Imagine learning the ancient art of Chinese candy making directly from a local pastry chef in the vibrant city of Shanghai. For just $36 per person, you’re invited to spend two hours of your trip immersed in a tradition that once was a privilege of Chinese royalty. This experience is expertly hosted on the 4th floor of Makerhub, conveniently accessible via multiple metro lines, making it both easy to find and flexible in schedule.

What we love about this experience? First, the personalized instruction from a chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu, blending French pastry precision with Chinese craftsmanship. Second, the interactive nature — you’re not just watching but actively stretching and folding molten sugar into thousands of silky threads. It’s a truly tactile way to connect with Shanghai’s culinary heritage.

One potential consideration is that, with all that stretching, you might find it hard to resist nibbling on your handmade treats before you get home. The sweet temptation is part of the fun, after all!

This workshop is ideal for culinary curious travelers, culture lovers, and anyone eager to bring home a unique edible souvenir that tells a story of tradition, craftsmanship, and sweetness.

Key Points

Authentic craftsmanship: Experience making Dragon Beard Candy, a delicacy with a 2,000-year-old history.
Professional guidance: Instruction from a Le Cordon Bleu-qualified pastry chef blending two culinary worlds.
Cultural storytelling: Learn the history and significance of the candy, once reserved for royalty.
All-inclusive: High-quality ingredients, tools, and a recipe to recreate your treats at home.
Personalized photos and extras: You’ll leave with photos of your work and additional pastries.
Flexible booking: Book now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into the Experience

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The Setting and Meeting Point

The experience kicks off on the 4th floor of Makerhub, a modern space in Shanghai. It’s easy to reach via line 11, line 13, or line 14 metro lines, making this workshop accessible for most travelers staying around the city. The location’s centrality means you can combine this experience with visits to nearby attractions, or even as a relaxing break from sightseeing.

The Itinerary Breakdown

You’ll begin with a brief storytelling session about Dragon Beard Candy — a treat that once graced the tables of Chinese emperors. Here, your guide, a Shanghai native, shares insights that deepen your appreciation for the craft’s royal roots and its journey through centuries. This historical context enriches the experience, transforming a simple candy-making class into a cultural lesson.

Next, the host will perform a live demonstration. You’ll watch the molten sugar being stretched, folded, and spun into thousands of fine, silky threads resembling a dragon’s beard — delicate enough to float in the breeze. The process involves folding the sugar multiple times, over 10,000 times in fact, to create the thin threads. This step requires a steady hand and patience, but don’t worry — your guide offers step-by-step guidance.

Once you get your turn, you’ll practice stretching and folding the sugar, learning how to produce those iconic hair-thin strands. This is the core of the workshop, where you can actually feel the artisanal skill firsthand. The threads are then wrapped around a mixture of crushed peanuts, sesame, and coconut, turning your delicate strands into a sweet, nutty treat.

The Hands-On Aspect

This isn’t just a demonstration — it’s all about doing. You’ll be stretching, folding, and wrapping the candy yourself, guided at every step by your instructor. This direct involvement is what makes the experience special; it’s satisfying to see your own creation come together, even if your first few attempts are a bit uneven.

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The Tasting and Take-Home

By the end, you’ll have your own batch of Dragon Beard Candy to take home — a delicious souvenir of your Shanghai adventure. Plus, you’ll get a recipe so you can try to recreate the magic in your own kitchen, should you wish. The workshop also includes additional pastries to enjoy during the session and free drinking water.

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The Value and Overall Impression

At $36, this workshop offers a remarkable value. You’re paying for personalized instruction, high-quality ingredients, and a cultural experience that’s both fun and educational. The inclusion of photos ensures you’ll remember your achievement, and the small group setting (implied by the personal guidance) makes it intimate and engaging.

Guest Feedback

One traveler, Niels, summed it up perfectly: “Very friendly instructor who spoke English very well and knew what he was doing. The workshop was very fun and tasty! The experience was worth it.” It’s clear that knowledgeable guides and delicious results are the highlights.

Who Will Love This?

This experience suits those who appreciate cultural traditions, love learning new skills, or simply want a hands-on activity that’s different from the usual sightseeing. It’s especially appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends, as you’ll all have fun creating and tasting something truly unique.

Practical Details

Duration: 2 hours
Price: $36 per person
Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, expert guidance, pastries to take home, a recipe, and optional photos
Location: 4th floor, Makerhub, accessible via lines 11, 13, 14
Languages: English
Reservation: Book now with flexible payment, cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund

FAQ

Is this experience suitable for children?
While the workshop is geared toward adults and older teens, younger children with a steady hand might enjoy it too. It’s a hands-on activity that requires patience, but the fun of making and tasting sweet treats appeals across ages.

Do I need to bring anything?
No, all materials and instructions are provided. Just come with curiosity and a desire to learn!

Can I book this last minute?
You can reserve your spot online, with the option to pay later. However, availability may vary, so booking in advance is recommended.

Is the workshop offered in English only?
Yes, the language of instruction is English, ensuring clear guidance throughout.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing is best. The process involves handling sticky sugar, so an apron (if available) might be helpful, but it’s not necessary.

Will I have time to explore after the workshop?
Absolutely. The location’s central in Shanghai means you can easily continue your day exploring nearby sights or markets.

What if I want to recreate the experience at home?
You’ll receive a detailed recipe and tips to help you craft your own Dragon Beard Candy later. Plus, enjoy the taste of your own creation long after your trip.

Final Thoughts

This Dragon Beard Candy workshop in Shanghai is a wonderful way to dive into a culinary tradition that feels both authentic and personal. The combination of historical storytelling, professional instruction, and interactive participation makes it stand out from typical tourist activities. Plus, for just $36, you’re getting a unique cultural experience that’s as delicious as it is educational.

Whether you’re a foodie eager to try something new, a culture lover fascinated by traditional crafts, or a traveler seeking a memorable hands-on activity, this workshop is worth your time. It offers a delightful peek into Shanghai’s rich culinary heritage — one thread at a time.

In essence, this experience is best suited for those who want to take home more than just photos — they want a story, a skill, and a sweet reminder of their time in Shanghai.

You can check availability for your dates here: