Old Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
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Tour snapshot
Escape Shanghai's futuristic streetscapes to waltz around the nostalgic Old Town area for a few hours. Join sprightly locals in group ballroom dancing or tai chi sessions in the park, try some old-school dumpling soup, pick through antiques, and watch a black and white film at an old movie house.
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Highlights
- Explore the backstreets and nongtang of Old Shanghai
- Slurp on some soupy Shanghai snacks
- Explore a street market, church, and antique shop along restored Duolun Road
- Try out some traditional Tai Chi or ballroom dancing with locals in a Shanghai park
- Ride the expansive and efficient Shanghai metro
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Schedule details
- Duration: 3 - 4 hours
- Meeting point:
Nanjing Hotel lobby, 200 Shanxi Road South +86 21 6322 2888
Chinese: 南京饭店
地址：山西南路200号 （山西南路近南京东路口）Directions: turn right from Exit 1 of Metro Line 2, walk to the first intersection (Shanxi Nanlu) then turn right, walk for about 50 meters and Nanjing Hotel is on your right (opposite a convenience store).
- Starting time: 9.00 AM
- Ending point:
Old Film Café, Duolun Road.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, transportation, entrance to Lu Xun Former Residence and Lu Xun Park, snack.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food or drinks toher than indicated in itinerary, tips / gratuities for guides.
On this Shanghai tour, leave modern Shanghai behind (after a trip on the city's extensive and efficient metro system, of course) and dive deep into the heart of Old Shanghai. A short walk takes us to Lu Xun Park, which at any time of the day is a hub for meeting, walking, relaxing, and enjoying traditional pastimes. Join in one of the many ballroom dancing groups or test your Tai Chi skills with the locals.
Moving on, our Shanghai walking tour explores one of the city's nongtang districts, the old residential alleyways of the city. This style of housing blends Western and Chinese architecture, and is unique to Shanghai. As evidence of the city's internationally influenced past, it's a fascinating neighbourhood to visit. We'll also have the chance to see inside one building, with a visit to the former residence of Lu Xun - one of China's most beloved and prominent writers of the 20th century. We'll also wander through a typical street market to give you a true dose of local Shanghai culture.
From there, we'll stop off at a popular street café to sample some of Shanghai's famous xiaolong bao, or soup dumplings, before hitting up Duolun Road, where we'll see some magnificently restored mansions dating back to the early 1900s. Peek inside a little antique shop displaying all kinds of bric-a-brac from that time, from old advertising signs, to telephones and toys (unique Shanghai souvenir alert!). Further along the road we'll step inside the Hongde Tang Church, which was built in the style of a Chinese temple, but is a Christian church (which still has regular Christian services).
Our Shanghai Old Town tour concludes here on Duolun Road at the Old Film Café, where we can watch a screening of a black and white film from the golden age of Chinese cinema (such as 'Street Angel'). Your guide can help you plan the rest of your time in the city while you sit and sip a coffee or tea in the sumptuous 1930s style surroundings. The rest of the day is free to explore more of Shanghai's sights on your own.
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Additional information
Inclusions: Local English speaking guide, transportation, entrance to Lu Xun Former Residence and Lu Xun Park, snack.
Exclusions: Items of a personal nature, food or drinks toher than indicated in itinerary, tips / gratuities for guides.
Dress standard: We will be on our feet for a number of hours so please make sure you wear comfortable walking shoes.
Your Trip: For your Urban Adventure you will be in a small group of a maximum of 12 people.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: During national holidays and on weekends sights in Shanghai can be extremely crowded. If you wish to avoid the busiest times we recommend visiting Shanghai outside of these periods or taking your Urban Adventure on a week day.
Child Policy: Children must be 6 years of age to 11 years inclusively. Children below the age of 6 are not permitted on this tour.
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Local contact
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