Private Tour
Private Colonial Walking Tour: Shanghai French Concession
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Journey back in time to French colonial China on this interesting private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession. Learn from your expert local guide how this area was once owned by the French and served as the center of Catholicism in Shanghai. See sites like where the First Conference of the Communist Party took place and stroll through narrow alleys, passing quaint apartments, villas, parks and hidden spots that still hold much of their unique French character. This is a private tour just for you and your party.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point is subject to change. Please confirm with your tour operator at least 24 hours prior to departure time
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Local English-speaking guide
Private walking tour
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
What To Expect
Xintiandi
Meet your guide at a predetermined location in Shanghai to begin your private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession, a historical area that marks the period of French colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. With its quaint architecture and cobblestone paths, this area will make you feel as though you're strolling through Paris. Learn about the history of this area, which was owned by the French government and served as the center of Catholicism in Shanghai. Hear about the cultural, social and political transitions that took place here, and visit Xin Tian Di, the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party. Visit a beautiful French-style park and the former residence of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. As you stroll through streets filled with lovely apartments and villas from the early 1900s -- homes of both locals and many expatriates -- your guide will point out how this area retains its distinct French character. Veer off the main streets and venture along back alleys for a glimpse of small-town Shanghai life. Reach Shanghai's interesting SOHO area, where you will have the opportunity to rest and explore Tianzifang, an arts and crafts enclave full of designer stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Your tour will end here.
Birthplace of Chinese Communist Party
Meet your guide at a predetermined location in Shanghai to begin your private walking tour through the Shanghai French Concession, a historical area that marks the period of French colonialism in the 19th and 20th centuries. With its quaint architecture and cobblestone paths, this area will make you feel as though you're strolling through Paris. Learn about the history of this area, which was owned by the French government and served as the center of Catholicism in Shanghai. Hear about the cultural, social and political transitions that took place here, and visit Xin Tian Di, the site of the First Conference of the Communist Party. Visit a beautiful French-style park and the former residence of Zhou Enlai, the first Premier of the People's Republic of China. As you stroll through streets filled with lovely apartments and villas from the early 1900s -- homes of both locals and many expatriates -- your guide will point out how this area retains its distinct French character. Veer off the main streets and venture along back alleys for a glimpse of small-town Shanghai life. Reach Shanghai's interesting SOHO area, where you will have the opportunity to rest and explore Tianzifang, an arts and crafts enclave full of designer stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Your tour will end here.
Options
Morning Departure
10am tour departure
Afternoon Departure
2pm tour departure
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Tour to the French Concession in Shanghai
Inspire185971,
Oct 3, 2019
- Review from Viator
5.00We 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.
Beauty of place
Voyage635593,
Dec 11, 2018
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A French style place, like if it were a province or a small town, in the middle of the ever-living and moving Shanghai. Delicious restaurants and a very nice place to walk, shop or have a coffee.
It's a good tour for getting an...
Kathy C,
Sep 15, 2017
- Review from Viator
4.00It'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 10, 2016
- Review from Viator
4.00Mary 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 6, 2015
- Review from Viator
4.00The 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 3, 2015
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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 28, 2015
- Review from Viator
4.00Wonderful! 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 24, 2015
- Review from Viator
5.00Zoe 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 9, 2015
- Review from Viator
5.00This 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 16, 2014
- Review from Viator
2.00Again 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
Related Experiences
Operated by Shanghai Pathways