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Shanghai
Shanghai Travel · China

Shanghai Tours — Where East Meets West

Stroll the Bund at golden hour, explore hidden Art Deco streets, and taste your way through China's most cosmopolitan city on an expertly guided Shanghai tour.

Shanghai City Overview

Shanghai Travel at a Glance

Shanghai is China's most cosmopolitan city — a place where 1920s Art Deco mansions sit beneath futuristic Pudong skyscrapers, and centuries-old water towns lie just an hour from the neon-lit Bund. Once known as the "Paris of the East," Shanghai blends Jiangnan water-town heritage with cutting-edge modernity. Walk the tree-lined French Concession, admire the classical pavilions of Yu Garden, cruise the canals of Zhujiajiao, and watch the skyline transform at sunset from the historic waterfront. Shanghai is also the gateway to Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Huangshan by high-speed rail, and connects to Beijing and Xi'an in under 5 hours, making it the perfect grand finale or starting point for any China tour.

Map Focus

Shanghai, China

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City basics

6 facts
Best TimeMarch–May & September–November offer the best weather. Summer is hot and humid, while winter is quieter with fewer crowds.
MUST-SEE ICONSThe Bund, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Former French Concession, Nanjing Road & Huangpu River Cruise — the Shanghai essentials.
Trip StyleArt Deco streets, contemporary skylines, food neighborhoods, and water-town extensions
Route FitWorks as a focused city stay or as part of a broader China itinerary.
TRAVEL VIBEA city of contrasts with historic streets, modern skylines, Art Deco buildings and endless city walk routes.
NIGHT EXPERIENCEEnjoy the Huangpu River lights, Bund night views, rooftop bars and lively neighborhoods after dark.

Private Guided Tours

Shanghai Private Guided Tours

Book instantly and explore Shanghai on your terms. Our private tours are fully flexible — beat the Bund crowds at sunrise, join a hidden Art Deco walking tour, add a day trip to Suzhou's classical gardens, or explore Zhujiajiao water town. Every Shanghai tour is built around your interests, with a local expert who adapts the route in real time.

Shanghai One Day Tour: Explore Old Town, French Concession & Iconic City Highlights
Private Tours
1 dayClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Shanghai One Day Tour: Explore Old Town, French Concession & Iconic City Highlights

Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar → Old French Concession → Jade Buddha Temple → Nanjing Road→ The Bund

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Accompanied by your guide, tour Yuyuan Garden. Grasp the design wisdom of ancient scholar gardens and the elegant taste of local dignitaries in old Shanghai.

Pay a visit to Jade Buddha Temple enshrined with jade Buddha statues. Comprehend how traditional Chinese buildings carry profound Buddhist heritage.

LuxuryClassicalBest Seller
From $48

Preset private route

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Shanghai Night Boat Tour: Immersive Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai’s Iconic Night Views
Private Tours
1 dayFood & Culinary
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Shanghai Night Boat Tour: Immersive Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai’s Iconic Night Views

Zhang Garden → Nanjing Road → Yuyuan Old Street → The Bund & Huangpu River Night Cruise

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Enjoy landscapes from the Huangpu River, a viewing angle inaccessible on land. Rediscover Shanghai’s riverside landscape from the mother river of the city.

Wander lit historic lanes and bustling pedestrian streets on land, then switch to a river cruise to overlook the skyline. Enjoy layered night scenery unavailable on single-spot tours.

CruiseNight TourPhoto stops
From $64

Preset private route

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2-Day Shanghai Family Vacation Package with Disneyland Park
Private Tours
2 days / 1 nightFamily Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

2-Day Shanghai Family Vacation Package with Disneyland Park

Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar → Wukang Building → Nanjing Road → Shanghai Tower → The Bund → Shanghai Disneyland Park

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Explore Shanghai’s must-see attractions, from Yuyuan Garden and Nanjing Road to the famous Bund skyline.

Admire breathtaking panoramic views from Shanghai Tower and enjoy the city’s spectacular skyline.

Family friendlyFlexible pacePhoto stops
From $201

Preset private route

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Shanghai Layover Tour: Experience Yuyuan Garden, French Concession & The Bund
Private Tours
1 dayClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Shanghai Layover Tour: Experience Yuyuan Garden, French Concession & The Bund

Yuyuan Garden & Bazzer→ Old French Concession → Tianzifang → Nanjing Road → The Bund

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Enjoy a comfortable private tour designed to maximize your limited time in Shanghai.

Experience the perfect blend of historic charm and modern city views in one journey.

