Xiaolongbao Cooking Class with Instructor
Learn to make Xiaolongbao, a traditional Chinese dumpling, in a traditional Shanghai alleyway. Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea as you learn about the history of Xiaolongbao and its cultural significance.
Culture Local Life Cooking
Highlights
Discover the art of making Xiaolongbao, a traditional Chinese dumpling
Learn about the history of Xiaolongbao and its cultural significance
Enjoy a cup of Chinese tea as you learn to make Xiaolongbao
Get hands-on experience with professional guidance from an instructor
Collaborate with fellow travelers and exchange cultural experiences
Descriptions
🥟 Knead, Fold, and Taste a Living Tradition in a Hidden Alleyway
🍵 A Quiet Beginning in the Heart of the City
Slip away from Shanghai's towering skyline and into a traditional alleyway tucked in the city's center. Here, the rhythm slows. Sink into a seat and wrap your hands around a cup of warm Chinese tea as your instructor shares the story behind the city's most iconic dish. This isn't a rushed lecture—it's a moment to breathe, to listen, and to feel the weight of a culinary craft passed down through generations.
👐 Hands in the Dough, Heart in the Craft
Now, it's your turn. Roll up your sleeves and feel the delicate give of the dough beneath your palms. Under professional, face-to-face guidance, you'll learn to shape xiao long bao—those impossibly thin-skinned pouches of savory broth—alongside other dim sum of Shanghai character. Your instructor is by your side, adjusting your fingers, sharing the quiet secrets of this special intangible cultural heritage pastry. No experience needed. No rushed steps. Just the quiet pride of creating something beautiful with your own hands.
🌍 A Table Shared Across Cultures
You won't do this alone. Knead, fold, and laugh alongside fellow travelers from around the world. Share the stumble of a torn wrapper, the triumph of a perfect pleat, the stories that cross borders more easily than recipes. This is collaboration without pressure—a natural, joyful exchange that turns strangers into companions and enriches your journey in ways a postcard never could. 🥢✨
Includes
What's Included
✅ Xiaolongbao making class
✅ Professional face-to-face guidance
✅ Chinese famous tea
Itinerary
👆 View the detail on Description.
Important information
🔔 Know before you go
The course lasts for 2-3 hours;
Minimum reservation of one person;
Classes can start with 4 or more people;
Located in a tea house in the center of Shanghai;
Morning or afternoon sessions available
User Reviews
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Emma Johansson - Sweden
June 19, 2025
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4.9
AIR-CONDITIONED HEAVEN!! 🧊🥟 After melting in the Shanghai summer heat, walking into this cool tea house was everything. Anna was FANTASTIC — energetic, hilarious, and a legit dumpling master. Made the best xiaolongbao of my life (yes, mine!). Ice-cold tea + hot fresh dumplings = summer perfection! ❄️🔥🥟
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Brandon Harris - United States
June 7, 2025
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4.8
Smart move booking this for a sweltering August afternoon. The tea house had powerful AC and the cold brew tea was so refreshing. Sophia was energetic despite the heat and kept everyone engaged. The hands-on portion is genuinely hands-on — you're not just watching, you're doing every step. The filling was perfectly seasoned (they shared the recipe!), and learning the pleat fold was surprisingly meditative. We sat with travelers from 4 different countries and ended up exchanging Instagram handles. The instructor also gave us a list of recommended local eats nearby, which we used for the rest of our trip. A few things to know: the alleyway can be a bit hard to spot — look for the tea house sign with Chinese characters. And wear shorts/light clothes, the kitchen area does get warm when all the steamers are going.
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Hana Kim - Korea
May 9, 2025
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5
Still dreaming about these dumplings!! 😍 Mr. Zhang was incredible — so knowledgeable and encouraging. The class is in the cutest traditional tea house and the spring light through the windows was gorgeous. If you're in Shanghai you HAVE to do this. Zero regrets, 100% deliciousness! ✨🥟🌸
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Yuki Tanaka - Japan
May 9, 2025
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4.9
FALL IN LOVE WITH XIAOLONGBAO!! ❤️ The beautiful lane house, Mr. Zhang's incredible teaching — everything was perfect. Learned the 18-pleat technique and actually got good at it! The dumplings were divine and the whole experience was pure joy. MUST DO IN SHANGHAI!! 🥟✨
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Takeshi Yamamoto - Japan
May 4, 2025
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4.9
My husband and I did this class on our honeymoon and it was such a sweet memory. David noticed it was our honeymoon and made a little extra effort — arranged our seats by the window with the best view, gave us a special tea, and even taught us how to make heart-shaped dumplings (not traditional but very cute). The class itself was excellent regardless — well-structured, hands-on, and genuinely educational. We learned about the three essential elements of xiaolongbao: thin skin, abundant filling, and rich broth. The pleating technique takes practice but David was endlessly patient. After steaming, we all shared our dumplings and stories. The atmosphere was warm and convivial. The tea house is easy to reach and in a lovely neighborhood for post-class wandering. We took so many photos. Definitely a honeymoon highlight.
Price per person: USD 93
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Total:
USD 93
No payment is required now, we will contact you asap to proceed once you submitted your order. We accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, Paypal, Bank transfer or CASH.