Shanghai Traditions in a Historic Xintiandi Villa

Step inside a historic Xintiandi villa and discover Chinese traditions through handmade crafts, homemade food, and meaningful moments shared around the table.
Hidden behind the busy streets of Xintiandi is a beautifully restored historic villa where traditional customs are still celebrated through simple everyday rituals.

Your afternoon begins with a warm welcome and an introduction to the villa, offering a glimpse into a more intimate side of Shanghai rarely seen by visitors. As you settle into the space, you'll learn about the traditions and stories that continue to shape family life in China today.

Next, you'll take part in creating a traditional Chinese herbal sachet, a handcrafted keepsake long associated with wellness, good fortune, and seasonal traditions. From selecting natural ingredients and grinding aromatic herbs to filling and packaging your own sachet, you'll experience each step of the process and take your creation home with you.

You will then enjoy a guided Chinese tea tasting, learning about the role tea plays in everyday life and hospitality. As tea is poured and conversations begin, you'll discover why sharing tea has remained an important social tradition in Chinese culture for centuries.

The experience then moves to the kitchen, where you'll prepare handmade dumplings alongside a local host. As you mix fillings, fold dumplings, and work together around the table, your English-speaking guide will share stories about Chinese family traditions, local customs, and the importance of gathering around food.

Finally, everyone comes together to enjoy the meal they have prepared. Surrounded by the charm of a historic Xintiandi villa, you'll share freshly cooked dumplings, tea, and conversation in a relaxed setting that feels more like visiting a local home than joining a tour.

Leave with your handmade herbal sachet, new memories, and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to connect generations in China.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.