Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour
Shanghai, China

Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour

Outty Ranking 59 4.6 · 14 traveler reviews2 hoursFrom $123
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Outty Ranking

59/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 14 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour worth booking?

Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour is a 2-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $123 per person. It scores 59 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 14 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
59 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (14)
Duration
2 hours
From
$123 per person

See Shanghai through the eyes of a local on this 2-hour private guided tour of the city’s areas where normal tours don’t go. Follow your knowledgeable local guide as you wander through Shanghai’s 'nongtangs' -- old districts, lanes and alleyways dating back from the 1920s featuring age-old architecture, unique designs and artwork. With your guide, make a home visit to interact with long-time elderly residents of these 'nongtangs' and gain a deeper understanding of local Shanghai life. Then, explore a local food market and try some Chinese street food (own expense). This is a private tour just for you and your party.

What you get

    About this experience

    See Shanghai through the eyes of a local on this 2-hour private guided tour of the city’s areas where normal tours don’t go. Follow your knowledgeable local guide as you wander through Shanghai’s 'nongtangs' -- old districts, lanes and alleyways dating back from the 1920s featuring age-old architecture, unique designs and artwork. With your guide, make a home visit to interact with long-time elderly residents of these 'nongtangs' and gain a deeper understanding of local Shanghai life. Then, explore a local food market and try some Chinese street food (own expense). This is a private tour just for you and your party.

    What's included

    Included

    • Local English-speaking guide
    • Private walking tour

    Not included

    • Gratuities
    • Food and drinks
    • Hotel pickup and drop-off

    What you'll see and do

    1. Shanghai Pathways-Private One-day and Walking Tours

      Have you already made visits to Shanghai’s Bund, Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, but wish to explore beyond the popular tourist spots? Gain a deeper insight into local Shanghai life as your expert guide takes you on an exclusive tour of the city’s mysterious lanes, hidden alleys and old districts. On this private tour, find out what makes Shanghai so unique as you discover the city’s lesser-known areas and fascinating off-the-beaten paths. Hear interesting anecdotes and cultural stories and get an unforgettable experience through the eyes of a true local. Shanghai's courtyard alleyways, known as nongtangs, are back passageways that combine traditional architectural design with modern Western architecture, offering a unique urban atmosphere you will find in very few other places. These nongtangs have been around since the 1920s, and many of their original inhabitants still live there. Your local Shanghai tour guide, who has over five years of experience in leading tours all over the city, will take you to meet and socialize with these local elderly residents in their homes. Their accounts of the past will give you vivid images of historical times, and their stories of everyday life will show you the influence of Shanghai’s development on their lifestyle. Local residents also often own small food markets located along these pathways. Visit these hidden stores and wet markets, where true locals shop, and learn how some of the owners make their living. While enjoying this unique Shanghai market experience, taste some local street eats like tea eggs which are eggs boiled with tea and marinade (own expense).

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Shanghai

    Outside of the Hanting Express (Shanghai South Xizang Road Branch),Feel free to email us for a picture of the meeting point. You could also call Shanghai Pathways at 0086-18917939860 for assistance.

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Outside of the Hanting Express (Shanghai South Xizang Road Branch),Feel free to email us for a picture of the meeting point. You could also call Shanghai Pathways at 0086-18917939860 for assistance.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Shanghai Pathways

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
    • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 2Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 3Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 4Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 5Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 6Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour, photo 7

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 14 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    8 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    4 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Food and drink

    2 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    Traveler reviews

    14 verified traveler reviews for Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    hifromny · May 2019

    Interesting and Fun

    I enjoyed this walking tour with Mary. She had excellent English and shared a lot of interesting information about the area we covered. It was a good way to see and learn about a part of Old Shanghai.

    via Tripadvisor

    Sooz0456 · March 2018

    Great guided tour of old Shanghai lanes

    My colleague and I signed up for a guided tour of the southern city. Mason was a fabulous guide and was very knowledgeable. Even though I had previously lived in Shanghai I learned a great deal. Would recommend!

    via Tripadvisor

    199sophie · November 2017

    Must see if you want to learn more about local life in Shanghai

    Great option to get a better understanding of local life in Shanghai. First we walked around the alleyways, markets, shops, shared houses/kitchens. Afterwards we saw one of the houses from the inside. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and explained daily life, food, culture, etc.

    via Tripadvisor

    Sophie S · November 2017

    Great tour, very interesting to see...

    <p>Great tour, very interesting to see Shanghai local life, Mason is an awesome tour guide.</p>

    via Viator

    Deborah M · July 2016

    Fascinating and interestin tour. Guide...

    <p>Fascinating and interestin tour. Guide was delightful</p>

    via Viator

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $123 to $246
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    5
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Shanghai Pathways, who run 15 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 49.7.

    See everything Shanghai Pathways runs

    Why this scores 59

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)81
    Review evidence (18% weight)49
    Booking momentum (14% weight)40
    Value for money (12% weight)12
    Listing quality (10% weight)80
    Local standing (8% weight)38
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.

    How much does Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $123 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour take?

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    Plan for about 2 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.

    Is Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 59 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 14 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

    +

    Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.

    Is Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

    +

    Around 5 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

    +

    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Shanghai?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai, Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Shanghai?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Shanghai?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

    +

    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

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    Included: Local English-speaking guide; and Private walking tour. Not included: Gratuities; Food and drinks; and Hotel pickup and drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

    +

    Outside of the Hanting Express (Shanghai South Xizang Road Branch),Feel free to email us for a picture of the meeting point. You could also call Shanghai Pathways at 0086-18917939860 for assistance. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour offered in?

    +

    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

    +

    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Shanghai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour?

    +

    Across 14 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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