The Secret Ride | Shanghai Insiders | Off the beaten path jeep rides

From the mansions of the elite in the Former French Concession, to the oldest private residence in Shanghai, you will learn about the incredible history and witness some of Shanghai’s most fascinating secret locations all while being zipped around in one of the coolest vehicles on the road: a vintage convertible Jeep. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious vegetarian lunch at a virtually unknown temple.

ITINERARY

In the heart of shanghai’s Former French Concession, your insider meets you in a relaxed and minimally stylish café, the “Bitter café”. Share your expectations and specific requests while your insider introduces you, thanks to an old 1932 map, to both the geography and history of the city and your tailor-made itinerary. Buckle up, put on your sunglasses and start your ride into Shanghai’s most hidden and captivating gems.

Step in history as you walk into one of the most prominent landmarks erected by the French. Surrounded by mature trees, this former 1926 sports club still features the glittering gold mosaics, polished marble pillars and dramatic staircase that made such an impression when the club first opened. Stay a little more in the Former French Concession to discover one of the most splendid Art Deco buildings left standing in Shanghai. Erected in 1934 for a Shanghainese banker, its unique architecture blends seamlessly an art deco design with unmistakable Chinese features.

Ride north to the Hongkou district (a.k.a the former Jewish Ghetto) to the former largest slaughterhouse in the Far East. Originally designed by the British, this maze-like structure built in 1933 with spiral staircases and sky bridges, is now the last remaining of its design in the world and truly a feast for the eyes and senses.

Take a break at a peaceful Buddhist temple founded by a local fisherman during the Qing Dynasty and dedicated to the goddess of the sea. Admire stone carvings and statues before feeding the carps in a a small gorgeous side garden and head to the adjacent vegetarian restaurant. Enjoy a traditional vegetarian lunch made of noodle soups and tasty mock-meat dishes before getting into the quaint alleys of the Old town.

Among Shanghai’s oldest and least known buildings is “The Secluded library”. Built in 1763 and temporarily occupied by a toy factory during the Cultural Revolution, this mansion is the remnant of a lavish garden complex built by a famous scholar who was living surrounded by literary treasures. Hidden behind high walls, Shanghai’s long-forgotten rich stories can still be found here under broken roof beams, fading colours and beautifully carved panels.

After this last stop, your insider will take you back to the Bitter Café or any other place in the Former French Concession.

NB: This itinerary is subject to change due to passenger’s requests, holidays or weather conditions.

Your ride is tailor-made, off the beaten path and designed according to your level of knowledge of the area and your centers of interests, respectful of the local culture and all inclusive to offer you a memorable experience. Custom rides and multi-day expeditions are also available in China and in Morocco.

CONTACT US: If you are trying to book a last minute ride within 24 hours or if you have any questions and just prefer talking to a human being we understand – you can email us at the Contact us link or you can call us at +86 138 176 169 75. We try to get back to everyone within 24 hours.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

RIDE

As this is a private ride, you set the pace. Your insider will accompany you based upon what you want to see and how long you want to stop. And if you see something you like along the route, just yell STOP! Your wish is our command. Our rides can accommodate up to 4 passengers by jeep from 2 to 99 years old. Expect to spend about 70% of the time driving and 30% exploring on foot. For legal & safety reasons, you are not allowed to drive a jeep.

MEETING POINT

STANDARD MEETING POINT : Our rides start from the Bitter Café in the Former French Concession (Wuyuan Road 58).

CUSTOM MEETING POINT : Click on Other and type in your pick-up address. Please do enter the number of vehicles needed in the next page. This service comes at the price of 300 CNY per vehicle.

At the end of your ride, we will drop you back off at the Bitter Café.

LANGUAGES

We offer rides in other languages! When you send us your booking form you will be asked if you need an insider who speaks a language other than English.

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Our rides are all inclusive. Knowledgeable insiders speaking the local language, sparkling vintage vehicles including gas and parking fees, baby car seat, umbrellas, site entrances, refreshing drinks and a bunch of gadgets. This ride also include a local vegetarian meal and non-alcoholic beverages.

It excludes alcoholic beverages & gratuities.

EXTRAS

French champagne, souvenir kits for kids or adults, instant camera (polaroid) renting or mobile camera boosters (Selfie stick & Lens Set with fish-eye, wide-angle and macro lens)…we do offer a wide array of options to make your ride truly confortable and memorable. Just check it out during the booking process.

REFUND POLICY

In case of no-show or if you cancel within 48 hours of your ride you will be responsible for the total amount of your ride.

HELP & QUESTIONS

Visit our help page to find answers to your questions or contact us by email at book@insidersexperience.com

Approx. 6 hours

4 persons max. per jeep

From 3800 CNY per jeep

Options available on this ride

Just add them during the booking process

Hotel pick-up

300 CNY per jeep

Champagne

400 CNY per bottle (375mL for 2 persons)

Instant camera

300 CNY per ride

Selfie stick & Lens Set

300 CNY per ride

Souvenir kit

From 300 CNY per kit (adult or kid)

Customization

200 CNY per vehicle

Are your rides private?

