A reunion forty years in the making, a vegetarian Chinese cooking class, and the small moments that made one afternoon in Shanghai unforgettable.

A father and daughter from the United States joined our Shanghai dumpling cooking class as part of their global tradition of learning local cuisine together. Having already taken classes in six countries, the young traveler created an imaginative octopus dumpling—making this experience their most memorable cooking class so far.

Many first-time travelers arrive in China well-prepared but rely on outdated digital tools like Google Maps. This guide explains which apps you truly need in 2026, which popular apps require a VPN, and why local platforms offer a more accurate travel experience. Includes practical insights from real guest experiences in Shanghai.