
Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour worth booking?
Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour is a 8-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $35 per person. It scores 70 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 70 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (6)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $35 per person
You can't fully appreciate Shanghai without exploring its colonial past. This unique tour explores the colonial history of Shanghai from the 1800's to today. You'll see where the English, French and Americans set up spec
What you get
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel and return
About this experience
You can't fully appreciate Shanghai without exploring its colonial past. This unique tour explores the colonial history of Shanghai from the 1800's to today. You'll see where the English, French and Americans set up special concession areas and their changes through the Sino-Japanese and World World II, an on to today's transformation into the fabric of modern Shanghai. This tour includes an authentic local lunch and hotel pickup and dropoff for an easy and enjoyable day.
What's included
Included
- Lunch
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel and return
Not included
- Tips to guide and driver recommended
What you'll see and do
Former French Concession
Enjoy the atmosphere of east meets west or one of the new popular places. This area is rich in the history of China when colonial powers had a significant presence in Shanghai. It has unique architecture while bustling with people along tree-lined streets.
60 minutes here
Tian Zi Fang
A maze of small walkways, unique coffee bars, shops, restaurants, punctuated with unique local Shikumen architecture. Enjoy lively people watching as you learn about colonial history of Shanghai.
60 minutes here
Thames Town
Thames Town is a new town in Songjiang District, about 30 kilometres from central Shanghai, China.The architecture is themed according to classic British market town styles. This are features cobbled streets, Victorian terraces and corner shops. A taste of England just an hour from central Shanghai.
60 minutes here
The Bund (Wai Tan)
The Shanghai Bund has dozens of historical buildings, lining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks, trading houses and consulates from all over Europe, Asia and the United States. The area highlights Shanghai's western influence in architecture and culture and today offers a beautiful walkway along the Huangpu River while learning about Shanghai's history.
60 minutes here
Shanghai Municipal Archives
This museum and the main repository for archives in Shanghai. It is a modern facility located on the Bund. It holds almost all the archives of the previous foreign settlements, as well as those of the republican-era municipalities. The SMA also holds rich collections of archives of private companies and organizations. It is one of the most advanced and open archival repository in China.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jennys China Tours
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
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Our weekend in Shanghai
Our guide Peggy was wonderful. Being a native Shanghainese she was extremely knowledgeable, we learnt so much from her. She was friendly, attentive and professional, always going the extra mile to make sure we were well taken care of. We did both the colonial history tour and half day Zhujiajiao ancient town tour. If you are a first timer to Shanghai and love history I highly recommend you do these tours you will not be disappointed.
via Tripadvisor
Expert historical tour
The tour guide, Troy, was as knowledgeable as any guide I have had in China. His English was perfect. He was polite, accommodating, and flexible. A most enjoyable day in Shanghai. Thank you, Troy!
via Tripadvisor
Contentful and comfortable experience
There are many old handsome houses to look at, it was 34 degrees, it is very nice to have your own car to move between. Our guide Peggy is amazing, she is very nice and showed us the most and best of her hometown. She arranged lunch - juicy jianbo was the best Shanghai food we have eaten. We are very satisfied.
via Tripadvisor (translated)
The best of the Best tour Guides
The most pleasant tour guide you could ever hope for greated me upon this tour, (cathy) she was highly informative but she also listen to my requirements, We nearly immediatly became good friends, Cathy introduced me to many first time expierences on this tour, A great assit to the tour guiding bussiness and not only the city of Shanghai but to China as well
Response from the operator: Wow, thank you so much! We absolutely love the review title—superb! Please come visit China again; we bet you'll find a "Cathy" at every destination we cover! :) Take care, Jenny
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour!
The tour guide(Céline) was very knowledgeable and explained a lot about Shanghai's history. We received a FULL day of history, walking, eating, driving and fun! We learned a lot about the city and the area. I strongly recommend Jenny's. We plan to use her services again.
Response from the operator: Dear Christopher, Thank you so much and you did use our services again which we were so honored. You made the most challenging time bright to us. Best, Jenny and Team
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $35 to $289
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 70
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour cost?
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Prices start at $35 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 Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 70 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 6 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 Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour?
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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 Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour?
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Around 2 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?
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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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History 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?
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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, Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option, 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour. 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?
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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?
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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.
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