Chinese Calligraphy, Painting & Craft Courses in Hangzhou
Short answer: we arrange short, hands-on Chinese art and craft courses in Hangzhou for international groups of 20 to 30 people. You can study calligraphy, Chinese ink painting, ceramics, lacquer and other traditional crafts with professional Chinese art teachers. Classes are taught in Chinese with an English interpreter in every class. Prices start at €250 per person per day for classes only, or €350 per person per day including accommodation and meals.
Who teaches: teachers from an established art school in Hangzhou, which runs a large library of Chinese art and craft courses for adult learners.
What you can study
- Chinese calligraphy: regular, running and cursive script, from holding the brush to writing complete pieces.
- Chinese landscape painting, including studying and copying classic Song and Yuan dynasty landscapes.
- Bird-and-flower painting in the freehand (xieyi) style, flowers and insects.
- Figure painting and traditional brush-and-ink technique.
- Traditional crafts and intangible cultural heritage: ceramics (shaping clay), lacquer art with mother-of-pearl inlay, ink rubbings of ancient bricks, an introduction to cultural relic restoration, Chinese knotted buttons (pankou) used on qipao dresses, and Eastern flower arrangement.
- Art appreciation: for example, the Buddhist murals of Dunhuang, combined with a hands-on drawing session.
- Cultural walks in Hangzhou led by teachers, visiting historic temples and archaeological sites from the Wu-Yue kingdom.
Courses are put together for each group. Tell us what you want to learn and how many days you have, and we will propose a programme.
Who these courses are for
- Art and design students and their teachers looking for a study trip to China.
- Fashion, textile and design professionals who want to understand Chinese aesthetics, craft and materials at first hand.
- Travellers who want more from China than sightseeing: a few days learning a real skill from Chinese teachers.
No previous experience or Chinese language is needed for the introductory courses.
How the classes work
- Classes are taught by Chinese teachers in Chinese. Every class has its own English interpreter, so you can ask questions and follow demonstrations.
- Each class has 20 to 30 students and is hands-on: the teacher demonstrates, then you practise.
- Smaller groups or individual travellers: contact us and tell us your plans.
- Programmes can run from a single day to a full study trip.
Prices
- Course only: €250 per person per day, including classes and an English interpreter for your class.
- Course with accommodation and meals: €350 per person per day, including classes, an English interpreter, accommodation and meals.
Flights, visas and travel insurance are not included. Contact us for group quotes and dates.
Why Hangzhou
Hangzhou, about an hour from Shanghai by high-speed train, has been a centre of Chinese painting, calligraphy and crafts for centuries. It also has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the West Lake Cultural Landscape (inscribed 2011), the Grand Canal (2014) and the Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu City (2019). Most groups combine their classes with time around West Lake, the tea villages in the hills and the city's museums.
Visas
Citizens of Italy and many other European countries can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism, business, visiting family and friends, exchange visits and transit; China has extended this policy to 31 December 2026. Check the latest rules with the Chinese embassy or consulate in your country before you book, especially for longer study programmes.
How to book
Email help@chinaforfirsttimers.com with your group size, preferred dates, how many days you have, and which subjects interest you. We will reply with a proposed programme and a quote.
FAQ
Can foreigners take Chinese calligraphy or painting classes in Hangzhou?
Yes. We arrange short calligraphy, ink painting and craft courses in Hangzhou for international groups of 20 to 30 people, taught by Chinese art teachers with an English interpreter in every class.
Are the classes in English?
The teachers teach in Chinese, and every class has its own English interpreter who translates explanations, demonstrations and your questions.
How much does a Chinese art course in Hangzhou cost?
€250 per person per day for classes with an interpreter, or €350 per person per day including accommodation and meals. Flights, visas and insurance are extra.
How big are the classes?
Each class has 20 to 30 students, with one English interpreter per class. If you are a smaller group or travelling alone, contact us and tell us your plans.
Do I need any experience?
No. Introductory courses in calligraphy, painting and crafts are designed for beginners. Experienced artists can ask for more advanced topics, such as copying Song and Yuan landscape paintings.
Do Italians need a visa for a short art course in China?
Italian citizens can currently enter China visa-free for up to 30 days for purposes including tourism and exchange visits, under a policy extended to 31 December 2026. Check with the Chinese embassy or consulate before booking, especially for longer programmes.
Can I combine the course with sightseeing?
Yes. Hangzhou has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including West Lake, and most groups combine classes with time in the city. We can also connect a Hangzhou course with travel elsewhere in China.
Also published on Medium: How to Learn Chinese Calligraphy and Painting in Hangzhou
Last updated: October 2026
Sources: Beijing Municipal Government (visa-free policy, Nov 2025); UNESCO World Heritage Centre.