Shanghai Layover Tour: Must-See City Highlights from the Airport

Upon your arrival at either Pudong or Hongqiao Airport, our warm and professional local driver will be waiting for you with a personalized welcome sign (please provide your arrival and departure flight numbers in advance). Step aboard our comfortable, air-conditioned private vehicle and relax during the smooth transfer into the city, where you’ll meet your dedicated English-speaking guide—ready to lead you on an unforgettable layover adventure. As this is an exclusive private tour, every detail of the itinerary can be fully tailored to match your flight schedule, ensuring you make the most of your time in Shanghai without any rush.

Your first stop will be Yuyuan Bazaar. As a cultural attraction in Shanghai, it showcases the city's traditional culture and modern lifestyle. The bazaar's architecture combines Chinese and Western features, and it is filled with a wide range of products, including local delicacies, traditional snacks, artistic goods, and handicrafts

After exploring the bazaar, you will visit Yuyuan Garden. It is a classical Jiangnan garden with Ming and Qing styles, embodying the artistic style of "quiet, beautiful, delicate and 玲珑" of southern gardens in the Ming and Qing dynasties. The garden was originally built in the Jiajing and Wanli periods of the Ming Dynasty, with a history of more than 450 years. There are six major scenic areas in the garden, including many famous attractions such as Yulinglong, the ancient opera stage, and Guantao Tower.

Continue your tour to The Bund, Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenade. Take a leisurely walk along the Huangpu River, where you’ll be captivated by the striking contrast between the city’s historic western-style buildings on one side and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other. Marvel at landmarks including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the towering Shanghai Tower (one of the tallest buildings in the world), the distinctive “Bottle Opener” (Shanghai World Financial Center), the legendary Peace Hotel, and the historic Old Customs House—each with its own unique story to tell.
From The Bund, head to People’s Square, the true heart of Shanghai. Here, you can explore the charming Century Park, a lush urban oasis perfect for a short stroll. Afterward, wander to Nanjing Road—the “No. 1 Shopping Street in China”—where you can browse shops, sample local delicacies like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and scallion pancakes, and feel the dynamic energy of modern Shanghai.

Next, you’ll have two exciting options to choose from, based on your interests: Explore the trendy French Concession, a charming neighborhood lined with 1930s Shanghai-style shikumen (stone-gated) residences, boutique cafes, and stylish boutiques—offering a perfect blend of old-world charm and contemporary flair. Alternatively, experience the thrill of riding the world’s fastest elevator (Guinness World Record holder) to the top of the Shanghai Tower, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the historic old town to the modern Pudong district.
If time permits, deepen your understanding of Shanghai’s rich history and culture with a visit to the century-old Jade Buddha Temple. Admire the exquisite jade Buddha statues imported from Burma, explore the temple’s serene halls and courtyards, and learn about Buddhist traditions and local customs from your guide. It’s a peaceful and enlightening addition to your layover tour.

Already visited some of the above attractions? No problem! Based on your remaining time and personal interests, we can adjust the itinerary to include other popular spots such as Xintiandi (a restored shikumen neighborhood with trendy bars and restaurants), Tianzifang (a cozy alleyway filled with art galleries and handicraft shops), the Shanghai City History Museum, the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, the Shanghai Poster Art Museum, or the AP Plaza Market.
At the end of your wonderful layover tour, our driver will safely transfer you back to the airport in plenty of time for your connecting flight. If you’ve booked a hotel in downtown Shanghai, we can also drop you off directly at your accommodation—ensuring a seamless and stress-free end to your Shanghai layover experience.