Private Shanghai One Day Tour: Classic Cultural Highlights
Overview
What to see in Shanghai in 1 day? A dynamic destination where cloud-kissing skyscrapers and a unique, magic charm meets timeless tradition and elegance, Shanghai combines the old town, with unparalleled cityscape, mouthwatering cuisine and a range of cultural experiences. At Easy Tour China, we craft the perfect Shanghai one day tour, allowing you to experience the classic sights of the city at your own pace, with the company of your knowledgeable private guide.
Best for: Your Shanghai layover tour, or business trip
Duration: 1 day (about 8 hours)
Destinations: Shanghai
Travel Type: Private tour - Flexible & Free to customize
Highlights:
- Experience a fascinating blend of history, culture and art at the enticing Yu Garden and bustling Yuyuan Bazaar.
- Behold the historical architectures and ornately decorated high rises on the Bund & East Nanjing Road.
- Unveil the Shanghai’s colonial past when visiting the Former French Concession.
- Explore the most important Buddhist sacred site in Shanghai - Jade Buddha Temple.
Customize Your Tour:
☑ Travel Dates ☑ Your Interests ☑ Your Travel Style
Itinerary Expand All
Day
From the garden of the Ming Dynasty to the heart of the old town of Shanghai, from colonial architecture to the modern metropolis, you can explore the 600-year changes of this city in a tour of Shanghai. The essence of Chinese Zen, the history of Shanghai's colonial period, the hustle and bustle of daily life, and cultural inclusiveness are all condensed in this trip together.
Detailed itinerary:
In the morning, your private local guide and driver pick you up at your hotel lobby and drive to Yu Garden. This exemplary Ming Dynasty Jiangnan garden showcases the traditional Chinese art of gardening.
Next to the Yuyuan Garden is the Yuyuan Bazaar (City God Temple), where you can stroll across the Nine Curved Bridges and narrow old Shanghai streets while listening to your guide tell you about Shanghai's traditional culture and folklore. It is also a gathering place for Shanghai snacks, with specialties such as Nanxiang xiaolongbao, pear paste candy and five-spice beans not to be missed.
For lunch, we can arrange for you to try some signature dishes from Shanghai's local cuisine in a popular Shanghai restaurant (internet-famous restaurants are also available).
In the afternoon, continue your day trip in Shanghai to the Bund and Nanjing East Road. Stroll among the various styles of historical architecture, such as the HSBC Bank Building and the Peace Hotel, and hear about their stories. Across the river, the Lujiazui skyline, which consists of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Center, and the Shanghai Economic and Trade Tower, contrasts with the historical buildings. Walk from the Bund to East Nanjing Road, immersing yourself in the blend of history and commerce.
Then come to Shanghai's former French Concession, a neighborhood left over from the French colonial period of 1849-1943. On Wukang Road, discover the former residence of Ba Jin and the Wukang Building, and have a cup of coffee. On Sinan Road, explore the Sinan Mansion and Zhou Mansion, with its old houses and bookstores.
Finally, we come to the Jade Buddha Temple, founded in 1882 and named after the two Burmese Jade Buddhas (1.9 meters high) enshrined in the temple. The temple also houses other valuable Buddhist artifacts.
Add-on Options for Evening:
- Acrobatic Show Option: One of the best acrobatic performances in China, the Shanghai Acrobatic Show is thrilling and spectacular, by combining the essence of traditional Chinese acrobatic art with the innovation of modern stage technology.
- HuangPu River Cruise: Passing through the “golden waterway” from Yangpu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, enjoying the glittering night view of Shanghai. The luxury cruise offers Michelin western cuisine.
Good to know:
- Please feel free customize your private Shanghai day tour with other attractions such as Xintiandi, Tianzi Fang, Shanghai Museum, or cultural programs like calligraphy experience.
- The attractions are 3 to 5 kilometers apart, so you can also opt for the subway/taxi to save on private transfers.
Extend the Tour
Suzhou: A popular Suzhou day tour from Shanghai (half-an-hour bullet train journey), to explore the UNESCO-protected Suzhou gardens, and many tranquil water towns.
Hangzhou: home to the world-famous West Lake. Extend your Shanghai day tour to Hangzhou, you can also visit authentic tea farms and many cultural gems.
Huangshan: where the beautiful Huangshan Mountain is located. Also don’t miss the Hongcun, Xidi, Chengkan, Tangmo Villages of original Huizhou style from Ming and Qing Dynasty.
