Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour

Recommended by 93% of travelers

Shanghai, China

2 hours (approx.)
Group discounts
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

Explore our promoted experiences

Shanghai, Eastern China

Shanghai Old Town Private Walking Tour With A Guide

from $71

Price varies by group size

Shanghai, Eastern China

Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option

from $198

Price varies by group size

Private Suzhou and Zhouzhuang or Tongli Tour from Shanghai

Shanghai, Eastern China

4.9

(45)

Private Suzhou and Zhouzhuang or Tongli Tour from Shanghai

from $280

Price varies by group size

Viator earns higher commissions on experiences featured here

Overview

Gain a deeper insight into local Shanghai life on a 2-hour tour with an expert guide who shows you the city’s hidden alleyways and older districts known as 'nontangs.' Learn about the distinctive design and architecture in the nontangs; meet some long-time residents who invite you into their homes; then explore a local food market and sample some tasty street food (own expense). This is a private tour just for you and your party.

2-hour walking tour of the Shanghai's nongtangs - historic backstreets and alleyways
Explore the old lanes and districts of the city for an authentic, exclusive Shanghai experience
Visit the home of long-time local residents and hear their interesting stories
Discover small, hidden markets and stores owned by locals
Expert and knowledgeable local guide ensures an informative and entertaining tour

What's Included

Private walking tour
Local English-speaking guide

Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Xizang Road (S)
Xi Zang Nan Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China
Outside of the Hanting Express (Shanghai South Xizang Road Branch)，Feel free to email us for a picture of the meeting point. You could also call Shanghai Pathways at 0086-18917939860 for assistance.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

If you have already visited Shanghai’s Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden and wish to go beyond the popular tourist spots, you'll get a new perspective on this walking tour that explores Shanghai's courtyard alleyways, known as nongtangs. The nontangs are back passageways that combine traditional building design with modern Western architecture, offering a unique urban atmosphere not found in other places. The nongtangs were established in the 1920s and many of the original inhabitants still live there and retain elements of the old ways despite the pace of change in other parts of Shanghai.

As you meander through the nongtangs with your experienced guide, listen to fascinating anecdotes that reveal the cultural norms in the nongtangs. Your guide also introduces you to some of the local elderly residents who welcome your into their homes to socialize and learn about their daily life and their past. History comes alive when you hear their stories, and you can learn how the changes in modern Shanghai have affected their lifestyle.

Small food markets operate along the alleyways, often owned by local residents who supply their neighborhood with fresh produce and other goods. Your guide takes you to some of these tucked-away shops and wet markets where you can meet the owners and learn about their livelihoods. You can also purchase some local delicacies such as tea eggs, which are hard boiled eggs cooked in tea and a marinade sauce. Sampling street food makes perfect complement to this unforgettable experience of authentic Shanghai.

Shanghai Pathways-Private One-day and Walking Tours

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation

Transportation is wheelchair accessible
Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Most travelers can participate
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Reviews

4.6

based on 14 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great tour, very interesting to see...

Sophie S, Nov 2017

Great tour, very interesting to see Shanghai local life, Mason is an awesome tour guide.

Fascinating and interestin tour. Guide...

Deborah M, Jul 2016

Fascinating and interestin tour. Guide was delightful

The weather had a huge effect on our...

Katherine_B, Jun 2016

The weather had a huge effect on our experience as it rained steadily and I got soaked and cold. The focus was on three different types of residential housing It was interesting to go into the alleyways that we would never have dared to venture into on our own. I waylaid the guide to see food outlets that took my attention. We were never invited into a private house so that was misleading.

The tour was educational. The guide...

Abram_B, Apr 2016

The tour was educational. The guide was knowledgeable. It too difficult trying to confirm the details as to where and when to meet. In other countries, it was much easier to communicate and know the details well in advance. Since gmail is blocked in China, it was difficult to contact or receive communications.

We loved this tour and Mary, our...

dft, Mar 2016

We loved this tour and Mary, our guide. She was excellent--very well prepared, very familiar with the area we toured, and a very friendly and charming personality. This is a very interesting view of every day life in Shanghai.

The tour was excellent and very...

Michael T, Nov 2015

The tour was excellent and very informative we enjoyed it very much. Would highly recommend your company to friends and family Thank you Michael

excellent tour we loved every thing...

CHRISTINE D A, Jun 2015

excellent tour we loved every thing about it, our guide Zoe was the best she explained everything so clear. loved it so much and would use your company again if we come to Shanghai again.

Great tour very informative and...

James C, May 2014

Great tour very informative and guide was the best , I just wished they would pick up at Hotel.

Excellent tour from start to finish...

Jan P, Apr 2014

Excellent tour from start to finish. Thoroughly enjoyed seeing and hearing about the lives of the Shanghai residents. Tour guides pitched it right and kept me and my husband enthralled. It's a must to get off the tourist route and experience the real city.

A personal tour around the alleyways...

Andrew_G, Mar 2013

A personal tour around the alleyways with someone who has lived there, very informative although we felt intrusive to the people who lived there at times

Of all the tours we took this really...

Robert M, Sep 2012

Of all the tours we took this really explained the life and living conditions of the local people. We were right in the lanes and alleyways talking to the local residents. We did not want the tour to end. Don'T miss this tour.