Off-beaten Route: Shanghai Old Town Discovery&Street Food Tasting

Discover the captivating allure of Shanghai’s Old Town through an off-beaten path exploration. This immersive tour invites travelers to uncover the city’s rich cultural heritage and savor its culinary delights. From iconic landmarks like the Old City Wall to the vibrant Birds Market, the journey promises an authentic and intimate encounter with the heart of Shanghai. Indulge in a tantalizing array of local street food, from egg pancakes to fried dumplings, as you gain insights into the city’s storied past. Prepare to be enchanted by the unexpected wonders that lie beyond the beaten track.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Food Tours In Shanghai.

Key Points

• Explore Shanghai’s historic Old Town, including the last remaining shantytown, and gain insights into the city’s rich cultural heritage.
• Savor a variety of authentic local street food delicacies, such as egg pancakes, sticky rice rolls, wonton soup, and fried dumplings.
• Enjoy a serene tea ceremony experience and visit the 700-year-old Confucius Temple, showcasing classical Chinese architecture.
• Embark on an intimate, off-the-beaten-path tour with a maximum group size of 12 travelers, led by a knowledgeable professional guide.
• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees and expenses, are included in the 3-hour tour.

Tour Overview

The ‘Off-beaten Route: Shanghai Old Town Discovery & Street Food Tasting‘ tour offers a 3-hour exploration of Shanghai’s historic Old Town, showcasing its rich cultural heritage and vibrant local cuisine.

This small-group tour, limited to a maximum of 12 travelers, takes guests on a journey through the city’s past, including visits to the Old City Wall, Birds market, and the 700-year-old Confucius Temple.

Along the way, travelers will have the chance to sample an array of traditional Shanghai street foods, such as egg pancakes, sticky rice rolls, wonton soup, and fried dumplings.

With a 5.0 rating from 17 reviews, this tour provides an immersive and authentic experience for those seeking to uncover the hidden gems of Shanghai’s Old Town.

Highlights and Itinerary

Guests on the ‘Off-beaten Route: Shanghai Old Town Discovery & Street Food Tasting’ tour can expect to explore Old Town Shanghai, including the city’s Old Wall, Birds market, and the 700-year-old Confucius Temple.

They’ll also have the opportunity to sample local delicacies like egg pancakes, sticky rice rolls, wonton soup, and fried dumplings.

The tour provides a unique glimpse into Shanghai’s rich history and vibrant food culture.

Travelers will stroll through the last remaining shantytown, seeing the city’s sights, sounds, and flavors.

With a maximum group size of 12, the experience offers an intimate, off-the-beaten-path exploration of this dynamic destination.

Inclusions

This tour includes a professional guide who will lead the exploration of Old Town Shanghai. Travelers will also enjoy a tea ceremony experience and have their entrance tickets to the Confucius Temple covered. Plus, the cost encompasses all snacks and other expenses, such as drinks, as well as hotel pickup and drop-off. Gratuities are also included in the tour price.

Inclusions
Professional guide	✓
Tea ceremony experience	✓
Entrance tickets to the temple	✓
Snacks and other expenses	✓
Hotel pickup and drop-off	✓

The inclusions ensure a comprehensive and seamless experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the exploration of Old Town Shanghai and the delightful street food tasting without worrying about additional costs.

Meeting and End Points

The tour starts in front of Riverdale Residence Shanghai, No.98 Shouning RD (Cross to South Xizang Road), Huangpu, China, and ends at the last dim-sum shop in Shanghai Old City town area, Renmin Road, Huang Pu Qu, Shanghai, China.

This convenient meeting point is easily accessible, and the end location allows travelers to further explore the vibrant Old City after the tour.

Participants don’t need to worry about transportation, as the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

The meeting and end points are strategically chosen to provide a seamless and immersive experience, ensuring travelers make the most of their time exploring the historic streets and sampling delectable street foods of old Shanghai.

Additional Information

Confirmation is received at the time of booking, ensuring travelers have all the necessary details before the experience.

