Discover Old Shanghai on an Electric Moped

Exploring Shanghai by moped offers a fresh perspective on this sprawling city. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed descriptions give us a clear picture of what travelers can expect from this guided experience. Whether you’re a history buff, foodie, or just after a fun, efficient way to see the city’s highlights, this tour ticks many boxes.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the compact 3-hour format covers a significant area without feeling exhausting. Second, the small-group setting ensures personalized attention and a more intimate vibe. Lastly, in addition to sightseeing, you get to enjoy authentic local snacks and discover lesser-known parts of Shanghai — all on a quiet, eco-friendly electric moped.

The only possible consideration might be the moderate physical activity involved in balancing and riding, which is manageable for most but worth noting for some travelers. The tour is ideal for those who enjoy a bit of adventure and want a practical, fun way to explore both popular and hidden corners of Shanghai. It suits travelers looking for an authentic, local experience with a good dose of fun and cultural insight.

Key Points

• Efficient sightseeing in just 3 hours covering a wide area of Shanghai.
• Small group size (max 8 people) for personalized attention.
• Authentic local food including crispy buns and refreshing drinks.
• Highlights include Suzhou Creek, the Bund, Old City, French Concession, and Fuxing Park.
• Eclectic mix of history, food, and hidden gems along scenic streets.
• Ideal for travelers with moderate physical fitness who enjoy guided tours and local flavor.

An Introduction to the Electric Moped Tour in Shanghai

This guided experience promises to take you through the contrasts and stories of Old Shanghai on a 10-km electric moped adventure. The idea of zipping through historic neighborhoods, modern landmarks, and quiet parks in just a few hours sounds appealing for those who want to maximize sightseeing without the fatigue of walking or large bus tours.

What immediately catches our eye is how this tour blends history, street food, and local architecture into a manageable yet immersive experience. The tour is designed to give you a glimpse of the city’s evolution, from its colonial past in the French Concession to its bustling financial hubs along Suzhou Creek.

The price point of $59 per person is quite reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of a local guide, snacks, and insurance. The small group size—no more than 8 travelers—means you’ll get a more personal experience, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and take photos.

What We Love About This Experience

Three standout features make this tour particularly attractive:

• The multi-faceted itinerary covers diverse neighborhoods, offering a well-rounded look at Shanghai’s evolution.
• The culinary highlights—crispy buns and local drinks—add a delicious, authentic touch to the tour.
• The scenic stops along Suzhou Creek and the French Concession provide perfect moments for both sightseeing and snapping Instagram-worthy photos.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour starts early at 9:00 am, perfect for beating the crowds and enjoying cooler morning air. However, the moderate physical fitness requirement means you’ll need to be comfortable riding a moped and balancing for a few hours.

The Itinerary: A Detailed Breakdown

Stop 1: Suzhou River

Our journey begins along the revitalized Suzhou Creek, where old factories have transformed into charming promenades and cafes. This area illustrates how Shanghai is blending its industrial past with modern redevelopment. Riders will likely enjoy the scenic riverbanks, with lush mini-gardens and spots perfect for photos. The review from a previous guest describes it as an eye-opening experience, uncovering the city’s secrets along the way.

Stop 2: The Bund (Wai Tan)

Just a few blocks from the iconic Bund, this quieter street offers a retro vibe with New York-style skyscrapers and the city’s oldest church. It’s a less crowded, more relaxed alternative to the busy waterfront, perfect for soaking in the early 20th-century architecture and history. The area feels like a step back in time, with a modern twist that shows how Shanghai balances old and new.

Stop 3: Shanghai Old Street

Often called the birthplace of Shanghai, this historic street is undergoing transformation but still offers a window into the city’s early days as a trading hub. Tourists have the chance to see these streets before they change forever, making this a fleeting opportunity to observe traditional architecture and local life.

Stop 4: Local Street Food at Shanghai Old Street

Here, the group stops to enjoy crispy buns (shengjian) and summer drinks, giving travelers a taste of authentic Shanghai street food. The review highlights how this food stop is a real highlight — “snacking on street food we’d never find alone,” as one guest put it. This adds flavor and energy to the tour, allowing you to connect with local culinary traditions.

Stop 5: Fuxing Park

The lush, Parisian-style gardens of Fuxing Park are a serene contrast to the bustling streets. Visitors often comment on the European feel, complete with grand fountains and sunken gardens. It’s a peaceful spot for a leisurely stroll, and offers a fantastic opportunity for photography.

Stop 6: Nanchang Road in the French Concession

Finally, the tour winds through the tree-lined streets of the French Concession, famed for its Art Deco architecture. This area is a favorite among visitors who love architecture and design, offering a glimpse into the city’s cosmopolitan past.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Included in the tour are the moped rental, helmet, a local English-speaking guide, snacks, and accident insurance—making it a hassle-free experience. The small group size ensures individual attention and a relaxed atmosphere, perfect for those who prefer an intimate setting.

Not included are transportation to and from the meeting point, and child safety seats are not available, so this tour is best suited for travelers age 16 and above. Starting at Xinzha Road station at 9:00 am, the entire ride lasts approximately 3 hours, covering about 10 kilometers of scenic and historic sites.

The cost of $59 may seem modest for the amount of ground covered and the inclusions, especially considering the personalized guide experience and snacks. For many, this represents excellent value—a well-rounded, authentic glimpse of Shanghai not possible on larger, more generic tours.

Weather considerations are important: the tour is weather-dependent, and poor conditions will lead to either rescheduling or a full refund. Travelers should also have moderate physical fitness—comfortable riding skills are necessary for the duration.

Authenticity and Feedback from Past Travelers

One reviewer summed it up beautifully: “Absolutely the highlight of our Shanghai trip! Did the moped tour with Xirui yesterday and it was brilliant. His English is perfect. Felt so local weaving through hidden alleys and snacking on street food we’d never find alone. Safe, easy to ride, and saw a side of the city you miss on big tours. 10/10 would recommend!”

This shows that local guides like Xirui make a difference, offering insights and a friendly vibe that elevates the experience. The small group setting ensures you won’t feel rushed or lost in a crowd, an essential factor when exploring a city with such layered neighborhoods.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This electric moped tour is ideal for adventurous travelers who want to cover a lot of ground quickly while enjoying the intimacy of a small group. It suits those who appreciate authentic local food and are interested in seeing hidden corners of Shanghai that larger tours often miss. If you’re comfortable riding a moped and seeking an active, engaging, and affordable way to explore, this tour could be a perfect choice.

It also offers excellent value for money given the inclusions, personalized guide, and unique stops. Plus, the chance to see both historic and modern sides of Shanghai in just a few hours makes it a practical yet fun option—especially if your time is limited but you still want a genuine local experience.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, children under 16 are not allowed on this tour, primarily due to safety considerations and the need for moderate physical fitness.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothes suitable for riding, and a sense of adventure. A helmet is provided, but weather-appropriate gear is recommended, especially if rain is forecast.

How physically demanding is the tour?
While not overly strenuous, you’ll need to be comfortable riding a moped and balancing on two wheels for about 3 hours.

Can I participate if I’ve never ridden a moped before?
Yes, the tour is designed for ease, and guides will instruct and assist as needed. The focus is on enjoying the scenery and experience rather than technical riding skills.

Are food and drinks included?
Yes, you will enjoy authentic Shanghai crispy buns and refreshing drinks as part of the experience, giving you a taste of local street food.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This moped tour promises a lively, authentic slice of Shanghai—combining scenic rides, historic sights, and delicious bites in just 3 hours. Perfect for curious travelers eager to see the city from a different angle, it offers incredible value and memorable moments.