Shanghai stands out as a top city for Vegan & Vegetarian Tours, thanks to its rich culinary scene and openness to plant-based diets. Whether you’re eager to learn how to make authentic dumplings or explore sacred temples, Shanghai’s diverse offerings make it easy to taste and experience local culture through food. I especially like the Vegan Soup Dumpling Making in Shanghai, not only for its fun, interactive approach but also for the chance to try a rare vegan twist on a classic dish. It’s a perfect choice if you’re passionate about Chinese cuisine but prefer plant-based options. For a more immersive experience, the Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal in Local Family-w/Vegan lets you dine with a local family, visit markets, and receive health tips, making it a genuine cultural exchange.
Shanghai’s vibrant food scene combined with traditional sights offers a broad palette for travelers. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan, a veggie-curious tourist, or a family looking for an engaging activity, the options below showcase the city’s culinary variety and cultural richness.
Quick Overview
This guide covers a variety of Vegan & Vegetarian Tours in Shanghai, from hands-on cooking classes and dumpling workshops to temple visits with vegetarian tasting. For those wanting practical cooking skills, the Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food with Vegan Option offers an intimate class with market visits. If culture is your priority, the Buddhist tour of Longhua Temple combines sightseeing with vegetarian tasting. For the full-day culinary adventure, the Shanghai Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class with Market offers in-depth learning and local market insights. Now, let’s explore each tour so you can decide which best fits your interests and schedule.
1. Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal in Local Family-w/Vegan
This tour offers an authentic window into local life. You’ll join a Shanghai family to learn how to make traditional dumplings, with a special focus on vegan fillings. The experience combines hands-on cooking with a visit to a bustling local market to select fresh ingredients. Beyond the cooking, you’ll enjoy a Chinese meal in a warm, familial setting, forging genuine cultural connections. The host family also provides free travel tips for navigating Shanghai and surrounding cities, making it a practical addition to your trip.
What sets this apart is the immersive cultural experience—you’re not just watching a demonstration but actively participating in a local routine. The inclusion of traditional Chinese medicine therapies like massage and cupping adds a wellness dimension that many travelers find appealing. The tour is highly rated with a perfect 5/5 from 21 reviews, highlighting its authenticity and warmth. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, home-style experience with meaningful cultural exchanges.
Bottom line: This tour is perfect if you want to connect with local families, learn dumpling-making, and enjoy a home-cooked meal with some health tips thrown in.
2. Vegan Soup Dumpling Making in Shanghai
At number 2, this specialized workshop focuses exclusively on vegan soup dumplings, a beloved Chinese delicacy. Led by Chef Yin, a master of Dim Sum and tea ceremonies, this 2.5-hour class is designed for food lovers eager to master the art of dough making, shaping, and pleating. During the session, you’ll get hands-on coaching to craft vibrant plant-based fillings and perfect the traditional “18-fold” technique.
Chef Yin’s deep knowledge and warm approach make learning both enjoyable and educational. The class concludes with a tasting of your handmade dumplings paired with seasonal Chinese teas, making it a delicious and cultural experience. The reviews are glowing, with a 5/5 rating from 9 participants, many praising Yin’s teaching style and the class’s friendly atmosphere. The cost is $96 per person, which offers good value considering the skill level and quality of experience.
This workshop is especially suited for culinary enthusiasts, families, or anyone interested in vegan Chinese cuisine. The focus on vegan fillings makes it accessible for plant-based travelers, and the personalized tips help you recreate these dishes at home.
Bottom line: If making your own vegan dumplings sounds appealing—and you want expert guidance—this class delivers a memorable, hands-on experience with a cultural twist.
3. Make Soup Dumpling: Vegan or Pork in Shanghai Shikumen
For around $120, this Shikumen-style dumpling class offers a deep dive into traditional Shanghai cuisine. Led by Chef Yin, you’ll craft vegan or pork xiaolongbao, mastering the intricate 18-fold technique—an impressive skill for any foodie. The setting is a historic Shanghai lane house, providing an authentic backdrop to your culinary journey.
What makes this experience unique is the option to choose between vegan and pork fillings, giving you flexibility. During the session, you’ll learn how to prepare both dough and fillings from scratch, then steam your creations to savor fresh. The class also offers an add-on to make both fillings, allowing you to expand your skills further (+$20). Guests consistently praise the hands-on coaching and the chance to cook in an authentic environment.
Ideal for travelers looking for a cultural and culinary immersion in a traditional Shanghai neighborhood, this experience combines historical ambiance with culinary mastery. The only potential downside is the higher price point, but the quality and authenticity justify it.