Our custom-made adventures are strictly private, adjusted to your preferences and your pace. We never combine guests into larger groups.

Where is your starting and ending point located?

We have a dedicated meeting point in the Former French Concession at the Café Bitter. If you wish, we can also come pick you up at your hotel at an additional cost of 300 CNY per vehicle. We can drop you off wherever you like in downtown Shanghai at the end of your ride.

Can we take young children on board?

From 2 to 99 years old, fun on four wheels is for all. Kid car seats are available, and a special itinerary can be tailor-made for our small guests. Kids below 12 need to be accompanied by one adult.

What is included?

Our rides are all-inclusive. We want you to truly enjoy the ride right from the start and forget about logistics or unexpected situations. Vehicle rental (driven by an insider) gas and parking fees, kid car seat, entrance tickets, sun cream and bottles of water are included. For the day ride, a traditional lunch is included. Alcohol, tips and personal shopping are not included.

What equipment should I bring on my ride?

Wear comfortable shoes, pack sun screen and your fully charged camera. Rain showers are a possibility, particularly in June and July. Make sure to pack a light rain coat but don't worry too much. Your insider will have rain gear for you should you forget, and the rain is beautifully warm if you want to get wet! For winter rides (December - February) bring a nice warm coat. The temperatures never drop that low, but the humidity makes it feel that little bit cooler in the evenings especially.

What are the options available on Insiders rides?

We do offer a few options to spice your ride up. º An instant camera is a fun, retro little gadget to instantly print your pictures while enjoying your ride. 20 sheets included. º Take the camera on your mobile device to the next level with this selfie stick and lens set including Fish-eye, wide-angle and macro lens. For rent only. For all devices. º An astonishing view with a glass of French champagne will definitely make the difference. Our bottle of 375mL are recommended for two full pours. º A lightweight, durable travel canvas tote bag designed by Shanghai Insiders. It’s the perfect travel partner for your ride. º Our insiders selected, tested and approved local souvenirs as well as tokens from your ride. We would like to keep it a surprise for you to enjoy but as a hint, our souvenir box is offered in a beautiful custom made totebag. None of them works for you? Just drop us a line and we will do our best to fit your request.

Do you offer shopping sprees or kid-friendly adventures?

Challenge us with a specific request is what we enjoy the most. All our rides are tailor-made according to your desires, just ask upstream so we can craft a memorable journey just for you. Please let us know your requirements in the "Special Requests" box at the end of your online booking process. A set of options is also available to spice up your ride.

Do you give discounts for kids?

Our rates are per vehicle which can accommodate up to 4 passengers on a jeep whatever their age.

Is it Ok to tip my insider?

Tipping is always optional. But if you had a great time and want to thank your insider, gratuities are very much appreciated.

What is Slow Travel?

Slow Travel is an alternative way of travelling based on the idea of taking time to discover a new destination. Slow Travel leaves a great place to serendipity and is also a great opportunity to become part of local life and to connect to a place and its people.

How can I write a review about Insiders?

To write a review about your ride, go on our TripAdvisor page. and sign in/log in. Fill in the Write a Review form and Certify that your review is based on a genuine travel experience by selecting the check box, then press the Submit your review button. You can also leave a review on our Facebook page and post colorful pictures of your ride on Instagram with @insidersexperience .

Can we drive the vehicles ourselves?

Traffic in China is often hectic and require some driving experience. Thus, we don’t offer a self-driving option on our city rides. You’ll be in better hands with an Insider driving for you. For a self-driving experience, enquire about our expeditions by visiting www.insidersexpeditions.com or by contacting us.

How many people can fit per jeep?

Our jeeps are insured for up to 4 passengers per vehicle no matter their age. Please note that there is no weight or length limitations.

Can we take people with a physical inability on board?

Yes, we can, as long as they are able to sit for the booked amount of time in a jeep.

How can I pay for my booking?

At Insiders, we use Stripe to process credit card payments on our website. Stripe is certified as PCI Service Provider Level 1 -- the most stringent level of certification possible. Here’s a list of other companies that use Stripe. Moreover, when you opt into saving your credit card with us, all storage of sensitive information (i.e., your credit card number) is kept in Stripe’s secure environment. At no point can we see or store your credit card number on our systems.

What currency can I use to pay for my ride?

Our prices are in Chinese Yuans (CNY) but we do accept payment in more than 130 currencies from almost any credit card and debit card, no matter where you live. There are two types of fees that you might see when making payment with an unsupported currency or from a different country than China. º Bank Conversion Fees : If Paypal doesn’t support your currency, then your payment will be converted into Chinese Yuans by your bank. Your bank will add an additional fee for you to pay. º Foreign Transaction Fees : If your bank account is based in a different country than China you may receive additional fees. This is up to your bank, so the exact behavior might vary.

