Shanghai Old Town: Half-Day Bike Tour & Food Tasting

Summary

Cycle Shanghai’s narrow lanes, taste snacks, meet locals, temple stop

You’ll pedal vintage bikes through Shanghai Old Town’s tangled streets with a local guide leading the way. Snack on street food you probably can’t pronounce yet, peek inside an active temple, and swap smiles with residents along the route. Expect real flavors and small surprises — maybe even a little laughter over mispronounced words.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a mug of hot coffee before I even touch the bike — which is honestly a relief because I barely slept (jet lag). The bikes are vintage and kind of charmingly worn, nothing too shiny. Our guide, Li, checks everyone’s helmets and gives us the lowdown in both English and Mandarin. There’s this mix of early morning chill and that faint smell of fried dough from somewhere nearby — it makes my stomach grumble even though I’m nervous about biking in Shanghai traffic. But Li just laughs and says, “Don’t worry, we ride slow.”

We weave into the old town lanes where scooters buzz past and grandmas sweep stoops with bamboo brooms. At one corner, a man selling sesame pancakes waves at us like he knows Li (maybe he does). We stop for a snack — something chewy with spring onion that I still can’t pronounce right. Li tries to teach me but gives up after my third attempt; we’re both laughing by then. The city sounds different here: less honking, more voices echoing off brick walls. There’s incense in the air as we get closer to the temple.

I didn’t expect to feel so calm inside the temple courtyard — soft chanting somewhere behind a screen, red lanterns swaying above us. Li explains some Buddhist rituals while an old woman lights candles nearby without looking up. It’s not staged or anything; we’re just… there. After that, we pedal through what Li calls “the most authentic part” of Shanghai Old Town — faded paint on doorways, laundry strung across alleys like flags. My hands are sticky from the last snack but I don’t really care by then.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai Old Town by bike

• Welcome and safety briefing with hot beverage
• Interact with locals and learn traditions
• Visit Buddhist or Taoist temple
• Explore authentic Old Town area

Top questions

How long is the Shanghai Old Town bike tour?

The bike tour lasts for half a day.

Is food included on this Shanghai bike tour?

Yes, local food tasting is included during the tour.

Are helmets provided for the bike tour?

Yes, helmets are provided for all participants.

Is there coffee or drinks before starting?

Fresh coffee is served at departure before you start riding.

Can children join this Shanghai bike tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available.

Is this suitable for someone who isn’t very fit?

The tour is suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What kind of bikes are used on this tour?

You’ll ride vintage bicycles; e-bikes are available for private tours with kids.

Does the tour include visits to temples?

Yes, you’ll stop at either a Buddhist or Taoist temple during the ride.

What’s included

Your day includes fresh coffee at departure, use of a vintage bicycle with helmet and bottled water provided by your guide. You’ll enjoy local food tastings along the way and have time to explore temples and traditional neighborhoods before returning to base together.