Tip Based
Must-Do in Shanghai
French Concession Free Walking Tour
A Must-Do Experience in Shanghai for Exploring Colonial History, Hidden Streets, and Local Culture on Foot.
Private Full-Day Shanghai Tour: Classic Sights and Modern Marvels
8 Hours
Private Tour
English
Reserved Only
Private Full-Day Shanghai Tour: Classic Sights and Modern Marvels
Experience the essence of Shanghai on this private full-day city tour. Visit Yu Garden, the Old City, the Bund, Nanjing Road, and the futuristic Lujiazui district. A perfect blend of history and modern marvels with your expert local guide.
Summary Information
Duration: 8 hours
Start Time: Flexible — typically begins around 9:30 AM
Starting Location: Flexible pickup options available. Complimentary pickup from centrally located hotels is included.
Transportation Options: Choose between metro, taxi, or private car (see details below).
Price: From $95 per person. Contact us for custom pricing for groups over 4 people.
Tour Includes
This All-Inclusive Tour Includes:
Knowledgeable and friendly private guide
Authentic local lunch at a carefully selected restaurant
All entrance fees to included attractions
Transportation by metro and taxis
(Optional upgrade to private car and driver — see details below)
Pickup and drop-off at your chosen starting location
Tour Overview
This private full-day Shanghai tour is ideal for travelers who want to explore the best of Shanghai in just one day—combining top landmarks, cultural experiences, and local flavor. You’ll discover both old and modern Shanghai, guided by a local expert who brings the city’s history and future to life.
Explore both the historic west and the modern east sides of the city, gaining a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s culture, people, and transformation.
This curated experience highlights Shanghai’s rich contrasts—from ancient temples and classical gardens to towering skyscrapers and colonial architecture.
Tour Highlights Include:
Lujiazui Financial District:
See Shanghai’s futuristic skyline including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower
Observation deck access is optional (approx. 180 RMB/person)Yu Garden (Yuyuan Garden):
A peaceful oasis showcasing classical Chinese design (Closed Mondays)Confucius Temple:
Includes a traditional tea ceremony in a serene settingAuthentic Local Lunch:
Enjoy regional Shanghai cuisine at a carefully selected restaurantThe Bund:
Walk along Shanghai’s historic riverfront with stunning viewsFormer French Concession:
Explore tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and local cultureShopping or Optional Stops:
Time is set aside for shopping or custom visits based on your interests
This tour is customizable and offers the option of a private car and driver. Whether you prefer exploring by foot and public transit or enjoying the comfort of private transport, we tailor the day to you.
Important Note on Yu Garden
Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. If your tour is scheduled for a Monday, we’ll replace this stop with a visit to either the City God Temple or the Jade Buddha Temple—or customize your time with a different site after discussing with your guide. We’re always flexible to make the most of your time in Shanghai.
Need help? Just ask.
Customization Options
We’ve designed this tour to offer a comprehensive Shanghai experience, but we understand every traveler has unique interests. You can customize your itinerary at no extra cost by swapping out certain stops, such as: Replace the Former French Concession with the Shanghai Museum Swap the Bund for the Jade Buddha Temple If you have other preferences or ideas, please contact us—we’re happy to tailor the tour to make it truly yours.
What You Can Expect
Your expert local guide will meet you at your preferred starting point—typically the lobby of your centrally located hotel—at your chosen time (most guests start around 9:30 AM). From there, you’ll embark on an 8-hour private city tour designed to showcase both the historic charm and modern marvels of Shanghai.
Lujiazui Financial District – A Modern Marvel
Begin your tour in Shanghai’s iconic financial hub, home to some of the tallest skyscrapers in the world. You’ll see the Shanghai Tower (the tallest building in China), the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
You may choose to visit one of the observation decks (optional, approx. 180 RMB/person) for a panoramic bird’s-eye view of the sprawling city skyline.
Yu Garden & Old City Bazaar
Next, explore the Yu Garden, a beautifully preserved classical garden from the Ming Dynasty, over 400 years old. The surrounding area has long been a bustling hub and is known as a “Happy Shopping Kingdom” for traditional Chinese goods like pearls, jade, silk, and tea.
If you’re interested, your guide can also arrange a Chinese tea tasting experience here.
Confucius Temple & Cultural Immersion
Visit the Confucius Temple, originally built in 1291, once the top academy in Shanghai and the city’s only site dedicated to the great philosopher.
Afterward, enjoy a delicious traditional lunch featuring local favorites such as steamed buns (xiaolongbao) and regional Shanghai specialties at a century-old local restaurant.
Former French Concession or Trendy Districts
Continue to the Former French Concession, known for its tree-lined streets, colonial architecture, and fusion of East and West. If you prefer, your guide can take you to one of Shanghai’s up-and-coming neighborhoods for a more modern cultural experience.
The Bund or East Bund Promenade
Conclude your day at The Bund, where historic colonial buildings line the waterfront. Enjoy stunning views across the Huangpu River to the futuristic skyline of Pudong. Alternatively, stroll the quieter East Bund Promenade (Binjiang Dadao) and take in skyline views from a different perspective.
When the tour ends, your guide will drop you off at your hotel or any other central location of your choice.
Optional Add-On: Shanghai Acrobatic Show
Extend your experience with a ticket to a traditional Chinese acrobatic performance—a jaw-dropping show of feats you won’t see anywhere else. Select this option during checkout if interested.
Pricing Table (Per Person in USD)
| Group Size | Price per Adult (Age 10+) | Add a Private Car (1–4 ppl) | Kids Age 4–9 | Kids Age 0–3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $249 | +$50/group | $35 | Free |
| 2 People | $150 | +$50/group | $35 | Free |
| 3 People | $120 | +$50/group | $35 | Free |
| 4 People | $95 | +$50/group | $35 | Free |
| 5+ People | Contact us for custom pricing | Contact us | Contact us | Contact us |
Additional Notes:
Prices include all entrance fees, public transport costs, and a local lunch.
Children aged 0–3 join free; children 4–9 are just $35.
Pickup/drop-off outside of central Shanghai (e.g., Pudong Airport, cruise terminal, Disney, Songjiang, etc.) may incur an extra fee—please contact us in advance.
Optional evening Shanghai Acrobatic Show is available during booking checkout.
What Our Guests Say
“The perfect private Shanghai tour”
We only had one full day in Shanghai and this tour made the most of it. Our guide was excellent—very organized, friendly, and informative. We loved visiting both the classic attractions and the modern marvels like Lujiazui and the Shanghai Tower. The private format gave us flexibility and comfort throughout the day. This is truly the best private full-day tour in Shanghai. Don’t miss it!
Marie D., Canada
“A fantastic way to see all of Shanghai in one day”
This private full-day tour was exactly what we were hoping for. We explored beautiful historic sites like Yu Garden and the Jade Buddha Temple, and then admired the skyline from the Bund and Shanghai Tower. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and happy to adjust the pace for us. Everything was smooth from pickup to drop-off. If you’re visiting and want to see the best of Shanghai in one day, this tour is perfect!
Emily R., USA
“Incredible mix of old and new Shanghai”
This private Shanghai city tour was one of the best experiences of our trip. The itinerary was well-balanced—we saw traditional areas like the Old Town and French Concession, then crossed into Pudong for the skyscrapers and modern highlights. Having a private guide made it so much more personal. We learned so much about the city’s history and culture. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a complete Shanghai experience.
Carlos M., Spain
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