Art Courses in Shanghai Connect Locals and Expats

On a crisp evening at the Shanghai Mass Art Center, a group of students – some in traditional Chinese attire, others casually dressed – gathered.

Among them was Gabrielle, an American studying Chinese at Fudan University, who has immersed herself in calligraphy, classical makeup, and other traditional disciplines.

"It's really fun learning more about Chinese culture," she said. "And it's very enriching for my language acquisition. Here I feel I can really dive deep into Chinese culture."

This year, the Citizen Art Night School has expanded its reach, offering 3,320 courses across 614 venues to approximately 71,000 local and international participants.

The newly introduced Citizen Day School has also seen strong demand, enrolling over 4,100 students at 69 locations.

Tailored programs for children and seniors further ensure the initiative serves all age groups, promoting lifelong learning and creative engagement.

This fall, the program in Yangpu District drew an enthusiastic cohort of international students, with participants from Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Russia, Brazil, Thailand, and beyond.

They joined 12 immersive sessions exploring China's intangible cultural heritage, from the fluid movements of Mian Quan martial arts to the precision of Cao Sugong ink sticks and the playful skill of diabolo performances.

Anne, a student from Turkmenistan, shared that she had previously only seen diabolo and calligraphy on television. "But trying them myself," she said, "was truly unforgettable."

Organizers said plans are already underway to expand the curriculum further.