The Great World (大世界)，opened in 1917, this wasn't just an amusement park; it was the absolute heart of Shanghai's entertainment universe for decades. Now, it's more of a curated museum of fun, but its spirit is absolutely timeless.
Shanghai Concert Hall, one of the city's most treasured landmarks，first opened it's doors in 1930, but back then, it wasn't for classical music—it was a glamorous movie theater called the Nanjing Theater, showing the latest Hollywood films and later transformed into a dedicated concert hall, becoming the home of classical music in Shanghai.
Huaihai Road, Shanghai's iconic shopping street. It was once called "Avenue Joffre" in the French Concession and was the epitome of European style. Today, it's a fascinating mix of luxury global brands and local, everyday life, all under its famous canopy of plane trees. It's the perfect blend of old Shanghai charm and new Shanghai glamour.
Xintiandi is a stylish district where history meets luxury. It's also the cradle of the Communist Party of China in 1921. The whole area preserves the old "Shikumen" house exteriors but fills them with modern shops and cafes, making it a perfect symbol of Shanghai's blend of old and new.
French colonial–era green space with a tranquil fountain & ponds, plus walking trails & gardens. This park is the living room for Shanghai's 'silver generation'. Watch how retirees socialize: dancing, singing opera, playing cards , flying kites, it's a live performance of local life!
Sinan Mansions, the original “Beverly Hills”of 1920's Shanghai, is a rare, preserved neighborhood of 51 original European-style villas where the city's elite lived. Today, they house high-end restaurants and shops, offering a glimpse into the glamorous past of the French Concession.
It started as a spontaneous artist colony, much like Berlin's Hackescher Markt or New York's SoHo. Now it's a tourist hot spot. You can still find creative souvenirs and Yummy local food. The fresh market by exit 2 might be interesting for you to explore.
Jane took us around the French concession area in a well-paced visit with strategic stops at historical buildings and beautiful architecture. A must-do in Shanghai. Thank you Jane!
This is the best experience I've ever had in Shanghai. Our guide Jane brought the city's stories to life with such passion and depth — the Great World especially gave me a fascinating window into how Shanghai locals have entertained themselves through the decades. Strolling under the plane trees and discovering the Shikumen houses was utterly enchanting. The 3-hour tour was perfectly paced and offered a comprehensive picture of the French Concession's past and present — from daylight to dusk, the area reveals a thousand moods. Incredible value for money. Highly recommended!
This was a really excellent tour. Jane was an outstanding guide. Highly recommend!
We absolutely enjoyed our tour with Jane and were so fortunate to have her all to ourselves. Jane is the best tour guide we've had, and is very knowledgeable and personable. The tour is very well-paced with lots of rest breaks, interesting, and totally recommended.
I took the Shanghai Concession tour with Jane, and she was a fantastic guide. Her energy and passion brought every stop to life. The pace was relaxed and the time flew by. She really made my day! I'd recommend this tour to anyone who wants to understand the city's history beyond the usual sights.
It was such an amazing time!!! Last minute booking just to fill the day and it ended up being an amazing way to spend the day! Was just me, my friend, and Jane, and she was so so wonderful and informative and could answer any questions that i asked her! Such a good pace for three hours and it really doesn’t feel long as there’s so much to see in the French district. 10/10
Just did the my second tour with Jane and no regrets! I was the only one in the tour but Jane was kind enough to continue with the tour anyway. And what a delight! Jane walked me through the French concession, showed me landmarks and all the hidden spots that us tourists would not notice. Super energetic and enthusiastic, Jane helped me understand how this area is deeply rooted into Shanghai (And china!) history. She even brought me to her favorite bakery and bought me a pastry! Great tour, highly recommend for people who truly want to unveil the French concession s secrets.
Jane is very passionate about her city and this former French concession tour shows her knowledge and genuine wish to share with visitors. The tour captures the key highlights of the area and its stories. Highly recommended!
Jane was the most perfect guide! She had so much knowledge to share while also giving the group time to chat and get to know each other. She showed us so many buildings in the former French concession that I would never have found myself and made my first day in Shanghai unforgettable. Thank you ☺️
I was very lucky because of something which occurred before I booked the tour, I ended up with a solo tour. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable and was able to talk about many different topics. She showed me around the French Concession area and I saw some things I did not know .
