Take advantage of the unique flavor Shanghai has to offer. CEA offers a variety of local immersion 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 Chinese 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 – after asking permission first of course. Don’t be scared, you will not be denied.
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 such things as preparation methods, tasting methods and the occasions for which it is consumed. With CEA study Chinese tea culture to learn about the methods of preparation of tea, the equipment used to make tea 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 focusing on 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 and rounded out by 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 who are interested in meeting newcomers and sharing 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. Old Town still retains its old world feel and is considered Shanghai of the Chinese, not the foreigners. CEA staff will take you on a walking tour on ancient streets with busy markets and old temples passing by locals playing cards or putting their freshly washed laundry up to dry.
