The Middle House

Begin your journey in a leafy historic district where quiet streets hint at Shanghai’s cultural past. With your private guide you’ll visit the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Museum and wander through its century-old halls to learn how symphonic music took root in the city.

Exhibits reveal stories of composers, instruments and performances that shaped Shanghai’s musical identity. The experience continues at the Shanghai Symphony Hall, an architectural landmark where you’ll head backstage for a rare meeting with young musicians. Their insights bring a human warmth to the space offering a thoughtful look at dedication craft and the evolving world of symphonic art.

Enter the world of Chinese calligraphy through an intimate session guided by a master of the craft. Begin with a curated visit to either the Shanghai Museum or the Shanghai Brush and Ink Museum where historic works reveal the evolution of brush technique and the cultural meanings behind each stroke.

Your guide shares stories that bring these pieces to life offering context that deepens appreciation for this art form. Then sit with the calligraphy master to try the brush yourself, learning how movement, breath and intention shape every character. You will leave with your own artwork and a richer understanding of Chinese heritage.

Explore Shanghai through a photographer’s lens on a walk that reveals the city’s character beyond the usual landmarks. Wander through the French-style paths of Fuxing Park before slipping into quieter lanes where daily life unfolds around markets, aunties dancing and handsome art deco façades.

Your guide helps you find angles that bring these scenes to life while sharing simple techniques to refine your images. From real lane houses to skyline viewpoints each stop offers a fresh way to frame the city’s heritage and modern pulse. By the end you will have a set of thoughtful photographs that capture Shanghai’s spirit.