Discover Shanghai’s iconic sights in just half a day on this private guided tour, combining historic landmarks, traditional neighborhoods, temple, and modern city views.
On the tour day, your private guide will pick you up from your downtown Shanghai hotel. Below is our suggested itinerary. You can also discuss your interests with your guide and customize the route to create a personalized experience.
Suggested Itinerary:
1. Shanghai Old Town, Shanghai Old Street & Yu Garden | Approximately 1 hour
Explore the heart of Shanghai Old Town, walking through Shanghai Old Street, the City God Temple area, and the famous Jiuqu Bridge (Nine-Turn Bridge). See traditional buildings, local shops, teahouses, and lively streets while your guide introduces the history and local life of old Shanghai.
If interest, you can also go to see Yu Garden, a 450-year-old classical private garden from the Ming Dynasty, known for its elegant pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and dragon wall. Please note: Yu Garden is closed on Mondays and closes at 4:00 PM.
2. Tianzifang | Approximately 30 minutes
Explore Tianzifang in the Former French Concession and experience the everyday local life of Shanghai. Walk through its narrow lanes, see authentic Shikumen houses, and discover small local shops, cafés, and galleries.
Unlike the polished Xintiandi, Tianzifang retains a more authentic, lived-in neighborhood feel, offering a closer look at Shanghai’s traditional residential life and old-meets-new character.
3. Longhua Buddhist Temple | Approximately 1 hour
Visit Longhua Temple, one of Shanghai’s oldest Buddhist temples, with a history dating back nearly 1,700 years. Explore its historic halls, peaceful courtyards, and the Longhua Pagoda, a seven-story brick-and-wood pagoda with a history dating back to the Song Dynasty. Your guide will introduce the temple’s history, Buddhist culture, and the stories behind this ancient landmark.
4. Nanjing Road, The Bund & Suzhou Creek | Approximately 30 minutes
Walk along Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s famous shopping street, then continue to The Bund and Suzhou Creek for views of the historic waterfront and modern Pudong skyline. Your guide will introduce the history of the Bund and explain how both sides of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek have transformed, giving you a glimpse into Shanghai’s remarkable development from a historic port city into a modern global metropolis.
Customize Your Experience:
This is a suggested itinerary and can be customized according to your interests, available time. You can also discuss your preferred sights with your guide.
For a modern Shanghai experience, you can choose Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower instead of a suggested attraction. The Oriental Pearl Tower requires advance booking, preferably 3 days ahead.
Other options include Tian An 1000 Trees, Xintiandi, Wukang Building, Starbucks Reserve Roastery, LV Boat. Your local guide will help recommend and arrange the best route based on your preferences.
