Old Town Flavors | One-Day Culinary Journey through Shanghai’s Historic Heart
- 1 Day
- Maximum Capacity: 8
Adult
Child
Description
Step into the aromatic heart of Old Shanghai and taste your way through a full day of authentic flavors. From crispy-bottomed shengjianbao at century-old stalls to hidden alley dessert stalls and Confucian temple vegetarian cuisine, this tour blends culinary exploration with cultural discovery. Led by bilingual local food guides, this small-group journey (max 8 guests) is perfect for foodies, families, and history lovers alike.
Duration
1 Day
Group Size
1~8
Language
ALL
Highlights
- Morning Breakfast Crawl: 3 iconic snacks from a 100-year-old stall – crispy shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), hand-pulled sesame pancakes, and sweet/savory soy milk (featured in local food guides).
- Dajing Road Food Street: Explore historic lanes with herbal jelly (cooling summer treat), hand-cut noodles (watch chefs make them live), and a rare preserved section of Shanghai’s old city wall (perfect photo spot).
- Confucian Temple Vegetarian Lunch: Dine in a serene courtyard – try creative dishes like mushroom “lion’s head” (mimicking classic meatballs) and tofu skin rolls, with stories of Buddhist/Daoist culinary influences.
- Family-Friendly DIY Tangyuan Workshop: Learn to shape sweet rice balls with black sesame or osmanthus fillings (kids love rolling their own!), paired with jasmine tea.
- Hidden Alley Tastings: Final snacks include fried dough twist, lotus-root cake, and hawthorn skewers – plus a tea break with a local calligrapher (take home your name written in seal script as a souvenir).
Included
- Bilingual (English-Chinese) local food guide (expert in Shanghai culinary history)
- All tastings: 3 breakfast snacks, Dajing Road street food, temple vegetarian lunch, DIY tangyuan, and alley final snacks
- Tangyuan workshop materials (dough, fillings, tools)
- Tea break + personalized calligraphy scroll souvenir
- Bottled water + wet tissues
Excluded
- Transport to Laoximen meeting point
- Personal expenses (e.g., extra snacks, tea purchases)
- Tips (optional but appreciated)
- Travel insurance
Travel Itinerary
09:00 – 09:30 - Breakfast Crawl at Laoximen
Meet at Laoximen Metro Station. Dive into 3 classic Shanghai breakfasts: shengjianbao with crispy bottoms and juicy fillings, flaky sesame pancakes pulled fresh on-site, and your choice of sweet or savory soy milk – all from a 100-year-old stall trusted by locals.
09:30 – 11:00 - Dajing Road Food Street Exploration
Stroll this historic food lane: taste herbal jelly (a traditional cooling snack), watch chefs hand-cut noodles with lightning speed, and pause at a preserved section of Shanghai’s old city wall (one of the few remaining – great for photos).
11:00 – 12:30 - Temple Vegetarian Lunch
Dine in a quiet Confucian temple courtyard. Your guide explains how Buddhist and Daoist beliefs shaped Shanghai’s vegetarian cuisine as you enjoy dishes like mushroom “lion’s head” (a meatless take on a classic) and delicate tofu skin rolls.
13:00 – 14:00 - DIY Tangyuan Workshop
Head to a cozy courtyard studio near Yuyuan. Learn to roll tangyuan dough, fill with black sesame or osmanthus paste, and boil them to perfection. Kids adore shaping their own – parents can join in too! Enjoy your creations with jasmine tea.
14:00 – 15:30 - Hidden Alley Tastings & Calligraphy
Wander a lesser-known alley for final treats: crunchy fried dough twist, savory lotus-root cake, and tangy hawthorn skewers. End with a tea break as a local calligrapher writes your name in elegant seal script – take it home as a unique souvenir.
Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this tour suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! The temple lunch is fully vegetarian, and our guide can customize street food tastings (e.g., skip meat-filled snacks) for strict vegetarians.
Will we visit Yuyuan Garden itself?
This tour focuses on Yuyuan’s surrounding food alleys. For garden entry, ask your guide for tips or book our “Literati & Garden Walk” add-on.
Can kids join the tangyuan workshop?
Absolutely! The DIY session is designed for families – kids love shaping the rice balls (parental supervision recommended for boiling).
