A tai chi class is held at the Shanghai Mass Art Center. [Photo/Xinmin Evening News]
Looking to spice up your evenings with some creativity, culture, or even career skills? The Shanghai Citizen Art Night School is back this spring with a bigger and better lineup of courses, and it’s now open to even more people. Enrollment starts on March 10, so mark your calendars and get ready for a new lease on life!
What’s new this year?
This semester, the night school is pulling out all the stops:
- More age groups welcome: Previously open only to people aged 18–55, the program now welcomes students aged 56–70, with 50 specially designed courses on topics like handicrafts and calligraphy.
- Expanding beyond Shanghai: For the first time, the night school is expanding outside the city, with a new campus in Changzhou, Jiangsu province. You can explore the local culture with courses like bamboo carving and sandpaper painting.
- Vocational skills: In need of a career boost? The night school now offers practical courses like flower arrangement and teacher training—perfect for turning your evenings into opportunities.
What’s on the menu?
With 1,651 courses across 496 teaching sites, there’s something for everyone:
- Traditional culture: Over a third of the courses focus on Chinese heritage. Learn embroidery, make scented bags, or explore Confucian and ethnic cultures.
- Healing arts: Need to unwind after work? Try painting, five-tone music therapy, or yoga – all designed to help you relax and recharge.
- Universities opening their doors: Prestigious institutions like Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai Ocean University, and Sanda University are opening their doors to the public. Whether you’re into traditional aerobics, baduanjin, sketching, or makeup artistry, there’s sure to be a class just for you.
Expats take part in a pastry-making class in Shanghai. [Photo/IC]
Notice to prospective students:
Class schedule:
April 7 to July 7
Every Monday to Friday
7 pm to 8:30 pm / 6 pm to 7:30 pm
Registration period:
10 am on March 10 to 5 pm on March 21
How to register:
Step 1:
To get started, search “上海市民艺术夜校”（the Chinese name of the Shanghai Citizen Art Night School）on WeChat. Click to view the account of the Shanghai Mass Art Center that pops up, then choose the “services” column.
Step 2：
Choose the appropriate class category, whether it’s for the young and middle-aged (18–55 yrs old) or seniors (56–70 yrs old).
Step 3:
Choose the specific class you’re interested in and sign up!
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, explore Chinese culture, or even boost your career prospects, the Shanghai Citizen Art Night School has you covered. Don’t miss out – enroll now and make your evenings more enriching!
Sources: Jiefang Daily, thepaper.cn, official WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal People’s Government
,https://english.shanghai.gov.cn/en-Latest-WhatsNew/20250307/b0f1e6c2370f4866b2e1deee7355732c.html