Shanghai Highlights
Private Day tour with Shanghai City Highlights, Yu Garden & The Bund
Shanghai Highlights Day Tour
Shanghai is unlike any other city on earth — where Ming Dynasty temples stand in the shadow of futuristic skyscrapers, and cobblestoned French boulevards give way to neon-lit riverfront skylines. To experience it all in a single day, you need more than a map. You need a guide — a real person who lives here and knows Shanghai well.
Our Shanghai Highlights Private Day Tour takes you on a curated journey through the very best of this extraordinary city — from the ancient courtyards of Yu Garden and the golden spires of Jing’an Temple to the creative laneways of Tianzifang and the world-famous Bund waterfront. Every moment is private, flexible and designed around you.
from
680CNY
per adult
*Pricing based upon 8 pax private tour
– 13 Years in a Row
Discover the Best of Shanghai
Visit the City God Temple and Yu Garden, two of Shanghai’s most treasured cultural attractions, celebrated for their elegant traditional architecture and centuries of history.
Enjoy an authentic Xiaolongbao dumpling lunch, sampling Shanghai’s most iconic local speciality at a carefully selected restaurant.
Explore Jing’an Temple, a magnificent Buddhist landmark rising dramatically among Shanghai’s modern skyscrapers—an extraordinary contrast between ancient tradition and contemporary China.
Discover the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, home to one of the world’s finest collections of rare Mao-era artwork and political posters.
Stroll through the Former French Concession, renowned for its leafy boulevards, boutique shopping, elegant cafés and European charm.
Wander through Tianzifang, a vibrant arts district tucked within historic shikumen alleyways, filled with independent galleries, artisan workshops and unique local boutiques.
Finish your day with a spectacular photo stop at The Bund, where Shanghai’s glittering Pudong skyline reflects across the Huangpu River in one of the world’s most breathtaking urban panoramas.
Your Day in Shanghai
All times approximate · Private tour · Flexible on the day
Shanghai Highlights — Private Day Tour Pricing
Travelling with a larger group? Contact us for a custom quote.
- Private air-conditioned vehicle — sedan, MPV, minivan or coach depending on group size
- All highway tolls, parking fees and fuel throughout the tour
- Licensed, professional English-speaking guide (up to 9 hours service)
- All entrance and attraction fees for sites listed in the itinerary
- Traditional Xiaolongbao dumpling lunch at a local restaurant
- Breakfast and dinner
- Tips & gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal expenses and optional purchases during the tour
- Shanghai accommodation (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Domestic flights or intercity train tickets
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Overtime charges
- Any extra entrance fees for attractions not listed in the itinerary
Detailed Tour Itinerary:
Your day begins when your private guide meets you at your Shanghai hotel lobby — no transfers, no waiting. The first stop takes you into the heart of Old Shanghai, where ancient temples and classical gardens exist just as they have for centuries.
Start at the City God Temple of Shanghai — a revered Ming Dynasty folk temple built in the 15th century, surrounded by the lively old-town bazaar of Yuyuan. The atmosphere here is unlike anywhere else in the city: incense, prayer, and the energy of centuries of local tradition.
From there, step into the tranquil beauty of Yu Garden — a breathtaking Suzhou-style classical garden built in 1559. We visit early in the morning when it is at its quietest, so you can truly appreciate the ornamental rockeries, koi ponds and pavilions without the midday crowds.
Next, enjoy one of Shanghai’s must-try culinary experiences — a traditional Xiaolongbao dumpling tasting for an early lunch. These delicate soup-filled buns are a local favourite, and your guide will take you to a trusted eatery known for its authentic flavours — an essential part of any visit to Shanghai.
You will continue your cultural exploration with a visit to the famous Jing’an Temple, a golden Buddhist landmark surrounded by the modern skyscrapers of central Shanghai. Discover its peaceful courtyards, ancient relics and the spiritual traditions that have shaped the city for centuries.
Your tour then takes you to the Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre, a rare and fascinating museum showcasing original posters from China’s modern history. This unique collection offers deep insight into past movements, artistic styles and the cultural messages that shaped an era.
Afterwards, enjoy a guided Shanghai city walk through the Former French Concession, one of Shanghai’s most charming neighbourhoods. Stroll beneath leafy streets lined with historic European-style buildings, boutique shops and stylish cafés. Continue into Tianzifang, a lively arts enclave filled with craft studios, quirky alleyways and creative energy — perfect for browsing local designs and capturing great photos.
To complete your day, your guide will bring you to The Bund, Shanghai’s legendary waterfront. Here you can take stunning photos of the skyline, featuring the futuristic towers of Pudong on one side and grand colonial buildings on the other. It is a perfect finale to your Shanghai cultural journey.
Finally, relax as your guide and driver transfer you back to your hotel — marking the end of an unforgettable day exploring the best of Shanghai’s culture, cuisine and history.
Why Discerning Travellers Choose Wendy Wei Tours
Since 2013, Wendy Wei Tours has been the trusted choice for travellers who want to experience China on their own terms — privately, authentically, and without compromise. We’re not a group tour company. We never have been.
What Our Guests Say
Real reviews from real travellers — verified on TripAdvisor ★★★★★I highly recommend Wendy Wei Tours. The team is very easy to work with, has excellent ideas and the guides are knowledgeable and easy to be with. Very solid itineraries and execution — flexible, high quality, and great value for money.
We visited both Xi'an and Shanghai under Wendy's guidance and found the same first-class service. The guides were knowledgeable, flexible, and happy to discuss all aspects of modern China — giving insights difficult to obtain elsewhere. Strongly recommended.
Annie's expertise and in-depth knowledge about the history of Shanghai's sights made our day of exploration a wonderful experience. I would 100% recommend her as a guide!
We had a wonderful action-packed day. Fei Fei was amazing — her knowledge was very impressive and she was a real pleasure to be with. This was certainly the highlight of our stay in this beautiful city. Thanks so much.
Best Time to visit
Best Time to Take This Shanghai Tour
Shanghai is a year-round destination, but the best months to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures are mild and the city’s parks and gardens are at their most beautiful. Summers can be hot and humid, while winters are cool but rarely extreme. The tour departs daily at 9:00 AM but can be earlier if request, which means you’ll arrive at popular spots like Yu Garden before the midday crowds – a deliberate choice that makes a real difference to your experience.
Layover/Cruises Travellers Section
Visiting Shanghai on a Layover or Cruise Stop?
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Shanghai Hongqiao Airport (SHA) are both well-positioned for a city day tour — and with a 72-hour or 144-hour transit visa available for many nationalities, you may be able to explore without a full China visa. If you’re arriving on a cruise, our pick-up service operates from all major Shanghai cruise terminals including Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal. Simply let us know your ship’s schedule and we’ll design the day around your time window.
Contact us with your arrival and departure times and we’ll confirm exactly how much of Shanghai you can see. We’re experienced with tight schedules and won’t waste a minute.
Frequently Asked Questions
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