Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town With Food Tasting

Explore the rich history and vibrant culture of Shanghai on a half-day bike tour through the city’s Old Town and Former French Concession. Pedal past charming tree-lined streets, visit a tranquil Buddhist temple, and learn about the lively atmosphere of a local wet market. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh local produce and learn about the city’s unique blend of Eastern and Western influences. With vintage bicycles, helmets, and water provided, this tour offers an ideal introduction to Shanghai for average fitness levels. Discover the hidden gems that make this dynamic metropolis so captivating.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Food Tours In Shanghai.

Key Points

• Explores Shanghai’s historic Old Town and the charming Former French Concession through a leisurely bike tour.
• Includes visits to a traditional Buddhist temple and a lively local wet market for culture.
• Provides vintage bicycles and a knowledgeable guide for an authentic and immersive sightseeing experience.
• Offers opportunities to sample local fruits, vegetables, and other culinary delights during the tour.
• Receives excellent reviews for its informative, relaxed pacing, and suitability for cyclists of average fitness levels.

Overview of the Tour

This half-day bike tour takes visitors on a journey through Shanghai’s historic Old Town, offering a unique opportunity to explore the city’s rich cultural heritage.

The tour includes a leisurely cycling excursion through the Former French Concession, where guests can admire the charming tree-lined streets and visit Fuxing Park.

Participants will also have the chance to explore a traditional Buddhist temple and browse a lively local wet market, seeing the sights, sounds, and flavors of old Shanghai.

The tour is suitable for cyclists of average fitness, with vintage bicycles, helmets, and water provided for a comfortable and enjoyable experience.

Exploration of Former French Concession

Cycling through the charming tree-lined streets of the Former French Concession, guests marvel at the elegant architecture and lush greenery that evoke a bygone era. This affluent neighborhood offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s history, with its European-influenced mansions, art deco buildings, and tranquil parks. The tour explores highlights such as:

Attraction	Description	Duration	Photos Allowed
Fuxing Park	A beautiful public garden with pagodas, lakes, and winding paths	20 minutes	Yes
Former Residence of Sun Yat-sen	The former home of the famous Chinese revolutionary leader	15 minutes	Yes
Tianzifang	A labyrinth of alleyways filled with art studios, boutiques, and cafés	30 minutes	Yes

Immersing themselves in this charming neighborhood, guests gain a deeper appreciation for Shanghai’s unique blend of East and West.

Visit to Fuxing Park

Guests explore the tranquil oasis of Fuxing Park, a beloved public garden adorned with pagodas, lakes, and winding paths that offer a peaceful respite from the bustling city streets.

Here, they’ll discover locals practicing tai chi and ballroom dancing, while others gather to play chess or simply stroll and relax. The guide shares insights about the park’s history and design, highlighting its role as a gathering place for the community.

Visitors wander through its lush greenery, pausing to admire the ornate architecture and take in the serene atmosphere. This tranquil interlude provides a welcome contrast to the dynamic energy of Shanghai’s urban landscape, allowing guests to experience the city’s cultural duality.

Exploration of Traditional Wet Market

After experiencing the tranquility of Fuxing Park, the group pedals towards a bustling traditional wet market, eager to enjoy the vibrant sights, sounds, and aromas of local commerce.

The guide leads them through the narrow alleyways, past stalls overflowing with fresh produce, live seafood, and an array of traditional Chinese delicacies.

The group samples local fruits and vegetables, learning about their cultural significance and traditional preparation methods. They observe the lively interactions between vendors and customers, gaining insights into the daily rhythms of Shanghai’s vibrant community.

The sensory experience is both captivating and enlightening, offering participants a genuine glimpse into the heart of Shanghai’s culinary and cultural traditions.

Tour of Buddhist Temple

The tour then leads the group to a serene Buddhist temple, where they enjoy the sacred atmosphere and learn about the rich history and religious significance of this important site.

The guide provides an insightful explanation of the temple’s architecture, detailing the symbolic meaning behind the intricate designs and ornaments.

Visitors have the opportunity to observe the daily rituals and practices of the resident monks, gaining a deeper understanding of Buddhist traditions.

They’re encouraged to walk around the tranquil grounds, take in the peaceful ambiance, and reflect on the spiritual essence of the place.

This temple visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai’s enduring Buddhist heritage.

Vintage Bicycle Rental

The tour’s vintage bicycles allow participants to explore Shanghai Old Town’s winding streets and historic neighborhoods with ease and authenticity. These classic rides are carefully maintained to provide a comfortable and charming mode of transportation.

Some key highlights of the vintage bicycles include:

• Authentic 1960s and 1970s designs that capture the city’s historic spirit
• Sturdy steel frames and comfortable saddles for a smooth ride
• Easy-to-use gear systems to navigate the varied terrain
• Retro-style handlebars and accessories that add to the nostalgic experience
• Included helmets for safety and peace of mind

This vintage bicycle experience is an integral part of the tour, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich cultural tapestry of old Shanghai.

Inclusions and Pickup/Drop-off

Included in this half-day bike tour are a vintage bicycle, a knowledgeable guide, a safety helmet, and a refreshing bottle of water.

Guests meet at the Culture Shock Office on Yi 2nd Ruijin Road and return to the same location at the tour’s conclusion.

The tour also includes a complimentary fresh coffee at the start and an opportunity to sample local food during the ride.

This easy-level tour is suitable for average fitness levels, making it accessible to a wide range of participants.

The tour’s meeting and end points are conveniently located, allowing guests to easily access the experience.

Cancellation Policy and Reviews

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, though changes less than 24 hours before the tour aren’t accepted.

This bike tour has received excellent reviews, earning a Badge of Excellence with 276 reviews.

Reviewers praise the knowledgeable and friendly guides who show them the hidden gems of Shanghai’s Old Town.

The vintage bicycles and food tastings are also highlighted as highlights of the experience.

Many appreciate the leisurely pacing and easy level of the tour, making it suitable for cyclists of average fitness.

Some note the tour provides a great introduction to the city’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Are the Safety Precautions Followed During the Tour?

The tour provides helmets for participants’ safety, and the guide ensures riders follow traffic rules and stay together as a group. Riders’ fitness levels are also considered to keep the pace appropriate for the average cyclist.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Suit Individual Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences. The operator offers flexible options that can be tailored to the specific needs and interests of each participant.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions for Participants?

The tour is suitable for participants of average fitness level, with no specific age restrictions. However, children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants should be able to ride a bicycle comfortably.

Are There Any Additional Costs or Fees Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?

The tour does not mention any additional costs or fees beyond what is listed in the inclusions. Participants should expect to pay only the tour price, without any hidden or unexpected charges.

How Experienced Are the Tour Guides, and What Is Their Local Knowledge?

The tour guides are highly experienced, with in-depth local knowledge of Shanghai’s history, culture, and landmarks. They provide insightful commentary throughout the tour, enhancing participants’ understanding and appreciation of the city’s rich heritage.

Recap

This half-day bike tour provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore Shanghai’s historic Old Town and Former French Concession.

Guests can cycle through charming streets, visit a Buddhist temple, and enjoy a local wet market, all while learning about the city’s blend of Eastern and Western influences.

With included vintage bicycles, helmets, and water, it’s an ideal introduction to Shanghai’s rich history and culture for average fitness levels.