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Shanghai Incredible Highlights

A limited time in Shanghai? This one day tour is perfect to quickly explore its history and culture. You'll visit both the east and west sides of and also discover Shanghai's fascinating mix of modern and classic character.

  • Private tour
  • 8 Hours
  • Starts ~9:00 AM, flexible
  • English-speaking guide
As low as $59 per personCheck availability ↓

Overview

If you have very limited time in Shanghai, and want to go home with a great understanding of both old and new Shanghai, its people, history and culture, then this Shanghai one day tour is perfect for you! You will visit both the east and west sides of Shanghai and also discover Shanghai's fascinating mix of modern and classic character. Highlights of this tour include:
  • Luijiaziao Financial Area: Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower - tower observation decks optional based on conditions and interests (typically 180RMB/person)
  • Yu Yuan Garden 
  • Confucius Temple with tea ceremony
  • Authentic local lunch
  • Former French Concession and much more.
  • The Bund
We will also allow time for shopping or other interests you may have. This tour comes with an optional car and driver, so please select the option that is right for you. It can also be customized to your interests!

Your day with us

A typical day. It's your private tour, so we can change stops, timing and pace.

  1. Start

    Your guide meets you at your hotel or starting point, typically at 9:00 AM.

  2. Lujiazui Financial Center

    A quick start in Shanghai's financial center to see iconic sites such as Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center while learning about modern Shanghai. Observation Decks are optional at 180RMB/person. Note: entrance fees are subject to change.)

    About Lujiazui Financial Center
  3. YuYuan Garden

    This garden dates back to 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. A classic Chinese Garden rich in history, you'll see a wide range of halls, statues, rock structures, water features as well as the famous Grand Rockery and Exquisite Jade Rocks.

    About YuYuan Garden
  4. Confucius Temple

    The Confucius Temple was founded during the Yuan Dynasty, when Shanghai was just a small fishing village. It was also the most prestigious learning institution, combining a spiritual temple with a top-rated school. A beautiful and serene site of gardens, halls, statues and an amazing complimentary tea ceremony.

    About Confucius Temple
  5. Former French Concession (Xintiandi)

    Enjoy the atmosphere of east meets west or one of the new popular places. This area is rich in the history of China when colonial powers had a significant presence in Shanghai. It has unique architecture while bustling with people along tree-lined streets.

    About Former French Concession (Xintiandi)
  6. The Bund

    The Shanghai Bund has dozens of historical buildings, lining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks, trading houses and consulates from all over Europe, Asia and the United States. The area highlights Shanghai's western influence in architecture and culture and today offers a beautiful walkway along the Huangpu River while…

    About The Bund
  7. End

    Your guide drops you back at your starting point, with time for other interests along the way if you want it.

The full day, in detail
Your tour guide will meet you at your desired starting point, typically your city center hotel lobby, at your desired time, typically 9:30AM. Then you will start this 8-hour highlights of old and new Shanghai tour.
  • First, you will visit the iconic financial center of Shanghai where you'll see the amazing skyline of the world's tallest building. You'll have the option to rise to the observation deck to have a panoramic birds eye view of the whole city. Choose from the historic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the landmark and unique Shanghai World Financial Center, the lucky JinMao Tower or the Shanghai Tower (the newest and highest building in China and 2nd tallest in the world).
  • You'll visit Yuyuan Garden, a famous classical garden in southern China which is over 400 years old built in Ming Dynasty, the area around the garden has been the downtown of the city for several hundred years.
  • After Yuyuan Garden, you'll visit the surrounding areas. It is regarded as The Happy Shopping Kingdom for small items like inexpensive Chinese ornamental items. Here, you can also find Chinese cultural  souvenirs such as pearls, jade, and silk as well. You may still want to try a Chinese tea tasting.
  • Next, you'll visit the Confucius Temple, the top university in the history of Shanghai. It was built in 1291 and the only place to pay respects to Confucius in the city. From here, you will then go to a century-old local restaurant to have traditional steamed buns and local dishes based on you preferences.
  • Then you'll enjoy an authentic dumpling lunch, a specialty of Shanghai you won't want to miss.
  • You'll then head to the Former Concession Area to enjoy the atmosphere of east meets west or one of the new popular places in Shanghai and learn about the colonial period of Shanghai.
  • From here you will visit the Bund Area or have a walk on the Promenade Waterfront(BinJiangDaDao) on the East Bund, where we will enjoy 100-year old architecture and enjoy exciting views across the Huangpu River and riverside parks. This area was controlled by the British during the concessions period. 
You will be sent back to your hotel or somewhere in the city center you prefer when the tour is finished. After your tour, you can also choose to enjoy an optional traditional Chinese Acrobatic Show with feats you'll see nowhere else (you can select this option in the shopping cart.) This is an amazing experience you don't want to miss.

What's included

Included

  • Awesome guide
  • Authentic local lunch
  • Entrance fees
  • Transportation by metro and taxis (Optional car and driver - see below for details)
  • Guide meets you and drops you off at starting location

Note: This tour excludes entrance fees to give you flexibility during the day to see what you wan to see.

Add to your tour

Optional extras. Tell us when you book, or add them later.

Acrobatic Show

Price on request

Details

This tour includes the option for a fantastic acrobatic show in the evening after your tour. This is the best show in China with a spectacular environment and features sophisticated athletic performers! A must see activity if you have time. Show starts 19:30 and ends at 21:00. Price shown here is for medium seats.

HuangPu River Cruise

Price on request

Details

Another option after your tour is to take an amazing river cruise on the HuangPu River. The perfect end to a great tour to see the spectacular views of Shanghai's skyline from both the East and West sides. Tours start every hour during the day and every 15 minutes in the evening and lasts for 1 hour. VIP seats allow you an upper view in front of the boat for guaranteed 360 degree views.

Photos

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Shanghai--Tea ceremony #190
Shanghai-Lunch at Ao Men Road (Muslim Street) #166
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Shanghai Pesch Family Enjoying a Dumpling Making Class
The Jenny's China Tours team

Meet our guides

Professional local guides who love sharing authentic China. Every one of us follows a code of conduct that puts you first: your interests, your pace, and no touristy shopping stops.

Meet the team

Questions guests ask

Can we customize the tour?

Yes. Sites, start time, pickup location: just tell us what you'd like.

What if our plans change?

Cancel any time up to one day before your tour.

Will you take us shopping?

Only if you want to. Our guides follow a code of conduct: no touristy shopping stops.

Can children come?

Of course. Children aged 4 to 10 are $50 each.