Classic ChinaFlexible pacePrivate English-speaking guide
From $60

Preset private route

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Shanghai City Trip: A Creative Journey Through Art, Architecture & Modern Design
Private Tours
1 dayHeritage & Culture
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Shanghai City Trip: A Creative Journey Through Art, Architecture & Modern Design

Jade Buddha Temple → Tian An 1000 Trees → M50 Creative Park → Suzhou Creek Cruise

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Explore M50 Creative Park, where contemporary art, independent studios, and creative spaces showcase the city’s vibrant artistic energy.

Admire the unique design of Tian An 1000 Trees, an extraordinary urban landmark blending architecture, nature, and modern creativity.

Cultural SalonHeritage Craft WorkshopArt & Architecture Tour
From $56

Preset private route

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Shanghai to Hangzhou Day Trip: West Lake & Longjing Tea Culture Experience
Private Tours
1 dayHeritage & Culture
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCALInstant Confirmation

Shanghai to Hangzhou Day Trip: West Lake & Longjing Tea Culture Experience

West Lake Boat Cruise → Guo Garden → China National Tea Museum → Meijiawu Tea Plantation → Longjing Imperial Tea Garden

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Discover the poetic beauty of West Lake through a relaxing boat cruise and a visit to a traditional Jiangnan garden.

Step into the world of Hangzhou’s famous Longjing tea through tea museums, scenic plantations, and historic tea fields.

Includes round-trip high-speed rail ticketsNature sceneryFamily friendly
From $84

Preset private route

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Tailor-made Travel

Shanghai Tailor-made Travel

Plan your Shanghai trip as one chapter in a custom China route. Our advisors coordinate hotels, transfers, guides, and local experiences across cities. Shanghai connects to Beijing and Xi'an by high-speed rail in under 5 hours, or to Hangzhou and Suzhou in under 30 minutes. Every Shanghai tailor-made trip is designed around your dates, interests, and pace.

13 Days Tours from Shanghai: Explore Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou & Beyond
Tailor-made Travel
13 days / 12 nightsClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

13 Days Tours from Shanghai: Explore Shanghai, Suzhou, Nanjing, Hangzhou & Beyond

Shanghai → Suzhou→ Nanjing → Yangzhou → Wuxi → Hangzhou → Wuzhen → Huangshan → Shanghai

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Explore historic cities, ancient towns, and UNESCO-listed treasures that reveal China’s rich traditions.

Wander through classical gardens, peaceful water towns, and scenic landscapes shaped by centuries of history.

Fully CustomizableFamily friendlyClassic China
Price on request

Advisor-designed quote

Tour Details
10-Day China Heritage Escape: Shanghai, Gardens, Mountains & Water Towns
TAILOR-MADE
10 days / 9 nightsHeritage & Culture
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

10-Day China Heritage Escape: Shanghai, Gardens, Mountains & Water Towns

Shanghai → Suzhou → Huangshan → Huangling → Hangzhou → Shanghai

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Experience the contrast between modern cities, ancient towns, peaceful countryside and breathtaking mountain landscapes.

Explore centuries-old gardens, historic streets, traditional villages and architectural treasures that showcase the rich heritage of Jiangnan.

Tailor-made TravelPrivate guide planningManual quotation
Price on request

Advisor-designed private journey

Tour Details
7-Day Jiangnan Tour Package: Discover Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen & Nanjing
Tailor-made Travel
7 days / 6 nightsTrain Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

7-Day Jiangnan Tour Package: Discover Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen & Nanjing

Shanghai → Suzhou → Hangzhou → Wuzhen → Nanjing

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Explore the best of eastern China through vibrant cities, elegant landscapes, ancient towns, and cultural traditions across Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Wuzhen, and Nanjing.

Go beyond the classic landmarks and experience Shanghai through historic neighborhoods, creative spaces, modern architecture, and riverside scenery.

Tea cultureLocal marketHigh-Speed Rail Journey
Price on request

Advisor-designed quote

Tour Details
3-Day Shanghai Walking & Food Experience: From Old Streets to Water Towns
Tailor-made Travel
3 days / 2 nightsFood & Culinary
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

3-Day Shanghai Walking & Food Experience: From Old Streets to Water Towns

Shanghai

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Discover Shanghai beyond sightseeing by exploring traditional streets, local neighborhoods, and food-filled areas where authentic flavors meet everyday city life.

Stroll through Yu Garden, City God Temple, and the Former French Concession to experience the contrast between ancient traditions and Shanghai’s elegant colonial-era charm.

