Shanghai: Craft Beer Tasting in Former French Concession

Discover the vibrant craft beer scene of Shanghai on a guided tasting tour through the historic former French Concession. This 3-hour experience invites you to sample six unique local brews, savor traditional dumplings, and explore the city’s evolving drinking culture. With an expert guide, you’ll wander charming streets, learn about the intricacies of Chinese beer, and enjoy a rice wine tasting – all while immersed in the relaxed atmosphere of this intimate small-group adventure. What secrets of Shanghai’s nightlife await you?

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Key Points

3-hour craft beer tasting tour in Shanghai’s former French Concession, including 6 beer samples, dumplings, and rice wine tasting for $79 per person.
Explore local breweries and a traditional Chinese liquor store, learning about Shanghai’s evolving drinking culture and craft beer scene.
Discover a range of local beers, from wheat to stout, and gain insights into the brewing process and history of regional specialties.
Experience the vibrant nightlife of the former French Concession, with its trendy bars, cafes, and architectural gems.
Enjoy a personalized small group experience with an English-speaking guide who provides insights into Chinese culture and history.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Details

This 3-hour craft beer tasting tour in Shanghai offers an immersive experience for $79.00 per person.

The tour includes 6 glasses of beer, Shanghai dumplings, rice wine tasting, and soft drinks. Guests will meet at the front door of the Xintiandi Langham Hotel and explore the former French Concession’s vibrant nightlife.

The tour covers 3 local breweries and a traditional Chinese liquor store, allowing participants to sample a variety of wheat beers, pale ales, dark stouts, craft pilsners, lagers, and stouts.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and guests can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

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Exploring Shanghai’s Nightlife in the Former French Concession

As the tour begins, guests are immersed in the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai’s former French Concession. This historic neighborhood, once home to Western expatriates, now teems with trendy bars, cafes, and craft breweries.

The group explores three local breweries, sampling a variety of beers from wheat to stout. Between tastings, they stroll through the charming streets, taking in the neighborhood’s architectural gems and lively atmosphere.

At a traditional Chinese liquor store, they explore the world of rice wine, learning about its production and cultural significance. Throughout, the knowledgeable guide provides insights into Shanghai’s evolving drinking culture.

Sampling Local Beers and Flavors

Having explored the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai’s former French Concession, guests on the craft beer tour eagerly anticipate sampling the diverse flavors of local beers.

The tour introduces them to a range of offerings, from crisp wheat beers to rich dark stouts. They also taste craft pilsners and lagers, each with its unique character.

The guide provides insight into the brewing process and the history behind these regional specialties. Guests savor the contrasting notes, learning to appreciate the nuances that distinguish Shanghai’s burgeoning craft beer scene from other brewing traditions around the world.

Discovering Traditional Chinese Liquor

After exploring the diverse range of craft beers, guests on the tour turn their attention to discovering the rich tradition of Chinese liquor.

The guide leads them to a specialty liquor store, where they learn about the production and history of baijiu, China’s national spirit. Guests sample different styles, from fragrant Luzhou-flavored to smooth Moutai varieties.

They also try rice wine, a staple in Chinese cuisine and culture. The guide explains the unique distillation process and how these traditional liquors are integral to Chinese celebrations and social gatherings.

Baijiu tasting: Fragrant Luzhou-flavored, smooth Moutai
Rice wine sampling: Staple in Chinese cuisine and culture
Distillation process: Integral to celebrations and social gatherings
Guided exploration: Traditional Chinese liquor tradition

More Great Tours Nearby

Guided Walking Through Historic Neighborhoods

The guided walking portion of the tour allows guests to explore Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods and soak in the local atmosphere. Strolling through the charming Fuxing Park, visitors admire the lush greenery and people-watching. At the elegant Sinan Mansions, they marvel at the stunning architecture blending Chinese and Western influences. Along the way, the knowledgeable guide shares insights into Shanghai’s rich history and culture.

| Historical Landmark | Architectural Style | Cultural Significance |

|———————|——————-|————————-|

| Fuxing Park | Chinese Landscape | Public Recreation Space |

| Sinan Mansions | Sino-European | Elite Residential Area |

| Former French | French Colonial | Legacy of Colonization |

| Concession | |

| Traditional Alleyways| Shikumen | Intimate Neighborhood |

| Local Eateries | Chinese Cuisine | Culinary Heritage |

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Personalized Small Group Experience

The craft beer tasting tour offers a personalized small group experience that allows guests to engage in deep conversations with the knowledgeable guide.

The tour features:

English-speaking guide who shares insights into Chinese culture and history
Intimate group size for more personalized interactions
Opportunities to ask questions and learn about the local brewing and liquor traditions
A relaxed, conversational atmosphere that encourages open discussions about the experience.

This tailored approach ensures travelers gain a rich understanding of Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife and drinking culture beyond just sampling the beverages.

Accessibility and Transportation Options

To ensure accessibility, the craft beer tasting tour is wheelchair-friendly.

Additional car service is available during the tour for those who prefer not to walk.

At the end of the experience, taxi assistance is provided to help guests get back to their destination.

The tour’s focus on exploring the historic former French Concession neighborhoods means navigating a mix of settings, but the organizers have made every effort to accommodate different mobility needs.

The goal is for all participants to fully enjoy the culture and beer tasting without any logistical barriers.

Positive Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Overwhelmingly positive reviews from past participants underscore the tour’s exceptional value, with travelers praising the guide’s expertise and the enjoyable overall experience.

Customers highlight:

The tour’s great "bang for your buck", offering a wealth of cultural insights and tasty local fare.
The knowledgeable guide Jim, who brings the city’s history and brewing traditions to life through engaging discussions.
The small group size, facilitating deeper conversations and a more personalized experience.
Comparisons to vibrant drinking cultures in other global cities, underscoring Shanghai’s emerging craft beer scene.

Across the board, reviewers enthusiastically recommend this tour to both craft beer enthusiasts and those seeking an immersive cultural exploration of Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Outside Drinks/Snacks Allowed on the Tour?

The tour does not allow outside drinks or snacks. It includes 6 glasses of beer, Shanghai dumplings, and rice wine tasting as part of the overall experience. Bringing additional items is discouraged.

What Happens in Case of Extreme Weather?

In case of extreme weather, the tour operator will provide appropriate arrangements, such as rescheduling the tour or offering indoor activities. Customers will be notified and accommodated to ensure their safety and enjoyment throughout the experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Dietary Restrictions?

The tour can be customized for dietary restrictions. The private guide is happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs upon request. Simply inform the tour operator in advance to ensure an enjoyable experience.

Do I Need to Tip the Guide at the End of the Tour?

Tips for the guide are not required, but appreciated. Many travelers choose to tip 10-20% of the tour price to recognize exceptional service and knowledge provided by the guide throughout the 3-hour experience.

Is There Any Age Limit or Minimum Age Requirement?

There is no listed age limit or minimum age requirement for this tour. However, given that it includes beer tastings, participants must be of legal drinking age in China, which is 18 years old.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai craft beer tour offers a delightful way to explore the city’s vibrant drinking culture. Visitors can sample a variety of local brews, savor traditional dumplings, and discover the intricacies of Chinese liquor, all while strolling through the charming former French Concession. With a knowledgeable guide and a small group setting, this tour promises a personalized experience and deeper insights into Shanghai’s evolving nightlife.