Old Shanghai Hongkew: British & American Concessions Tour

Explore former British American Concessions, See over 20 officially listed outstanding historical buildings, hear mysterious legends, capture iconic Bund & Lujiazui views , wander quiet alleyways
Welcome to this slow walking tour of Hongkew & the former British‑American Concessions, a less‑crowded hidden gem of old Shanghai.

Why choose this tour?

Want to explore real hidden Old Shanghai?
I know this route perfectly. We will pass more than 20 century‑old buildings officially listed as Shanghai’s outstanding historical buildings.

Sightseeing alone, you only see old buildings. With me, the forgotten history and mysterious legends behind these structures will come alive.

What sights will we discover?

We explore the former American and British Concessions, view colonial architecture and enjoy stunning Bund views.
We stop at Zhapu Road Bridge, a fantastic photo spot for Lujiazui skyline. From here you can clearly see the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, together with a great view of Waibaidu Bridge.

We also walk into quiet local residential alleyways, away from tourist crowds. You can experience authentic Shanghai daily life, and find neighbourhood snack shops, family restaurants and fruit stalls. You may try genuine local food, avoiding overpriced tourist restaurants.

Group size

Small group only, maximum 5 guests. Relaxed pace, no huge crowds.

Brief history

The British Concession (1845) and American Concession (1848) are older than the French Concession. They merged in 1863 to form the International Settlement.
Most tourists visit the French Concession, but the older British‑American Concessions hold more untold stories and authentic old‑town charm.

This area was once part of the International Settlement, filled with grand century‑old buildings. Unlike the busy Bund, it keeps quiet, genuine old‑Shanghai atmosphere.
Every building carries dramatic wartime stories and secrets of diplomats, famous writers and movie stars. The whole walking experience lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes.

Highlights along the route

• Hongkou Fire Station — China’s first modern fire station, still in use
• Rare Japanese Buddhist temples built in the 1920s‑30s
• Zhapu Road Film Street and old Victory Cinema
• Shanghai Postal Museum, the famous “Far East Post Office”
• Zhapu Road Bridge: perfect viewpoint for the Bund and Lujiazui skyline
• Waibaidu Bridge & Shanghai Mansions (Broadway Mansions)
• Astor House Hotel
• Former British Consulate
• Russian Consulate on Yuanmingyuan Road
• Former Shanghai Rowing Clubm
• Union Church, Ampere Building, Rockbund and Lyceum Building

Tour finish point

We end our walk in Yuanmingyuan Road, the heart of Rockbund, is known as “the birthplace of modern Shanghai”. Restored European‑style historic houses line this quiet street.
It is only a 5‑8 minute walk to East Nanjing Road and the Bund .

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