Shanghai, known as the “Pearl of the Orient,” is famous for its dazzling skyline, iconic landmarks, and ultra-modern energy.

But the true charm of Shanghai goes far beyond what meets the eye—it lies in the stories of its people, their everyday lives, and the social fabric that weaves the city together.

On this cultural walking tour, we’ll of course visit the city’s most famous must-see landmarks, including People's Square, East Nanjing Road, the Bund, and Yuyuan Garden etc. But more importantly, we’ll uncover the stories behind them!

We’ll walk through places where history quietly reshaped the city: from a British horse-racing course a century ago to today’s grand City Hall; from a once-swampy riverside to the elegant European-style architectures along the Bund; from the city’s former red-light district to a bustling shopping center; and from a quiet fishing village to a vibrant “Chinatown” bazaar packed with sightseers and shoppers.

Along the way, we’ll introduce you to some unique aspects of Chinese culture: how ancient Feng Shui principles still influence modern urban planning; how local seniors enjoy early retirement by practicing tai chi, dancing, or even “bird walking”; and how anxious Chinese parents gather at weekend “marriage market” to find partners for their single children—think of it as an offline version of Tinder!

We’ll also dive into deeper discussions about China’s social development: the legacy of the One-Child Policy and how it shaped generations of Chinese families and personalities; how scooter delivery drivers power the nation’s economy by delivering online purchases straight to people’s doorsteps; and what it’s like for thousands of locals to live in apartments as small as 5 square meters per person, nestled between Gucci and Prada stores on the city’s busiest shopping streets.

And the best part of the tour: we’ll take you to a real local street to taste authentic Shanghai street food—pancakes, soup dumplings, steamed buns, bubble tea, you name it! For just 5 USD, you can fill up for the rest of the day!

By the end of this 3.5–4 hour tour, you won’t just have seen Shanghai—you’ll truly understand it. Through stories of Shanghai’s past and present, you’ll experience the city through the eyes of a local and gain deeper insight into what made China the China it is today.

Excited? Come join us—welcome aboard!