Best Shanghai City Tours and China Shanghai Package Tours 2026
Sitting on the eastern coast of China, Shanghai has witnessed the most striking development of the country in the past seven decades. Once a small fishing village, it is now the most populous urban area and the most modern city in China. In this bustling international city, East meets West, tradition and modernity coexist in every corner.
A flock of tourists from all over the world is drawn to this magical city to experience the perfect mix of old traditions and modern wonders. Its two international airports.
(Pudong and Hongqiao), offering direct flights to major cities around the world, futher strengthen its position as one of the three gateway cities in China alongside Beijing and Hong Kong.
Best Shanghai Tour Packages
These are our top-rated private Shanghai tours including visits to the most classic attractions. Far beyond showing you around the city, we are dedicated to creating your in-depth local culture and life experience, and interaction with local people. Our English-speaking guides are local insiders who can help advise and are glad to share the knowledge they have.
Classic attractions in downtown Shanghai. Flexible, you decide which attractions to visit.
Shanghai City Highlights: Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Market, Nanjing Road, the Bund.
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Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai World Financial Center, Nanjing Road, the Bund, Shikumen buildings.
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Shanghai iconic landmarks. Zhujiajiao Water Town. Huangpu River Cruise.
Shanghai Day Tours
The most popular gateway city in China, Shanghai offers a bulk of things to do. It is a world-famous metropolis blending ancient charms with thrilling modernization, East gardens, and ancient towns with West colonial architecture. The 240-hour visa-free transit policy and the frequent international flights from/to Shanghai make it a great destination for stop-over travelers. We designed the day tours from Shanghai of different themes for people with limited time in Shanghai. Upon your interests, you can follow a local expert guide to visit the Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the surrounding ancient towns.
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Yuyuan Garden sightseeing with ancient pavilions & rockeries. Yuyuan Market.
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Glimpse best landmarks: Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, the Bund, night cruise.
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Ancient culture, and buildings in Zhujiajiao Water Town & Seven Treasure Town.
Yuyuan Garden, Yuyuan Market, Shanghai Old Street, Xintiandi, Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, skyscrapers.
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Half-day exploration with ancient gardens, buildings, bridges, snacks, silk factory.
Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, the Bund, Huangpu River night cruise.
Shanghai Museum, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise.
Shanghai walking tour to Nanjing Pedestrian Road, the Bund, Xintiandi, Jinmao Tower. Peopleās Square.
Shanghai Family Tours
Our Shanghai tours for families with kids will offer the best family vacations, being organized with kid-friendly hotels, family-friendly activities and spots. Sit back in our private vehicle, you will follow the local English-speaking guides to have fun atĀ Disneyland Park, and Shanghai Ocean Aquarium,Ā explore the antique charm of Shanghai inĀ Yu Garden, wander aroundĀ the BundĀ to appreciate many colonial buildings.
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Iconic attractions & Disneyland Park. Optional Acrobatic Show or night cruise.
Full-day tour in Shanghai Disneyland Park. With hotel pick-up & drop-off services.
Shanghai city highlights + Shanghai Ocean Aquarium with numerous marine lives.
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Visit the Great Wall, Terracotta Army, cruise the Huangpu River, making dumplings with a local family…
Shanghai Tours of Different Themes
These are Shanghai day tours of different themesĀ to cater to people of different interests and styles.Ā They can be great add-on options for your classical Shanghai tours. From city walks to discover the charms of old Shanghai and explorationsĀ of nearby water towns, to local bustling night markets and streetsĀ visits, we collect these unique activities to enhance your experience. For more possibilities in Shanghai, tailor-make your perfect trip based on your interests, time schedule, budget, and other requirements.
Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Former French Concession.
Night city walk at Nanjing Road & Wujiang Road. Food adventure & city nightscape.
Ancient stone houses, canal, bridges in Zhujiajiao. Local snacks in downtown.
Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, Jewish Old Market, Fairmont Peace Hotel
Shanghai Side Trips
Besides the classic attractions like the Bund, Yu Garden, and Nanjing Road inĀ Shanghai, the nearby Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Huangshan also offer much to see and experience by making side trips.Ā Our Shanghai side trips include exploration of ancient water towns and exquisite gardens in Suzhou, the experience of Longjing tea culture and West Lake in Hangzhou, as well as awe-inspiring Huangshan Mountain and Hui-style architectures in Tunxi and Xidi Ancient Villages.
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Shanghai iconic ancient landmarks & skyscrapers. Huangshan sightseeing & Hongcun Village.
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Shanghai highlights. Hangzhou West Lake, tea village & temples. Hongcun visit, Huangshan hiking & sightseeing.
Shanghai iconic sites with Huangpu River Cruise. Suzhou ancient gardens. Zhouzhuang Water Town.
Cycling in Damushan Tea Garden, Century-old couple tree, Ruoliao Primitive Forest Scenic Area.
