Shanghai | urban explorations

Our Urban Explorations introduce you to some of Shanghai’s least visited districts or to destinations just outside the city limits, still relatively untouched by mass tourism, and with a focus on the city’s chronicles beyond the former foreign concessions.

DISUNITY, CONFLICT & SPECULATION (half day)

> When Shanghai Digs in for a Fight

We bet you didn’t know thousands of bunkers had been built in Shanghai between the 1930s and 1970s. While most have been removed in recent decades, hundreds can still be found scattered across town, often in plain sight, yet very little is remembered about these fortifications. Hop on a (shared) bicycle and visit three different bunkers for a dive into Shanghai’s forgotten symbols of resistance.

• Available daily all year | duration 2.5 hrs.
• +-9km of cycling w. limited walking | in Jing'an & Hongkou districts,
• Includes water & snack | (shared) bicycle NOT provided,
• 4 to 8 people (12+) | 250 RMB per person, 

REFUGEES, CATTLE PATHS & LIFE RELEASE (half day)

> Changing Fortunes in Sin City

Unravel the unlikely history of Suzhou Creek’s most prominent apartment building, as you wander its corridors and staircases. Continue by bicycle to Shanghai’s former slaughterhouse, an Art Deco and feng shui masterpiece, discover its fascinating inner workings before finishing at a remote Buddhist nunnery, once a seafaring folks’ favourite to pray for a safe maritime voyage.

• Available daily all year | duration 2.5 hrs.,
• +-5km of cycling w. some walking | in Hongkou district,
• Includes water & entrance fee | (shared) bicycle NOT provided,
• 4 to 8 people (12+) | 250 RMB per person, 

COBBLESTONES, GOD & URBAN YOUTH (full day)

> The Lost History of Shanghai

Catch a glimpse of post Liberation Shanghai and witness a way of life once common in the downtown areas. Wander cobblestone alleyways flanked by late Qing and Republican era buildings, visit the Catholic’s first regional foothold, learn about the Japanese offensive that nearly wiped out the town and have lunch before finishing at the former home of ‘sent-down youths’.

• Available daily all year | duration 5.5 hrs.,
• +-3km of walking | in Jiading district,
• Includes lunch with non-alcoholic drinks & private transportation by car from/to downtown,
• 2-8 people (12+) | 900 - 450 RMB per person, 
• Kids aged 6-12 get 10% discount | kids aged < 6 free of charge.

CANALSIDE HERITAGE & REVOLUTION (full day)

> Beyond the Venice of the East

Experience canal-side life free from mass tourism and discover the imperial origins and revolutionary past of a working water town. Better understand its quest to stay relevant in today’s China through visiting a private art centre, dedicated to documenting and preserving traditional arts and handicrafts.

• Available daily all year | duration 7 hrs.,
• +- 3km of walking | in Qingpu district,
• Includes lunch with non-alcoholic drinks, private transportation by car from/to downtown & curated tour of art & handicraft exhibition,
• 2-8 people (12+) | 1,250 - 650 RMB per person,
• Kids aged 6-12 get 10% discount | kids aged < 6 free of charge.

GREAT GREEN ESCAPE (full day)

> Mini adventures for little explorers

Let loose your little explorers in some of Shanghai’s last bits of unmanicured nature. Trail the unmarked paths of bamboo shoot harvesters to a mountain top, venture into secret caves with glow sticks, stroll (or ride) woodland tracks and cast a line in a creek or pond while a picnic lunch is set up. A day of fun and adventure for a good night’s sleep...

• Available daily all year | duration 7 hrs.,
• +- 3km of walking, climbing, caving & cycling | in Songjiang district,
• Includes picnic lunch w. non-alcoholic drinks, private transportation by car from/to downtown, entrance fees & exploration materials, 
• 3 to 8 people | 1,750 - 2,750 RMB per group,