Shanghai: Dragon Beard Candy Making with a Chef

Discovering the Magic of Dragon Beard Candy in Shanghai

If you’re looking for a hands-on activity that combines culture, history, and sweet treats, the Dragon Beard Candy making workshop in Shanghai might just be your perfect match. This experience offers a chance to learn an ancient craft, taste delicious confections, and gain insight into Chinese culinary artistry—all led by a professional pastry chef trained at Le Cordon Bleu.

What makes this activity stand out? First, the guide’s expertise and local insights truly enhance the experience. Second, the blend of traditional Chinese candy-making with the precision of French pastry techniques creates a unique, high-quality craft. Lastly, the chance to take home your own handmade candy adds a memorable, personal touch. A minor consideration is that waiting times to see the molten sugar transform might be dependent on the chef’s pace, but overall, the value and authenticity outweigh any small delays. This workshop suits travelers eager to explore Chinese history through sweets, those interested in culinary arts, or anyone wanting a fun, memorable activity in Shanghai.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Authentic experience: Hands-on Dragon Beard Candy making guided by a Le Cordon Bleu-trained pastry chef.
• Cultural storytelling: Brief history of the candy’s 2,000-year heritage adds depth to the activity.
• Expert guidance: Personalized instructions ensure you understand each step of the process.
• High-quality ingredients: All materials and tools are provided, ensuring a professional learning environment.
• Take-home treats: You leave with your own handmade candy and recipes to recreate at home.
• Great value: At $36, the experience offers a rich cultural and culinary education packed into two hours.

A Closer Look at the Dragon Beard Candy Making Experience in Shanghai

The Setting and Meeting Point

The workshop begins on the 4th floor of Makerhub, a convenient central location accessible via multiple metro lines, such as Line 11 on Long De Road, Line 14 on Wu Ning Road, or Line 13 also on Wu Ning Road. This central spot makes it easy for travelers to reach, and the meeting process is straightforward. As one reviewer noted, the instructor, who is a native Shanghainese, makes the start of the experience warm and welcoming.

The Preparation and Introduction

Once gathered, the session kicks off with a storytelling segment about the candy’s origins—a delicacy once reserved for Chinese royalty. This narrative adds context and makes the activity more meaningful. The guide’s storytelling is engaging, making you appreciate the cultural significance of this sweet.

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Watching the Demonstration

The instructor then performs a live demonstration, transforming molten sugar into thousands of fine, silky threads that resemble a dragon’s beard. Watching this process—where sugar is stretched and folded over 10,000 times—is mesmerizing. The process highlights both the skill involved and the artistry behind this centuries-old craft.

Your Turn: Making Your Own Dragon Beard Candy

This is the part you’ve been waiting for. Under the chef’s watchful eye, you’ll stretch and fold the sugar dough, creating delicate threads. This step requires patience and a gentle touch but feels surprisingly rewarding. The instructor, who has a background in both Chinese pastry and French patisserie, ensures each participant gets personalized guidance. As one guest shared, “He explained everything and even recommended some places to visit in Shanghai,” which shows the host’s friendly and knowledgeable style.

Wrapping and Finishing Touches

Once the sugar threads are ready, you’ll wrap them around a filling of crushed peanuts, sesame, and coconut. This combination is both traditional and delicious, adding texture and flavor that perfectly complements the silky candy. The process results in a sweet, visually stunning treat that you’ll be proud to take home.

What’s Included and the Value

For $36, you get a two-hour hands-on workshop with all ingredients and equipment provided, personalized instruction from a well-trained pastry chef, and the chance to take home your creations. Plus, you’ll receive a detailed recipe to recreate the experience later. You can also opt to have photos taken during the process, which is a lovely way to remember your craft.

Guests rave about the quality of instruction and the delicious outcome. One reviewer, Niels, called it “very fun and tasty,” emphasizing the friendly guide’s ability to explain everything clearly. The fact that the instructor is a native Shanghainese adds a layer of genuine local insight, which is invaluable.

The Experience’s Atmosphere and Group Size

The workshop is designed for small groups, allowing for a more intimate and personalized experience. This setup means you get plenty of individual attention, making each step more accessible regardless of your baking skill level. The environment is casual but professional, which encourages learning and fun.

Additional Touches and Flexibility

The workshop offers flexibility: you can reserve your spot without paying upfront, giving you a chance to plan your day comfortably. Cancellation is also straightforward—full refunds are available for cancellations made 24 hours in advance.

Is This Experience Worth It?

Absolutely for those who love hands-on cultural activities or are curious about Chinese confectionery. The $36 price point offers good value considering the quality of instruction, the authentic ingredients, and your personalized souvenirs. The storytelling aspect and the chance to learn traditional techniques make it more than just a candy-making class—it’s an immersive cultural lesson.

However, if you’re someone who prefers quick sightseeing or doesn’t enjoy sweet treats, this might not be the ideal fit. Yet, for travelers interested in culinary arts, history, or a fun activity to do with friends or family, this workshop delivers a memorable experience.

Who Will Love This?

This experience is perfect for food lovers seeking authentic Chinese treats, culture enthusiasts eager to learn about traditional crafts, or families and groups looking for a fun, interactive activity. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate high-quality guidance and want a tangible souvenir of their trip.

Practical Details and Tips

• Duration: About 2 hours
• Price: $36 per person, which covers all ingredients and tools
• Language: Conducted in English, making it accessible for international visitors
• Location: 4th floor, Makerhub, easily reachable by multiple metro lines
• Reservations: Book now to secure your spot, with the option to pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• What to Bring: Just your enthusiasm—everything else is provided
• Photo Opportunities: Optional photography available during the class

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this suitable for children?
While the workshop is generally family-friendly, the process involves working with hot sugar, so children should be supervised closely. It’s best suited for older kids or teenagers who can handle the delicate steps.

Do I need prior baking experience?
Not at all. The guide provides personalized instructions, and the process is designed to be accessible for beginners.

Can I recreate the candy at home later?
Yes, you’ll receive a recipe, so you can try making Dragon Beard Candy again in your own kitchen, although replicating the exact finesse might take practice.

Is transportation provided?
No, but the meeting point is conveniently located near multiple metro lines, making it easy to reach.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours before the experience for a complete refund, giving you flexibility in planning your trip.

Will I get enough time to make the candy?
Yes, the two-hour session provides ample time for demonstration, hands-on practice, and wrapping up with your treats.

Is the experience suitable for vegetarians/vegans?
While the ingredients are not explicitly specified, the core of the activity involves sugar and traditional fillings like peanuts and sesame, which are plant-based. Confirming specific dietary restrictions with the provider is recommended.

What’s the end result?
You leave with your own handmade Dragon Beard Candy and a detailed recipe, perfect for sharing or continuing the tradition at home.

Final Thoughts

The Shanghai Dragon Beard Candy making workshop offers a compelling mix of culture, craftsmanship, and deliciousness. Led by a knowledgeable, friendly guide with a background in both Chinese and French pastry arts, it elevates a simple candy-making class into a memorable cultural experience. Whether you’re a foodie, a history buff, or simply in search of a unique activity, this workshop provides genuine value. The chance to create, learn, and enjoy authentic treats makes it a standout activity for anyone wanting to connect deeper with Chinese culinary traditions.

If you’re after an engaging, educational, and tasty activity in Shanghai that offers excellent value and authentic insights, this experience is highly recommended. It’s a sweet way to make your Shanghai trip truly special.

You can check availability for your dates here: