If you have already visited Shanghai’s Bund, City God Temple and Yuyuan Garden and wish to go beyond the popular tourist spots, you'll get a new perspective on this walking tour that explores Shanghai's courtyard alleyways, known as nongtangs. The nontangs are back passageways that combine traditional building design with modern Western architecture, offering a unique urban atmosphere not found in other places. The nongtangs were established in the 1920s and many of the original inhabitants still live there and retain elements of the old ways despite the pace of change in other parts of Shanghai.
As you meander through the nongtangs with your experienced guide, listen to fascinating anecdotes that reveal the cultural norms in the nongtangs. Your guide also introduces you to some of the local elderly residents who welcome your into their homes to socialize and learn about their daily life and their past. History comes alive when you hear their stories, and you can learn how the changes in modern Shanghai have affected their lifestyle.
Small food markets operate along the alleyways, often owned by local residents who supply their neighborhood with fresh produce and other goods. Your guide takes you to some of these tucked-away shops and wet markets where you can meet the owners and learn about their livelihoods. You can also purchase some local delicacies such as tea eggs, which are hard boiled eggs cooked in tea and a marinade sauce. Sampling street food makes perfect complement to this unforgettable experience of authentic Shanghai.
