2-Day Shanghai Tour: Skyscrapers, Old Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town
Tour Overview
Experience the many sides of Shanghai in just two days, from soaring skyscrapers and historic architecture to leafy old neighborhoods and tranquil waterways.
Take in panoramic city views from Shanghai Tower, see old and new Shanghai facing each other across the Huangpu River from the Bund and cross the river by public ferry for a more local perspective of the skyline.
Slow the pace in the Former French Concession, walking beneath plane trees past villas and shikumen buildings. Discover another side of Shanghai’s 20th-century history through vintage posters before leaving downtown for Zhujiajiao Water Town, where canals, stone bridges, traditional houses, local snacks, and an optional rowing boat ride reveal a quieter side of the city.
Travel Destination: Shanghai
Suitable for: Culture seekers, history enthusiasts, families, first-time visitors
Tour type: Private
Tour at A Glance
|
Day
|
Destination
|
What to See & Do
|
|
1
|
Shanghai
|
Arrival & private hotel transfer, Yu Garden, the Bund, Huangpu River ferry ride, Shanghai Tower 118th-floor observation deck, panoramic skyline views
|
|
2
|
Shanghai & Zhujiajiao
|
Former French Concession, Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Zhujiajiao Water Town, North Street local snacks, Kezhi Garden, optional traditional rowing boat ride
|
Highlights of This Tour
See Shanghai from three different perspectives: the old-meets-new skyline from the Bund, the Huangpu River by local ferry and the sweeping views from the 118th floor of Shanghai Tower.
Walk through old Shanghai in the Former French Concession — beneath plane trees, past historic villas and shikumen houses; and see how European architecture, local neighborhoods, cafés and everyday city life blend together.
Discover Shanghai’s 20th-century story through vintage posters at the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre and explore how advertising, popular culture and social life changed across different decades.
Slow down in Zhujiajiao Water Town when you wander beside canals, cross centuries-old stone bridges, taste local snacks and, if you wish, take a rowing boat for a closer look at waterside homes and daily life.
Day-by-day Itinerary
- Day 1: Shanghai Arrival & Downtown HighlightsDiscover Shanghai's Contrasts from Classic Garden to Futuristic Skyline
Upon arrival in Shanghai, your private driver will meet you at the airport or railway station and transfer you to your hotel. After a short break, begin your Shanghai tour with Yu Garden, a classic Jiangnan-style garden where you can slow down to admire the elegant pavilions, winding corridors, rockeries and ponds.
Classic buildings in Yuyuan Garden in autumn Head to the Bund and stroll along the riverside promenade. Appreciate the western-style buildings beside you and look across the Huangpu River at the modern skyline, a contrast between old and new Shanghai.
For a more local and relaxed way to cross the river, take a short ferry ride to Pudong. Feel the river breeze and watch the landscapes on both banks from the water.
Wrap up the day with futuristic skyline views from Shanghai Tower, China’s tallest building. Take one of the world's fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck in just 55 seconds. From high above the city, you'll get sweeping views of the Huangpu River, the Bund, and surrounding skyscrapers.
Take a local ferry cross Huangpu River in Shanghai - Day 2: Old Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water TownSlow Down at a Historic Neighborhood and a Peaceful Water Town
Start your day in the Former French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most atmospheric neighborhoods. Walk along the streets shaded by plane trees and see well-preserved historic villas, shikumen buildings, stylish cafes and small boutique shops.
Historic garden villa in Shanghai Former French Concession Continue to the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre. Through the collection of vintage posters, you will catch a glimpse into the local life, popular culture and changing social trends in 20th-century Shanghai.
Leave the busy city center behind and head to Zhujiajiao Water Town in the afternoon. Wander along the river and the ancient streets to see the whitewashed houses with gray-tiled roofs, old bridges and traditional shops lining the waterways. Sample some local snacks on North Street, such as A'po Zongzi (Grandma's Sticky Rice Dumplings) and Haitang Cake (a sweet pastry shaped like a crabapple flower).
Step into the Kezhi Garden, the town’s largest private garden. Explore its pavilions, ponds, corridors and ancient trees, which blend Jiangnan garden design with Western influences.
Kezhi Garden in Zhujiajiao Water Town Optional Activity: Take a traditional rowing boat along the canal to see the buildings on both banks and their reflections on the water.
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 2-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.
