Christmas bars, minus the guesswork. This 3-hour night out in the former French Concession strings together four holiday-themed bars and speakeasies, guided by Jill so you’re not stuck figuring things out. If you like meeting people and getting a guided shortcut to the fun parts of Shanghai’s nightlife, this one is built for that.

I love the way it bundles the night with three free tequila shots and a set route across four stops, so your evening starts strong and keeps moving. I also like that you’re not just paying for drinks; you’re paying for an English-speaking local who helps you order, choose, and avoid the usual tourist pricing in the most convenient areas.

One consideration: alcohol included on the tour is only for travelers 21+. If you’re under 21, you’ll still be part of the night, but the included drinks won’t be the same.

Key Highlights You’ll Feel Immediately

• Jill runs the show with a friendly, funny style that makes it easy to chat
• Four holiday venues in about three hours, with a short walk between stops
• Three included tequila shots to kick off the celebration
• Speakeasy-style stops that make the night feel like more than just another bar
• Christmas props, holiday games, and photo moments that keep things light

Why the Former French Concession Works for a Holiday Bar Crawl

The former French Concession is one of Shanghai’s easiest areas to explore at night, because you can move from venue to venue without long taxi rides. For this tour, that matters: you’ll spend more time socializing and less time navigating. The holiday theme also plays well with the neighborhood vibe, since the whole area is used to visitors looking for a good time.

You’re going out at 8:00 pm, so the streets are already in full evening mode. That timing helps you hit the festive atmosphere early enough to enjoy it, without dragging the night out too late for your next day.

Meeting Point at Chicken & Egg on Fu Min Lu (and Why That’s Smart)

You meet at Chicken & Egg, 291 Fu Min Lu, in Xu Hui Qu, starting at 8:00 pm. The nice part of this meeting point is that it’s a real, central landmark in an area where public transportation is nearby. A clear meeting spot reduces the usual stress of bar crawls where everyone’s texting late.

This tour ends back at the meeting point too. That’s a practical detail you’ll appreciate after a few drinks, because you don’t have to plan your way home mid-celebration.

The Tour Format: Four Holiday Stops in About Three Hours

This is a 3-hour bar-hopping experience that includes 4 bars and speakeasies. The route is designed to feel like a continuous evening, not a bunch of disconnected meetups. From the way Jill runs things, the pacing tends to stay relaxed, with conversation encouraged while you’re walking and waiting.

The tour is also set up as a private activity for your group. That can be a big deal if you’re traveling solo or with friends who want a similar pace and vibe, instead of feeling blended into a large crowd.

Stop 1: The First Holiday Bar to Break the Ice

Your first stop is where the night gets warm and social fast. Instead of starting with something intimidating, the tour format typically eases you in with a Christmas-themed bar atmosphere, paired with the general vibe of celebration and friendly introductions.

What I like here is the value of the setup: you’re not just showing up to a random venue hoping someone speaks English or that the place will feel welcoming. Jill helps you get oriented so the first drink feels like the start of a plan, not an experiment.

Stop 2: A Speakeasy-Style Venue Where You Can Actually Enjoy the Moment

After the first bar, you head into the more hidden side of Shanghai nightlife. The tour includes speakeasies, which usually means smaller, more tucked-away spaces where language gaps can be a real headache.

That’s where the local guide earns her spot. Jill’s role isn’t just translating phrases; it’s helping you make good choices in smaller places so you don’t end up stuck outside looking in. This is especially useful in older areas where some venues are priced for tourists and some are more local-friendly.

Stop 3: Holiday Cocktails and the Three Included Tequila Shots

This is the part of the night where the tour leans into the holiday fun. You get 3 free shots as part of the experience, and the included alcoholic beverages are tequila shots. It’s a smart structure because the shots give you a shared “moment” early enough that the group energy builds without needing to overthink what to order.

You’ll also be in the zone for unique holiday cocktails, since the tour is designed around seasonal drinks and festive themes. One practical note: if you prefer to pace yourself, you can still take the shots and just slow down on the rest of your bar spending.

