Shanghai’s historical tours offer fascinating looks at the city’s layered past. The best options include the eye-opening Hongkou Jewish Heritage walk, which traces the footsteps of WWII refugees, and an excellent bike tour through the former Japanese Concession – perfect for active travelers who want to cover more ground.
I especially love the propaganda art walking tours, where you’ll discover fascinating political artwork while learning about the Cultural Revolution. For food lovers, the dumpling-tasting tours in historic neighborhoods combine great local eats with stories of Shanghai’s colonial period.
Check out these top historical tours that bring Shanghai’s past to life:
Key Points
- Shanghai offers a range of historical tours, including Jewish heritage tours, cultural and historical walking tours, and colonial and hidden historical tours.
- Tours highlight lesser-known historic sites, propaganda posters, contemporary art, and diverse Asian heritage in neighborhoods like Hongkou and Suzhou.
- Many tours provide personalized experiences, informative discussions, and accessibility features such as wheelchair-friendly vehicles and infant seats.
- Private tours with flexible itineraries and expert guides are available, covering neighborhoods like Xuhui, Hongkou, and Jingan.
- Tours are highly rated for engaging guides, cultural insights, and personalized attention, with options for layovers and all-inclusive pricing.
Tour of Jewish Shanghai Led by a Jewish History Expert
Though Shanghai is renowned for its towering skyscrapers and fast-paced modernity, the city has a rich history of Jewish immigration and settlement that’s often overlooked by casual visitors.
Fortunately, there’s a half-day tour that delves into this fascinating aspect of Shanghai’s past. Led by a knowledgeable Jewish history expert, the tour explores significant sites in the Hongkou district, known as the Shanghai Ghetto.
Highlights include the Huoshan Park memorial plaque and the Jewish Refugees Museum. Along the way, travelers will learn diverse stories from Jewish refugees, Baghdadi-Jewish developers, and Chinese migrant workers.
With private transportation, hotel pickup, and excellent reviews, this tour offers an educational and insightful look into a lesser-known chapter of Shanghai’s history.
Read our full review: Tour of Jewish Shanghai Led by a Jewish History Expert Review
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Full Day Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum & Heritage Bike Tour
This full-day Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum & Heritage Bike Tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of the city’s Jewish history and culture.
Priced from Kč 2,044 per person, the 7-hour tour includes visits to the Jewish Refugee Museum and Ghetto, cycling through the Japanese Concession, and seeing landmarks like the Bund and Nanjing Road.
Participants can enjoy an authentic local lunch and use high-quality bicycles, helmets, and water.
The tour, led by an English-speaking guide, focuses on Shanghai’s Jewish influence from the 1850s to 1950s, with stops at sites like Huoshan Park.
Reviews highlight personalized experiences and informative discussions.
Read our full review: Full Day Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum & Heritage Bike Tour Review
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Shanghai Propaganda and History Walking Tour
Exploring Shanghai’s captivating history and its enduring propaganda, the Shanghai Propaganda and History Walking Tour offers an immersive experience for travelers seeking a deeper understanding of the city’s complex past.
Led by an English-speaking guide, the 1-hour tour takes small groups of up to 15 through the city, focusing on propaganda posters and their historical context.
Travelers can enjoy a complimentary Chinese wonton soup and dinner, with the tour including gratuities and hotel pickup/drop-off upon request.
Highly rated on platforms like Viator and Tripadvisor, the tour is praised for its engaging guide, personalized attention, and insightful exploration of China’s edgy side.
Read our full review: Shanghai Propaganda and History Walking Tour Review
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4-Hour Private Shanghai Art and History Tour
The 4-Hour Private Shanghai Art and History Tour offers travelers an immersive exploration of the city’s vibrant contemporary art scene and its captivating 20th-century artistic legacy.
Led by a professional English-speaking guide, the tour takes visitors to the renowned M50 creative district, the charming Tianzifang neighborhood, and the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre.
With private transportation and included entrance fees, the tour provides a personalized experience at a comfortable pace.
Whether you’re an art enthusiast or a history buff, this tour promises an engaging and insightful journey through Shanghai’s artistic and cultural heritage.
Read our full review: 4-Hour Private Shanghai Art and History Tour Review
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Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour
A captivating journey through Shanghai’s colonial past awaits travelers on the Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour.
This highly-rated 5-star experience offers an air-conditioned vehicle, an authentic dumpling lunch, and a knowledgeable guide who’ll meet and return you to your centrally located hotel.
With wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as infant seats, the tour is suitable for most travelers.
The pickup and drop-off locations are flexible, though an additional fee applies for locations outside central Shanghai.
