Shanghai bar hopping tour in the former french concession

This Shanghai bar hopping tour in the former French Concession is interesting because it turns a chaotic night out into a simple plan, with a friendly English guide keeping things moving. I especially like the small group setup (limited to 10), since it makes it easy to chat and not just stand in line. I also like that the guide, Jill, leans into the night’s mood, so the pace feels right for the group.

One possible drawback: food is not included, so if you arrive hungry, you will need to handle dinner separately before you start.

Craft beer tastings and secret corners of the nightlife

My second big favorite is the focus on variety, not just one trendy bar. You get tastings across craft beer, wine, cocktails, and even options like whiskey tasting, plus two included rounds of shots (Chinese strong liquor and tequila shots). And based on what shows up in the bar lineup, you might hit places with personality, including a stop with a second-floor secret-feeling space and balcony views for that classic Shanghai night vibe.

Key highlights to look for before you book

• Former French Concession energy with a guided route that keeps you from wasting time searching
• Jill’s hosting style, friendly, talk-friendly, and good at reading the group vibe
• At least 3 bar stops covering craft beer, wine, cocktails, and tastings like whiskey
• Included shots of Chinese strong liquor and tequila shots, so you start the night the fun way
• Small group limit of 10, which makes conversation and meeting people much easier

Entering the former French Concession nightlife scene

The former French Concession is where Shanghai nightlife gets interesting fast. You’re not stuck in one high-rise cluster or a single party street. Instead, you move through a neighborhood that feels layered, with bar entrances tucked into side streets and spaces that look different from floor to floor.

This tour is designed for people who want to maximize the night without doing logistics research at 9 pm. You show up, you get placed into a small group, and you follow Jill from one stop to the next. That alone is a huge value win, because Shanghai bar-hopping can be expensive if you only visit the most touristy spots.

You do want to set your expectations around drinking. The tour includes guided tastings at multiple bars and includes specific shots, but food is not included. So, think of this as a guided tasting crawl, not a full meal replacement.

Where you meet and how the night starts

You meet at Chicken&egg, at NO291 fuming road, right where fumin road crosses changle road. It’s also close to metro line 2, Jing’an Shi station, exit 8. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not guessing how to get home after you’ve had a few sips.

Even though the meeting spot is Chicken&egg, the crawl’s first stop is Funkadeli. That’s a good anchor point, because you start with a recognizable bar setting and then fan out from there. If you’re running late, try to message ahead, since getting into the group on time matters for fitting all the stops into the full 3 hours.

A practical note: wear comfortable shoes. Bar hopping sounds light until you realize you are walking between venues while trying to keep your group together.

Your 3-hour bar hopping plan, stop by stop

This is a 3-hour tour, built around moving through multiple bars. The tour experience focuses on you trying different styles, including craft beer, wine, cocktails, and tastings like whiskey.

Stop One: Funkadeli as the launchpad

Funkadeli is where the crawl begins. Think of it as your warm-up: you get in, meet your group, and settle into the rhythm before you start stacking tastings. Since you’re starting with a guide, you’re not spending the first hour deciding what to order or who to follow.

This first stop matters because it sets the tone for the rest of the night. Jill’s style tends to keep things social and easy, so even if you’re coming solo, you can quickly plug into the group conversation.

The middle stops: beer, wine, cocktails, and tastings

After Funkadeli, you move through the neighborhood to other bars that specialize in different drink styles. The crawl is built to cover at least 3 bars, so you’re not paying for a single venue experience.

Here’s what you should expect across the sequence:

• Craft beer tastings, including local flavor profiles you might not see at home
• Wine and wine tasting options
• Cocktail and spirits stops, where the mood can shift from casual to lively
• Tastings like whiskey at at least one point in the route

One of the most praised elements in this kind of itinerary is variety. You might try beers with flavors like lychee or Longjing tea style notes, and you might see other creative infusions. That’s a big part of why the crawl feels like a cultural night out rather than just a pub visit.

A memorable style of bar stop: secret-feeling spaces and balcony views

Some nights include a bar with a more hidden-feeling second-floor area plus balcony space. That kind of setup is exactly what makes Shanghai nightlife fun, because you get those little pockets of atmosphere. It also helps the group slow down briefly, take photos, and chat without feeling like you’re constantly standing in the street.

Not every bar in the city has that kind of layered design. When the itinerary hits a place like this, it tends to become a highlight.

The cocktail twist: mixing your own drinks

Another standout possibility is a stop where you mix your own cocktails. This is more interactive than just ordering. It also gives the group something to do together, which helps if you want conversation without awkward small talk.

This sort of stop works especially well with the small group size. You can actually participate, not just observe.

Finishing back where you started

You end back at the meeting point near Chicken&egg. That matters more than you’d think. After a few tastings, being able to close the loop without additional navigation is a real quality-of-life upgrade.

What you drink: shots plus tastings across styles

The tour includes a guided bar hopping experience, plus shots. Specifically, you get Chinese strong liquor shots and tequila shots.

