Shanghai is one of China’s most fascinating cities, and what better way to experience its bustling streets and quiet alleys than on a bicycle? Unlike many metropolises where biking can feel daunting, Shanghai’s mix of wide boulevards and historic lanes makes it surprisingly bike-friendly. The Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town with Food Tasting is a personal favorite, offering an authentic glimpse into local life as you pedal past a Buddhist temple or through Fuxing Park—plus, a coffee and pastry stop that keeps things sweet and energizing. If you’re after an evening adventure, the Shanghai Small-Group Night Tour by Bike takes you along the neon-lit skyline, with stops at Yu Garden and the Bund, all while soaking up the city’s nightlife from two wheels. It’s a fantastic way to see Shanghai from a local’s perspective, especially when the city puts on its sparkling night glow. For a mix of culture and cuisine, the Half-Day Biking and Local Food Tour packs in highlights like the French Concession and bustling food stalls, making it ideal for those wanting a taste of everything.
Quick Overview
Our list of the best bike tours in Shanghai covers a variety of interests and time commitments. You’ll find half-day options perfect for a quick taste of the city’s historic districts, like the Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town with Food Tasting, or more comprehensive full-day adventures like the Full-Day Shanghai Classic Bike Tour. Night riders will enjoy the Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour, which shows the city’s vibrant lights from the water’s edge. Several tours incorporate local snacks and cultural stops, such as the Biking Real Shanghai & Enjoy Local Food and the Discover Local Life and Street Food Shanghai Bike Adventure. No matter your pace or interest, there’s a ride for you.
1. Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town with Food Tasting
At number 1, this half-day morning tour is perfect for those who want a quick yet immersive look at some of Shanghai’s most authentic neighborhoods. Starting from the Culture Shock Tours base, you’ll pedal around the Old Town, the Former French Concession, and Fuxing Park. The tour includes stops at a Buddhist temple and a traditional wet market, giving you a real taste of local life. Plus, you’ll enjoy a breakfast of coffee and pastries at a local café. The tour is rated 5.0/5 by hundreds of happy travelers, many commenting on how it vividly captures Shanghai’s culture with knowledgeable guides like Charlie and Claire. It’s ideal for those with average fitness levels who want a relaxed pace and authentic experiences. The blend of cultural sights, local interactions, and food makes this a top choice for first-time visitors.
Bottom Line: A balanced, culturally rich ride for those who want a taste of Old Shanghai without breaking a sweat.
2. Shanghai Small-Group Night Tour by Bike
Number 2 on our list takes you into the city’s evening magic. This 4-hour small-group tour caps at only eight riders, ensuring a personal experience. You’ll explore highlights like Yu Garden, the Bund, and the Famous French Concession, all bathed in spectacular neon and city lights. The guide, Oliver, shares stories of Shanghai’s evolution and introduces you to local street foods along the way. Reviews praise it as “one of the best tours ever,” especially for those who love a lively, social atmosphere and prefer cycling over buses or taxis. The tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy night photography, city lights, and local bites. It’s an especially good choice if you want to see the city’s nightlife from a different angle, with the added bonus of fewer crowds.
Bottom Line: Excellent for night owls and those wanting a lively, intimate look at Shanghai after dark.
3. Shanghai: Half-Day Biking and Local Food Tour
For around $69, the Half-Day Biking and Local Food Tour offers a straightforward way to explore Shanghai’s top sights and hidden culinary gems. This guided ride covers key neighborhoods like the French Concession and the historic streets, with included bike rental and entrance fees. It’s a flexible, value-packed experience that pairs sightseeing with tasting local snacks. Reviewers note how it’s perfect for both experienced cyclists and novices, thanks to a manageable pace and friendly guide. It’s best suited for travelers wanting a shorter, affordable tour that combines culture and cuisine without feeling rushed.
Bottom Line: A practical and tasty introduction for those on a budget or short on time.
4. Biking Real Shanghai & Enjoy Local Food
This 3-hour tour is ideal for those who want a deep dive into Shanghai neighborhoods like the French Concession, Bund, and Xintiandi. The small group size and inclusion of bike and helmet make it comfortable, while tasting local snacks adds flavor to the experience. Tour guide Li boasts 25 years of experience, making her insights into Shanghai’s development particularly engaging. With an average rating of 4.5/5, travelers appreciate how it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced cyclists. The mix of cultural sights and food stops provides great value at about $78.78 per person, especially for those who want a personalized, in-depth ride.
Bottom Line: Perfect for food lovers and those eager for a relaxed, neighborhood-focused tour.
5. Shanghai Must-See and Foodie Test Bike Tour (Day & Night)
At number 5, this 4-hour adventure balances sightseeing and street eats. It includes stops at The Bund, Yu Garden, and Nongtang, with a focus on Shanghai’s history and hidden neighborhoods. Tour leader May is praised for her passionate storytelling, making this tour especially engaging. It’s suitable for those who want a comprehensive city overview while sampling local delicacies. The reviews highlight how May’s guide skills turn a straightforward bike ride into a memorable cultural journey. With its mix of famous landmarks and lesser-known spots, it offers good value at $68 per person.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded tour for travelers wanting both history and food in one go.
6. Shanghai: 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour
Number 6 is all about Shanghai’s night scene. Over about 3.5 hours, you’ll take in the skyline from both riverbanks, visit a jazz bar, and explore Yu Garden’s night market. Tour guide Mai’s lively narration makes the experience fun and relaxed, with plenty of snacks and photo ops. Reviewers rave about how it’s “awesome” and highlights the chaos and charm of Shanghai’s nightlife. This tour is a great pick if you prefer cycling with a social vibe and want to see the city’s evening energy up close.
Bottom Line: An energetic, fun evening option for night owls and jazz lovers.
