Highlights
- Visit all must-see (and Instagrammable) downtown attractions!
- Follow native-level English speaking guides who are excellent storytellers!
- Taste authentic local street food and drinks that only locals know!
- Meet fellow travelers, make friends, and share the journey together
- Get useful travel tips & e-guidebook to help plan your Shanghai stay!
Description
Shanghai, known as the 'Pearl of the Orient,' is famous for its dazzling skyline, iconic landmarks, and ultra-modern energy.
But the true charm of Shanghai goes far beyond what meets the eye—it lies in the stories of its people, their everyday lives, and the social fabric that weaves the city together.
On this cultural walking tour, we’ll of course visit the city’s most famous must-see landmarks, including People's Square, East Nanjing Road, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden etc. But more importantly, we’ll uncover the stories behind them!
We’ll walk through places where history quietly reshaped the city: from a British horse-racing course a century ago to today’s grand City Hall; from a once-swampy riverside to the elegant European-style architectures along the Bund; from the city’s former red-light district to a bustling shopping center; and from a quiet fishing village to a vibrant 'Chinatown' bazaar packed with sightseers and shoppers.
Along the way, we’ll introduce you to some unique aspects of Chinese culture: how ancient Feng Shui principles still influence modern urban planning; how local seniors enjoy early retirement by practicing tai chi, dancing, or even 'bird walking'; and how anxious Chinese parents gather at weekend “marriage market” to find partners for their single children—think of it as an offline version of Tinder!
We’ll also dive into deeper discussions about China’s social development: the legacy of the One-Child Policy and how it shaped generations of Chinese families and personalities; how scooter delivery drivers power the nation’s economy by delivering online purchases straight to people’s doorsteps; and what it’s like for thousands of locals to live in apartments as small as 5 square meters per person, nestled between Gucci and Prada stores on the city’s busiest shopping streets.
And the best part of the tour: we’ll take you to a real local street to taste authentic Shanghai street food—pancakes, soup dumplings, steamed buns, bubble tea, you name it! For just 5 USD, you can fill up for the rest of the day!
By the end of this 3.5–4 hour tour, you won’t just have seen Shanghai—you’ll truly understand it. Through stories of Shanghai’s past and present, you’ll experience the city through the eyes of a local and gain deeper insight into what made China the China it is today.
Excited? Come join us—welcome aboard!
Includes
Guided walking tour led by local storytellers with native-level English
Visits to 87.3% (•̀ᴗ• ) major downtown Shanghai attractions
Engaging local stories and cultural anecdotes
Discussions on China's social topics and urban development
Food tasting at an authentic local food street
Farewell gift: Local travel tips collection & China survival guide booklet
Excludes
Transportation to and from the meeting point
Personal food and drink expenses at snack break (~30 RMB per person)
Tips for your guide If you enjoy the tour (which we’re pretty confident you will)!
Important Information
- MEETING TIME:
10 AM and 2 PM every day. During summer, we move our afternoon tour to the evening (starting at 5 PM) to avoid the extreme heat.
❓What is the difference between morning and afternoon tours?
The itinerary is exactly the same, except that the afternoon tour ends at the Bund, allowing you to enjoy the stunning night view, while the morning tour includes a 30-minute longer walk and ends at the Yuyuan Garden Bazaar, giving you the chance to visit the garden (which closes at 4 PM) and do more sightseeing. Both offer great experiences—choose the time that suits you best!
When the tour ends, you're the boss—it's your chance to reward your guide based on how much you enjoyed the experience (and we're pretty sure you're going to love it)!
‼️Attention: We do not accept bookings for parties larger than 6 people (e.g., large families, travel groups, student groups). If you’re traveling with more than 6 people, please request a private tour.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