Stop 4: New Year Energy, Games, and Photo-Prop Moments

The tour isn’t only about Christmas decor. It includes New Year celebrations as part of the holiday theme, plus holiday games and Christmas props and photo moments. That’s a simple but effective way to keep the night from becoming purely transactional, where you only measure the evening by how much you drink.

I particularly like the inclusion of photo props and scheduled moments. It gives you a low-effort way to participate even if you’re not a big “club photo” person. Also, it’s a natural conversation starter with the international crowd you’ll meet.

Why a Local Guide Matters More Than You Think

Shanghai is big, and English gets easier in the most tourist-friendly areas. But that doesn’t solve two bigger issues that often hit on nightlife nights: language friction in smaller venues and the risk of ending up in the places that charge extra just because they’re convenient.

This tour uses Jill as a local English-speaking guide for those exact reasons. She knows the French Concession area well and can steer you toward better options, including spots that feel more like you found them and less like you followed a billboard.

In practical terms, that means you spend your energy on the fun stuff: trying a holiday cocktail, asking what something tastes like, or just chatting with the people you meet along the way.

Price and Value: Is $29 Worth It in Shanghai?

At $29 per person, you’re not paying for a fancy car or a long sightseeing route. You’re paying for the structure of the night: Jill-led guidance, 4 venues, and 3 free tequila shots. For many visitors, that “bundle” is the real value. Without it, you’d likely end up paying for each bar separately and possibly overspending just to feel like you’re doing enough.

The tour also gives you a clearer way to budget. The guide handles the ordering flow and helps you avoid typical tourist pricing traps in the more obvious areas. You’ll still pay for drinks beyond the included shots, but you’ll have more control because you’ll know what you’re walking into.

The one thing to keep in mind is what’s not included. There’s no private transportation and no meals. If you want food, plan to eat before you start at 8:00 pm, or you may find you’re drinking longer than you planned just to wait for dinner.

Pacing, Mood, and the Kind of Group Night You Get

This is the kind of tour that works best when you’re looking for a good mix of fun and conversation. Jill’s style comes across as relaxed and approachable, and she makes it easy to talk without forcing group games every five minutes.

You’ll also like the walking pattern. Even though it’s multiple venues, the route is designed to keep transfers short, which helps you stay in the holiday mood. Less time in transit also means less chance you’ll lose your group energy between stops.

Who This Holiday Crawl Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This tour is a good fit if you want a structured holiday night that helps you meet people. It’s also great for solo travelers and groups, since the guide is there to keep the evening smooth and chat-friendly.

It’s especially helpful if you:

• are visiting Shanghai for the first time and want a quick nightlife orientation
• want holiday drinks and speakeasy-style stops without map anxiety
• prefer to go out with an English-speaking local guide

You might skip it if you’re looking for a quiet, slow-paced evening or if you dislike bar-hopping formats in general. Also, if you’re under 21, the included shots won’t be part of your version of the experience, so you’ll want to be comfortable paying for your own drinks to match your preferred vibe.

Quick FAQ

FAQ

What is the duration of the Shanghai holiday bar hopping tour?

It lasts about 3 hours.

How much does the tour cost?

The price is $29.00 per person.

How many bars and speakeasies are included?

The tour includes 4 bars and speakeasies.

What drinks are included?

You receive 3 free tequila shots as part of the experience.

What time does it start, and where does it end?

It starts at 8:00 pm and ends back at the meeting point at Chicken & Egg.

Is the tour private or shared with strangers?

It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

Are alcoholic drinks included for everyone?

Alcoholic drinks are served only to travelers 21 years old and above. Travelers under 21 will be served non-alcoholic drinks.

Is transportation or meals included?

No. Private transportation and meals are not included.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time.

Is it near public transportation, and are service animals allowed?

Yes. It’s near public transportation, and service animals are allowed.

Should You Book Jill’s Holiday Bar Hopping Tour?

If you want a festive night with a clear plan, this is a strong pick. For the money, you’re getting four venues, three included tequila shots, and a guide-led route that helps you avoid common nightlife hassles like language barriers and overpriced tourist traps.

Book it when you’re in the mood to socialize and let the evening flow. Skip it only if you want quiet, meal-focused nightlife or if you dislike the bar-hopping format.