Shanghai Private City Tour with History, Skylines and Culture
Active
8h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Experience Shanghai’s history, culture, and skyline on an 8-hour private city walk + Uber tour led by an experienced guide. All Uber/ride-hail fares are covered between stops; upgrade to a private charter vehicle is available. Visit Xintiandi, Yu Garden (ticket included), The Bund, Tianzifang, and Lujiazui. Enjoy smooth hotel pickup and drop-off. Although lunch is on your own, your guide will recommend one of best street-food staples—think xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), scallion pancakes, pan-fried buns, or a quick bowl of hand-pulled noodles—based on your taste and dietary needs.
Available options
Private tour (city walk +uber)
City walk + uber, no lunch, no character<br/>Pickup included
Tour + local-style lunch
City walk + Uber + local-style lunch<br/>Pickup included
Tour with character + lunch
Private guide + character + local-style lunch<br/>Pickup included
What's included
Bottled water
Uber level transportation (Charter is available by request, additional fees apply)
Yu Garden ticket
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Explore Xintiandi, a historic yet modern pedestrian district, famous for its Shikumen (stone-gate) architecture
Stroll through cobblestone alleys filled with trendy boutiques, cafes, and cultural landmarks
Optional visit to the Site of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China, a key historical site
Discover local handicrafts, designer shops, and cultural souvenirs
2
Explore Tianzifang, a charming old Shikumen alley transformed into a vibrant art district. Stroll through its narrow lanes filled with boutique shops, artisan studios, and cozy cafés, capturing the nostalgic charm of old Shanghai. Discover handcrafted souvenirs, local artworks, and vintage teahouses, or try street snacks like pan-fried dumplings and scallion pancakes.
3
Stop 3
Explore Yu Garden, a 16th-century classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rockeries, koi ponds, and intricate corridors
Not interested in visiting the garden? Stroll through the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, where you can shop for silk, teas, calligraphy, and traditional crafts
Local Lunch Recommendations:
Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant – Try Shanghai’s signature Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings)
Authentic Shanghai cuisine – Savor classics like Braised Pork Belly, Scallion Oil Noodles, and Crab Roe Tofu (lunch cost not included)
4
Walk along The Bund, Shanghai’s most famous waterfront promenade, featuring 52 historical European-style buildings from the colonial era
Take in the breathtaking contrast between The Bund’s classical architecture and Lujiazui’s modern skyline
Stroll along the Huangpu River, capturing postcard-perfect photos of the city's skyline
Visit Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (optional), one of Shanghai’s most vibrant shopping districts
5
Arrive in Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial hub, home to some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers
Optional observation deck visit (tickets not included, can be arranged):
Shanghai Tower (632m, 118th floor) – Enjoy a 360° panoramic view of Shanghai from China’s tallest building
Oriental Pearl Tower – Experience a thrilling glass-bottom walkway with stunning views
Jin Mao Tower (88th floor observation deck) – A classic choice for first-time visitors
Prefer to stay on the ground? Walk along Lujiazui Riverside Park, a perfect place to admire the skyline and take breathtaking photos.
What's not included
You can add lunch as an option
Available languages
Guide guide
DE
EN
IT
FR
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
About Shanghai
Shanghai is a global financial hub and a city of stunning contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside traditional shikumen houses. It's known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in China.
Top Attractions
The Bund
The Bund is a famous waterfront area with a stunning skyline of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. It's a must-visit for its historic significance and breathtaking views.
Historical/Architecture
1-2 hours
Free
Oriental Pearl Tower
This iconic tower is a symbol of modern Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.
Architecture
2-3 hours
¥150-200
Yu Garden
Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscapes, pavilions, and historical buildings. It's a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.
Historical/Garden
2-3 hours
¥30
Shanghai Museum
The Shanghai Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, providing a deep dive into China's rich history and culture.
Museum
2-3 hours
Free
Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of international brands, local shops, and vibrant street life.
Shopping
2-3 hours
Varies by shop
Must-Try Local Dishes
Xiaolongbao
Small soup dumplings filled with meat and hot broth, typically pork. They are a staple of Shanghai cuisine and are often served with soy sauce and ginger.
Dumplings
Contains meat, gluten, and soy.
Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)
A slow-cooked dish of pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with steamed buns or rice.
Main dish
Contains pork and soy.
Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Shao Mai)
Open-topped dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp, often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.
Dumplings
Contains pork, shrimp, and soy.
Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)
Fermented tofu with a strong odor, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. It's an acquired taste but a popular street food.
Snack
Vegetarian, contains soy.
Popular Activities
Hiking in nearby nature reserves
Biking along the Huangpu River
Tea house visits
Spa treatments
Visiting museums and historic sites
Attending traditional performances
Boat rides on the Huangpu River
Swimming at nearby beaches
Best Time to Visit
April to October
This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.
15°C to 35°C
59°F to 95°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
- Widely spoken: Shanghainese, English (in tourist areas)
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere
Currency
Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Shanghai is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
- • Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.
- • Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
Getting there
By air
- Shanghai Pudong International Airport • 30 km from city center
- Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport • 13 km from city center
By train
Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station
By bus
Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The Shanghai Metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's the fastest and most convenient way to get around.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Didi, Meituan
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
The Bund
Pudong
French Concession
Xintiandi
Tianzifang
Day trips
Hangzhou
180 km from Shanghai • Full day
Hangzhou is a beautiful city known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the famous West Lake. It's a great day trip from Shanghai for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some nature.
Suzhou
100 km from Shanghai • Full day
Suzhou is a historic city known for its classical gardens, silk production, and canals. It's a great day trip for those interested in history, culture, and architecture.
Zhujiajiao
50 km from Shanghai • Half day
Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It's a great day trip for those looking to experience traditional Chinese water town life.
Festivals
Shanghai Tourism Festival • September
Shanghai International Film Festival • June
Chinese New Year • January/February (varies)
Pro tips
- Use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenient and discounted travel on metro, buses, and ferries.
- Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help with language barriers.
- Try local street food, but be cautious of food safety and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
- Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour to gain insights into Shanghai's history and culture.
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per person
Price varies by option
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