Discover Off Beaten Route--Shanghai Old City Town

Stepping away from the glitz and glamour of modern Shanghai, the city’s Old City Town offers travelers a chance to uncover its rich, centuries-old heritage. This captivating walking tour guides small groups through a maze of ancient city walls, serene temples, and the enchanting Yu Garden – all while indulging in local culinary delights. It’s an immersive experience that blends history, culture, and cuisine, promising to reveal Shanghai’s vibrant past in a way that’s both engaging and enlightening. What secrets might this hidden gem hold?

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Key Points

Explore the historical and cultural heart of Shanghai through a 3-hour walking tour of the Old City Town.
Discover hidden gems like ancient city walls, Buddhist and Taoist temples, and the iconic Yu Garden.
Immerse in local culinary experiences with tastings of traditional delicacies and a hands-on tea ceremony.
Enjoy a personalized tour with a maximum group size of 8, available in English or Chinese.
Benefit from flexible booking options, including spot reservation without upfront payment and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

Discover Shanghai’s off-beaten route through an intriguing 3-hour walking tour that unveils the city’s ancient heritage for just $78.00 per person.

With a maximum group size of 8, you’ll explore the Shanghai Old City Town in English or Chinese.

Explore the Shanghai Old City Town with a small group of up to 8 people, in either English or Chinese.

No need to worry about cancellation – free up to 24 hours in advance.

And you can reserve your spot without paying today.

This immersive experience takes you to historical temples, the exquisite Yu Garden, and local food tastings, culminating in a traditional tea ceremony led by an expert.

Want to see more of Shanghai? Here are other city tours we've reviewed

Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins at Shouning Road, where visitors will have the opportunity to explore ancient city walls and explore the rich tapestry of Buddhist and Taoist temples, each allotted 20 minutes. Next, guests will wander through the renowned Yu Garden, a 400-year-old haven of exquisite architecture and tranquil ponds, for 30 minutes. The tour then transitions to a local food tasting experience, offering 30 minutes to savor Shanghai’s renowned street food. Concluding the tour, you will engage in a traditional tea ceremony led by an expert, lasting 30 minutes. An optional visit to a traditional village is also available.

| Itinerary | Duration |

|———–|———-|

| Shouning Road | 20 min |

| Buddhist & Taoist Temples | 20 min |

| Yu Garden | 30 min |

| Local Food Tasting | 30 min |

| Traditional Tea Ceremony | 30 min |

Key Attractions

As visitors embark on this journey, they’ll encounter the City God Temple of Shanghai, a revered landmark that stands as a testament to the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Beyond this, they’ll explore two major religious temples – one Buddhist and one Taoist.

The highlight is the Yu Garden district, featuring elegant rockeries and tranquil ponds that offer a serene escape from the bustling city.

Throughout the tour, travelers can savor local street food and dim-sum, gaining a deeper appreciation for Shanghai’s vibrant culinary scene.

Customer Reviews

Travelers who’ve experienced this off-beaten route in Shanghai have left overwhelmingly positive reviews.

With an overall rating of 4.8/5 based on 8 reviews, the tour has earned praise for its knowledgeable guides, personalized experiences, and insightful tea ceremonies.

Reviewers appreciated the balanced itinerary, which blended history, culture, and food:

Knowledgeable guides provided a rich, informative experience
Personalized tours catered to individual interests
Insightful tea ceremonies offered culture
Balanced itinerary of history, culture, and local cuisine
Travelers felt they discovered an off-the-beaten-path side of Shanghai

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Included in the Tour

Aside from the comprehensive tour, the experience includes several key elements that enhance the culture.

Travelers enjoy exclusive access to two iconic religious temples – the Buddhism and Taoism establishments.

Enticing local specialties, like soup dumplings and rice rolls, are sampled during a stroll through the lively bazaar.

The highlight is a hands-on traditional tea ceremony led by an expert, providing an authentic glimpse into this integral part of Chinese culture.

These inclusions offer a well-rounded journey, blending history, cuisine, and customs to unveil the vibrant heritage of old Shanghai.

There's plenty more to explore in Shanghai

Exploring the Ancient City Wall

Though largely obscured by the modern high-rises, the ancient city walls of Shanghai offer a captivating glimpse into the city’s storied past.

Amid towering skyscrapers, Shanghai’s ancient city walls reveal the city’s captivating history.

The tour begins with a visit to these well-preserved fortifications, which once stretched for miles and protected the city from invaders. Participants will learn about the walls’ construction, their strategic importance, and the role they played in Shanghai’s development over the centuries.

Notable features include:

Intricate architectural details
Panoramic views of the surrounding neighborhoods
Remnants of the original moat and defense systems
Historical markers recounting key events
Opportunity to imagine life in old Shanghai

Discovering Buddhist and Taoist Temples

The tour then leads participants to two of Shanghai’s most significant religious sites – the Buddhist and Taoist temples.

At the Buddhist temple, visitors explore the intricate architecture and learn about the religion’s core beliefs and practices.

The Taoist temple, in contrast, offers a glimpse into the ancient Chinese philosophy, with its serene gardens and traditional rituals.

Both destinations provide an immersive cultural experience, allowing participants to gain a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s religious diversity and the intertwining of its spiritual heritage.

These sacred spaces offer a tranquil respite from the bustling city streets.

Taking in Yu Garden’s Tranquility

After exploring the religious sites, the tour leads participants to the enchanting Yu Garden, a 400-year-old oasis of tranquility nestled in the heart of Shanghai.

Visitors are captivated by the garden’s exquisite architecture, elegant rockeries, and serene ponds. The experience offers a peaceful escape from the bustling city:

Captivated by the garden’s exquisite architecture, elegant rockeries, and serene ponds, visitors find a peaceful escape from the bustling city.

Meandering through the intricate network of pavilions, bridges, and walkways
Admiring the carefully curated landscapes and traditional Chinese elements
Discovering hidden corners and secluded spots to enjoy the tranquil atmosphere
Learning about the garden’s rich history and cultural significance
Appreciating the harmonious balance between nature and human-made structures

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not specify any age restrictions. The group size is limited to 8 participants, suggesting it’s suitable for all ages. Travelers should ensure any minors are accompanied by an adult during the 3-hour tour.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

While the tour provides food tastings, guests are not allowed to bring their own food or drinks. This helps maintain the tour’s organized flow and ensures all participants have an equal experience.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour website doesn’t mention an option to extend the duration. However, travelers can inquire with the tour operator directly about the possibility of customizing the tour length to fit their needs.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for this tour. The tour covers the key attractions in Shanghai’s old city, and the guide will provide all the necessary tickets and food tastings. Just come ready to explore and learn about the local culture.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Temples?

Yes, you can take photos inside the temples during the tour. The tour guide encourages participants to capture the temples’ stunning architecture and religious details, though they may need to avoid disrupting any ongoing ceremonies.

The Sum Up

Enjoy Shanghai’s captivating past on this walking tour through the Old City Town. Uncover hidden gems, from ancient city walls to serene temples, and savor local delicacies and a traditional tea ceremony. This immersive experience offers a deeper appreciation of the city’s vibrant heritage, blending history, culture, and cuisine for an unforgettable adventure.