Explore Shanghai's Jewish Heritage: A Unique Shanghai Jewish Ghetto Tour

Tour Itinerary

Start your day with a convenient pickup from your Shanghai hotel. Your guide will be waiting for you in the lobby holding a "Your Way Holiday" sign, ready to introduce you to the rich Jewish history of Shanghai. As you settle into a comfortable drive, your guide will provide an overview of the day’s activities, ensuring a personalized experience tailored to your interests.

Product Highlights:
In-depth Exploration of Shanghai Jewish History: Discover the traces of Jewish life in Shanghai and learn about their history of refuge during World War II.
Expert Commentary: Guided by professional tour guides or historians, offering in-depth explanations of Jewish history and culture.
Interactive Experience: Visit Jewish heritage sites and museums to feel the weight of history and the warmth of culture.
Cultural Fusion: Understand the fusion and influence of Jewish culture and local Shanghai culture.

The first stop of your tour will be the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, a significant site dedicated to preserving the history of Jewish refugees who fled Europe during World War II and found sanctuary in Shanghai. This museum is located in the former Ohel Moshe Synagogue, offering an intimate glimpse into the lives of Jewish refugees who lived in Shanghai during the war. As you explore the museum, your guide will take you through the various exhibits that feature historical photographs, artifacts, and documents detailing the experiences of Jewish refugees. The museum showcases how these refugees adapted to life in Shanghai, building a community in the city amidst the turbulent years of the Second World War.

Next, you will embark on a captivating walking tour through the Tilanqiao Historical District. This area is rich in history, particularly during the era when Jewish refugees sought refuge in Shanghai during World War II. As you walk through the narrow alleys and historic buildings, your guide will provide you with fascinating insights into the life of the Jewish community that once lived here. The district is home to several well-preserved buildings, many of which still retain their original architectural styles from that time. You will have the opportunity to explore some of the former residences, synagogues, and other significant landmarks that highlight the strong cultural and historical impact of the Jewish refugees on Shanghai's development. The guide will share the stories of survival, resilience, and the unique cultural blend that emerged in this area. Throughout the tour, your guide will point out key sites and explain the history behind the architecture and local landmarks, helping you understand the significance of this district in Shanghai's rich, multicultural past. It's a truly immersive experience that connects you to the past and offers a chance to reflect on the profound influence the Jewish community had on this vibrant city.

After a morning of exploration, you will head to the iconic Baima Café, once a gathering place for Jewish refugees during the early 20th century. Situated in the heart of Shanghai’s Jewish quarter, this café holds historical significance, blending Jewish and Shanghai local cultures. As you step into the café, your guide will provide you with a detailed history of the site, explaining how Jewish refugees contributed to Shanghai's history and how their influence has shaped the local culture. During lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to sample a selection of Jewish-inspired dishes, such as traditional bagels, kosher-style delicacies, and other Middle Eastern specialties, along with local Shanghai favorites. Whether you're enjoying hearty stews or savoring fresh seafood, the café offers a perfect combination of flavors that reflect the unique cultural fusion of Jewish and Shanghai cuisine. Your guide will be on hand to answer any questions about the café’s historical significance and the impact of Jewish refugees in Shanghai, providing deeper insight into the cultural crossroads that this remarkable city represents. Enjoy this immersive dining experience while reflecting on the fascinating history that connects Shanghai to the Jewish community.

You will be transferred to the iconic Bund area, a perfect starting point for your exploration of Shanghai's fascinating history. The first stop on your tour will be the Sassoon House (now known as the Peace Hotel), an architectural gem that holds deep connections to Shanghai's Jewish heritage, originally built by the British-Jewish tycoon, Victor Sassoon. Known formerly as the Cathay Hotel, this opulent building is a symbol of the time when Shanghai was dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’. Explore its lavish Art Deco interiors and hear fascinating stories about the celebrities and dignitaries who frequented this glamorous hotspot during the 1920s and 1930s. Your guide will highlight the architectural features and share anecdotes of the extravagant parties once held within these walls, bringing the hotel's storied past to life.. Your guide will provide insightful commentary about the Jewish merchants and their significant contributions to Shanghai's development in the early 20th century. Learn about the rich history of Jewish communities that once thrived in Shanghai, leaving a lasting mark on the city’s growth, particularly in the realms of business and culture.

Following this, your guide will take you on a leisurely walk along the Bund, offering a chance to admire the stunning array of historic buildings known as the Bund's International Architecture. As you stroll, your guide will narrate fascinating stories about Shanghai’s transformation from a colonial trading port into a modern metropolis. Marvel at the blend of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque, standing side by side with the gleaming modern skyscrapers across the river.This part of the tour is not just about architecture, but about experiencing the cultural fusion and historical significance of the area, which continues to symbolize the intersection of Shanghai's past and present. Throughout the tour, your guide will offer detailed explanations and point out landmarks, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching experience.

After a day steeped in cultural heritage, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. Throughout the tour, your guide will have provided insightful commentary and attentive service, making sure that every part of your journey was both enriching and comfortable. This high level of personalized service is designed to leave you with a deeper understanding of Shanghai's Jewish heritage and enduring memories of your exploration.

Price Per Person in US Dollars