About Us

Free Tours Shanghai is the leading provider of free walking tours in Shanghai, designed to give travelers an unforgettable, local perspective on China’s most dynamic city. Whether you're here for a day or a week, our expertly guided tours help you explore Shanghai’s culture, history, food, and hidden gems — all for free. Founded by passionate local guides and experienced expats, our mission is to make Shanghai accessible, authentic, and fun for everyone. From the iconic Bund skyline and colonial architecture to the buzzing alleyways of the Former French Concession, our tours go beyond the guidebook and bring the city to life. ✅ 100% tip-based – You decide what the tour is worth ✅ Top-rated local guides – Enthusiastic, informative, and friendly ✅ Small groups, big stories – Designed for personal and immersive experiences ✅ Daily tours in English – Easy to book, easy to join We’ve welcomed thousands of happy travelers from around the world, and we’re proud to be one of the highest-rated free tour companies in Shanghai. Join us and discover the real Shanghai — one step at a time.

Our Mission

At Free Tours Shanghai, our mission is to make Shanghai’s rich history, culture, and local life accessible to everyone through fun, informative, and tip-based walking tours. We believe travel should be meaningful, affordable, and engaging — not just sightseeing, but storytelling. We’re committed to: Connecting visitors with real Shanghai, beyond tourist traps Supporting local guides with fair, flexible opportunities Promoting cultural exchange through honest, human connection Offering high-quality tours for all budgets, with no pressure, just passion Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, our goal is to help you see Shanghai through local eyes — and leave with stories you'll never forget.

Adventure Team

Passionate local guides sharing real Shanghai through unforgettable walking tours.

Rachel Wu

The Modern Shanghai Guide

With a background in journalism, Rachel dives into Shanghai’s rapid development, tech scene, and social trends — giving guests a real-time look at the city in motion.

Chen Hao

The Pop Culture Insider

A filmmaker and lifelong Shanghainese, Chen Hao blends history with today’s trends — from movie sets and manga cafés to Shanghai’s streetwear and music scenes.

Fiona Zhang

The Tea & Temple Guide

A certified tea sommelier and spiritual seeker, Fiona leads calming tours through temples, tea houses, and old soul corners of the city.

Eric Du

The Local Legend

Born in a Shikumen house in the heart of Shanghai, Eric shares deeply personal stories of growing up in changing neighborhoods — raw, real, and relatable.

Natalia Zhou

The Family Tour Pro

Marco lives for the off-the-beaten-path. From tucked-away alley cafés to forgotten architectural wonders, he’ll take you to places even locals don’t know.

We Are Hiring Tour Guides!

Are you passionate about Shanghai? Do you love sharing stories, meeting new people, and exploring hidden corners of the city? Free Tours Shanghai is looking for enthusiastic, friendly, and knowledgeable tour guides to join our growing Adventure Team!

To join our team of expert Shanghai tour guides, candidates should meet the following key requirements:

Extensive knowledge of Shanghai’s history, culture, neighborhoods, and landmarks — ensuring you can provide rich, authentic stories and insights.

Fluent English language skills to communicate effectively with international travelers; proficiency in additional languages (Mandarin, Spanish, French, etc.) is highly valued.

Strong storytelling and public speaking abilities with a friendly, outgoing personality to engage and entertain diverse tour groups.

Experience or confidence in leading walking tours and managing groups in a safe, professional, and enthusiastic manner.