brought the history to life.

Then, you’ll learn about the Six Principles of Chinese character formation—a set of rules that combine to create the intricate characters we see today. The workshop focuses on practicing the basic strokes of seal script, including horizontal, vertical, and curved lines. It’s a straightforward but fascinating process, and the guide gently encouraged everyone, regardless of skill level, to try.

What makes this experience especially memorable is the chance to invent your own Chinese character. Choosing one of the Six Principles, you’ll combine cultural knowledge and personal imagination to create something unique. The final step is to write your character and craft a badge that captures your creativity—an ideal souvenir to remind you of this cultural discovery.

A Few Considerations

While the workshop is well-suited for beginners, travelers should be prepared for a relaxed pace rather than a highly structured class. Also, since transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to plan how to get to the meeting point—accessible by bus (No. 42) or Didi (a Chinese ride-hailing app). The experience is not suitable for children under 8, so it’s best for older kids, teens, and adults interested in cultural arts.

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity that offers both educational insight and creative fun, this calligraphy workshop strikes a good balance. It’s ideal for those who want an authentic, meaningful souvenir and enjoy activities that allow for personal expression.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Meeting Point & Arrival:
You’ll meet your guide at the designated intersection near Xiangyang South Road & Yongjia Road Station, or you can opt for the Didi (Chinese ride-hailing). The gathering point is straightforward, but travelers unfamiliar with Shanghai might want to double-check directions ahead of time, especially if navigating with limited Chinese language skills. The guide will be waiting at the intersection, ready to lead you into the studio.

Introduction to Chinese Characters & Evolution:
The workshop begins with a brief but engaging introduction about the origins of Chinese characters, highlighting how early forms like oracle bone inscriptions laid the groundwork for modern scripts. We appreciated the way the guide explained how characters reflect both meaning and form, making the language visual and artistic.

Exploration of the Four Treasures:
Next, the focus shifts to the Four Treasures of the Study—an essential part of Chinese calligraphy. This section includes a tactile experience: feeling the texture of xuan paper, observing the inkstone, and learning how each tool influences the final calligraphic work. The guide emphasized how these elements are not just tools but an integral part of the artistic process, allowing us to appreciate the craftsmanship behind centuries-old traditions.

Practice with Basic Strokes and Seal Script:
Participants then practice the basic strokes—horizontal, vertical, curved—using traditional brushes and ink. The guide demonstrated how these strokes form the building blocks of Chinese characters. We found that the emphasis on precision and flow helped us understand why calligraphy requires both skill and patience. The group size was small enough to receive personalized tips, making the learning process accessible for newcomers.

Creating Your Own Character:
With foundational skills in hand, you choose one of the Six Principles to invent a character. This part blends history with personal creativity, and the guide encouraged us to think about the meaning behind our designs. This step turns the workshop from a simple lesson into an imaginative activity that results in a unique, meaningful symbol.

Crafting Your Badge:
The final step involves writing your character on a badge—using the same traditional tools but on a smaller scale. The badge serves as a practical souvenir, and many participants commented that it was a nice reminder of their hands-on experience. The materials provided are of good quality, ensuring your badge looks authentic and durable.

The Sum Up of the Experience:
After finishing, you can choose to stay a bit longer to ask questions or take photos. The workshop ends at the same meeting point, making transportation planning straightforward.

The Value of This Experience

At $159, the workshop offers a significant cultural insight coupled with hands-on crafting. Compared to other activities in Shanghai, it’s a reasonable price for a meaningful and personal souvenir, especially considering all materials are included. The experience is particularly valuable for those interested in Chinese arts, language, and history, providing a tangible connection to the tradition that can be treasured long after your trip.

While it doesn’t include transportation or food, the overall value lies in the educational content, the quality of materials, and the personalized souvenir. The small group setting fosters a relaxed environment, encouraging questions and individual expression.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience works best for culture enthusiasts who want to understand the art behind Chinese characters, and for creative travelers eager to try calligraphy without any prior experience. It’s also suitable for families with older children, especially those curious about Chinese writing. If you’re after an activity that offers authentic craftsmanship and a lasting keepsake, this workshop is a worthwhile addition to your Shanghai itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is prior experience in calligraphy required?
No, this workshop is designed for beginners. All materials are provided, and no previous skills are necessary.

How long does the workshop last?
The experience takes approximately 2 to 3 hours, depending on the group size and pace.

Are materials included?
Yes, all materials for practicing calligraphy and making your badge are provided.

Can I create my own character?
Absolutely. You will choose one of the Six Principles to invent and write your own Chinese character.

Where do we meet?
Meet at the intersection near Xiangyang South Road & Yongjia Road Station, with an option to use Didi for convenience.

Is food or drinks included?
No, food and drinks are not included, so plan accordingly before or after the workshop.

Is this activity suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 8 due to the nature of the activity.

Can I book and pay later?
Yes, booking is flexible—reserve your spot now and pay nothing until closer to the date.

If you’re seeking a meaningful cultural activity that combines history, art, and personal craftsmanship, this Chinese calligraphy experience in Shanghai offers an excellent balance. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Chinese characters, a handmade badge, and a story to tell about your encounter with one of China’s most cherished arts. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hands-on, authentic experience that enriches their time in Shanghai beyond the typical sightseeing.

Whether you’re a history buff, an art lover, or simply curious about Chinese culture, this workshop can add a special dimension to your trip—an artful souvenir and a new skill all in one.

You can check availability for your dates here: