Arts, Crafts, and DIY Spots in Shanghai
Bored of just shopping, eating and watching movies every weekend? Try some arts and crafts! They’re cheap, they’re fun and there are a bunch of places to get started around this city, for example…
MAKE YOUR OWN FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS
ANNIE'S FLORIST
Address: 264 Madang Lu, Luwan District
Tel: 021 53067215
Xintiandi is much more than just a little fashion hotspot, it’s also home to Annie’s Florist, a small and chic florist that provides well-made bouquet and seasonal flowers.
Annie’s is actually run by a guy (not named Annie) who offers both local and international flowers, real and fake. Just tell them your favorite colors, and they can customize a bouquet, and even teach you about the delicate art of flower arrangement.
MORI SEASONAL FLOWERS
Address: 468 Wulumuqi Bei Lu, Jingan District
Tel: 137 9529 1919
Part florist, part afternoon tea spot, Mori’s is like a flowery dream as the shop is lined with fresh and aromatic flowers.
They organize dozens of lifestyle events like knitting and flower arrangements, it’s a great spot to eat and learn a new hobby. Reserve in advance if you intend to visit.
XIANG TIAN JIA
Address: No. 48 – 50 Da Xue Lu, Yangpu District
Tel: 021 55580586
This little shop on Da Xue Lu has delicious food and amazing arrangements. Impress a date and buy a beautiful bouquet of flowers in their favorite color, each bouquet is thoughtfully and well-designed.
For non-fresh flower lovers, opt for their dry flavor bouquet such as their dried lavender ones. Not only are they good décor pieces, they also spice up your home’s fragrance with their pleasant aroma.
REEL SHANGHAI 4F WORKSHOP
Address: 1601 Nanjing West Road, Jingan District
Pick up some serious flower arrangement skills at this spot, you can even build your own cactus garden while eating cake at the 4F Workshop in Reel Shanghai.
Not just a workshop, it’s also has a handicraft section which offers leather-making classes where you can create small items like coin purses, ties and keys.
OIL PAINTING
ARTTEMIDE
Address: Room 102, No. 3 335 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District
Tel: 186 1659 3102
Definitely the place for any budding artist or art lover, ARTemide is an art space that allows you to experiment with different art forms and take up any art lessons from oil painting to watercolor painting, interior design, glass art and ceramic art.
The space also offers and afternoon tea menu, perfect for when you need a break from your vigorous artistic process.
MASTERWORKS ART STUDIO
Address: Room 101, Chuntian Huayuan, No. 999 29 Lou Shan Guan Lu, Changning District
Tel: 138 1681 6815
This oil painting school if filled with art and casualness, and is a great spot for youths to pick up art classes and kill time over the weekends.
From beginners to more advanced students, all are welcomed. The teacher will guide you through the process of choosing and painting a photo, offering some guidance and tips.
CLAUDE MONET
Address: 5/F, Block E, Shanghai Shiye Apartment, No. 38 Caoxi Bei Lu, Xuhui District
Tel: 188 0176 0615
Upon entering Claude Monet, it’s hard not to be inspired by the dozens of oil paintings on the walls, from scenery paintings to flowers, animals and people. For amateurs, don’t worry, there will be a teacher around to help you get started and to guide you along the way.
HANDICRAFTS
COLORFUL CREATIVE SALON
Address: No. 18 117 Jiashan Lu, Xuhui District
Tel: 158 0191 2719
Over at Jiashan Lu, this creative salon is owned by an extremely talented lady boss, who has decorated the space with flowers, books, tea, piano, guitar and skateboards. For those visiting at night, you can also explore the tea house and bar which is in-line with the shop’s artistic vibes.
Not much time on your hands? Try their simple leather card pack project which takes up to 3 hours to complete. Choose your favorite color and a teacher will guide you through the equipment process, then you’re on your way to a priceless leather-making experience.
ZUOWUMU HANDICRAFT WORKSPACE
Address: 2/F, No. 9 258 Songxing Lu, Baoshan District
Tel: 18516561623
Zuowumu is a thoughtfully-designed workspace in an old warehouse on Songxing Lu.
Allowing you to make your own homewares, the space is run by two guys in their late 20’s. Both carpentry enthusiasts, they hope to share their passion with others and provide a space for individuals to create their own pieces.
MUZUO XUETANG
Address: Block B, Xiaohonglou Muzuo Xuetang, 1805 Siping Lu, Yangpu District
Tel: 021 54252848
Build your very own wooden art pieces and homewares at Muwu, from small brushes and chopsticks to large items like dining tables and chairs. Learn more about sculpting techniques and equipment, while treating yourself to a therapeutic art session. Feel like your final piece isn’t quite good enough? Don’t worry, if you want, the instructor will make some touch-ups on your piece when the class is complete.
BAKING
MOVING FINGER
Address: Room 201, No. 60 273 Jiaozhou Lu, Jingan District
Tel: 021 52981880
An art and lifestyle space that has baking, oil painting, flower arrangements and planting, the 700 sqm Moving Finger is an open-concept common space for anyone to make their artistic dream come true.
Using imported ingredients for baking, attend a class and be patiently taught by the resident baker who shares more about the ingredients and baking techniques involved. Not only can you bake, the large space also allows for company gatherings and events for up to 50pax.
THE KITCHEN AT COOKING SCHOOL
Address: 3/F, No. 20 383 Guoyang Nan Lu, Xuhui District
Tel: 021 64332700
Pretty sure many of us love Western food but often find difficulties recreating our favorite dish. Well, the Kitchen at Cooking School intends to tackle this issue by offering cooking classes for Western food lovers.
Cook from an assortment of fine cutlery and cookware, like their Le Creuset soup pot.
Also, the school offers a variety of classes to make your favorite Italian 3-course meal. This include mains like lamb steak, salmon, beef and seafood soup. Skip the tedious preparation process as all ingredients in the class has been prepared ahead of time by the in-house chef. Apart from cooking, the classrooms are well-stocked with chips, beer and juice to nibble on throughout the class.
TEA ART
BAN NONG
Address: 2- 4/F, No. 1 339 Changle Lu, Xuhui District
Tel: 021 64482301
Newly opened Ban Nong is a quaint shop located along Changle Road. Combining tea, veganism, snacks and fun, this shop offers one-of-a-kind Chinese snacks and tea.
Dainty and beautifully decorated, you’ll be impressed by the store’s finer details. Like its handwritten menu, aged tables, fine tea sets and snacks. While you eat, pick up a conversation with the boss, and learn from the well-versed lady on tea, snacks and traditional tea practices.
CHICHAQU TEA HOUSE
Address: 796 Julu Lu, Luwan District
Tel: 021 62092690
Well-hidden in the bustling city, this tea-house preserves traditional tea making processes and creates a serene ambience with its traditional music and furnishing.
Ring before you enter, and you will find yourself suddenly transported back into old China.
We recommend trying out their red tea and Pu’er selection as they use a blend of uncommonly found tea leaves. Enjoy artisanal tea over sunset, there is hardly a better way to unwind from a hectic day.
CERAMIC ART
LE YAO TAO BA
Address: 2/F, Tianzifang, No. 26 Tai Kang Lu, Luwan District
Tel: 021 54123390
For all pottery lovers, nothing is more therapeutic than ceramic art. Spend your afternoon patiently sculpting your pieces or enjoy some parent-child bonding by taking classes with your kid(s). Put your masterpieces into the oven for baking, then paint them, and viola! You have your very own handmade pottery pieces!
Shanghai's Top Spring Blossom Destinations
How Many Calories Does Your Cocktail Have?