Join our top-rated free walking tour through the iconic Former French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most scenic and culturally rich neighborhoods. In just 3 hours, uncover how this leafy district transformed from a colonial-era enclave into a beloved local gem. Stroll shaded tree-lined avenues, admire European-style architecture, and explore hidden alleys filled with history, culture, and charm. From Art Deco mansions to trendy cafés and quiet courtyards, every corner tells a story. Led by passionate local guides, this tip-based tour blends Shanghai’s history, daily life, and architectural beauty—a must-do experience for curious travelers.
09:00AM Morning Tour
13:30PM Afternoon Tour
Times may vary—please check the calendar for current availability.
📍 Look for the PANDA flag at the meeting point.
⏰ Please arrive 5–10 minutes early.
🔒 Advance booking required.
South Huangpi Road Metro Station (Lines 1), Exit 1
In front of the Shanghai Central Plaza
📍Address:
#381 Huaihai Road,Shanghai Central Plaza,Huangpu,Shanghai.
In Chinese： 黄陂南路地铁站1号出口；淮海路与淡水路交叉口.
Ending Point: Tian Zi Fang Area
Conveniently located near Dapuqiao Metro Station (Line 9)
(Chinese: 田子坊，近9号线打浦桥地铁站)
A vibrant arts and crafts district where you can eat, shop, and explore more at your own pace — the perfect spot to continue your Shanghai adventure!
Comfortable walking shoes
Personal skincare essentials
Cash for tipping – Show appreciation to your guide at the end.
(Suggested tip: 200–250 RMB / 25–30 USD or EUR per person)
An open mind – Bring curiosity and a sense of adventure!
Middle Huaihai Road – Shanghai’s elegant shopping boulevard
The Former French Club – a glimpse into colonial high society
Verdun Garden – tranquil greenery with historic charm
Traditional Shanghai Alleyways – explore authentic neighborhood life
Shanghai Culture Square – modern arts meets historic architecture
Sinan Mansions – beautifully restored historic villas
One of Shanghai’s Most Expensive Hotels – luxury and legacy
St. Peter’s Church – a peaceful spiritual landmark
Former French Courthouse – colonial power and architecture
And more hidden gems along the way!
As a tip-based tour, you decide the value! Simply tip your guide at the end based on your experience — no upfront cost, no pressure. This model ensures our passionate local guides always give their best to make your tour unforgettable.
Suggested Tip: 200–250 RMB (25–30 USD/Euro) per person.
Feel free to reach out and we're happy to answer any questions you may have.
“Beautiful mix of history and daily life”
I loved every minute of this walking tour through the French Concession. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and brought the history to life with great stories. Walking through the tree-lined streets and seeing the old villas gave me a deeper appreciation of Shanghai’s colonial past. It’s the best way to explore this charming neighborhood and understand the cultural heritage behind the elegant buildings.
Anna Müller, Germany
“Insightful and well-organized walking tour”
This was the highlight of my trip to Shanghai. The French Concession is full of surprises, and this free walking tour took us to places I would never have found on my own. The guide was enthusiastic and spoke excellent English. We saw historic sites, Art Deco buildings, and cozy cafés—plus the story behind Tian Zi Fang was fascinating. Highly recommend for first-time visitors!
Sarah Thompson, Canada
No, advance booking is required. We carefully manage group sizes to ensure the best experience for everyone.and keep you updated about any changes or cancellations. Booking is quick, easy, and completely free—it only takes 2 minutes!
Yes! You’ll get a confirmation email within 30′ after booking. One day before the tour, your guide will send you a welcome email with their contact details and important tour information. Please double-check that you provide a correct and working email address.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sunscreen, a hat or cap, and a bottle of water. Don’t forget your curiosity—we love answering questions! During the rainy season, an umbrella or raincoat is also recommended.
The morning tour runs from 09:00 AM to 13:00 PM, lasting approximately 4 hours. The afternoon tour run from 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM, lasting around 3 .5 to 4 hours. Times may vary slightly depending on the pace and group size.
Yes! Our tours run rain or shine, so please dress accordingly. In the rare case of extreme weather (such as a typhoon or severe storm), we may cancel the tour for safety reasons. You’ll receive a welcome email the day before the tour with weather updates and any changes if necessary.
While tipping isn’t a traditional custom in China, our local guides work hard to offer you the best possible experience. As our tours are tip-based, your gratuity is not only appreciated—it’s how our guides earn a living. Tipping is seen as a sign of respect and satisfaction, and your generosity goes a long way in supporting passionate local experts.
Yes! We offer private tours for groups of 15 or more. Whether you’re a family, school, company, or travel group, our Private Group Walking Tours or bus tours can be customized to your interests and schedule.
Not at all! Our 4 to 4.5-hour tour is thoughtfully paced with plenty of breaks to rest, take photos, and enjoy snacks. Many of our past guests—from toddlers in strollers to energetic seniors—have completed the tour comfortably. Just wear comfy shoes, stay curious, and enjoy the journey!
Yes! Every tour includes 1–2 short breaks for snacks, drinks, and toilet access. While we don’t stop at restaurants, you’ll get to enjoy authentic and affordable local street food along the way—perfect for a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant culinary scene!
All of our public free walking tours are conducted in English. However, we also offer private tours in Mandarin and Spanish upon request.
我們可以做中文私人訂製團。
Podemos hacer tours privados en español.
Make the most of your visit with our handpicked walking tours, food adventures, cultural experiences, and private day trips—crafted to help you see the real Shanghai.