A moderate level of physical fitness is required, as the tour involves walking through the historic streets and exploring the old shantytown. The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so participants must be able to navigate uneven terrain.

Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

Travelers with specific dietary requirements should advise the organizers at the time of booking, allowing the guide to accommodate their needs.

A minimum of 2 passengers is necessary for the tour to proceed; otherwise, a cancellation or alternative arrangement may occur with a full refund offered.

Customer Feedback

Travelers who’ve experienced this Shanghai Old Town Discovery & Street Food Tasting tour have left overwhelmingly positive reviews, with one reviewer describing it as ‘one of my most favorite days!’

Reviewers have consistently praised the knowledgeable and accommodating guide, who expertly led them through the historic sights and delicious local cuisines.

Highlights according to customers include:

• Exploring the captivating Old City Wall, Birds market, and 700-year-old Confucius Temple

• Savoring authentic Shanghai specialties like egg pancakes, sticky rice rolls, wonton soup, and fried dumplings

• Enjoying a serene tea ceremony experience

• Discovering the last remaining shantytown, offering a unique glimpse into the city’s past

Exploring Old Town Shanghai

Nestled within the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, Old Town showcases the city’s rich cultural heritage, allowing visitors to step back in time and enjoy its captivating history.

The tour begins at the remnants of the Old City Wall, a testament to Shanghai’s fortified past.

Next, the bustling Birds Market offers a glimpse into the local way of life, as vendors hawk a vibrant array of caged birds and other small animals.

The highlight of the tour is the 700-year-old Confucius Temple, a stunning example of classical Chinese architecture.

Wandering through the last remaining shantytown, travelers can witness the unique blend of old and new that defines the essence of Old Town Shanghai.

Sampling Local Street Food

The street food tasting experience allows visitors to embark on a culinary journey, sampling a mouthwatering array of local delicacies that capture the essence of Shanghai’s vibrant street food culture. Throughout the tour, travelers will indulge in:

• Egg pancakes: Paper-thin crepes made with egg and stuffed with savory fillings

• Sticky rice rolls: Chewy rice noodle rolls filled with a blend of pork, shrimp, and vegetables

• Wonton soup: Delicate dumplings floating in a fragrant broth, a Shanghai classic

• Fried dumplings: Crispy pan-fried dumplings bursting with flavorful pork and vegetable fillings

These unique and authentic dishes offer a deep dive into the rich culinary traditions of Old Town Shanghai, leaving visitors with a newfound appreciation for the city’s diverse and captivating street food scene.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option for a Private Tour?

Yes, there’s usually an option for a private tour. Many tour companies offer private tours that allow customers to explore destinations at their own pace with a dedicated guide. Private tours often provide a more personalized and flexible experience.

Do We Get to Interact With Local Vendors?

Yes, the tour provides opportunities to interact with local vendors. Travelers can converse with stall owners, observe their craft, and sample traditional street foods during the exploration of Shanghai’s historic neighborhoods.

Are There Restroom Breaks During the Tour?

The tour includes several restroom breaks throughout the 3-hour experience. Participants will have the opportunity to use restroom facilities at various points during the exploration of Old Town Shanghai and the sampling of local street foods.

Can We Buy Souvenirs During the Tour?

Yes, travelers can purchase souvenirs during the tour. The tour typically includes stops at local markets and shops where participants can browse and buy traditional Chinese handicrafts, snacks, and other memorabilia to take home.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Itinerary?

There is typically some flexibility in tour itineraries, though the specific details may vary. Most reputable tour operators aim to accommodate reasonable requests from participants within the constraints of the overall tour plan.

Recap

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Shanghai’s Old Town, exploring iconic sites and savoring local street food specialties.

With a knowledgeable guide, experience the city’s rich cultural heritage and charm in an intimate and immersive adventure.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Birds Market, the ancient Confucius Temple, and the historic Old City Wall, creating lasting memories of this off-beaten route.