Top 3 Best Free Tours in Shanghai, China – A Local Experience You Can’t Miss
Looking for the best free tour in Shanghai, China? Whether you’re visiting on a layover or spending a week exploring, tip-based walking tours are the perfect way to discover this amazing city without breaking your budget. Local guides, authentic stories, and the real Shanghai—on foot, for free.
At FreeToursShanghai.com, we offer the most trusted and popular free walking tours in Shanghai. Here are our top 3 must-do tours:
1. 🏙️ Shanghai City Highlights Free Walking Tour
Best for First-Time Visitors
Discover the real Shanghai with our most popular tour. This free walking tour of Shanghai’s city center takes you through a perfect blend of history and modernity. Explore People’s Square, local markets, traditional alleyways, and end at the stunning Bund skyline.
Highlights include:
People’s Square & Park
Hidden street food spots
Local life in Shanghai alleyways
The Bund and skyline photo stops
Duration: ~4 hours
Cost: Free (tip-based)
👉 Perfect introduction to Shanghai’s culture and history
2. 🌿 French Concession Free Walking Tour
Best for History & Architecture Lovers
Step into the leafy charm of Shanghai’s Former French Concession, a peaceful district full of history, colonial buildings, and quiet cafés. Learn how this area evolved from a European concession to one of Shanghai’s most beloved neighborhoods.
Highlights include:
Middle Huaihai Road & Sinan Mansions
St. Peter’s Church & French Courthouse
Tian Zi Fang art district
Former French Club and alleyways
Duration: ~3 hours
Cost: Free (tip-based)
👉 A top-rated tour for those who love stories and aesthetics
3. 🍜 Shanghai Local Food Free Walking Tour
Best for Foodies
No visit to China is complete without tasting its incredible cuisine! This free food walking tour in Shanghai lets you sample authentic street snacks and local favorites while exploring local neighborhoods and food markets.
Tastes may include:
Soup dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
Scallion oil noodles & spring rolls
Roasted duck & candied rice
Chinese tea tasting (green & black)
Duration: ~2.5–3 hours
Cost: Free (you pay for what you eat + tip-based)
👉 Come hungry! This tour is a delicious local experience
Why Join a Free Tour in Shanghai?
✅ Budget-friendly: Tip your guide what you feel the tour was worth
✅ Expert local guides: Born-and-raised Shanghainese who love their city
✅ Easy online booking: Just a few clicks and you’re in
✅ No tourist traps: 100% authentic, real local experiences
✅ Great for solo travelers, couples, and families
How to Book
Visit FreeToursShanghai.com to see availability and book your spot in less than 3 minutes.
All tours require advance booking, as we keep group sizes small and manageable.
Final Tip: Do All 3 If You Can!
If time allows, try all three of our best free tours in Shanghai. Each one offers a unique perspective of this dynamic city—from historical elegance and modern life to mouth-watering street eats.
Start exploring Shanghai with locals who love to show it off — for free!
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