CIEE HS Summer Abroad in Shanghai: Culinary Arts & Culture

Taste your way through the rich culinary traditions of China as you create your own menu in Shanghai.

Food is so much more than fuel; it’s a window into culture, history, and the traditions that bring people together. Shanghai is the perfect place to explore Chinese cuisines alongside the global influences that have shaped the city’s dynamic food scene for generations. With a cohort of like-minded foodies, discover Chinese cooking and develop the skills to create your own signature dish.

Begin in professional teaching kitchens, where guided tastings and hands-on cooking workshops introduce you to the foundations of Chinese cuisine. Then dive into hands-on experiences: bustling markets, neighborhood breakfast shops, local restaurants, and a visit to the historic culinary city of Yangzhou, the birthplace of one of China’s four great culinary traditions, Huaiyang. As your skills and confidence grow, you’ll experiment with new ingredients and techniques, drawing inspiration from your experiences to create your own unique take on Chinese cuisine.

Train with experienced masters to learn the fundamentals of Tai Chi and Shaolin Kung Fu. On a sunset cruise along the Huangpu River, take in the historic Bund district and the city’s futuristic skyline. You’ll return home with incredible memories and friendships, bursting with inspiration for your next chapter in culinary arts.