Founded in 2020 by Clarisse Le Guernic, a young French woman with a profound love for China, Arcade Experiences takes visitors to journeys through Shanghai’s history.
The name of the company carries special significance. Le Guernic, Shanghai International Tourism Ambassador 2024, chose it to honor Arcade Hoange (Huang Jialue), a Catholic convert born in Fujian Province in 1679, who journeyed to France in the early 18th century, played a crucial role in editing a Chinese-French dictionary and even served as a royal interpreter at the National Library of France from 1712 to 1716.
For Le Guernic, Hoange represents more than just a historical figure—widely recognized as the first true cultural bridge between France and China, he has brought her inspiration.
“We strive to discover engaging and interactive ways to showcase the diverse aspects of Shanghai’s history, helping people to better understand the city as it is today,” she told Beijing Review.
Discovering hidden gems
Le Guernic’s connection with China began at the age of 12 when she started studying Chinese as a second language. Enchanted by the language, she pursued a major in Chinese at the University of Rennes in France, and later traveled to study at Fudan University in Shanghai between 2015 and 2016 as an exchange student in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature.
After completing her postgraduate studies, focused on the management of the Chinese tourism market, she had worked as a bicycle tour guide in Shanghai before launching her own company. Le Guernic believes Shanghai is an excellent city for starting a business, both for Chinese nationals and foreigners, thanks to its relatively straightforward administrative processes. “All you really need is a solid idea that you can develop over the long term,” she said.
Her love for the city grows with time. “Living in the city, day by day, my love for it grew deeper. To this day, I believe the city is perfect for me, and I hope to remain here for a long time,” she said.
In her eyes, Shanghai is a vibrant city where everyone can discover something he or she loves. For those who are passionate about culture and arts, there are countless exhibitions and museums to explore; for people who enjoy sports or nightlife, it’s an ideal fit as well, she continued.
Having lived in various districts of Shanghai, Le Guernic has a special fondness for Huangpu District. Huangpu is home to many well-preserved historical buildings with a blend of Eastern and Western influences, allowing visitors to experience an elegant atmosphere infused with a down-to-earth vibe.
In recent years, Huangpu has become a haven for city-walk enthusiasts.
City walks can range from carefully guided tours for small groups that follow thoughtfully planned routes with themes like architecture or literature, to leisurely strolls for individuals looking to explore new areas. Regardless of the format, city walkers often steer clear of crowded tourist hotspots, seeking out hidden gems and unique experiences.
“I believe Shanghai is the ideal city for this kind of activity,” Le Guernic explains. “First, it’s flat, which makes it easy to walk around. Second, we have an abundance of beautiful buildings showcasing a contrast between modern and traditional architecture, as well as many longtang—the old alleys that are perfect for exploration.”
She had been leading these walks long before they became popular. “I used to refer to them as ‘historical walks’ rather than ‘city walks,'” she continues.
Walking the city
“Recently redeveloped, the banks of Suzhou Creek are indeed one of the most pleasant places in Shanghai for a night stroll! Follow our tour leader for a 2.5-hour walk and get to know the stories on both sides of the river: the Sihang Warehouse, the history of old bridges and roads, the General Chamber of Commerce, the Embankment Building, the Shanghai Post Building…”
These words were part of a post for historical-walk enthusiasts released on Le Guernic’s social media. During these outings, she leads her guests to answer a series of questions. For instance, what are the styles of these buildings? Who are the architects? And why are these buildings important in Shanghai’s history.
“Many people will think Shanghai is just another modern city like New York and London. But actually, Shanghai has a pretty long history that was marked by different periods, different time,” she explained, stressing this rich history is what gives Shanghai its unique character today.
Understanding and introducing the history requires her to conduct massive research—reading documents, studying maps, and exploring archives. Conversations with long-time Shanghai residents who carry a wealth of stories also enrich her knowledge. “I strive to uncover little-known stories that people wouldn’t find on their own and share them during my walks,” she said.
Another popular route she offers is themed around The Blue Lotus, a story from The Adventures of Tintin, a series of books set in Shanghai and created by Belgian cartoonist Hergé, in which Tintin and his dog Snowy visited the city in 1931. The 2.5-hour walk in Tintin’s footsteps highlights the similarities and differences between the comic and actual history, providing insight into Shanghai during the 1930s.
“In the 1930s, there were a lot of bad and terrible things happening, like wars. But this is also part of the history, and it is also very important to learn and remember,” she said.
Le Guernic believes that guiding people to walk and understand the city is the most rewarding aspect of her life. When asked whether she intends to expand her company to other cities in China or even abroad, she admits uncertainty about the future. But for now, her focus is on providing an excellent introduction to Shanghai for everyone.
“I hope that more foreign friends will think, ‘We should visit Shanghai. It seems like a wonderful city,'” she concluded. –The Daily Mail-Beijing Review news exchange item