Can you help me with my promo code?

Go to the Payment page, Type in or copy paste your code in the Promo code box, exactly as you received it and without space. Click the "Update" button to apply it to your order. Do not forget to check that the code has been correctly applied before confirming your purchase, after it will be too late! For this, take a look at the total amount of your order. Your Promo code does not work? Follow these tips: º Use only one Promo Code per order º Codes all have an expiration date Do you still have problems with your Promo Code and would like to contact us? Click here.

Are my details safe when ordering online with Insiders?

Safer than it's ever been. We use one of the most secure online ordering systems on the market. We use industry-standard Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology to allow for the encryption of potentially sensitive information such as your name, address and other critically sensitive information like your credit card details. Information passed between your computer and our website cannot be read in the event someone else intercepts it. This technology includes the following features: º Authentication : this assures your browser that your data is being sent to the correct computer server, and that the server is secure. º Encryption : this encodes the data, so that it cannot be read by anyone other than the secure server. º Data Integrity : this checks the data being transferred to ensure it has not been altered. In the unlikely incidence of unauthorized use of your card you must report the incident immediately to your credit card provider.

What can I do if the payment for my order has been declined?

If your payment has been declined, then you’ll need to place your booking again. º Check your card details to make sure the information is correct, e.g. the expiry date or your billing address. Make sure you enter the security code correctly - that's the three digit number on the back of your card. º Your card issuer may have declined your payment - as they don't tell us the reason for this, it's best to check with them or contact your bank. If you've checked all of the above, try paying with another card. If you've tried all these and are still having problems, click here to contact our team.

Can I cancel my order after I've placed it?

To receive a booking confirmation, it may take up to 24 hours in high season. If you shall need to cancel your booking before receiving the booking confirmation, we refund you with 100% of the fee. º If you cancel by writing at least 5 weeks prior to the ride, you will get a 90% refund. º If you cancel by writing 48 hours prior to the ride, you will get a 50% refund. º If you cancel less 48 hours before meeting time, no refund will be granted. In case of heavy rain we accept a cancellation 2 hours before the ride.

Can I get a refund in case of heavy rain?

As rain is falling during summer a lot in Shanghai, we are well prepared for it! We do have rain gears and we adapt our itinerary to limit the inconvenience. However, if you still decide not to start the ride, Insiders shall refund you with 100% of the service fee (minus bankfees), if you cancel before 2 hours in advance.

I’m having trouble accessing your website. What should I do?

If you’re having trouble with the website we’d suggest you try the following: º Firstly, you may need to delete your cookies – a cookie is a small file we store on your computer to let us know who you are next time you visit us. On most internet browsers you can delete your cookies using ‘Tools’ or ‘History’. Once you’ve cleared your cookies, close your browser, reopen it and visit our site again. You should be able to use it without any more problems. º We also suggest that you use the latest version of your operating system provider e.g. Windows, OSX etc. If after this you’re still having problems, please contact us.

What should I do if I am seeing your desktop site on my mobile device?

Our desktop site should automatically load up on desktops and tablet devices when visiting Insiders. If you’re seeing our desktop site on your mobile device, then clearing your browser’s cache and cookies should help. To clear your cache and cookies on a mobile browser please see the below steps: iOS – Safari Press the Home button and go to Settings. You’ll see Safari listed with some other apps. Simply select Safari and then select ‘Clear History’ and ‘Clear Cookies and Data’. Once you’ve done this, simply open up Safari again and go to our website. You should now see our mobile site instead of desktop. iOS – Chrome If you’re using Chrome on an iOS device, open up the Chrome app and press the menu button in the top right hand corner (its three lines one under the other). Select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Privacy’ on the next screen. You’ll then see the options to clear your cache and cookies. Once you’ve done this, simply close and reopen Chrome again and go to our website. Android – Chrome If you’re using an Android device, then with your browser open, press the Menu button. Select ‘Clear Browsing Data’ and then ‘Privacy’ on the next screen. You’ll see a pop up where you can select the data you want to clear. Tick the relevant boxes and press the clear button.

What can I do if I’m not receiving emails from Insiders?

After you sign up and place a booking, you should receive a variety of emails from us, which include Booking or Refund Confirmation emails and any responses from our team. There may be a number of reasons why you’re not getting these from us. º Your email software may be marking our emails as junk mail. To stop this from happening, please add book@insidersexperience.com to your email address book. º Make sure you typed in the correct email address when you signed up with us. Just sign in to your account (if you can remember which email address you used) to check this. If after this you’re still having trouble, contact our team giving as much detail as you can about the issue and we will try our best to help.

View all

The Secret Ride by jeep