Guests can pay in cash upon meeting the guide, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour starts.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour Review
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Private Hidden and Historical Suzhou Exploration From Shanghai
Travelers seeking to uncover the hidden historical gems of Suzhou can embark on a Private Hidden and Historical Suzhou Exploration from Shanghai.
This tour offers a personalized experience, with a professional guide leading the way. Priced from $200 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, private transportation, and optional inclusions like lunch and entrance fees.
Travelers will need a moderate level of fitness, comfortable walking shoes, and a valid passport.
With a 5.0 overall rating based on 3 reviews, this tour is praised for its excellent English-speaking guide and cultural insights, making it a great choice for families and history enthusiasts alike.
Read our full review: Private Hidden and Historical Suzhou Exploration From Shanghai Review
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4 or 6 Hours Private Customized Shanghai Historical Tour (or Layover)
A Shanghai historical tour offers travelers a chance to uncover the city’s rich past through a personalized, private experience.
Guests can choose between a 4-hour or 6-hour tour, with the latter including private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
A professional guide will lead the way, providing insight into Shanghai’s storied history.
Pickup and drop-off options cater to those with airport layovers, cruise port visits, or stays at Disneyland hotels.
The tour ends at any desired sightseeing spot, allowing for flexibility.
With an excellent English-speaking guide and a 5-star rating, this tour is an ideal way to explore Shanghai’s historical gems.
Read our full review: 4 or 6 Hours Private Customized Shanghai Historical Tour (or Layover) Review
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Shanghai Uncommon Historic Sites Tour
Though less frequented than the city’s marquee historic sites, the Shanghai Uncommon Historic Sites Tour offers travelers a unique opportunity to uncover the hidden gems of Shanghai’s storied past.
Rated 5.0 based on one review, this private tour includes an authentic dumpling lunch, transportation, and all fees and taxes.
Pickup is from designated locations, with an additional charge for drop-off and pickup outside central Shanghai.
The tour starts at 9:00 AM and is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
With a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour provides an affordable and flexible way to explore Shanghai’s uncommon historic sites.
Read our full review: Shanghai Uncommon Historic Sites Tour Review
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Historic Hongkou–Asian Settlement
The Historic Hongkou–Asian Settlement tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through one of Shanghai’s most diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods.
Priced from $85 per person, this private tour allows your group to explore the historic Hongkou district, known for its Asian settlement.
Led by a knowledgeable historian guide, the tour provides a comfortable walking experience, with pickup and drop-off at your centrally located hotel.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is near public transportation.
With a perfect 5-star rating based on reviews, this tour offers an immersive opportunity to discover Shanghai’s vibrant Asian heritage.
Read our full review: Historic Hongkou–Asian Settlement Review
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Private Shanghai Jewish Historical Tour
This private Shanghai Jewish Historical Tour offers an insightful exploration of the city’s rich Jewish heritage. Priced from €204.32 per person, the tour includes private transportation, an expert guide, and entrance fees to all mentioned sites.
The flexible itinerary covers popular neighborhoods like Xuhui, Hongkou, and Jingan. Accessibility features like wheelchair-friendly vehicles and infant seats make the tour suitable for most travelers.
With a lowest price guarantee and a reserve now, pay later option, booking this private tour is both convenient and budget-friendly. Regardless of group size, you’ll enjoy a personalized experience as this is a private tour for your party only.
Read our full review: Private Shanghai Jewish Historical Tour Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times to Take These Tours?
The best times to take historical tours are usually during the morning or early afternoon when crowds are smaller and temperatures are milder. Many tours also offer evening options for those who prefer a quieter experience.
Do the Tours Accommodate Visitors With Disabilities?
Many historical tour operators in the area accommodate visitors with disabilities. They often provide wheelchair-accessible vehicles and guide services to ensure an enjoyable and accessible experience for all. It’s best to inquire about specific accessibility options when booking a tour.
Are the Tours Available in Languages Other Than English?
Many historical tours in Shanghai offer language options beyond English, accommodating diverse visitors. Guests can often choose from Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and other languages to enhance their cultural experience.
Can the Tours Be Customized to Individual Interests?
Yes, most tours can be customized to individual interests. Many tour companies offer personalized experiences, allowing visitors to focus on the aspects of history that most intrigue them. This flexibility ensures a more engaging and rewarding tour.
What Is the Average Group Size for These Tours?
The average group size for these tours typically ranges from 6 to 12 participants, allowing for a more personalized experience. Group sizes can often be customized to accommodate individual preferences and needs.
The Sum Up
Shanghai offers a wealth of historical tours that cater to diverse interests. From exploring the city’s Jewish heritage and propaganda history to discovering its colonial past and lesser-known sites, visitors can explore Shanghai’s rich and multi-faceted history with the guidance of knowledgeable experts. Whether you have a day or just a few hours, there’s a tour that will provide an engaging and insightful experience.