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Private Colonial Walking Tour: Shanghai French Concession

Recommended by 91% of travelers
Shanghai, China
  • 2 hours (approx.)
  • Group discounts
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Return to the opulent age of French colonial China on an intriguing 2-hour private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession. Led by an expert historian guide, weave your way around significant sites on which the First Conference of the Communist Party took place and marvel at charming apartments and grand villas. Meander through narrow walkways and discover secretive spots that still retain some enigmatic French charm. Receive personalized attention from your guide, this is a private tour just for you and your party.
  • 2-hour walking tour of the Shanghai French Concession
  • Learn about the history of this unique part of Shanghai, once owned by the French, through the eyes of a local
  • Visit Xin Tian Di, where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place
  • Pass quaint villas and apartments from the early 1900s, admire a French-style park and explore an arts and crafts enclave
  • Your expert local guide will point out how this area retains its distinct French character

What's Included

  • Private walking tour
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Gratuities
  • Food and drinks
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Huangpi Road (S)
    Huang Pi Nan Lu, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China

    Outside of the "EXIT" site of the 1st National Congress of the Communist Party of China Museum, Please kindly contact Shanghai Pathways to confirm and get the meeting point picture in advance. The email address is listed on your voucher.

End point

  • Tianzifang
    210弄 Tai Kang Lu, Huang Pu Qu, China, 200023

Itinerary

Greet your guide at a central Shanghai location and embark on your private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession. Listen as your guide sets the historical scene and directs your attention to cobbled streets and wrought-iron railings reminiscent of 19th-century Paris. Hear of the radical cultural transformation that occurred at the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party and absorb the botanical beauty of a French-style park during your stroll. 

Admire the intricate facades of villas and apartments built in the early 20th century and discover the famous figures that have resided within. Take to the back streets in order to catch a rare glimpse of local Shanghai life and then enjoy some leisurely free time in Tianzifang. 

Browse the bespoke boutiques, handicraft stores and charismatic restaurants of the enclave and then bid your guide and group farewell. Feel free to continue exploring independently or make your own way back to your accommodation.
1

Xintiandi

Admission Ticket Free

2

Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party

Admission Ticket Free

3

Former French Concession

Admission Ticket Free

4

Shanghai Pathways-Private One-day and Walking Tours

Admission Ticket Free

5

Xingmu Handicraft Tianzifang

Admission Ticket Free

6

ShangHai XinTianDi NanLi

Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Meeting point is subject to change. Please confirm with your tour operator at least 24 hours prior to departure time
  • 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

Cancellation Policy

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

Reviews

4.4
based on 11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Tour to the French Concession in Shanghai

Inspire185971, Oct 2019
We had a fantastic time visiting the French Concession in large part, because our guide, Zara was so informative and friendly. We really sharpened up on our history of Modern China and Shanghai and Zara gave us this education in a way such that we will probably remember what we learned for a long time. My wife and I do a lot of traveling and we frequently engage the services of guides. Visiting Shanghai French Concession, we looked for a very good guide and indeed we found one with Zara.

It's a good tour for getting an...

Kathy C, Sep 2017
It's a good tour for getting an overview of the French Concession. There is also a history lesson on the birth of the communist party as we started with the tour of the museum of the first conference of the communist party. Zoe was knowledgeable about the French Concession and the history of Shanghai. Being a born and bred Shanghainese, it's interesting getting her perspective on Shanghai, its history and people. If it wasn't for my poor legs, I could have walked on for another few hours, wandering through the beautiful French Concession and listening to Zoe's account of the area in its hey day.

Mary our guide was excellent. The...

Marie L, May 2016
Mary our guide was excellent. The tour was interesting and relaxing up until we reached Tianzifang. The crowds were unbelievable and you could only follow the person in front of you. Unfortunately we picked the wrong weekend to visit as it was the May Day holidays in Shanghai. Make sure you check to make sure there are no public holidays when you visit.

The tour was very interesting...

Margarita M, Nov 2015
The tour was very interesting, well-paced, and we were pleasantly surprised to see how beautiful the French concession area is. Our tour guide, Zoe, was very patient in explaining details and facts about Shanghai history, and we learned a lot that day.

This was an excellent tour and...

CHRISTOPHER B, Aug 2015
This was an excellent tour and provided the detail I was looking for. Our tour leader was knowledgeable and she was able to explain clearly . I recommend this tour to those who seek a detailed tour of the Former French Concession. You will not find better.

Wonderful! Mary was a great tour...

Rachael C, Jun 2015
Wonderful! Mary was a great tour guide. She was really fun, sweet and answered all of our questions. We had a wonderful afternoon.

Zoe was excellent and we thoroughly...

Leaon C R, May 2015
Zoe was excellent and we thoroughly enjoyed the tour. Would highly recommend it. Trish and Lee

This was a wonderful tour which...

mrs c morrin m, Apr 2015
This was a wonderful tour which exceeded our expectations. Our guide Merry is a delightful young lady, who knew her stuff well and seemed to really enjoy sharing it with us. We learned a lot in the most easy and pleasant way and our time with her is now a treasured memory.

Again this was my second time on...

Barbara G, May 2014
Again this was my second time on this tour and I had to ask the tour guide to show us some specific things that were pointed out on the first tour. The French sports club and the place where the summit talks took place. Once again lacking knowledge

Loved this tour. Very worthwhile...

D_M, Sep 2013
Loved this tour. Very worthwhile with a lovely local tour guide who was not only very knowledgeable about the history of the area but also knew the best eating and shopping areas. We highly recommend this tour to any visitors to Shanghai.

From $123.08

per person

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

Book ahead!
On average, this is booked 18 days in advance.

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