Get introduced to Shanghai's fascinating, occasionally turbulent, modern chronicles during a walk in one of the former foreign concessions, or venture into some of its outlying districts and beyond to better understand the city's long history before the arrival of westerners.
TRADE, TYCOONS, & SKYLINES
>> BEHIND THE ICONIC RIVERFRONT
Step beyond the façades of the Bund and discover the stories hidden behind the famous riverfront. Admire grand old buildings while strolling historic streets, and catch a glimpse of local life as you wander into some tucked-away neighbourhoods. Listen to the stories of the influential figures and colourful characters, who helped shape Shanghai’s remarkable rise, and end with iconic skyline views.
- Available daily all year | duration 2+hrs,
- +-3km of walking,
- Includes bottled water,
- 250 RMB per person (min 4. people or price equivalent).
LANES, TREES, & STONE GATES
>> THE MANY LIFESTYLES IN FRENCHTOWN
Head into the heart of the former French Concession, where Chinese and foreign communities, rich and poor alike, lived side by side in a unique cultural melting pot. Wander through its earliest lanes, where bustling alleyways stood in striking contrast to grand mansions, and hear about the stories of the various people who once lived here and witnessed how the Shanghainese way of life evolved in this vibrant period.
- Available daily all year | duration 2+hrs,
- +-3km of walking,
- Includes bottled water,
- 250 RMB per person (min 4. people or price equivalent).
FAME, FORTUNE, & FAST CRIMES
>> A WAY OF LIFE OUTSIDE THE LAW
Stroll the tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession, and discover its hidden mansions, tranquil lanes, and lush gardens, as you follow in the footsteps of the pioneers and the gangsters of early 20th century Shanghai. Find out how they made, and lost, their fortunes, and finally, how the days of the foreign concessions ended as China embraced its Communist future.
- Available daily all year | duration 2+hrs,
- +-3km of walking,
- Includes bottled water,
- 250 RMB per person (min 4. people or price equivalent).
REFUGEES, INCENSE, & BEEFSTEAKS
>> CHANGING FORTUNES IN SIN CITY
Unravel the unlikely history of Suzhou Creek’s most prominent apartment building, as you wander its corridors and staircases. Continue to Shanghai’s former grand slaughterhouse, an Art Deco and feng shui masterpiece, discover its fascinating inner workings before finishing at a remote Buddhist nunnery, once a seafaring folks’ favourite to pray for a safe maritime voyage.
- Available daily all year | duration 3hrs,
- +-2km of walking,
- Includes bottled water, entrance fee & public transport (metro & Didi),
- 275 RMB per person (min 4. people or price equivalent).
GOT A BICYCLE? Ask about our price reduction if you have access to a (shared) bicycle instead of using on public transport.
SHANGHAI 101
>> FAST COURSE TO CHINA'S LARGEST CITY
Explore the major sights as well as some lesser-known gems of the iconic Bund area. Gain a deeper understanding of the cultural blends and clashes that have defined Shanghai’s unique character and helped transform the city into the financial powerhouse it is today. Cross the Huangpu River to visit the 632m tall Shanghai Tower for panoramic views over the city. After, stroll the tree-lined streets of the former French Concession before you finish at one of Shanghai’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
- Available daily all year | duration 6+hrs,
- >5km of walking,
- Includes lunch, entrance fees & public transport (ferry & DiDi),
- 2-8 people | 1,200 - 650 RMB per person,
CANALSIDE HERITAGE & REVOLUTION
>> BEYOND THE VENICE OF THE EAST
Explore two distinctive canal towns a stone’s throw from Shanghai and experience the difference in canal side lifestyles with or without commercial tourism. Learn about their imperial origins, their revolutionary past, and the choices they face to stay relevant with the arrival of the masses and the mythicization of the ‘idyllic water town’.
- Available daily all year | duration 7+hrs.,
- +-3km of walking | +- 2.5hrs drive (total),
- Includes lunch, entrance fees & private transportation,
- 2-8 people | 1,200 - 500 RMB per person,
EXCLUSIVE EDITION! Skip the second, more commercialised canal town and instead you are invited to an independent, not open to the public, arts centre, dedicated to preserving traditional arts and handicrafts, and home to an unrivalled collection of Chinese antiques. Add 150 RMB per person.
ADMINS, LIONS, & LOVERS
>> A WALK THROUGH SUZHOU'S CLASSIC GARDENS
Spend a day wandering the refined world of Suzhou’s classical gardens, masterpieces of landscape design that have inspired poets, painters, and scholars for centuries. Accompanied by our specialist guide, visit two famous and one lesser-known garden and learn about the symbolism behind the pavilions, rockeries, and plantings, which bring to life the philosophy that shaped these UNESCO-listed treasures. Return to Shanghai late afternoon.
- Available daily all year | duration 7+hrs.,
- 5km of walking | +- 2.5hrs drive (total),
- Includes lunch with non-alcoholic drinks & private transportation,
- 2-8 people | 2,100 - 950 RMB per person,
GOT TRANSPORT? Ask about our price reduction if you’re in Suzhou already, or if you have your own transportation.