Bottom line: Perfect for those wanting to learn the art of Xiaolongbao in a historic setting and get detailed instruction from a skilled chef.
4. Shanghai Cooking Dumpling and Taste Local Food w/Vegan Option
This class offers a comprehensive cooking experience lasting around 3.5 hours. Under the guidance of a passionate Shanghai homemaker, you’ll roll dough, shape dumplings, and prepare fillings, with a special option for vegan ingredients. The focus is on creating your own dumplings, which are then cooked and enjoyed together, fostering a sense of community and shared culture.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on cultural exchange and personal touches. You get to learn about the significance of each step and enjoy the familial atmosphere. The host’s warmth is reflected in a perfect 5/5 rating from one review, highlighting the authentic contact with locals. It’s a great choice if you want a relaxed, home-style cooking experience that emphasizes connection and tradition.
While the single review indicates limited feedback, the detailed process and personal approach make this a memorable experience for those seeking heartfelt culture.
Bottom line: A solid option for travelers wanting to cook, connect, and enjoy a homestyle Chinese meal, with vegan options available.
$86.37 per person
5. Buddhist Tour of Longhua Temple and Taste Vegetarian Noodles
For those interested in combining spiritual culture with vegetarian cuisine, this private 60-minute tour of Longhua Temple is a quiet, reflective experience. Led by a certified French-speaking guide, you’ll explore the Longhua Temple’s architecture, learn about its history, and partake in a prayer ritual for blessings.
The highlight is tasting vegetarian noodles within the temple grounds, giving you a taste of local Buddhist vegetarian practices. The tour allows you to pray and make wishes — a meaningful addition for travelers seeking spiritual insights or a tranquil break from city exploration.
While reviews are not provided, the focus on cultural and spiritual elements makes this tour ideal if you want a peaceful, educational experience. It’s best suited for travelers with an interest in religious sites and vegetarian tasting, offering a different perspective than the more culinary-focused experiences.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking a spiritual connection coupled with vegetarian tasting, this short but insightful tour provides a meaningful insight into Shanghai’s Buddhist traditions.
$57 per person
6. Shanghai: Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class with Market
This is the most comprehensive and lengthy tour, running about 8 hours, making it perfect for dedicated food lovers wanting an in-depth experience. Led by expert instructors, you’ll learn to prepare vegan soup dumplings with plant-based fillings, along with four other classic Chinese vegetarian dishes. The class includes a visit to a lively local market where you’ll discover fresh ingredients and learn useful Chinese phrases to communicate with vendors.
This tour stands out for its full-day immersion, combining cooking skills, market insights, and cultural education. The reviews—scoring a 4.9/5—highlight the quality of instruction and the richness of the experience. It’s an excellent option for serious foodies, culinary students, or travelers who want a detailed understanding of Chinese vegetarian cuisine.
The price is higher at $375, but the extensive content and market tour justify the cost. It’s best suited for those with a full day to spare and an enthusiasm for mastering authentic Chinese dishes.
Bottom line: If you want a comprehensive culinary workshop plus market tour, this is your best bet for a day-long deep dive into Shanghai’s vegetarian cuisine.
$375 per person
How to Choose Your Vegan & Vegetarian Tour in Shanghai
When selecting the right tour, consider your budget, interests, and how deep an experience you want. If you’re short on time but eager to learn dumpling skills, the Vegan Soup Dumpling Making offers a focused, fun class. For a full culture with local families, the Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal provides warmth and authentic contact. If you desire an in-depth cooking experience plus market exploration, the Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class with Market will satisfy your culinary curiosity.
Timing is key—book early during peak travel seasons, especially for the multi-hour or full-day options. Think about your fitness level and appetite for cultural exchange; some tours involve walking, market visits, and hands-on cooking, so wear comfortable shoes and come hungry.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai offers a variety of Vegan & Vegetarian Tours suited to different tastes and schedules—from quick workshops to lengthy culinary courses and spiritual temple visits. For a family-friendly, authentic experience, the Shanghai-Cooking Dumpling & Meal is hard to beat. Food lovers seeking to learn in-depth skills will appreciate the Vegan and Vegetarian Cooking Class with Market. Meanwhile, those interested in cultural spirituality might choose the Longhua Temple tour.
No matter your choice, booking early will ensure you secure your preferred date. Each tour offers a unique slice of Shanghai’s culinary scene—so pick the one that best matches your curiosity and schedule, and get ready to enjoy a delicious, meaningful adventure in this vibrant city.