Your friendly tour guide will meet you at your hotel lobby at your preferred start time. From there, your 3.5-hour Amazing Highlights of Old Shanghai private tour begins with a taxi or public transit ride to your first destination.

Your first stop is Yuyuan Garden, a stunning classical garden built over 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. The surrounding area has been Shanghai’s bustling downtown for centuries. As you explore, you’ll discover traditional Chinese shops and historic homes. This is a great place to find unique souvenirs like pearls, jade, tea, silk, and charming ornamental items.

Next, take a short walk to the historic district of Old Shanghai. Here, you’ll see century-old homes, some boarded up and awaiting demolition, reflecting the city’s rapid modernization. This fascinating area offers a rare glimpse into Shanghai’s past. With your guide as translator, you can even interact with locals and peek inside some traditional homes.

Along the way, you’ll stop at local restaurants and food vendors beloved by Shanghai residents. Taste delicious local specialties like soup dumplings, fried dumplings, Chinese donuts, spring rolls—or try them all!

Your tour continues with a visit to the Confucius Temple, Shanghai’s historic top university site built in 1291 and the city’s only place to pay respects to Confucius. Here, enjoy a relaxing Confucian Tea Ceremony, sampling a variety of local teas while learning about their health benefits and cultural significance.

Note: For tours starting after 2:00 PM, the Confucius Temple visit will be replaced with a HuangPu River Cruise, offering stunning views of both eastern and western Shanghai. You’ll also stroll along The Bund, famous for its 100-year-old architecture, visit the iconic Peace Hotel, and explore the vibrant area outside Yuyuan Garden.

At the end of your tour, your guide will escort you back to your hotel or any preferred location within Shanghai’s city center.

Pricing

Pricing is based on group size.

Note on transportation:
The listed price covers expert guide services. Transportation during the tour typically uses public options such as the metro and taxis, paid separately by you (usually 30-100 RMB). This flexible approach suits travelers who enjoy walking and experiencing Shanghai like a local.

For added comfort and convenience, an optional private car and driver is available for $100 per group (1-4 people). This is ideal if you prefer a more relaxed pace, have mobility concerns, or want to maximize your sightseeing by saving time traveling between locations.