How much food is included? Will I need dinner afterwards?
Over 8 tastings, a full lunch, and dessert workshop – most guests are full until late evening.
Is this tour walking-intensive?
Total walking distance: 3–4 km on flat ground. Wear comfortable shoes (no high heels!).
What if it rains?
The tour runs rain or shine! We provide umbrellas and adjust routes to covered alleys if needed.
What language is the guide in?
All guides are fluent in English, with deep knowledge of Shanghai’s food history and local culture.
Can I buy extra snacks or gifts during the tour?
Yes! You’ll pass trusted tea shops and snack stalls. Your guide can recommend the best buys and help with haggling.
Is this tour suitable for food allergies?
Inform us of allergies (nuts, gluten, etc.) 48 hours in advance – we’ll substitute tastings (e.g., vegan tangyuan fillings available).
What’s the best time of year for this tour?
Spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) – mild weather for walking, plus seasonal treats like osmanthus tangyuan (autumn) and fresh soybean milk (spring).
Tour Terms & Conditions
By submitting full payment, you agree to the following terms.
1. Definitions & General Guidelines
Booking: Your confirmed reservation for a tour package, including all services (accommodation, guides, workshops, meals, etc.).
Cancellation Request: A written notice (via email or online portal) to cancel your Booking.
Effective Cancellation Date: The date we receive and acknowledge your Cancellation Request.
Non-Refundable Costs: Third-party supplier charges (hotel deposits, tickets, etc.) that YiVoyage cannot recover.
2. Cancellation Policy & Refund Details
| Cancellation Window | Refund Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| > 30 days before departure | 95% of total package price | 5% processing fee retained. |
| 15–30 days before departure | 75% of total package price minus non-refundable costs | YiVoyage deducts any booked-for-you supplier costs. |
| 7–14 days before departure | 50% of total package price minus non-refundable costs | |
| < 7 days before departure | No cash refund | Option: travel credit equal to 25% of package, valid 12 months from issue date. |
3. Rescheduling & Modifications
A. Rescheduling (Change of Dates)
> 14 days before departure: free of charge, for travel within next 12 months.
7–14 days before departure: 10% change fee + any non-refundable supplier costs.
< 7 days before departure: not eligible; may receive 25% travel credit at YiVoyage’s discretion.
B. Partial Modifications
Changes to individual components (e.g., hotel upgrades) incur fees per supplier terms.
All modifications must be requested in writing and are subject to availability.
4. Exceptional Circumstances & Refund Exceptions
A. Force Majeure (natural disasters, strikes, pandemics, etc.)
Full refund or comparable reschedule at no extra cost.
B. Visa Rejection
70% refund if official visa denial letter is submitted ≥ 14 days before departure.
C. Medical Emergencies
Case-by-case evaluation; travel credit or refund may be offered upon receipt of medical documentation.
5. Cancellation & Refund Procedure
Submit your Cancellation Request in writing (fengyt1997@outlook.com) with booking reference, name, and reason.
Acknowledge: We will confirm receipt within 24 hours (business days).
Process: Refunds issued within 7–14 business days after Effective Cancellation Date.
Notify: You’ll receive an email detailing your refund amount (or travel credit) and processing timeline.
Deduction: Any non-refundable supplier charges will be deducted.
6. Payment Terms
100% payment due at booking.
We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and Alipay TourPass.
7. Included Travel Insurance
All tours include up to US $280,000 coverage for medical emergencies, accident, theft, and trip interruption.
8. Visas & Entry Requirements
Visa-Free: Eligible passport holders enjoy designated transit entry.
Tourist Visa (L-Visa): Others must secure a visa; YiVoyage assists but isn’t liable for denials or delays.
Passport Scan required ≥ 7 days before departure.
9. Itinerary Changes
YiVoyage may adjust schedules for safety or logistical reasons; equivalent alternatives provided whenever possible.
10. Personal Conduct & Liability
Guests must respect local laws and customs.
Misconduct endangering others may result in removal without refund.
11. Media Consent
You agree to YiVoyage’s use of trip photos/videos for marketing unless you opt out in writing before departure.
12. Contact & Support
24/7 English support:
📧 fengyt1997@outlook.com
📞 +86 18012612617 (WeChat/WhatsApp)
🌐 www.yivoyage.com
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