Overview

What is the best way to explore Shanghai? Nowadays, citywalk has become a popular and enchanting way to fully immerse yourself in the old-world charm and dynamic essence of Shanghai. Taking a stroll in Shanghai means each step is infused with rich history and captivating stories. Within a short distance, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of Shanghai from every angle.

Shanghai’s trump card lies in its jaw-dropping panoramas of glittering skyscrapers, but the city is far from a one-trick pony. It boasts an astonishing diversity of architectural styles that will awe most first-time visitors. Whether you are an art deco enthusiast, a connoisseur of neoclassical designs, a fan of English suburban-style villas from the 1930s, or captivated by the charm of 1920s apartment blocks and Shikumen (stone-gate) architecture, Shanghai has it all covered.

This 2-day Shanghai tour will provide you with a fresh perspective to unlock the city’s captivating history at your own pace. From the bustling Bund adorned with architectural marvels to the towering skyscrapers that define Shanghai’s modern skyline, from the timeless beauty of classic Jiangnan gardens to the vibrant energy of bustling bazaars, and from the tree-lined streets showcasing 1920s Western-style villas and apartments to the authentic local life found within the Shikumen and Longtang neighborhoods, you will experience Shanghai at its most community-spirited, neighborly, and serene. There are ample opportunities to savor the unhurried pace of life in the remaining lòngtángs tucked away from the main thoroughfares.

You Can Experience “Must-see & Must-do” with This Tour

Highlight 1: The most exciting thing to do is strolling along along the waterfront promenade of the Bund, lined with a collection of historic buildings that showcase various architectural styles and soak in the breathtaking panorama of towering buildings such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the skyline of Pudong New Area.
Highlight 2: Get ready to be thrilled by the new world of Shanghai in the Lujiazui Area as you marvel at the trio of towering skyscrapers: Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower.
Highlight 3: Stroll through the Old Town area for a wonderful trip to Yu Garden. Explore the classical Chinese garden and admire its intricate design, tranquil ponds, and the Zigzag Bridge. Take your time to browse through the shops of Yuyuan Bazaar and sample delicious street food such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Highlight 4: Have a delightful stroll through the French Concession and feel transported to a different era. The historic district welcomes you with its French plane tree-lined streets, charming European-style architecture, and a perfect fusion of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
Highlight 5: Roam leisurely at Xintiandi, a vibrant and trendy district in Shanghai that seamlessly blends history and modernity.

Day 01 :

Shanghai City Tour | Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, Nanjing Road & The Bund Walking

On this day, you will explore the enchanting world of traditional Chinese-style gardens, towering modern skyscrapers, and exotic architectural marvels that grace the picturesque banks of the Huangpu River.

Your first stop is have an in-depth visit in Old Town at Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town! It was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan for his father to enjoy his retired life. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. According to research, the garden designer of both Yu Garden and Daguanyuan Garden (the famous garden described in the “Dream of the Red Chamber”, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of China) is likely to be the same person – Zhang Nanyang (张南阳), a garden master from the late Ming dynasty and a native of Shanghai. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912), which is a perfect spot to enjoy a distant view of Shanghai’s Lujiazui Skylines. As you enter Yu Garden, you can explore various beautifully crafted dragons hidden in the buildings, count them, and learn more about the Chinese dragon totem from your guide. In Yu Garden, you can admire numerous architectures from the Ming and Qing Dynasties, as well as the collections of ancient calligraphy, paintings, and furniture. Don’t forget to seek out the 21-meter-tall ginkgo tree that is said to have been planted by Pan Yunduan himself.

After that, take a public ferry like a local to cross the Huangpu River and slowly travel from old Shanghai to Shanghai’s Pudong New Area. Pudong serves as a stark contrast to the historical and architectural style you’d find in areas like Shanghai’s Old Town and the Bund. It’s a testament to China’s rapid economic development and a symbol of modern China, complete with towering skyscrapers, international companies, and an advanced infrastructure. One of the most eye-catching features in Pudong is the trio of towering skyscrapers in the Lujiazui financial district – Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower. Here, you will ascend the highest building in Shanghai – the Shanghai Tower, reaching up to 632 meters, which features a dramatic 120-degree twist from its base to its peak. Take the world’s fastest lifts (traveling at 64km/h) to the “Top of Shanghai Observatory” located on the 118th floor, 546 meters (about 1,791 feet) above ground level. Have the unparalleled opportunity to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the city and also look down upon the Jin Mao Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.

City Walk from Nanjing Road to the Bund:

After that, you can take stroll at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street which is one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the “Number One Commercial Street in China”. It serves as a window to Shanghai’s openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops. Walking from Nanjing Road East to the Bund, you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s. As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles.

You can hike in the core section of the Bund which stretches about 1.5 km from Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) in the north to Jinling East Road (金陵东路) in the south, along Zhongshan East First Road (中山东一路), with Peace Hotel (near Nanjing East Road) in the middle. Starting from Nanjing East Road, you can begin your exploration by enjoying a cup of coffee on the Most Beautiful Balcony of Shanghai (上海最美露台) at the Somekh Building (沙美大楼) and catching a glimpse of the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel (上海半岛酒店) and Bund Source 33 (外滩源33) along the picturesque pathway of Yuanmingyuan Road (圆明园路). You will visit the Zhapu Road Bridge (乍浦路桥) to capture the “Shanghai Version of Seine River Scenery”(上海版塞纳河风光), followed by Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥Garden Bridge of Shanghai), where you can admire the Russian Consulate building (俄罗斯领事馆green roof) that combines Baroque and German Renaissance styles. At Huangpu Park (黄埔公园), established in 1886, you can pay tribute to the Monument to the People’s Heroes (人民英雄纪念塔) and discover more about the history of the Bund. After passing the Peace Hotel, you won’t miss the iconic Clock Tower at the Shanghai Customs House (江海关大楼), the HSBC Building (汇丰银行), the Golden Bull Plaza (金牛广场sculpture of a golden bull), and the Gutzlaff Signal Tower (外滩天文台), all of which are classic attractions of the Bund.

After the tour, be transferred back to your hotel.

Dining: Lunch

Accommodation: Hotel in downtown Shanghai

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Bazaar

Huangpu River Ferry

Night Scene of the Bund

3 hours

3 Stars Hotel

Important Trip Notes for Booking a Private China Tour

How do I book a private China tour?It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested, and click “Make an Enquiry for Free”. Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form. During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information have confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.

Extend Your China TourThe above itinerary is the sample one that most travelers would go like that. The tour can be customized based on your likes, interests and budget. At the same time, if you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price. Tell us your ideas now >>

TransportationIn a private tour, it means you will transfer to the tourist attractions in one city by private vehicle. The private car we selected is spacious, comfortable and air-conditioned. And the driver we use are very experienced. As for traveling between two destinations, we use domestic flights (economy seat) or high speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours). The local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport/train stations, and escort you to the hotel.

Meals

“B” stands for breakfast. You will have it at your hotel in the morning.

“L” stands for lunch. The restaurants we will arrange for you are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. All are in good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist you with ordering the dishes.

“D” means dinner. All dinners are excluded in the itinerary. You have the chance to taste some authentic Chinese food and local snacks.

If you have special dietary requirements (vegetarian, halal, kosher, Indian, or gluten-free), please let us know before your booking. We will try our best to take care of you.