MB
Marcus Brandt
Berlin, Germany
“Leo understood exactly when to explain and when to let us explore. Dinner was the best meal of our trip.”
·April 2026
Verified localShanghai
Meet Leo
Architecture walker and champion of neighborhood restaurants
4.97 (64 reviews)178 trips hostedReplies in ~2h
ArchitectureNightlifeFood
Licensed Shanghai city guideArchitecture degree, Tongji UniversityChina Unlocked verified host
About your local
Meet Leo
I was born in a lilong house near the former French Concession and watched Shanghai reinvent itself block by block through the 2000s.
I studied architecture at Tongji University and worked at a heritage-preservation studio before moving into full-time guiding. That background shapes how I read the city—every façade has a story about who lived here and what came next.
I've guided more than 170 trips, from first-timers who just landed to returning guests who want a deeper cut of the food and nightlife scene.
My Work: Independent city guide since 2019
Languages: English (fluent), Mandarin (native), Japanese (conversational)
Based in: Shanghai, China
Response time: Usually replies within 2 hours
Verified Host:
- Government ID confirmed
- Phone number verified
- Email verified
- Licensed city guide
My idea of a great day
We trace Shanghai from lilong lanes to the river, stopping wherever catches your eye. Later, we eat at a neighborhood favorite and I help you decode the city's evening options.
Lilong lanes and morning coffee
A quiet lilong walk and coffee where the locals go.
From the Bund to the everyday
Toward the river, stopping wherever catches your eye—art deco lobbies, markets, hidden gardens.
Dinner and your evening
Dinner at a neighborhood favorite, then a plan for your evening.
Nothing is fixed—we shape the day around you.
What’s included
Included
- A flexible plan shaped around you
- Translation and navigation
- Food recommendations
- Message support before meeting
Not included
- Attraction entrance tickets
- Metro, taxi, and Didi fares
- Food and drinks
- Hotel accommodation
- Gratuities (never expected)
Things to know
- Free cancellation up to 48 hours before your experience
- Want something custom? Just message me — I love designing personal itineraries
- Tips are never expected, always appreciated
- Kid-friendly by default — I adjust the pace and food picks for young travelers
- Message anytime before we meet to ask questions or share what you'd like to see
Activity level
Moderate
~7 km walking
Longer walks between neighborhoods, some cobblestones
Accessibility
- Kids welcome
- Seniors welcome
Slow pace with plenty of sit-down stops
- Pregnancy-friendly
Light walking, easy to shorten anytime
- Wheelchair accessible
Some lanes are narrow — message me for a wheelchair-friendly route
What to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen and a light layer
- Portable phone charger
- A little cash for small food stalls (most places accept mobile pay too)
Where we’ll meet
Hotel pickup
I'll meet you in your hotel lobby anywhere in central Shanghai (Puxi or Pudong within the Inner Ring).
Address: Your hotel lobby, central Shanghai (Inner Ring)
How to find me
I'll wait in the lobby holding a small 'China Unlocked' sign, wearing a grey blazer. I'll text you when I'm 10 minutes away.
Further out? Message me and we'll pick a nearby metro station.
Get directions in Google MapsWhat guests are saying
4.97 · 64 reviews
4.97
64 reviews
5
94%
4
5%
3
1%
2
0%
1
0%
Communication5.0
Punctuality4.9
Local knowledge5.0
Value4.9
Frequently asked
- We shift indoors — tea houses, museums, or covered markets. If the weather is severe, we can reschedule or refund.
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$120 total
Free cancellation · Reserve now, pay later