Shanghai: From Colonial Paris to Modern China Guided Tour｜China

Begin your day with a private pickup from your downtown Shanghai hotel. Meet your guide and head to the leafy streets of the old French Concession.

Explore the Xujiahui Catholic Cathedral, one of Shanghai’s largest and most historic cathedrals. Built in 1910 by French Jesuits, it reflects Gothic Revival architecture rarely seen in China. Behind the church, peek into the site of the original Xujiahui Jesuit College, a hub of Western learning in the 19th century.

Wander through Wukang Road, one of the most iconic streets in the French Concession. See the Wukang Mansion, designed by László Hudec, and the Art Deco Capetown Apartments. Pass small cafés, galleries, and plane trees as your guide shares stories of writers, revolutionaries, and expats who once lived here.

Visit the Moller Villa, a stunning, Norse-style villa built in the 1930s by a Swedish businessman for his daughter. Its whimsical turrets and European gardens make it one of Shanghai’s most photographed heritage buildings.

Explore the fashionable Xintiandi District, a Shikumen-style neighborhood that blends historic stone gate houses with luxury shops, restaurants, and restored alleys. Learn how this site was once home to China’s modern political awakening, now transformed into a symbol of urban renewal.

Wander through Tianzifang Art Alley, a maze of narrow lanes filled with artist studios, boutique shops, and coffee houses. Originally a residential district, Tianzifang has preserved much of its original brick architecture and charm. Enjoy time to explore and grab a drink or snack.

Wrap up your day with a stroll along The Bund, Shanghai’s historic riverfront promenade, where neo-classical colonial buildings face the towering skyline across the Huangpu River. Your guide will point out landmarks like the Peace Hotel, Former HSBC Building, and Custom House Clock Tower.