7 Two-Hour Experiences in China Worth Booking

1.2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy with an Artist in Shanghai, China

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 46 reviews · from $50Our pick

Learn the basics of Chinese calligraphy with artist Lucy in a two-hour Shanghai workshop, then create a folding fan or scroll to take home.

“It was an excellent introduction to Chinese calligraphy and I enjoyed it so much that I have asked for more lessons. Lucy was flexible in her teaching approach and happy to answer questions and adapt to my needs and interests. For example, I wanted to do the final piece of art in regular script rather than seal script. Lucy’s studio is spacious and calming, an ideal place to study calligraphy. Lucy was extremely generous with her time, giving considerably more than the two hour time slot. Her enthusiasm and love of the subject really shows. I also appreciated her ability to answer my questions about the pieces of calligraphy we…”

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2.2-Hour “Ancient & Modern” Beijing Sidecar Tour (Day /Night)

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 36 reviews · from $89

See Beijing by sidecar in two hours, from hutongs and Houhai to the Forbidden City moat, Workers’ Stadium, and the CBD.

“I highly recommend Beijing sidecar tour on your first day visiting Beijing. John was waiting for us at it hotel and we had a fantastic 2 hours with him exploring the city. This is a great way to get your bearings straight and to understand the city lRead more”

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3.Private 2-Hour Walking Tour of Shanghai’s Jewish Ghetto

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 33 reviews · from $131

Explore Shanghai’s Jewish Ghetto with a local guide, visiting Ohel Moishe Synagogue, Huoshan Park, refugee sites, neighborhood homes, and Xiahai Temple.

“The guide was very good and most informative. The whole tour lived up to our expectations .”

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4.2-Hour Beijing Private Forbidden City Tour: History & Highlights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $80

See Beijing’s Forbidden City with a private English-speaking guide, hotel pickup options, key palace halls, and practical Tiananmen Square advice.

“This was one of the best, if not the best tour we have taken, because of our guide, Albert. He was extremely well spoken in English and quite knowledgeable about everything we saw. I would recommend anyone wanting a great educational tour of Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City to select him as your guide.”

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6.Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 14 reviews · from $123

Explore Shanghai’s nongtangs, meet longtime residents, browse local markets, and sample street food on a private two-hour walking tour.

“The weather had a huge effect on our experience as it rained steadily and I got soaked and cold. The focus was on three different types of residential housing It was interesting to go into the alleyways that we would never have dared to venture into on our own. I waylaid the guide to see food outlets that took my attention. We were never invited into a private house so that was misleading.”

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