Private Shanghai Gangster Tour

Exploring the gritty underbelly of Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld, this private walking tour offers an immersive experience that delves into the shadows of the past. Led by a native English-speaking guide, guests will uncover the stories of notorious gangsters, smugglers, and other shady figures who once prowled the city’s streets. From visiting a local shooting range to learning the tricks of the trade in classic casino games, this educational tour provides a unique opportunity to gain insights into the unsavory elements that once thrived in this bustling metropolis. What secrets might these shadowy alleys and hidden corners still hold?

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

Key Points

• This private walking tour explores the lesser-known history of Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld, led by a native English-speaking guide.
• Guests are taken through shadowy alleys and hidden corners of old Shanghai to uncover stories of notorious gangsters, smugglers, and other figures.
• The tour includes a lesson in cheating at classic casino games like Blackjack and Craps, demonstrating the sleight-of-hand techniques used by historical gangsters.
• Participants have the option to visit a local shooting range for a hands-on experience, providing a glimpse into the power and precision required by the criminal underworld.
• The tour offers an immersive and educational experience, including a free drink at a historic property and a minimum of 3 adult guests required.

Tour Overview

This private Shanghai gangster-themed walking tour allows visitors to discover the lesser-known history of the city’s colonial-era criminal underworld.

Led by a native English-speaking guide, the tour takes guests on a journey through the shadowy alleys and hidden corners of old Shanghai.

Along the way, they’ll uncover the stories of notorious gangsters, smugglers, and other figures who once ruled the city’s vibrant underground.

For those seeking an extra adrenaline rush, there’s an optional visit to a local shooting range, where participants can try their hand at target practice.

Whether you’re a history buff or a fan of mob stories, this unique experience promises to be an unforgettable adventure.

What’s Included

The private walking tour includes a native English-speaking guide who leads guests on an exploration of Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld.

Visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy a free drink at a historic property and receive a lesson in cheating at classic casino games like Blackjack and Craps. All activities mentioned in the tour description are included, providing an immersive and educational experience for participants.

The tour is private, ensuring that only your group will take part in the gangster-themed adventure.

With the ability to visit a local shooting range as an optional add-on, this tour offers a unique and thrilling way to discover the lesser-known history of Shanghai’s past.

Meeting Details

The meeting point for the private Shanghai gangster tour is outside exit 3 of the Changshu Road Metro Station. The tour returns to the same meeting point at the end.

Guests should confirm the exact start time with the local tour provider prior to the tour.

This private tour requires a minimum of 3 adult guests and isn’t wheelchair accessible. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

The tour is located near public transportation, and a moderate level of physical fitness is required.

As a private tour, only your’ group will participate.

Key Information

Private tours require a minimum of 3 adult guests and aren’t wheelchair accessible, with children under 16 needing to be accompanied by an adult.

The tour is located near public transportation, so moderate physical fitness is required.

This is a private tour, meaning only your group will participate. There’s no need to worry about sharing the experience with other travelers.

The tour is designed to provide a personalized and immersive exploration of Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld. Whether you’re interested in the city’s lesser-known history or simply seeking an engaging activity, this gangster-themed tour is sure to deliver a memorable experience.

Cancellation Policy

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

Tax invoices are available at 15% of the total cost.

This cancellation policy provides flexibility for travelers while also ensuring the tour operator can plan accordingly. Guests who need to modify or cancel their plans at the last minute may incur fees, as this helps the provider recoup any costs associated with reserving guides, transportation, and other logistics.

Gangster History

Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld housed a rich tapestry of notorious gangsters, each wielding influence through cunning and brute force.

During this tumultuous period, the city witnessed the rise of powerful syndicates like the Green Gang, led by the enigmatic Du Yuesheng. These criminal organizations controlled lucrative illicit enterprises, from drug trafficking to extortion.

Infamous figures like Zhou Fohai, a former government official turned gangster, forged alliances that spanned the realms of politics and the underworld.

The tour delves into these captivating stories, shedding light on the shadows that once loomed over Shanghai’s vibrant streets. Guests can uncover the lesser-known history that shaped the city’s complex and captivating criminal past.

Shooting Range

For those interested in experiencing a more hands-on element to the tour, there’s an optional visit to a local shooting range where participants can test their marksmanship skills.

At the range, guests will receive a brief safety lesson and instructions on proper firearm handling. They’ll then have the opportunity to fire a variety of handguns under the supervision of experienced instructors.

This activity provides a unique chance to get a feel for the power and precision required by the gangsters of Shanghai’s past. While entirely optional, the shooting range experience adds an extra layer of excitement and authenticity to the overall tour.

Black Jack and Craps

The tour also includes a lesson in cheating at classic casino games like Blackjack and Craps, providing participants a glimpse into the cunning strategies employed by the city’s historical criminal underworld.

The guide will demonstrate how to palm cards, switch dice, and other sleight-of-hand techniques used by notorious Shanghai gangsters to gain an unfair advantage at the tables.

Guests won’t only learn the mechanics of these illicit maneuvers but also understand the broader societal context that gave rise to such enterprising methods of fraud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The tour provider allows and encourages guests to capture memories of the experience. However, guests should be mindful of any restrictions or requests from the guide regarding photography.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Shooting Range?

According to the tour details, there are age restrictions for the shooting range. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to participate in the shooting range activity.

Will the Guide Be in Period Costume?

The tour guide will likely be wearing period-appropriate attire to immerse participants in the historical gangster theme, though the specific costume details are not specified in the tour overview. The guide’s role is to provide an informative and engaging experience.

Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?

The tour provider’s policy does not allow participants to bring their own alcohol. However, a complimentary drink at a historic property is included as part of the tour experience.

Is Gratuity Expected for the Guide?

Gratuity for the tour guide is not mandatory, but it is considered customary in the industry. Many guests choose to tip the guide a reasonable amount, such as 10-20% of the tour price, to show their appreciation for good service.

Recap

This private walking tour offers an immersive experience, exploring Shanghai’s colonial-era criminal underworld.

Guests will uncover stories of notorious gangsters, smugglers, and other figures, while also getting hands-on lessons in shooting and classic casino games.

Led by a native English-speaking guide, the tour provides an educational and engaging look into the shadows that once loomed over Shanghai’s streets.