Shanghai: French Concession Free Tour

This tour is operated by our partner Free Tours China.

Think Shanghai is all futuristic skylines and neon lights? Not quite. Tucked behind the glass and steel is a neighborhood where European mansions brush shoulders with dumpling stalls, and every leafy lane feels like a scene from a movie—half Paris, half Old China.

Begin your walk along Middle Huaihai Road, the city’s historic luxury boulevard, before exploring the lavish Former French Club and nearby Verdun Garden, once playgrounds of Shanghai’s elite. You’ll meander through authentic Shanghai alleyway neighborhoods, peek into daily local life, and stop at the Shanghai Culture Square, a space with layers of cultural and political meaning.

Then it’s off to the upscale charm of Sinan Mansions, and a look at the most expensive hotel in Shanghai, a palace of opulence with quite the story. Continue on to St. Peter’s Church, one of the few remaining Catholic landmarks in the area, and pass by the Former French Courthouse, a building that holds as many secrets as bricks. The tour wraps up in the creative maze of Tian Zi Fang, where narrow lanes burst with artisan shops, art studios, and vintage cafés.

This 3-hour journey through the Former French Concession is a time-traveling glimpse into Shanghai’s most romantic and storied district. Cobblestone streets, elegant corners, and whispers of colonial scandal have outlasted empires, and the neighborhood still hums with a perfect mix of foreign charm and unmistakable local soul.

A note on our tours in China

Free walking tours are about building bridges, not walls. They’re a unique opportunity to connect with local people, learn from different perspectives, and experience a city through the eyes of those who call it home.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that history is often viewed through a local lens. Some topics may be presented differently depending on where you’re from, and certain subjects may not be openly discussed due to local laws and cultural norms.

Our partners in China are experienced, knowledgeable, and passionate about sharing the country’s rich heritage—from dynasties and revolutions to food culture and daily life. While not every topic can be covered in full, historical accuracy and storytelling remain at the heart of every tour.

We appreciate your understanding and invite you to come with an open mind—and maybe leave with a new perspective.