A great way to get your bearings on arrival and to appreciate Shanghai, especially if you are staying for a limited time. Jane provided a lot of information and insight into different parts of the French Concession that I would have otherwise missed while walking through on my own. I also mentioned my goal to watch a traditional music performance, and Jane was very helpful in providing recommendations on that part. Going in the summer may require a certain level of fitness, as temperatures can get quite high, even if the tour had opportunities for hydration/bathroom breaks.
Such an excellent to know more about the French concession. Without this tour, I would have walked into the streets and shopping alleys without realizing the history behind — and being aware of history is precisely what makes things significant. Jane, our tour guide, was so knowledgeable and has a great balance of historical insights and everyday anecdotes, with an itinerary that mixes urban scenery with green parks and smaller streets. She also has good recommendations for food and restaurants ;) I loved it and even attended twice to discover two different areas! I definitely recommend it!
Jane was very friendly and her English was easy to understand. She was able to answer any questions that we had. It was a long three hours in the hot sun, so I would probably recommend a cooler day/season unless you love the humidity. The French concession is an interesting part of Shanghai, that probably requires a guide to explain about its history, otherwise you wouldn’t really know anything besides looking at some European style buildings. That’s why we decided to take this tour
Perfect afternoon and into early evening tour of the old areas of Shanghai. Informative and interesting. Highly recommend.
After joining Jane’s food tour in the morning, I also joined her afternoon walking tour of the French Concession. There were four other guests in the group, and Jane made everyone feel comfortable. The pace was relaxed, and she never rushed us. Jane shared interesting history and insights about the French Concession while taking us through quieter streets that most tourists would not normally visit. As a cat lover, I especially enjoyed her spotting several cute cats along the way! It was a fun and informative tour, and I’m very happy I joined. Thank you, Jane!
I almost cancelled this walking tour at the last minute, and wow, am I glad I didn't! As it turned out, I was the only guest on the tour, so I essentially got a private, personalized experience with Jane. Walking through the Former French Concession was fantastic, but what truly made it special was having Jane there to bring the streets to life. I absolutely loved hearing all the hidden history, local trivia, and unique stories behind the places we were seeing—things you would completely miss if you were just walking around on your own. As a fun bonus, we spotted tons of adorable neighborhood cats along the way! Another highlight was stopping by Fuxing Park, where we saw an older gentleman doing some incredible balancing exercises. Honestly, he was so impressive that he inspired me to start trying some balancing exercises for myself! haha If you want a great, insightful, and memorable way to truly experience the French Concession, I cannot recommend this tour (and Jane!) enough.
Jane is really nice and supportive person. That day, only me booked the tour, however, she showed me every corner of the area. We had 3 hours of walking and I can feel her passion with the work. I would like to book the another tour to explore Shanghai in next trip.
We did 2 tours (recommend) with Jane in Shanghai and she was honestly the highlight of our trip in Shangai. What we loved most was how she kept us grounded; she was constantly pointing out where we were in relation to the rest of the city, which helped the history actually make sense instead of just being a list of dates and how the city envolved over time. Jane is also incredibly honest: If we asked something super niche that she didn't know, she’d just say so—which I really preferred over someone making up an answer. She also took the time to chat with us about what daily life is actually like in China today, answering our questions about things that seemed so different from life back home in Europe. She took us through back-alleys and "hidden" spots that you definitely won’t find online or on your own. Plus, her food recommendations were 10/10. If you want a guide who is authentic, down-to-earth, and knows the city inside out, definitely look for Jane.
Fantastic tour with very knowledgeable guides. Enjoyed a lot!
This was a great walking tour. I learned about some of the history. Jane was an excellent guide and gave me suggestions of where to eat at the end of the tour too. A great way to get more information on a lovely neighbourhood.
Great experience, especially if you want to get the lay of the land, and learn about the area. We truly enjoyed our French Concession walking tour with Jane! She was very knowledgeable, and showed us not only well-known parts of the city, but also some parts that were a little off the beaten path.
Honestly, one of the best things I did while exploring Shanghai solo. I’ve always wanted to see Shanghai vibe and this tour nailed it. Walking through those quiet, leafy streets and seeing the old villas was such a cool break from the crazy skyscraper side of the city. Huge thanks to Jane, our guide! She was so fun and actually made the history interesting, lots of cool stories about the writers and revolutionaries who used to hang out there. We hit Fuxing Park and Sinan Road, and the whole pace felt really chill. Even though I was on my own, it didn't feel awkward at all. Definitely worth joining if you’re in town. Thanks again, Jane!