Beyond the shots, the crawl focuses on tastings. The plan is described as visiting at least 3 bars, with tastings spanning craft beer, wine, cocktails, and options like whiskey tasting and local snacks. But the tour data also clearly says food is not included, so you should plan to eat separately.

So, how do you handle this as a smart drinker?

• Eat something before you go, so you don’t slam shots on an empty stomach
• Pace yourself, because your group stays together while you move between venues
• Drink water between stops, especially if you’re trying multiple styles of alcohol

This tour can be social, and that can be the best part. But it’s still alcohol, so you’ll enjoy the night more if you manage your pace from the beginning.

Jill’s guiding style and why it makes the tour feel worth it

The experience is hosted by Jill.saarm, and the tour is conducted in English. From what you can gather about how the night is run, Jill’s strongest skill is being genuinely friendly while also keeping the plan on track.

A few practical ways her hosting shows up in the experience:

• She helps you connect with the group fast, even if you’re the only one who didn’t arrive with friends
• She tailors the pacing to the vibe, so it does not feel like a rigid checklist
• She picks bars that are fun and not just overpriced tourist bait

That last point is the quiet superpower of a good bar crawl guide. When you hop without guidance, it’s easy to end up paying extra just because a bar sits in the most obvious area. A local route helps you avoid that headache.

Also, the small group limit of 10 makes the guide’s job easier and your night better. You’re less likely to lose people. You’re more likely to have real conversations. And when the group feels comfortable, you end up staying out longer in a good way, not a chaotic way.

Price and value: what $29 buys you, and what to budget

At $29 per person for 3 hours, this tour is priced like a value-forward nightlife activity. The included items are clear: a guided bar hopping tour plus shots (Chinese strong liquor and tequila shots).

But the drink side is structured as tastings across multiple bars. That often means you’ll get the chance to try different styles during the crawl, yet extra orders beyond the guided tastings might cost extra. Since food is not included, you should also budget for snacks or dinner if you’re hungry.

Here’s how I’d think about value:

• You pay to save time and avoid planning mistakes
• You pay for access to a route and a guide who knows what to pick
• You get multiple bar stops within a short 3-hour window

If your goal is to see the former French Concession nightlife without guessing, the math usually works. If you want a fully all-inclusive drinking package with no extra spending, you should double-check what’s covered beyond the included shots, since food is listed as not included.

Practical tips so the night stays fun, not tiring

Bar crawls are fun, but they also punish poor planning. You can make this one smooth with a few simple moves.

Eat first. Food is not included, so give yourself a head start with a real meal or at least a solid snack before check-in. That helps you enjoy the shots instead of just surviving them.

Go easy on pace. You’re moving between bars for 3 hours. If you order heavy early, you’ll feel it later. Start with what tastes good, then slow down if you’re trying several styles.

Wear good shoes. This is a walking tour between venues. Comfort matters.

Stay with the group. Jill keeps the route organized, so let the plan work. If someone wanders off, it can throw off the whole timing.

Check your email instructions. You’ll receive information by email ahead of time about where and when to check in and register. Do that small task the day before, and you avoid last-minute confusion.

Bring cash or a plan for payments. The tour covers included shots, but you may want to buy additional drinks or small food items during the night. Have a simple payment method ready.

Who this tour fits best

This works best if you:

• Want a guided night in the former French Concession without navigating bar choices yourself
• Like social travel, and you don’t mind meeting new people during the walk
• Are curious about tasting multiple drink styles, especially local craft beer flavors
• Want a host who can keep things friendly and keep the night moving

It may not fit you if you:

• Only want food included, because food is not listed as included
• Prefer private nightlife planning where you control every stop solo
• Are under 18, since the tour is not suitable for children under 18

Should you book this Shanghai bar hopping tour?

Book it if you want your Shanghai nightlife night to feel organized, social, and taste-focused. The small group size, the English guide Jill, and the route built around multiple bar styles make it a smart choice for first-time visitors who want the former French Concession without wasting time.

Skip it if you’re hunting for an all-inclusive meal-and-drink package. Food is not included, so you’ll need to eat on your own. Also, if you want absolute freedom to stop wherever you want, a guided route might feel too structured.

If you’re okay with that trade, this is a solid value way to experience Shanghai after dark, with a guide who knows how to make the night feel like it has a plan.

FAQ

How long is the Shanghai bar hopping tour?

The tour lasts 3 hours.

How many people are in the group?

The group is limited to 10 participants.

Is the tour guide available in English?

Yes, the live tour guide speaks English.

Where do I meet for the tour?

Meet at Chicken&egg, NO291 fuming road at the crossing of fumin road and changle road. It is close to metro line 2, Jing’an Shi station exit 8.

What is included in the price?

The tour includes a guided bar hopping tour, shots (Chinese strong liquor), and tequila shots.

Is food included?

No, food is not included.