Shanghai Cultural Activities

Take advantage of the unique flavor Shanghai has to offer. CEA offers a variety of local cultural activities to match your interests. Whether you enjoy music concerts, clubs, sports, cooking classes, language exchanges or something entirely different, our resident staff can help you get involved in the local culture. Here are just some examples.

Tai Chi

Practice one of China's original martial arts, Tai Chi. Study your first moves in an organized setting and then venture out into Renmin park or one of the other local parks in the early morning to follow alongside practitioners. It is polite to ask permission first, but don't be scared, locals will be happy to share their art with you.

Chinese Tea Culture

Tea drinking was popular in ancient China as tea was regarded as one of the seven daily necessities, the others being firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar. Tea culture in China differs from that of Europe, Britain or Japan in its preparation, tasting methods and the occasions for which it is consumed. With CEA, study Chinese tea culture to learn the ins and outs of making a good cup of tea, the necessary equipment used to make it and the occasions in which tea is consumed in China.

A Night on the Town

Shanghai is a bustling metropolis with a busy night life offering restaurants, bars and clubs at every price range. With local CEA staff, students will take in a performance of the wildly popular Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe at Shanghai Centre Theatre, followed by a traditional Chinese dinner in one of Shanghai’s many restaurants. They'll finish off the vening with a visit to a local club to celebrate Shanghai’s long tradition of jazz music.

Language Exchange

Students can practice their language skills with Chinese students eager to help foreigners learn Chinese and improve their own English skills in the process. CEA hosts a variety of activities designed to help students meet Chinese people their own age and who are interested in meeting newcomers while sharing their language and culture.

Walking Tour of Old Town

Shanghai, although a relatively young city in Chinese terms, has nevertheless a rich historical and cultural heritage going back to the 16th century, when its now torn-down city walls were erected as protection against Japanese pirates. Shanghai's Old Town still retains its old world feel and is considered the Shanghai of the Chinese, not the foreigners. CEA staff will take you on a walking tour along its ancient streets with busy markets and old temples, passing by locals playing cards or putting their freshly washed laundry up to dry.