Shanghai craft beer tour with local food tastings

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Exploring Shanghai’s Craft Beer Scene: A Detailed Review of the Local Brew Tour

If you’re someone who appreciates good beer and authentic city experiences, this Shanghai craft beer tour with local food tastings might just be your next favorite adventure. The tour promises a mix of local breweries, traditional snacks, and scenic walks through the historic French Concession, all wrapped up in about three hours. What makes this experience stand out is the personalized attention you get from a private guide, plus the chance to sample some of the best Chinese craft beers alongside local bites.

We love that the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which simplifies logistics and lets you focus on enjoying the experience. The variety of stops—ranging from trendy breweries to traditional neighborhoods—offers a well-rounded glimpse into Shanghai’s vibrant drinking culture. However, if you’re not keen on walking or have limited mobility, be prepared for some light strolling.

This tour is perfect for beer lovers wanting a taste of local brews, foodies eager to try Shanghai-style snacks, and travelers interested in exploring the city’s lively neighborhoods in an intimate setting. It’s especially well-suited for those who value guided, personalized experiences over large group tours.

Key Points

Private, personalized experience with a dedicated guide
Includes local snacks and 8 glasses of craft beer
Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Shanghai
Walks through historic neighborhoods like the French Concession and Old Town
Choice of afternoon or late-night departure to suit your plans
Suitable for travelers 18+ with a taste for authentic local flavors

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A Closer Look at the Itinerary and Experiences

Starting at Xintiandi: A Trendy Introduction to Local Brews

The tour kicks off at the Longham Hotel lobby either at 3 pm or 7 pm, based on your booking. From there, you’re whisked into the lively atmosphere of Xintiandi, a popular spot known for its chic cafes and boutiques. Here, you’ll sample pale ale and IPA, giving you a taste of Shanghai’s modern craft beer scene. Reviewers have appreciated the guide’s friendliness and the relaxed vibe—one mentioned how Jim, the guide, has excellent English and is very knowledgeable about beers, making the tasting both fun and informative.

Exploring Old Town: Traditional Neighborhood and Local Snacks

Next, you’ll stroll through Old Town (Nanshi), which offers a window into traditional Shanghai life. Your guide will treat you to Shanghai-style dumplings, pot stickers, or wontons, paired with some local rice wine. This stop is popular for its authentic atmosphere, and the chance to savor delicious snacks while soaking in the neighborhood’s charm. Reviewers often highlight the quality of the food and the personal attention from guides, with one mentioning how the dumplings felt like a real taste of local culture.

Sinan Mansions: Upmarket Vibes and Award-Winning Brews

From there, a gentle 15-minute walk brings you to Sinan Mansions, a beautifully renovated complex of 1920s private villas that now serve as a sophisticated lifestyle hub. The highlight here is the Boxing Cat Brewery, an acclaimed craft brewery with a reputation for quality. You can enjoy a selection of Pilsners, lagers, stouts, and more, poured fresh from the tap. This spot combines history with modern craft brewing, and reviewers love the ambiance and the impressive beer choices—one even called it “an award-winning brewery with a great atmosphere.”

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Wrapping Up Near Fuxing Park at Shanghai Brewery

The tour winds down at Shanghai Brewery, a microbrewery near Fuxing Park, where you can enjoy your last few glasses of craft beer in a lively setting. It’s a cozy spot with a great selection, and the guide will assist you in arranging a taxi back to your hotel—adding one last touch of convenience. This final stop offers a relaxed environment to reflect on your day, with plenty of opportunities to order more drinks if desired.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

The personalized approach is a big plus—being a private experience means your guide, Jim, or whoever is leading, can tailor the experience to your interests and answer all your questions about the local beer scene. Reviews mention how good Jim’s English is and how knowledgeable he is about beer, which enhances the overall experience.

Inclusion of local snacks and 8 glasses of beer offers excellent value. You’ll get to sample a variety of flavors without breaking the bank, and the food complements the beers perfectly. The hotel pickup and drop-off take some hassle out of transportation, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the city’s public transit or want to relax after a day of sightseeing.

The walk through historic neighborhoods adds an authentic touch, letting you see and experience the city’s vibrant streets and architecture. Plus, the availability of both afternoon and late-night departures gives flexibility to fit this tour into your Shanghai itinerary.

The Value of the Experience

At $150 per person, this tour provides a solid value, especially considering the personalized guiding, crafted beers, and local snacks included. Compared to larger group tours or paying for individual brewery visits, it’s a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Shanghai’s craft beer scene.

Reviewers like Pattawit R, who called it “amazing,” emphasizing the guide’s English skills and the variety of breweries visited, highlight how the quality of the guide and the variety of stops make this a memorable outing. Not only do you taste great beers, but you also get insights into local culture and neighborhood history, making it a well-rounded experience.

Practical Details and Tips

Duration: Approximately 3 hours, which feels just right—enough to explore without feeling rushed.
Timing: Choose between 3 pm and 7 pm departures—late afternoon or early evening, perfect for unwinding or starting an evening out.
Comfort: Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking through neighborhoods.
Age: Minimum age 18, as alcohol is involved.
Weather: Operates in all weather conditions, so dress appropriately for rain or shine.
Booking: Instant confirmation and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance make planning easy.

Why This Tour Is a Great Choice

This tour strikes a good balance between guided exploration, culture, and relaxed tasting. It’s perfect for travelers who want to learn about Shanghai’s beer scene without the stress of planning each stop independently. The guides’ knowledge, combined with the authentic neighborhood visits, ensures you’ll get a deeper understanding of the city beyond the typical tourist spots.

The inclusion of local snacks and craft beers makes it an appealing way to spend an afternoon or evening, especially if you’re curious about Chinese brews or want a taste of local life. The flexibility of departure times and the private setting mean it can fit seamlessly into most Shanghai itineraries.

Final Thoughts

For those looking to explore Shanghai through a different lens—focusing on local breweries, traditional snacks, and neighborhood charm—this private craft beer tour offers a smart, enjoyable option. The tour’s high rating and glowing reviews suggest it delivers on its promises, with the added bonus of expert guidance and convenience.

Whether you’re a beer connoisseur or simply interested in trying something new, this experience will give you both a taste of Shanghai’s modern craft scene and a glimpse into its historic streets. It’s an activity that combines good drinks, great company, and a chance to see a lively side of the city.

Ideal for: Beer lovers, foodies, culture seekers, and those traveling in small groups or as a couple who want a personalized adventure.

Not for: Travelers seeking large group tours or those who prefer non-walking activities.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?
Yes, the tour offers free hotel pickup and drop-off, making it very convenient for travelers staying in Shanghai.

Can I choose the departure time?
Yes, you can opt for either an afternoon (around 3 pm) or late-night (around 7 pm) departure, based on your preference.

How many beers will I get to taste?
You will enjoy a total of 8 glasses of local craft beer during the tour, with options to purchase more if desired.

What kind of food is included?
Expect traditional Shanghai snacks like dumplings, pot stickers, or wontons, perfectly paired with the beer tastings.

Is this tour suitable for non-drinkers?
The tour centers around beer tasting, so it’s best suited for those 18 and over who enjoy craft beer. Non-drinkers can still enjoy the food and neighborhood walks.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended due to walking; dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of your tour.

This private Shanghai craft beer tour offers a perfect blend of local flavors, scenic neighborhood strolls, and expert guidance—making it an ideal choice for a memorable city experience.