Food experienceEasy walkingCity Riverside Views
Price on request

Advisor-designed quote

Tour Details
8-Day Shanghai Holiday: City Icons, Disney Magic & Water Town Escape
Tailor-made Travel
8 days / 7 nightsFamily Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

8-Day Shanghai Holiday: City Icons, Disney Magic & Water Town Escape

Shanghai

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Walk through Shanghai’s most famous landmarks, from the historic charm of Yu Garden and the Former French Concession to the dazzling skyline of the Bund.

Enjoy an unforgettable day at Shanghai Disneyland, featuring exciting rides, themed lands, spectacular shows, and fun for the whole family.

Family friendlyClassic ChinaCBD Skylines
Price on request

Advisor-designed quote

Tour Details
14-Day Best of China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise
TAILOR-MADE
14 days / 13 nightsClassic Tours
TRAVEL LIKE A LOCAL

14-Day Best of China Tour with Yangtze River Cruise

Shanghai → Guilin → Yangshuo → Chongqing → Yangtze River Cruise → Xi'an → Beijing

THE LOCAL DIFFERENCE

Balance Shanghai's skyline, Guilin's karst scenery, the Yangtze cruise and northern China classics.

Flights, trains, cruise boarding, luggage timing and hotel changes are coordinated by the advisor team.

Tailor-made TravelPrivate guide planningManual quotation
Price on request

Advisor-designed private journey

Tour Details

Top Things to Do on Your Shanghai Tour

01

The Bund Skyline

Walk along the Huangpu River and watch Shanghai’s iconic skyline unfold — historic European buildings on one side, futuristic skyscrapers on the other. Sunset and evening are the best times to experience the city’s magic.

02

French Concession

Stroll through tree-lined streets, historic villas, and charming cafés in the Former French Concession. It’s one of the best areas to experience Shanghai’s unique blend of history and lifestyle.

03

Yu Garden

Step into old Shanghai at Yu Garden, where classical Chinese architecture, peaceful ponds, and traditional streets offer a glimpse of the city’s elegant past.

04

Huangpu River Cruise

See Shanghai from the water with a relaxing Huangpu River cruise. The illuminated skyline, historic architecture, and modern towers create one of the city’s most memorable night views.

05

Nanjing Road Lights

Explore China’s most famous shopping street, where bright signs, historic department stores, and busy crowds showcase Shanghai’s energetic urban atmosphere.

06

Tianzifang Alleys

Wander through Tianzifang’s narrow lanes filled with art studios, cafés, boutiques, and local shops. It’s a favorite spot for discovering Shanghai’s creative side.

The Traveler's Companion

Shanghai Travel FAQs

Clear answers to the questions travelers ask most — how many days to spend in Shanghai, the best time to visit, whether a Suzhou or Hangzhou day trip is worth it, and how to get around. Each answer is written by our local team and kept current.

What should I do in Shanghai at night?

Enjoy the Huangpu River night cruise, walk along the Bund, visit rooftop bars, or explore lively neighborhoods like Xintiandi.

Is the Huangpu River Cruise worth doing?

Yes. The cruise offers one of the best views of Shanghai, with illuminated skyscrapers and historic buildings creating a memorable night scene.

Where can I experience Shanghai’s art and creative culture?

Places like M50 Creative Park, Tianzifang, and Tian An 1000 Trees showcase Shanghai’s contemporary art, design, and creative lifestyle.

What are some unique Shanghai experiences beyond sightseeing?

Try a local tea house, explore hidden streets by city walk, enjoy a jazz bar, or join a traditional cultural experience.

Wider Horizons

Extend Your Shanghai Trip

Shanghai is a natural gateway to eastern China's best scenery and culture. Head to Hangzhou's West Lake or Suzhou's classical gardens by high-speed rail in under 30 minutes, climb Huangshan's granite peaks, or connect to Beijing and Xi'an in under 5 hours. Our advisors can weave any combination into a single seamless Shanghai trip.

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Choose the right Great Wall section around crowd level, walking pace, season, and photography goals.

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Morning panda base visit planned around active feeding windows

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Cruise the Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo past 20,000 karst peaks

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Terracotta Warriors with an archaeologist guide

Hangzhou
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Pick Longjing tea leaves with a 4th-generation tea family

Suzhou
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Humble Administrator's Garden: 51,962 sqm of ponds, pavilions and rockeries

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Ancient Huangshan pines clinging to granite cliff faces

Zhangjiajie
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Yuanjiajie's 200m sandstone pillars pierce the clouds