3-Day Shanghai Tour: Skyline, Culture & Fengjing Water Town
Tour Overview
Short on time but still want to see the best of Shanghai? Our 3-day tour covers the city’s essential sights and adds a day trip to a traditional Jiangnan water town.
Explore Lujiazui’s futuristic skyline, then cross the river to the Bund for one of Shanghai’s classic city views. Step into the Shanghai Museum for a closer look at Chinese art and history, and wander through Yuyuan Garden, where pavilions, rockeries and ponds offer a glimpse of old Shanghai.
Beyond the city, visit Fengjing Ancient Town, a quieter water town lined with canals, stone bridges and traditional houses. Walk along the narrow lanes, see local folk art and enjoy a slower side of the Shanghai region before returning to the city.
Travel destinations: Shanghai, Fengjing Ancient Town
Suitable for: First-time visitors, families, travelers seeking urban and cultural experiences
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
|
Day
|
Destinations
|
What to See & Do
|
|
1
|
Shanghai
|
Shanghai arrival & pickup, hotel transfer, free exploration
|
|
2
|
Downtown Shanghai
|
Spectacular skyline view from Shanghai Tower, rich collections in Shanghai Museum East, Yuyuan Garden stroll, Yuyuan Bazaar and Nanjing Road shopping, historic architectural complex and panoramic skyline view at the Bund
|
|
3
|
Fengjing Ancient Town
|
Waterfront walking, Jiangnan-style buildings, Jinshan Peasant Painting gallery visit
|
Highlights of this tour
See two very different sides of Shanghai, from the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui to the historic architecture along the Bund, and get a clearer sense of how the city has evolved over time.
Get a taste of everyday Shanghai through local snacks, explore Chinese art and history at the Shanghai Museum, and stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the city’s best-known shopping streets.
Slow down in Fengjing Ancient Town, where canals, narrow lanes and traditional white-walled houses create a quieter atmosphere. Also have the chance to see Jinshan Peasant Paintings, a colorful folk art tradition unique to the area.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai Arrival
Welcome to Shanghai, one of China's most dynamic modern metropolises. Upon arrival, your local guide and driver will meet you at the arrivals hall and escort you to your hotel by private vehicle.
After check-in, the rest of the day is free for you to enjoy at your own pace.
Optional Night Activities:
In the evening, watch the world-class Chinese acrobatics show at Shanghai Circus World. ERA Time and Space Journey 2 is highly recommended. You will be amazed by the spectacular acts such as Big Ball Racing (motorcycles racing inside a giant spherical cage), White-Dove Dance and Dancing in the Sky.
For families with kids, Happy Circus is a fun alternative, combining lively clown performances with entertaining animal acts.
Acrobatic show in Shanghai Circus City - Day 2: Highlights of Downtown ShanghaiExplore the Modern Skyline, Cultural Treasures, Classic Garden, and Dazzling Night Views
Begin your Shanghai exploration in the futuristic Lujiazui district. Ride up to the 118th-floor observation deck of Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China at 632 meters. From the 546-meter-high viewing level, a spectacular city skyline of the Huangpu River, the Bund and surrounding skyscrapers unfolds before you.
Drive to Shanghai Museum East. Admire its rich collection of cultural relics including bronzes, ceramics and calligraphy, and gain a deep understanding of China’s long history and artistic traditions.
Transfer to Yuyuan Garden, a classic Jiangnan-style garden dating back about 450 years. Take a leisurely stroll through the ancient pavilions, halls, rockeries and ponds to appreciate its unique architectural art. The Nine-zigzag Bridge, Great Rockery and Exquisite Jade Rock are the must-see highlights.
Lush Yu Garden features pavilions and rockeries Right next the garden is Yuyuan Bazaar. This lively area is filled with traditional shops, local snacks and handicrafts. Here, you can browse various Shanghai-style souvenirs. Don’t miss the chance to taste local snacks, especially Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings), a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Continue to Nanjing Road, known as the “No. 1 Commercial Street in China”, where time-honored brands and trendy stores sit side by side. Walk along the street to discover POP MART and LEGO flagship stores or stop at Shen Da Cheng, a long-established pastry shop, for a taste of traditional local treats.
Nanjing East Road in daytime Head eastward to reach the Bund, Shanghai's iconic landmark. Capture a classic photo of the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River. Besides, it is also an open-air museum of world architecture, lined with 52 historic buildings in diverse Western styles.
Optional Evening Activity: Enjoy a relaxing Huangpu River night cruise to enjoy the night view from a different perspective. On one side, the Western-style buildings bathe in golden lights; on the other, the illuminated skyscrapers of Lujiazui create a dazzling modern skyline.
- Day 3: Fengjing Ancient Town & Shanghai DepartureAdmire Jiangnan-style Architecture and Discover Local Folk Art in a Water Town
Depart for Fengjing Ancient Town by a 1-hour drive from downtown Shanghai this morning. With a history of over 1,500 years, this classic Jiangnan-style water town still preserves its traditional alleys, waterfront residences and ancient bridges.
Wander along the quiet streets and experience a slow-paced local life. Stand on a bridge and feast your eyes on the reflections of white-walled, gray-tiled houses in the water.
Fengjing is also one of the birthplaces of Jinshan Peasant Painting, a folk art known for its vivid colors and scenes inspired by everyday life. During your visit, step into a local art gallery to admire these lively paintings and get a glimpse into the local customs.
Jinshan Peasant Painting depicting everyday life and painted with vivid colors You can also sample some local snacks, like dried bean curd and Zhuangyuan (Top Scholar) Cake, and pick up a few handicrafts as souvenirs for family or friends.
After the tour, your driver will escort you to the airport or train station based on your schedule.
Tour Price Per Person
The price varies depending on the activity, number of people, travel date, and selected hotel. Please contact us for a specific price.
Accommodation For This 3-Day Shanghai Tour
For your China private tour, the choice is in your hands: you can select luxury 5-star hotels for unparalleled comfort, cozy 4-star accommodations, or value-for-money 3-star options.
All our partner hotels are handpicked for their prime locations, conveniently situated near bustling commercial areas. Every room is equipped with standard amenities like air conditioning, hot water, 24-hour showers, reliable Wi-Fi, and windows for natural light.
In some hotels, there are English-speaking staff who are committed to providing attentive service. Should you have any special requests, feel free to ask - they are always ready to assist.