7. Full-Day Shanghai Classic Bike Tour
The full-day tour offers a comprehensive look at Shanghai’s most iconic sights and hidden corners. Over 6 hours, you’ll explore both the French Concession and Nanjing Road, with plenty of stops for photos and snacks. Guides like Alyssa and Li bring the city’s stories alive, and the included lunch is a bonus. This tour suits avid explorers who want an in-depth experience and don’t mind a full day on the saddle. It’s rated 4.9/5 by travelers who love the mix of sightseeing, local food, and cultural insights.
Bottom Line: Best for active travelers seeking a detailed, all-encompassing Shanghai experience.
8. 3 Hour Bike Tour with Coffee Break
Rated 4.8/5, this shorter ride is great for those who want a taste of Shanghai’s key sites without a long commitment. It starts at Xiangyang Park, explores the French concession, and includes a charming coffee break. Guides like Gill and Jill are praised for their informative commentary and friendly approach. The pace keeps everyone comfortable, making it ideal for first-timers or casual cyclists. Travelers love how it covers both historic and modern areas with just enough time for a coffee stop.
Bottom Line: A quick, relaxing ride suited for newcomers and casual visitors.
9. Shanghai Foodie Test & Nightlife Adventure Bike Tour
Number 9 offers a 3.5-hour evening ride through Shanghai’s nightlife hotspots. Guided by Mei, you’ll visit the famous bar street, the Bund, and explore the food streets. It’s perfect if you want a local perspective on Shanghai’s nightlife with snacks and drinks included. Reviewers mention Mei’s enthusiasm and humor, making it an engaging experience. This tour is best for those who enjoy night biking, socializing, and food.
Bottom Line: A lively, nocturnal tour for night owls wanting to experience Shanghai’s after-hours scene.
10. Biking Real Shanghai & Tea Tasting Experience
Rated 4.5/5, this heritage-focused tour combines cycling with a tea tasting. Traversing the Old Town, French Concession, and Fuxing Park, it offers a great way to enjoy local traditions. The guide’s insights into Shanghai’s development add educational value, and the small group size makes it more personal. Ideal for culture enthusiasts who want a balanced mix of scenery, stories, and tea, all at about $75 per person.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in traditional customs and local flavors.
11. 4-Hr Shanghai Tour: Food, Culture, Sightseeing, Cycling, Ferry
This 4-hour tour is unique because it combines cycling, ferry rides, and cultural visits like Xiahai Temple. It includes stops at Lujiazui, Huangpu River, and Nanjing Road, blending modern and traditional sights. The ferry ride offers a nostalgic break, making it stand out. Rated 5.0/5, travelers appreciate the variety and depth of this experience, especially the chance to see both the skyline and local neighborhoods.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those who want a multilayered, interactive tour.
12. Huangpu River Ferry Boat & Highlights Bike Tour with Local Lunch
Number 12 features a full-day exploration, including less-visited streets and must-see landmarks like the Bund and Sichuan Bei Lu. The ferry ride along the Huangpu River offers scenic views, while the local lunch combines cultural insight with delicious eats. Travelers describe this as a comprehensive experience that balances urban exploration with culinary stops. It’s suited for first-timers wanting a carefully curated route.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded day trip for those eager to see both the sights and the local life.
13. Discover Local Life and Street Food Shanghai Bike Adventure
This 3-hour ride is all about authentic street food and local neighborhoods. Guided by a passionate local, you’ll pedal through hidden lanes and hear stories about Shanghai’s rapid growth. The tour emphasizes personalized insights and culture, making it perfect for foodies and curious explorers. With only 3 reviews but perfect overall ratings, it’s highly recommended for those wanting an off-the-tourist-path experience.
Bottom Line: A tasty, behind-the-scenes look at Shanghai’s everyday life.
14. Explore Shanghai’s Old Town & Suzhou River by Bike
Rated 5/5, this 3.5-hour tour combines visits to Old Town, Art Deco buildings, and a scenic ride along the Suzhou River. It ends at the Bund, providing a picturesque finale. Jill’s friendly guiding style and small group size make it a comfortable way to see a mix of cultural history and modern scenery. The route’s focus on architectural styles and local stories makes it a favorite.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those interested in architecture and scenic riverside views.
15. Half Day Bike Tour Around Chongming Changxing Island
Finally, this 5-hour tour takes you to Chongming Island, with its peaceful Yangtze River views and traditional villages. It’s the most laid-back tour on our list, suited for travelers wanting a relaxing escape from the city. The tour includes photos, and you’ll learn about local culture right from the villagers. The $98 price reflects a longer, more scenic experience, perfect for a slow-paced, scenic ride.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a serene, cultural experience outside Shanghai’s center.
$98.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Shanghai Bike Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time available, and interests. For a quick cultural fix paired with local snacks, the Half-Day Bike Tour of Shanghai Old Town offers excellent value. If you want to experience Shanghai’s nightlife, the Night Tour is perfect. Those with more time or seeking an in-depth exploration should opt for the Full-Day Classic Bike Tour. For flexible timing, the 3-hour coffee break and Heritage Bike & Tea Tour are excellent choices. Remember to book early, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred date and group size.
Final thoughts:
Shanghai offers an impressive variety of bike tours that appeal to different interests—from cultural explorations and street food to night rides and scenic escapes. If you’re new to biking or short on time, the Half-Day Old Town Tour or the Coffee Break Ride are great options. For a more immersive cultural experience, consider the Real Shanghai & Local Food tour, or the Full-Day Classic if you want to truly cover the city’s highlights.
No matter what your style, these tours let you explore Shanghai at a pace that rewards curiosity, with plenty of opportunities to taste, learn, and see the city through local eyes. Be sure to book early—these popular rides can fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons. Happy cycling!