Shanghai Mysteries & Legends Walk: Old Hongkou
- 2 hours and 30 minutes
- English
Description
▸ Hello! Step off the busy tourist path and uncover hidden old Shanghai in Hongkou, the former British‑American Concessions.
▸ What makes this tour special?
This former concession survived wars and dramatic, turbulent years. Grand colonial buildings sit side by side with narrow alleyways where local Chinese families once lived. Hear mysterious, little-known legends of both Chinese residents and foreign settlers. You will not find these stories in any guidebook. I will bring these forgotten tales to life for you.
▸ What we will explore?
We will wander through the former British and American Concessions. We’ll stop at Zhapu Road Bridge for iconic views of the Bund, Lujiazui, the Oriental Pearl Tower and Waibaidu Bridge. We stroll through real residential neighbourhoods. Along the way, you can grab fresh fruit and local snacks from family-run shops — tastier and cheaper than tourist venues.
▸ Why join this tour?
We’ll walk past over 30 officially listed, protected heritage buildings in Shanghai.
On your own, you’ll only see old structures. With me, I bring these buildings alive with their forgotten hidden stories.
▸Ready?
Come and join us !
▸Is this tour also perfect for photography lovers?
These architectural gems are stunning and incredibly photogenic. I’ll show you the secret best photo spots.
▸ Group size
Small, relaxed group.
Leave the busy tourist crowds behind, as we wander peaceful, quiet lanes of old Shanghai.
▸Do you know which concession came first in Shanghai?
The British and American Concessions were established in 1845 and 1848, before the French Concession. They combined into the International Settlement in 1863. This district is filled with under-told stories of old Shanghai.
▸ Highlights
• Hongkou Fire Station, one of China’s earliest modern fire stations
• Japanese Buddhist temples from the 1920s–30s
• Zhapu Road Film Street & Victory Cinema
• Shanghai Postal Museum (Far East Post Office)
• Zhapu Road Bridge, Waibaidu Bridge & Shanghai Mansions
• Astor House Hotel (China Securities Museum)
• Former British Consulate at Bund Source
• Russian Consulate, Former Shanghai Rowing Club
• Union Church, Ampere Building, Rockbund & Lyceum Building
▸ Meeting point
North Sichuan Road Station, Metro Line 10, Exit 2.
▸ End point
We finish at North Bund.It is a short walk to East Nanjing Road and the Bund, with cafés, restaurants and metro access nearby.
▸ I love sharing Shanghai stories. This is my full‑time job.
▸ How the free tour works
No fixed price. You pay what you feel the tour is worth. Typical contribution: 150–350 RMB per person (about 20–50 EUR / 20–50 USD). Cash, Alipay and WeChat Pay are all accepted.
▸ Thank you and see you soon!
Guide: Amanda
Guiding since 2025💡 Tired of rushed sightseeing tours with confusing explanations?
👋 I’m Amanda, a licensed English-speaking local guide in Shanghai and a qualified English teacher.
📜 That’s how I turn complex concession history and traditional Chinese culture into simple, easy-to-follow stories.
🚴 Deeply fascinated by old Shanghai’s hidden concession stories and traditional Chinese culture, I love cycling around the city and 📚reading books on Chinese history and culture in my spare time.
🐾 I’m also an animal lover.
🤍 Patient, easygoing and knowledgeable, I love casual conversations with visitors.
✨ I’m also happy to share all sides of life in China with you.
Here is what my signature walking tour covers:
❤️ My signature tour focuses on:
• Old Shanghai concession exploration & mysterious legends
• Century-old heritage buildings with untold secrets
• Hidden quiet alleyways away from tourist crowds
Come join me, and let’s discover the hidden magic of old Shanghai together
How does a free tour work?
1
Choose and book
Select a tour, date and time. Booking is free.
2
Enjoy the tour
Go to the meeting point and live the experience with your guide.
3
Pay what you want
At the end, you decide how much to pay based on your satisfaction.
Free booking and cancellation
© GuruWalk SL
