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Shanghai: Where futuristic skyscrapers pierce ancient skies, and whispered histories echo through bustling lanes.

Two Self-Guided Audio Tours to rediscover Shanghai

A first taste of the best stories the city has to offer. Many more tours are waiting for you.

Tour poster: Shadows and Streamlines: The Deco Heart of Shanghai
Tour 01
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Shadows and Streamlines: The Deco Heart of Shanghai

Step into the intoxicating glamour and hidden tensions of 1930s Shanghai. On this immersive journey, you will uncover the world's best-kept architectural secret: a sprawling, pastel-hued Art Deco metropolis built on speculative wealth, colonial ambition, and boundless optimism. From sprung-wood dance floors that once hosted expatriate elites to the aerodynamic curves of Streamline Moderne apartments, we will decode the visual language of a vanished golden age. But look closer—beneath the geometric ironwork and terrazzo floors lies a complex story of social hierarchy, hidden labor, and a city racing toward an uncertain future.

7 Stops
115 Min
3.5 km
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Tour poster: Shadows of the Shikumen: Whispers of a Vanishing Shanghai
Tour 02
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Image by Antigng on Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Shadows of the Shikumen: Whispers of a Vanishing Shanghai

Step off the gleaming, hyper-modern thoroughfares of Shanghai and plunge into the labyrinthine heart of its vanishing past. This immersive walking tour takes you deep into the 'longtangs'—the narrow, pulsing alleyways framed by iconic Shikumen stone gates. You will uncover the dramatic 19th-century origins of these unique East-meets-West dwellings, trace the footsteps of bohemian poets in cramped pavilion rooms, and witness the resilient, everyday theater of local life that defies the city's relentless gentrification. Join us to experience the sensory richness of a communal lifestyle that is rapidly fading into history.

5 Stops
108 Min
4.2 km
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Your in-app experience

This is how the Red Thread app brings your tour to life.

Red Thread guides you through the city's stories that you won't find in any guidebook. Authentically and compellingly told by our experts and locals.

Home
01

Home

Get inspired and choose a story that fits your location and your mood.

Search for tours directly
02

Search for tours directly

Use the map to find tours in your city or at a specific address.

Redeem in the app
03

Redeem in the app

Redeem purchased tours or City Passes in the app using a voucher code or QR code.

Start well prepared
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Start well prepared

Explore the route, stops, and many additional features for your experience.

Listen where it happened
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Listen where it happened

Hear the stories where they happened.

Ask your guide
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Ask your guide

Get extra context, deeper details, or useful tips nearby.

Collect discoveries
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Collect discoveries

Build your travel passport and explore fascinating insights.

Discover Shanghai – Stories Worth Hearing

Red Thread is an iOS and Android app with over 1,500 guided audio tours through cities worldwide - including in Shanghai.

Shanghai is a city of intoxicating contrasts, where the neon glow of Lujiazui's futuristic skyline reflects in the Huangpu River, yet mere steps away, the charming tree-lined avenues of the French Concession whisper tales of a bygone era. Did you know that Shanghai boasts one of the world's richest collections of Art Deco architecture, often hidden in plain sight amidst its modern marvels?

These architectural gems, from the elegant facades along the Bund to the intricate details of Shikumen lane houses, are not just buildings but living archives of Shanghai's layered history. With the Red Thread app, you can unlock these secrets, walking through the very streets where these stories unfolded, guided by local experts.

Shanghai Highlights
  • The Bund's majestic Art Deco skyline.
  • Discover hidden Shikumen lanes and their stories.
  • Indulge in world-class cuisine and vibrant nightlife.
  • Stroll through the charming French Concession.
Learn more about Red Thread

Frequently Asked Questions about Shanghai

General questions about the app, pricing and features are answered in our full FAQ on the main page.

How long do the Shanghai tours take?
Our 'Art Deco Heart' tour with Clara Vogt takes about 115 minutes, while 'Whispers of Shikumen' with Lukas Stein is around 108 minutes. Both offer deep dives into unique parts of the city.
What kind of architecture will I see in Shanghai?
Shanghai is a treasure trove! Our tours highlight magnificent Art Deco masterpieces in the French Concession and the historic Shikumen lane houses, showcasing the city's incredible architectural diversity.
Are the tours suitable for first-time visitors?
Absolutely! Both 'Schatten und Stromlinien' and 'Schatten der Shikumen' are designed to give you an authentic, intimate understanding of Shanghai's culture and history, perfect for deepening your first impressions beyond the usual tourist spots.
Can I create my own tours in Shanghai?
Yes, with the XL or Unlimited subscription you can use our AI-powered tour creator to build your own personalized tour in Shanghai on a topic of your choice. All Infos here
Can I use the Shanghai tours offline?
Yes, with an XL or Unlimited subscription you can download tours for offline use.
Can I do Shanghai tours together with friends?
Yes – with Together Mode (from XL plan) the whole group listens in sync on their own devices. Up to 4 people on XL, up to 10 on Unlimited.
In which other cities does Red Thread offer tours?
Further tours are available in 100s more cities like Dubai, Salzburg, Marrakech. All cities can be found here.
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The main page has all the features, pricing and background info. One tap – and you get the full picture.

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