A Guide to Taking a Shanghai: Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession Tour

Are you planning a trip to Shanghai and looking to explore the city’s historical sites? Among the many memorable experiences, a tour of the Xintiandi, China’s Communist Party Museum, and French Concession is not to be missed. In this guide, we’ll walk through the highlights of each of these sites, as well as how to book a guided tour so you can get the most out of your journey.

What is the Xintiandi?

The Xintiandi is an area of Shanghai located in the heart of the city. It’s a vibrant district full of old buildings, restaurants, and shops, with an atmosphere steeped in almost two hundred years of history. Xintiandi was originally a residential district of traditional “shikumen” housing built over a century ago. In recent years, it has become one of the city’s iconic attractions and a must-see for tourists.

When you explore the modern shows that have replaced the old shikumen houses, you’ll come across some of the remaining structures from the late Qing Dynasty. Notable among these are historic stone gateways, carved wooden doors, and terracotta roof tile decorations.

What Can You See in the China Communist Party Museum?

Another stop on your Shanghai tour should be the China Communist Party Museum. Located just a short walk from historic Xintiandi, the museum offers an insight into China’s recent history and insights into into Chinese culture and propaganda. As you tour this remarkable place, you will come across fascinating displays and artifacts documenting China’s transition from an agrarian society to an industrial one.

In the museum, visitors can view all sorts of fascinating displays, video presentations, and artifacts that illustrate the history of the communists in China. Visitors will also have a chance to learn about the socialist ideals that have shaped the country over time.

What is the French Concession?

Shanghai’s French Concession is another popular destination for visitors. The area, which dates back to 1849, was once an enclave of colonial-style houses owned by wealthy businesspeople, diplomats, and foreign dignitaries. Today, it is one of Shanghai’s most fashionable neighborhoods, offering a pleasant collection of tree-lined streets and beautiful boutique shops.

When you visit the French Concession in Shanghai, you can stroll through traditional Chinese architecture as well as modern French-style buildings. You’ll also find a variety of cultural attractions, such as art galleries, cafes, and restaurants. In addition to soaking up some of the city’s history and culture, a tour of the French Concession is an excellent way to explore the local lifestyle and take in some stunning views of Shanghai.

Booking A Shanghai: Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession Tour

Now that you know a bit more about each of these destinations in Shanghai, you may be wondering how to go about organizing your tour. Luckily, there are several tour companies in Shanghai that offer tours of Xintiandi, the CCP Museum, and French Concession – all packaged in one convenient tour.

These day or half-day tour packages usually involve transportation between each stop by foot or public transportation. The former tends to be more convenient and allows you to explore more at each site on foot.

One reputable tour provider is GetYourGuide. They offer half-day and full-day packages with guided tours at each of the destinations mentioned above as well as other attractions like The Bund. All of their tours feature options to hear local stories behind each place you visit as well as helpful guides to ensure you don’t miss out on any must-see attractions in Shanghai. It’s worth noting that their tours have gotten great reviews from travelers so it would be wise to consider them when booking your tour.

Conclusion

A tour of Xintiandi, CCP Museum and French Concession is an absolute must if you’re visiting Shanghai. Exploring these destinations is one of the best ways to comprehend the colorful history and culture of this vibrant city. From traditional neighborhoods like Xintiandi to colonial-style buildings from the French Concession and excellent propaganda displays at the CCP Museum – there’s plenty to see in Shanghai that you won’t find anywhere else in the world.

What’s more, there are plenty of reputable tour operators that offer guided tours of these incredible places such as GetYourGuide. These tours are convenient and when done with an experienced guide can truly enhance your experience as you explore these exciting destinations in Shanghai!