Jane doesn't just 'do' a tour; she was really great at weaving her own stories, experiences and knowledge into her commentary, like how she spoke about the tension at Zhou En Lai's office. Would recommend joining this tour if you're visiting anytime soon and want to learn more about Shanghai on a deeper level. It is well curated and led by a really passionate guide.
Alice was an excellent guide. Her knowledge and storytelling made the tour both educational and engaging. Highly recommended for a memorable experience!
Jane's MDT Shanghai French Concession tour was like a friendly stroll with someone who truly knows the neighborhood. She pointed out what guidebooks miss—the festive warmth of Fuxing Park during holiday fairs, the twinkling Huaihai Road views, and the creative life tucked inside Tianzifang's shikumen. Her personal touch, like explaining why locals knit sweaters for trees, made the area feel like home. I'll recommend this tour to everyone and will surely rebook when I'm back in Shanghai.
I really enjoyed the Monster Day Tours French Concession free walking tour—it was completely different from when I first visited Shanghai years ago. Our guide Jane did a fantastic job explaining the city's history in a way that was easy to understand. She showed us both the past and present of Shanghai's urban development and planning, which I found truly fascinating. The changes in Xintiandi were also remarkable—I really liked the Shikumen architecture and the Site of the First CPC National Congress. Fuxing Park looked beautiful with its New Year flower display, and it was lovely to see locals preparing for the holiday. My friend and I explored Tianzifang, browsing small shops for Chinese souvenirs and artwork, and we also enjoyed plenty of snacks and restaurants along the way. I'll definitely bring more friends next time!
This Shanghai Former French Concession Guided Walking Tour was an excellent experience. The guide was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared fascinating stories about the history, architecture, and daily life of the area. Walking through the tree-lined streets really gave a deeper appreciation of Shanghai’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. The pace was comfortable, and there was plenty of time for questions and photos. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to understand Shanghai beyond the modern skyline.
What I loved most about this tour was how it went far beyond the usual skyline views and glossy highlights. From retirees dancing in Fuxing Park to tucked-away alleyways in Tianzifang and stories about locals lining up for their favourite food spots along Huaihai Road, it offered such an authentic look at everyday life in Shanghai. The guide Michael was fantastic — witty, attentive, and full of small details I would never have noticed on my own, like the “dragon pillar” along Yan’an Road. Being in a small group made everything feel relaxed and personal, and it was easy to ask questions along the way. I came away with a real sense of the city’s rhythm and culture. If you’re hoping to experience Shanghai beyond the guidebook and skyscrapers, this tour is absolutely worth it.
This tour beautifully captured the charm and layered history of the Shanghai Former French Concession. Our guide Alice, was exceptional knowledgeable and passionate in the way she brought the stories of the neighborhood to life.It was a wonderful way to experience Shanghai beyond the skyline—intimate, cultural, and full of character.
Jenny turned a history tour into one of the most entertaining afternoons I’ve had in Shanghai. Her infectious energy kept the entire group engaged from start to finish. With her witty explanations—like describing the Great World as the “original social media” or humorously breaking down the Feng Shui of Yan’an Elevated Road—she had us laughing while learning throughout the tour.
We had a great experience on the Shanghai Former French Concession Guided Walking Tour. Our guide, David, was knowledgeable, engaging, and shared insightful stories that brought the history and culture of the area to life. The pace was comfortable, and the route was well curated, allowing us to appreciate both the heritage and charm of the neighborhood. Highly recommended for anyone looking to understand Shanghai beyond the usual tourist spots.
We joined Jane’s Sunday morning tour together and were genuinely blown away by how she wove personal stories into Shanghai’s sweeping history. She didn’t just show us places. She introduced us to the people who once lived there, making the city feel alive. Her storytelling about the White Russian community near Saint Nicolas Church, and the subtle tension surrounding Zhou Enlai’s former office, was especially vivid and deeply human. Jane’s passion for Shanghai is infectious. From explaining the remarkable engineering feat of moving the Concert Hall to revealing the hidden meanings behind Shikumen architecture in Xintiandi, she connected everything with warmth, intelligence, and heart. The three hours flew by. If you want to truly understand Shanghai’s soul and not just its landmarks, this is the tour to take.
Excellent time spent with Jane; I really recommend you do one or both walking tours with her, can't wait to come back with my family.
A fascinating tour with Jane. It was fascinating. An unforgettable experience with the highest level of guidance and knowledge. It is amazing to discover that Shanghai is completely different in the heart of the huge buildings.
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
Reach us by phone
Reach us by email