China · WORKSHOPS
12 reviewed
Good workshops fill up around the Chinese public holidays and stay full for a fortnight either side. Below are the 12 best, with current prices and what separates them, so you can book before the calendar closes.
Explore Chengdu’s Liangjiaxiang market for Sichuan spices, then cook classic dishes with a chef at Chilli Cool and eat what you make.
“The host Lance was very friendly and welcoming, explaining about the ingredients used in Sichuan cuisine. So interesting! Mrs. Li was also very welcoming and experienced. I had a superb experience learning about the techniques oRead more”
Learn Chinese calligraphy in central Beijing with an English teacher, brush and ink practice, and a mindful final character in 30 to 60 minutes.
“We both enjoyed the workshops, very kind atmosphere and teacher is caring about the details. Highly recommend!:)”
Learn Chinese calligraphy in a small group in Beijing’s Wangfujing hutong area. Practice brush strokes, posture, and even mindfulness.
“A great experience doing calligraphy for the first time with Richard! He was very knowledgeable and shared great insights on philosophy during the session. Highly recommend!”
Learn Beijing-style dumplings in a 3-hour workshop with tea and communal dinner, plus beer. Knead, fill, shape like locals.
“Heyang and his sister are excellent teachers. I booked this knowing nothing about how to make dumplings. But they guide you through the entire process and the meaning of dumplings in Chinese culture and cuisine. We made dozens of both meat and vegetable dumplings. I got to chat with the other participants as the dumplings were boiled. In the end, we got to eat a delicious meal and have a few beers. Highly recommended experience in Beijing.”
Cook Beijing dumplings and more on Zoom with Chef Miss Li, get ingredients list ahead, vegan options, and tailored 90-min lessons.
“Thank you Sunflower for teaching us how to make beautiful traditional pork dumplings. The perfect Chinese New Year activity! It was so much fun for not only my husband and I but also the kids! The dumplings were delicious and we loved Read more”
Learn Chinese calligraphy near Wangfujing in a hutong class with an English teacher. Practice strokes, tools, and culture in about one hour.
“The class was good, he showed me how to write and learn how to do calligraphy in mandarin. Good experience!”
Calm Hutong calligraphy class near the Forbidden City in Wangfujing. Learn brush basics in English, then take home your own artwork.
“It was so nice to leave behind the bustle, constant walking and the long entry lines of temples etc, and join Richard’s class for a calm, relaxed, meditative experience in the practice of Hutong Calligraphy. The venue in one of the high-end shopping centre off Pedestrian Street was lovely. We were served tea, a coffee shop was also on the premises for a great cappuccino, and we left with our own artwork. Highly recommended.”
1-hour Shaolin kungfu lesson in a 700-year hutong temple courtyard by the Forbidden City, with English help from Limeng and practical self-defense.
“Incredible opportunity to have a lesson outside an ancient Chinese landmark by a professional. Really liked how he corrected us and made sure we did it correctly. Highlight of the trip for sure. Thank you!”
Shop Lijiang’s Naxi market with Fancy, then join a small-group soup-dumping class, cook three dishes, and enjoy lunch and tea.
“Lovely experience to discover Naxi culture through food. You will learn a lot about culinary traditions at the market and cook a delicious meal that is easy to cook and to replicate at home. Fancy host I lovely and kind, I highly recommend it!”
Learn Chinese calligraphy in central Beijing with a small group and an art teacher. Practice ink strokes and take home your own piece.
“Great experience, highly recommended!!! Richard is an amazing teacher and kind person, you’ll learn a lot from him!!!”
Chengdu half-day class with a spice market walk and courtyard cooking, plus tea and beers. Learn Sichuan dishes with recipes.
“It is a bit expensive, but the tour is great. Lance and the chef were very nice. The tour is great, they show you the local markets and then the cooking lessons and then we eat together, that is all nice. Staff is great. Price is a bit high, but it is worth it.”
Shop a Yangshuo market with Hans, cook beer fish hands-on, and sip family tea in a 4-hour private class with transport.
“Such a fun, delicious, and cultural day! Hans met us near the market, where we found ingredients for our meal, learned about local food customs, and even sampled a bunch of things! Hans speaks excellent English, is knowledgeable, immeRead more”
