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On this Shanghai tour, leave modern Shanghai behind (after a trip on the city's extensive and efficient metro system, of course) and dive deep into the heart of Old Shanghai. A short walk takes us to Lu Xun Park, which at any time of the day is a hub for meeting, walking, relaxing, and enjoying traditional pastimes. Join in one of the many ballroom dancing groups or test your Tai Chi skills with the locals.
Moving on, our Shanghai walking tour explores one of the city's nongtang districts, the old residential alleyways of the city. This style of housing blends Western and Chinese architecture, and is unique to Shanghai. As evidence of the city's internationally influenced past, it's a fascinating neighbourhood to visit. We'll also have the chance to see inside one building, with a visit to the former residence of Lu Xun - one of China's most beloved and prominent writers of the 20th century. We'll also wander through a typical street market to give you a true dose of local Shanghai culture.
From there, we'll stop off at a popular street café to sample some of Shanghai's famous xiaolong bao, or soup dumplings, before hitting up Duolun Road, where we'll see some magnificently restored mansions dating back to the early 1900s. Peek inside a little antique shop displaying all kinds of bric-a-brac from that time, from old advertising signs, to telephones and toys (unique Shanghai souvenir alert!). Further along the road we'll step inside the Hongde Tang Church, which was built in the style of a Chinese temple, but is a Christian church (which still has regular Christian services).
Our Shanghai Old Town tour concludes here on Duolun Road at the Old Film Café, where we can watch a screening of a black and white film from the golden age of Chinese cinema (such as 'Street Angel'). Your guide can help you plan the rest of your time in the city while you sit and sip a coffee or tea in the sumptuous 1930s style surroundings. The rest of the day is free to explore more of Shanghai's sights on your own.
