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Inclusions

  • Guided French Concession Tour

  • English-speaking Tour Guide

Please Note

  • This tour covers approximately 5 km and is not recommended for individuals requiring walking assistance (e.g., wheelchair users).

  • Groups exceeding 5 participants, or student groups. For a more personalized experience, please email us to inquire about our private tour options.

  • Tour operates rain or shine. Please bring along poncho/umbrella and water to stay hydrated.

  • Please note that our tour guides may decline walk-ins, large groups, or student groups.

  • Email: cn@monsterdaytours.com for customer support.

Exclusions

  • Personal expenses

  • Guide tips and gratuities

Booking Policy

  • Bookings are non-refundable. All sales are final.

TOUR OVERVIEW

Walk shaded boulevards on french concession walking tours that explain how European planning met Shanghai speed. A local guide leads through plane tree avenues, garden villas, and civic landmarks with simple stories and steady pacing. You learn what a Shikumen house is, why art deco took hold, and how cafés and bookstores fit the district today. The loop is compact and calm, with photo stops and short breaks that keep the group fresh.


Highlights mix parks, restored lanes, and elegant streets lined with balconies and brickwork. One of the most famous places is Xintiandi, where preserved façades frame a lively square that shows how old forms can host new life. Your guide often pairs this with Fuxing Park for everyday scenes of music and dance, then turns to quieter blocks where writers and diplomats once lived. Expect tips on boutique finds, tea houses, and simple lunch spots away from crowds. You end with routes you can repeat and a shortlist of addresses worth a second look. 


🤲🌍 Every direct booking supports our #MonsterImpact initiative, funding social causes and sustainable tourism across Asia. Travel responsibly and make every step count.

Date & Time

Tue, Thu, Sat (15:3018:30)

Sunday (10.0013.00)

*Please check schedule for available time slots

Duration:

3.0 Hours

Languages:

English

Price:

FREE (Tips-based)


As a tip-based tour, you pay what you feel is fair while enjoying a high-quality experience without the high price tag of standard tours. Your voluntary tip supports our guides in their vibrant roles.

Pay-As-You-Wish

Had a great time? A tip of US$20 - US$30 is appreciated!

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A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME & DAILY LIFE

Former French Concession Free Walking Tour

tour itinerary

Stroll shaded boulevards lined with villas, balconies, and bookstores. Learn Shikumen basics and why art deco stuck. We won’t reveal every corner, but Xintiandi, Fuxing Park scenes, and elegant side streets capture the district’s feel.

Image by Hu Chen

Meeting point:

Metro 8/14, Dashijie Exit 1

Look for our tour guide in their bright purple/yellow "Monster Day Tours" shirt!

Image by Pang Yuhao

Ending point:

Tianzifang

Perfect location to end, where you can easily travel to your next location or continue to spend some time in Shanghai City.

Temple Candles
Dashijie (The Great World)

Revisit a century of fun in a beloved landmark reborn. Nostalgia, color, and playful local spirit.

Temple Candles
Shanghai Concert Hall

Admire an art deco gem reborn for music. From cinema past to soaring performances tonight.

Temple Candles
Site of the First Congress of CPC and Xintiandi Area

Step inside the Shikumen where 1921 sparked a movement CPC’s first congress, now a living museum.

Temple Candles
Fuxing Park

Watch locals dance, sing, and play cards among lawns and ponds. Join the gentle morning rhythm.

Temple Candles
Zhou Gongguan

Enter Zhou Enlai’s wartime base of talks and spies. Politics feels close on these shaded streets.

Temple Candles
Sinan Mansions

Wander elegant villas reborn as cafes and dining. A polished stroll through 1920s glamour.

...and the rest? We’ll leave that for you to discover on the walk. 

MEET THE STARS

Explore with guides who know villa histories, Shikumen life, and classic Art Deco details. Calm, observant, and route-smart, they pick shaded streets and short park breaks for clear storytelling.

Jane

I’m Jane, seeing Shanghai through flavor and feeling. Walk with me to explore lively streets, lane houses and the city’s cultural heartbeat.

Jane

Culture Feeds the Soul

What Our Travelers Say

Great change of pace from the Bund. The guide stitched together The Great World, the old concert hall, and leafy boulevards into a clear picture of the district. No rushing, smart crossings, and useful tips for galleries and boutiques. I stayed in the area after and felt like a local for the afternoon.

Patrick O’Neill

United States

Shanghai Former French Concession Free Walking Tour

Calm, beautiful walk under the plane trees. Fuxing Park morning dancers, Sinan Mansions villas, and Xintiandi’s shikumen all made sense with gentle, well-told stories. Our guide gave space for photos and pointed out small Art Deco details I’d miss. Ended near cafés for a relaxed lunch. Loved the tone.

Laura Jensen

Denmark

Shanghai Former French Concession Free Walking Tour

Exactly the vibe I wanted. Tree-lined streets, quiet churches, and a few famous façades, explained without heavy history. The guide balanced group questions and kept to shady routes. We finished near Tianzifang with ideas for snacks and souvenirs. A gentle, elegant walk that complements a busy city day.

Natalie Cooper

Australia

Shanghai Former French Concession Free Walking Tour

100,000 travellers have booked our Shanghai Tours!

  • The Shanghai Former French Concession Free Walking Tour includes a knowledgeable local guide who will accompany you throughout the experience. It’s ideal for first-time visitors looking for an overview of the city, with stops at iconic landmarks in the city center.

  • This tour runs on selected days of the week and last approximately 2.5 hours. Check our tour schedule and sign up for the session that suits you!

  • The meeting and ending point for our free walking tours is conveniently located at MRT (train) exits, making it easy to find our tour guides and continue your journey afterward.

  • You can guarantee your spot by booking the free walking tour online, with instant confirmation. Our free walking tours operate rain or shine!  Walk-ins are allowed but priority will be given to guests with booking. 

  • The Former French Concession Free Walking Tour covers about 2 km and is not recommended for individuals requiring walking assistance (e.g., wheelchair users).

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