Shanghai Greeters
Free Walk with a Local
Discover Shanghai through a free walk with a Local
There is a real feel of energy to Shanghai, a strange exciting city where the past, the present and the future sit side by side. But the secret to Shanghai is how you take it in. To experience the magic of the city for yourself, venture off the normal tracks for a fun, free tour of the city with one of the Shanghai Greeters. These locals, who love their city, know Shanghai inside out and want to show you corners of the city that you would probably miss without them.
Picture yourself gazing at the dazzling lights of the Bund or mooching along the corner shops of Tianzifang, full of bookshops, cafes and art spaces. A walk with a local will help you see exactly how the city has become one of the world‘s greatest.
Click here to request your greet
Remember: A Greet means meeting a local resident to walk around town with you as new friends. The first step will be to talk to the Greeter about the details of your personalized tour. It's not about taking part in a standardized tour, but about exploring the city with an expert volunteer .
Maximum six people!
Our core value #2 reads "Greeters welcome individuals and may serve small groups of up to six people."
The reason is that each Greet should be an opportunity to talk to each other and that seems impossible in bigger groups.
Also important: we do not mingle people from different requests but serve only you (and your friends).
Meet a local volunteer
Our core value #1 reads "Greeters are volunteers, a friendly face for those visiting a city."
It's true: Our Greeters love their city or town and they are proud to share this with guests.
How could you better discover the most interesting spots of a place?
Free service, no tipping
Our core value #3 reads "Meeting a Greeter is free of charge."
We do not follow a "give what you think is ok (but please give)" strategy. Greeters honestly do not like any tipping because what they give comes from their heart not because of any tipping expectation.
If you would like to support the Greeters as a whole you are welcome to donate to the International Greeter Association here.
Submit Feedback here after your Greet
Jiaying was amazing. We meet at Shanghai and we explored Yuyuan and sow a lot of street food. We walked along the Bund to admire the iconic Shanghai skyline. A very pleasant evening full of positive experiences.
I had the genuine pleasure of meeting Sophia and Darcy through Shanghai Greeters, and despite the rain that day, the experience was truly heartwarming.
Undeterred by the weather, Sophia and Darcy brought remarkable kindness, enthusiasm, and warmth. I am sincerely grateful for the time they devoted to meeting me, guiding me through the city, and sharing their insights. It was a thoroughly enriching experience, offering a deeper understanding of Shanghai—its hidden treasures, its stories, and its soul. I particularly appreciated the generosity, thoughtful conversation, and authenticity they brought to every moment. Their dedication and hospitality left a lasting impression. Thank you sincerely. Words cannot fully convey my gratitude. This was far more than a city tour—it was a meaningful human connection that bridged two distinct cultures.
Become a Shanghai Greeter or contact us for general questions.
