Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration in Shanghai
Shanghai, China

Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration

Outty Ranking 84 5.0 · 54 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $30

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September 2026

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Adults

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Age 12 and under

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Outty Ranking

84/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

5.0/5

Based on 54 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration worth booking?

Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration is a 3-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $30 per person. It scores 84 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional, based on a 5/5 rating across 54 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 (54)
Duration
3 hours
From
$30 per person

Unfortunately, a big part of the Old City will disappear soon... Let's enjoy our last chances to discover its secrets before destruction, and see what is still there. Follow our Tour Leader for a 3-hour walk in this big

What you get

  • Gift Bag
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks

About this experience

Unfortunately, a big part of the Old City will disappear soon... Let's enjoy our last chances to discover its secrets before destruction, and see what is still there. Follow our Tour Leader for a 3-hour walk in this big maze under destruction. We will first visit a part close to destruction and emptied of its inhabitants, and then a second part still inhabited and more lively. Discover old villas, traditional Shanghainese houses, hidden details showing us the history of Shanghai... Learn new secrets about this part of the city: architecture, history, beliefs, religion, urbanization... You will learn things even Shanghainese people don't know!

What's included

Included

  • Gift Bag
  • Bottled water
  • Snacks

Not included

  • Other personal expenses

What you'll see and do

  1. Old Town (Nanshi)

    Disappearing Shanghai - Ghost City We will first visit a part of the Old City close to destruction and emptied of its inhabitants. Our Tour Leader will introduce there the history of Shanghai and this part of the city and show you many interesting details.

    60 minutes here

  2. We will then visit a lively neighborhood called Longmencun which featured typical Shanghainese architecture and local life. Our Tour Leader will introduce you to the "Shikumen" houses, Shanghai's typical housing, and tell you how architecture can tell us a lot about the history of the city.

    30 minutes here

  3. Laoximen

    We will enjoy an authentic Shanghainese snack in a typical restaurant. Please let us know if you have any special requirements regarding food.

    30 minutes here

  4. Laoximen

    We will end our exploration in the neighborhood around the Confucius Temple (actually closed and under renovations, no visit inside). Our Tour Leader will show you the most beautiful house in the neighborhood, and explain to you all the secrets hidden behind each detail. We will then walk to our ending point at Laoximen metro station.

    60 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Meeting point

Shanghai

Starting point: Xiaonanmen Metro Station Exit 2 (小南门地铁站2号口)

Hotel pickup

No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

Ends at

Ending point: Laoximen Metro Station, Exit 6

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
Mon, Thu
Group size
Up to 10 travelers per booking
Operated by
Arcade Experiences

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
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Photos

Abandoned houseLocal architectureFishes before Chinese New YearLocal "temple"Local dogSmall window

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 54 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

Knowledge and storytelling

7 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

The guide

5 mentions

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

Traveler reviews

54 verified traveler reviews for Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
54
4 star
0
3 star
0
2 star
0
1 star
0
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ellatS647GJ · February 2024

Mission: doing all Clarisse’s city walks

I’ve done three walks with Clarisse so far and I’m going to do a lot more because it’s a superb way to get to know the city, explore it, know about its history and curiosities. Clarisse is an extremely competent, thoughtful and funny pro, with her charisma and knowledge you will learn a lot about the city in a pleasant and lively way.

via Tripadvisor

541alliel · November 2023

Exceptional Arcade Walking Tours Never Disappoint!

Arcade Historic Tours - Hongkou Walk. We've been on numerous walks with Arcade and their walking tours never disappoint! Expert guide, Clarisse, always has so many anecdotes and fun details to share during these walks as we discover different areas of the inner city of Shanghai. It always amazes us how much knowledge she has of places and the people who once inhabited them. I think they should come out with a guidebook of Arcade walks! A little bonus ending to this great tour was a lovely visit to a shop, akin to the cavern of Alibaba, filled with trinkets and treasures from Shanghai's past. Clarisse introduced us to the shop-owner who is a passionate collector of antique relics from turn of the century Shanghai. We enjoyed a delightful visit browsing his shop and exchanging with him. Such moments and personal encounters always make Arcade tours extra special and stand apart from other walking tours in this city! We highly recommend any of their walking tours, mysterious hunts or Cluedo-style games!

via Tripadvisor

ohdontaskwhy · August 2023

Fun and interesting tour to learn about the disappearing old city

Amazing tour with a great and caring guide! I would recommend it to everyone coming to visit Shanghai, because it's a chance to have a glimpse of everyday life, better understand the city and those who live here, and learn some funny and cool facts along the way. Also, you would never go to the places you go during this tour alone, they are not so obvious at all :) Seriously, don't miss this opportunity to explore the hidden treasures of Shanghai.

via Tripadvisor

nicolasbI2529FC · December 2022

Greeeeaaaatt experience

I am afraid you will think it is a fake review when you are reading my review but let’s me try to give you my feedback. If you like cultural visit, it is the best you can do in shanghai so far. I have been leaving here for almost 20 years and we did several visits with Clarisse. And you don’t need to be a history geek to enjoy! I did the Suzhou creek (very good), the old city (also good but I think the old city does not exist anymore..), tintin (also great!),…

via Tripadvisor

Z2427NKjonathanr · December 2022

It takes a good guide to show you the authentic Shanghai

Clarisse is a very nice and professional guide and she's always thoroughly prepared for her tours. You can tell she has done a lot of research on her topics as well. She has lived in Shanghai for many years and knows her city better than most Shanghainese. She offers city tours that can be tailored for every customer's need and she delivers them in French, English and Chinese. You can easily tell her job is her passion and every tour is a discovery. Tour themes vary a lot and groups are small which makes it an even nicer experience.

via Tripadvisor

Good to know

Duration
3 hours
Free cancellation
Up to 24h before
Minimum age to book
All ages
Availability
Bookable today
Runs on
Mon, Thu
Price range
$30 to $60
Hotel pickup
No pickup, meet at start point
Booked in 30 days
19
Verdict
Exceptional

Why this scores 84

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

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)97
Review evidence (18% weight)70
Booking momentum (14% weight)64
Value for money (12% weight)89
Listing quality (10% weight)95
Local standing (8% weight)66
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration: questions travelers ask

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

How much does Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration cost?

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Prices start at $30 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 Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration take?

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Plan for about 3 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 Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration 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 54 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 Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration?

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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 Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration suitable for kids and families?

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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

How far in advance should I book Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration?

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Around 19 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 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Small-Group Shanghai's Old City Walking Exploration 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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