5 French Concession Tours in Shanghai That Earn the Early Start

1.Eat Like a Local Through Shanghai’s French Concession

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 353 reviews · from $75Our pick

Walk Shanghai’s Former French Concession with a local English-speaking guide such as Max, Emma, Sam, or Cloris. Visit four seated eateries for more than 10 classic dishes, including soup dumplings, scallion noodles, pan-fried buns, pork belly, and mango dessert, then finish with local craft beer. The group is limited to 12 people.

“I want to firstly say a massive thank you to our wonderful tour guide Sam! She was amazing and looked after our every need, from answering our questions to sorting vegetarian friendly meals, she was amazing. She also took the time to maRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Late Night Food Tour in the Shanghai’s French Concession

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 260 reviews · from $89

Meet your guide at 8:30 p.m. near Huangpi Nan Road and walk through Xintiandi, the former French Concession, and People’s Square. Expect noodles, dumplings, barbecue, snacks, dessert, local beer, and plenty of Shanghai stories. Guides such as TJ, Jade, Helen, Serena, and Jamie are praised for clear English and flexible pacing.

“The guide was very friendly. It was clear he put a lot of effort in planning this tour and choosing the restaurants.”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Shanghai Breakfast Walking Tour of Former French Concession

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 139 reviews · from $77

Meet at 9am near Xintiandi for a three-hour small-group walk through Shanghai’s former French Concession. Guides such as Jim, Jade, Jian, and Yu lead you to pot stickers, noodles, tea, curry beef soup, and other local favorites, while sharing food traditions, neighborhood history, and daily life.

“Fantastic start to the day! Our guide, Jim, was extremely knowledgeable, professional, and personable. I went with my two retired parents and it was a great leisure walk (filled with LOTS of food) and a great way to really get to see the city oRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 67 reviews · from $95

Spend 3 to 3.5 hours walking Shanghai’s Former French Concession with an English-speaking private guide. Visit Art Deco landmarks, Sun Yat-Sen’s former home, St. Nicholas Church, and Fuxing Park, with time for back streets and an optional tea house. Guides have included Penny, Maggie, Kelly, and Lily.

“Penny is a great guide, we learnt a lot from her. Her explanations are accessible and interesting for kids as well. Penny has kindly offered useful information for our stay in Shanghai. Highly recommend her tour 😊”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Private Yu Garden, The Bund, French Concession, Pudong Half-Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 51 reviews · from $120

This four-hour private Shanghai tour links Yu Garden, Old Town, the Bund, the Former French Concession, and Pudong. Your guide, often Tom, Vicky, Alice, or Jaime, explains the city’s past and present while a private vehicle handles the long hops. You’ll also sample traditional tea in a local tea house.

“Hello - would highly recommend taking the tour with Tom if you have limited time (business). He is very friendly, eloquent and explains and points out pertinent details about all the sights you are seeing. He also picks you up and drops you off for convenience. His English is excellent so expect very fluid conversation. I was very happy with the outcome.”

Check availability →Read our full review