Where do all those colors come from?
Cici will show you how everyday ingredients can turn plain dough into naturally colored wrappers — without losing the texture needed for a good dumpling.
A Colorful DumplingExperience with Cici
Color the dough with everyday ingredients, shape dumplings by hand, and discover the stories, symbols and family traditions behind one of China’s most loved foods.
Why make colorful dumplings with Cici?
Jiaozi may look simple, but in China they carry much more than filling. Their colors, shapes and folds can lead into stories about family, celebration and good fortune. With Cici, you’ll discover these little details while making your own — one fold at a time.
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Why are dumplings shaped like little ingots?
Discover why the classic jiaozi shape is linked with old Chinese silver ingots — and why dumplings became a symbol of luck and prosperity at Chinese New Year.
Why do Chinese families make dumplings together?
For many families, especially in northern China, making jiaozi is something people do together around the table. Cici will show you why the making can matter just as much as the eating.
Your local host
Meet Cici
A local host who knows how to make Chinese food culture easy to understand.
Cici grew up in Shandong, northern China, where making dumplings and steamed buns was simply part of everyday family life.
Years later in Shanghai, that ordinary skill unexpectedly became her way of meeting people from around the world.
When she first began teaching international guests, her English was limited. So she taught herself from scratch — and over the years, she learned not only how to explain a recipe, but how to explain the parts of Chinese food culture that locals often take for granted.
Today, Cici teaches with warmth, humor and plenty of hands-on guidance, helping guests feel relaxed, curious and involved from the very first dumpling.
10+ years teaching40+ countries welcomed900+ guests hosted
Cook, connect, enjoy
Your experience with Cici
1
Discover the stories behind jiaozi
Start with Cici’s demonstration and discover why dumplings are tied to family, celebration and good fortune in Chinese culture.
2
Make them colorful
Create naturally colored dough, prepare the filling, then roll and fold your dumplings with Cici guiding you step by step.
3
Cook, sit down & share
Cook your dumplings, gather around the table and enjoy what you’ve made over food, stories and conversation.
At Cici’s table
Come as strangers,
share a table.
Travelers from different places arrive at Cici’s kitchen as strangers. You cook, laugh, share stories and sit down to enjoy what you’ve made together. For one morning in Shanghai, you become part of the same table.
Perfect for curious travelers
For people who want more than sightseeing.
Easy to join solo
Come on your own — the table makes conversation easy.
No cooking experience needed
Cici guides you step by step.
Couples, friends & families welcome
A relaxed experience to enjoy together.
Before you request
Questions, answered.
Q: Do I need any cooking experience?
A: Not at all. Both experiences are designed for beginners and first-time cooks. Cici will guide you step by step, so you can relax, enjoy the process and have fun.
Q: Can you accommodate vegetarian, vegan or other dietary requirements?
A: Vegetarian and pork-free options may be possible with advance notice. Vegan and other dietary requests will need to be confirmed individually. Please include your requirements when booking.
Q: Where does the experience take place?
A: The experience takes place in central Shanghai. The exact address and arrival details will be shared after your booking is confirmed.
Q: Can I book a private class or group experience?
A: Yes. A private booking reserves the full class for your group, with up to 10 guests. Select the private option when booking to view availability and pricing.
Q: What is the cancellation policy?
A: Guest cancellations and lower-value changes receive a 94% refund 72 hours or more before the start time, a 47% refund between 24 and 72 hours, and no refund within 24 hours or for no-shows. These percentages include a 6% non-refundable payment processing fee applied only to the amount otherwise eligible for refund. Date/time changes with no reduction in booking value have no fee. Cancellations by Cici are fully refundable.
Q: Are children welcome?
A: Yes. Children are welcome and are charged at the same per-person rate as adults. Please share their ages and any special needs when booking so Cici can prepare accordingly.
Q: What if I have food allergies?
A: Please describe all food allergies clearly when booking. Cici will review your request and let you know whether the experience can be safely accommodated before the class.
Q: How does booking work?
A: Choose your experience, preferred date and group size, then complete payment online. Your booking is confirmed once payment has been successfully completed.
Q: Can I change my date, group size or experience after booking?
A: Yes, changes may be possible depending on availability. If the change affects the booking total, the applicable price difference or service fee will be calculated before the change is confirmed.
Q: What is included in the price?
A: All ingredients and cooking equipment are included, along with tea and the food you prepare during the experience. You’ll also receive digital recipe notes to take home.
Ready to spend a afternoon with Cici?
Make dumplings. Share stories. Take home memories.
FromUS$65/ person
FromUS$65/ person
Save more with larger groups · Private sessions available