Shanghai Small Group Tours
Want to explore Shanghai but have limited time? The following group day tours in Shanghai may enlighten your ideas. Covering Shanghai city tours and tours to nearby Suzhou and Hangzhou, these Shanghai day trips will take you to Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, Huangpu River Cruise, Zhujiajiao Water Town, Zhouzhuang, West Lake, etc.
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Jade Buddha Temple, Shanghai Museum, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, Xintiandi, former French Concession.
Look into the riverside life and ancient culture of Shanghai. Visit a silk factory.
Ancient bridges, gardens & Temples. Huangpu cruise along the Bund.
Two ancient towns at Shanghai suburb. Look into Shanghaiās ancient parts.
Shanghai Night Tours
As the largest metropolis in China, Shanghai is standout for its colorful nightlife and sceneries. Our Shanghai tours in night cover some of the best night activities in the city, like the acrobatic shows, food adventures in night markets or streets, Huangpu River night cruise, night walk around the Bund, etc. All these night tours in Shanghai are designed by local insiders, aiming to ensure your real experience of the metropolis.
Night walk along the Bund, with the cityās nightscape. Amazing Acrobatics Show
Shopping & gourmet trip around the City God Temple. Huangpu River night cruise.
Shop on Nanjing Road, and savor diverse local delicacies on Wujiang Road Food Street.
FAQs on Shanghai Tours
What is Shanghai most known for?
Shanghai is a diverse and dynamic city and it is known for the following aspects: Modern skyline: the skyscraper cluster in Lujiazui is the most iconic image of Shanghai. International architecture: the classic western architectural complex on the Bund are in various styles, which forms a strong contrast with the skyline across the river. A culture of diversity and integration: After integrating various cultures, the unique and inclusive Shanghai culture has formed. Here, you will appreciate both the most cutting-edge fashion art and the profound local tradition.
How many days in Shanghai is enough?
1 ā 4 days are enough for tourists to explore all the major scenic spots. If you have 1 -2 days, focus on the attractions in downtown area, such as the Bund and Yu Garden. For 3 ā 4 days, enjoy a leisurely time to explore the nearby attractions, such as Zhujiajiao Water Town and Disneyland.
What are the top attractions of Shanghai?
The Bund, Lujiazui, Yuyuan Garden, City God Temple and Shanghai Xintiandi are all top attractions in Shanghai.
Are there any special experiences in Shanghai beyond typical sightseeing?
Of course. It is recommended to live in a hotel with characteristic Shikumen architecture to feel the charm of old Shanghai. Or travel back to the childhood in Shanghai Disneyland. If you are fond of art, stroll along the Xuhui West Bank, the new artistic landmark in Shanghai. The art galleries here will feast your eyes. Besides, there are also excellent performances, such as the ERA2 ā Spirit of Shanghai in Shanghai Circus World. It combines acrobatics and modern stage technology.
Where should I stay in Shanghai?
You can choose from the following four areas according to your preferences and budget: The Bund/East Nanjing Road/Lujiazui: very close to the major attractions but has a higher price. Jinan Temple/Middle Huaihai Road/Xintiandi: gather plenty of trendy stores, restaurants and bars, convenient transportation. Former French Concession/Zhongshan Park: artistic and petty bourgeois sentiment, quiet environment Peopleās Square: transportation hub, cost-effective and various kinds of hotels.
What foods should I try in Shanghai?
Shanghai cuisine has a sweet taste, and most foreigners prefer it. The unmissable dishes are stewed pork with brown sauce, braised minced eel, and sautƩed shelled prawns. As for snacks, Xiaolongbao, pan-fried pork bun and fried glutinous rice roll are must-try.
Do I need a visa to travel to Shanghai?
It depends on your nationality. If you are from the countries applicable to theĀ Shanghai visa-freeĀ policies, then it is not needed. Otherwise, you need to apply for it in advance.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
Spring and Autumn are the best time for a comfortable travel because the weather is pleasant. But avoid the National Day and May Day holidays.
What cities can I visit around Shanghai by train?
The high-speed train network is extremely developed with Shanghai as the center. You are able to reach several hot tourist cities in 1 ā 2 hours.
SuzhouĀ (about 0.5 hours): renowned as āOriental VeniceāĀ and famous for exquisitely designed classic gardens and the Grand Canal.
HangzhouĀ (about 1 hour): Visit the beautiful West Lake and tea mountain.
NanjingĀ (about 1 ā 2 hours): an ancient capital with profound history.
What to do in Shanghai at night?
The most recommended is to take a Huangpu River cruise to appreciate the lights on both banks. It is also an enjoyment to have a drink in a sky bar in the Bund or Lujiazui, meanwhile overlooking the dazzling night views. You can also experience the abundant nightlife in Xintiandi or Hengshan Road. Both quiet bars and lively nightclubs can be found here.For art lovers, there are always various famous symphony performances and dramas in Shanghai.
