Private Tour
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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Local English-speaking guide
Private walking tour
Gratuities
Food and drinks
Hotel pickup and drop-off
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.
2pm tour departure
10am tour departure
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Inspire185971,
Oct 3, 2019
- Viator
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.
Kathy C,
Sep 15, 2017
- Viator
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.
Marie L,
May 10, 2016
- Viator
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.
Margarita M,
Nov 6, 2015
- Viator
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.
CHRISTOPHER B,
Aug 3, 2015
- Viator
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.
Operated by Shanghai Pathways