Shanghai Walking Tour: The Bund, Nanjing Road & Local Food

Summary

Wander Shanghai’s vibrant streets, taste local snacks, hear city stories

You’ll walk Shanghai’s most storied streets with a local guide who knows all the quirks—People’s Square history lessons, Nanjing Road snack stops (bring cash), and that first glimpse of The Bund skyline. Expect laughter, small surprises, and time to wander at your own pace—this tour lets you see Shanghai as locals do.

What’s the experience like?

We started weaving through People’s Square just as the city was waking up — well, “waking up” is relative in Shanghai. It never really sleeps. Our guide, Li, had this habit of pausing mid-sentence when something caught her eye (a street vendor with impossibly neat baozi stacks; an old man doing tai chi so slowly it looked like he might tip over). She told us how this place used to be a racetrack for the British — I wouldn’t have guessed that from the way kids now dart around the fountains. There was this faint smell of roasted chestnuts drifting by, which made me hungry even though I’d already eaten.

Nanjing Road was next — it’s loud in a way that feels alive rather than overwhelming. Neon signs everywhere, people haggling over everything from knockoff sneakers to candied hawthorn sticks. We stopped for a snack break (Li called it “fuel for walking”) and she insisted we try shengjianbao from a tiny stall tucked between a pharmacy and a shop selling phone cases. The pan-fried dumpling was so hot I nearly burned my tongue — Li laughed and said you’re supposed to bite the corner first and let the steam out. Still messed it up but honestly? Worth it.

The Bund felt different. You turn a corner and suddenly there’s all that space and light — old colonial buildings on one side and those wild skyscrapers across the river, almost showing off. Li pointed out where locals come at night just to watch the skyline blink awake. There were couples taking selfies and older folks quietly watching barges drift by. I tried to picture what this riverbank looked like when Shanghai was just a fishing village; hard to imagine with all that glass and steel now.

I didn’t expect to feel so much just walking around — maybe it was the mix of stories or maybe just seeing how people live here now. Either way, I still think about that view from The Bund sometimes when I’m stuck on my commute back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's key downtown sights

• Explore People’s Square history
• Visit green space and Marriage Market
• Walk through Nanjing Road shopping street
• Enjoy local street food and drinks
• Admire The Bund skyscrapers
• Explore Chinatown shopping district

Top questions

How long does the Shanghai walking tour last?

The tour lasts approximately 3.5 to 4 hours in downtown Shanghai.

Is food included on the Shanghai walking tour?

The tour includes a stop for local street food; you pay for your own snacks.

What are the main attractions visited on this tour?

The tour covers People’s Square, Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Chinatown.

Is pickup included in this Shanghai city tour?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet your guide at the starting point downtown.

How does payment work for this walking tour?

You reserve your spot online with a booking fee; after the tour you tip your guide what you feel is fair (suggested 200-250 RMB).

Can children join this Shanghai guided walking tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; strollers are welcome.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, it’s suitable for all physical fitness levels as it involves easy-paced walking.

How big are the groups on this Shanghai city walk?

Groups are limited to 4 people (adults plus kids); larger groups can arrange private tours by contacting the operator.

What’s included

Your day includes an English-speaking local guide who’ll lead you through downtown highlights—People’s Square, Nanjing Road shopping street, The Bund riverfront—and stop at a classic food street where you can buy your own snacks along the way before finishing near Chinatown’s bustling markets.