
Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 76 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession worth booking?
Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession is a 2-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $49 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 76 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 84 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (76)
- Duration
- 2 hours
- From
- $49 per person
The former French Concession is always the highlight of a visit to Shanghai. It also becomes the city's hottest and hippest neighborhood, where trendy bars and clubs multiply like mushrooms after a rainstorm. The area still holds something of the alluring mix of scrappy Shanghainese street life, shopworn European colonial charm, Art Deco edifices, hidden brick courtyards and film noir intrigue that have, along with the proud stone edifices of the bund and the twisting alleys of Shanghai's Old city, long defined Shanghai in the Western popular imagination. Shanghai's idiosyncratic push-pull between new and old, development and preservation, takes a special form in the French Concession, making it an absolutely unique urban experience.
What you get
About this experience
The former French Concession is always the highlight of a visit to Shanghai. It also becomes the city's hottest and hippest neighborhood, where trendy bars and clubs multiply like mushrooms after a rainstorm. The area still holds something of the alluring mix of scrappy Shanghainese street life, shopworn European colonial charm, Art Deco edifices, hidden brick courtyards and film noir intrigue that have, along with the proud stone edifices of the bund and the twisting alleys of Shanghai's Old city, long defined Shanghai in the Western popular imagination. Shanghai's idiosyncratic push-pull between new and old, development and preservation, takes a special form in the French Concession, making it an absolutely unique urban experience.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup
- Transportation to attraction
- Excellent English-speaking guide
- Entrance Tickets
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Gratuities
- Hotel drop-off
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Afternoon Tour
Private walking tour. Your tour departure time is 1:00 in the Afternoon Pickup included
Morning Tour
Private walking tour. Your tour departure time is 9:00 in the morning Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 10 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Shanghai Melody Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- A maximum of 10 people per booking
- Please indicate morning tour or afternoon tour in special requirement area upon booking
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 75 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Small groups
3 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Traveler reviews
75 verified traveler reviews for Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
French Concession Tour with Penny
This was a fantastic tour. Penny is very knowledgeable and as a former teacher, engages in the history of the area in an organized and clear fashion. I very much enjoyed this tour and would recommend it without hesitation.
via Viator
Here’s a polished...
Here’s a polished TripAdvisor review: We had an excellent experience on the Private Walking Tour of Shanghai’s Former French Concession with Penny Pung. Penny was a wonderful guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about Shanghai and its history. As we walked through the beautiful streets of the Former French Concession, she shared fascinating stories about the area’s history, architecture, and evolution, giving us a much deeper understanding of this unique part of the city. What made the tour particularly enjoyable was Penny’s ability to bring the history to life rather than simply reciting facts. She was friendly, patient, and happy to answer our questions throughout the walk. A very enjoyable and informative way to discover another side of Shanghai. We highly recommend Penny Pung to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and personable private guide. Five stars!
via Viator
Excellent Walking Tour
Here’s a polished TripAdvisor review: We had an excellent experience on the Private Walking Tour of Shanghai’s Former French Concession with Penny Pung. Penny was a wonderful guide—knowledgeable, engaging, and genuinely passionate about Shanghai and its history. As we walked through the beautiful streets of the Former French Concession, she shared fascinating stories about the area’s history, architecture, and evolution, giving us a much deeper understanding of this unique part of the city. What made the tour particularly enjoyable was Penny’s ability to bring the history to life rather than simply reciting facts. She was friendly, patient, and happy to answer our questions throughout the walk. A very enjoyable and informative way to discover another side of Shanghai. We highly recommend Penny Pung to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and personable private guide. Five stars!
via Tripadvisor
Perfect start to our China visit
Our tour with Penny was the first thing we did after arriving in China and it was the perfect start to our Shanghai adventure. Penny was lovely company, a superb storyteller and there wasn’t a question she couldn’t answer! The perfect guide for a 12 year old and her history-buff mother. Thank you Penny - we loved our morning with you!
via Tripadvisor
This is a must do
I know quite a bit about the former French Concession and Penny’s tour is a really good introduction. She includes both famous important sites as well as some special almost private ones. Highly recommended.
via Tripadvisor
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
- $49 to $166
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 27
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shanghai Melody Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.5.
See everything Shanghai Melody Tours runsWhy this scores 84
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession cost?
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Prices start at $49 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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession 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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 84 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 76 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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession suitable for kids and families?
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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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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Around 27 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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession 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, 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?
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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.
What is included in Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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Included: Hotel pickup; Transportation to attraction; Excellent English-speaking guide; and Entrance Tickets. Not included: Personal expenses; Gratuities; and Hotel drop-off. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 92 listed pickup locations in and around Shanghai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and 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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession if the weather is bad?
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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 Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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Across 76 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, small groups. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
What booking options are available for Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Afternoon Tour, Morning Tour. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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