Private Shanghai Full Day Tour: Old Town Charm & Modern Skyline

Shanghai, China
Duration7h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesGerman, English, Italian, French, Spanish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Private Shanghai Full Day Tour: Old Town Charm & Modern Skyline

Discover the best of Shanghai on a private full-day tour designed around your interests, schedule and pace. Travel with your own private guide and vehicle, free from fixed group schedules.

Highlights

The Bund: Stroll the historic waterfront with views of Pudong’s futuristic skyline.
Yu Garden: Wander a classical Ming dynasty garden and the old town bazaar.
Former French Concession: Explore leafy lanes, art deco villas and independent cafes.
Nanjing Road: Experience one of China’s busiest shopping streets.

Your guide shares the history, culture and local stories behind each stop, plus hidden corners easy to miss alone.

The itinerary is fully customizable, with alternatives if you have seen the major sights. Your guide can recommend local restaurants and help with ordering.

What's included

  • Private transportation
  • Our guides can recommend local restaurants
  • Our guides can recommend local restaurants

What to expect

  1. The Bund
    40m
    Your private guide will meet you at a pre-arranged pickup location, or at a convenient nearby location, at the agreed time. This private tour is fully customizable, allowing you to explore Shanghai at your own pace and according to your interests.

    The tour typically begins at the Bund, where you can stroll along the Huangpu River and admire one of Shanghai’s most iconic waterfront promenades. Take in the historic skyline of the Bund, home to an impressive collection of early 20th-century buildings, including the former Customs House, while looking across the river towards the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui. It is one of the best places to experience the contrast between Shanghai’s historic and contemporary sides.
  2. Yu Garden
    1h 30m · Admission ticket included
    Continue to Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden known for its elegant pavilions, winding paths, rockeries, ponds and beautifully landscaped courtyards.

    As you explore this peaceful garden, your guide will introduce you to its history, traditional architecture and the stories behind some of its most distinctive features.
  3. Old Town (Nanshi)
    45m
    After exploring the garden, take a leisurely walk through the surrounding old town, where traditional architecture, historic lanes and lively local markets offer a glimpse into Shanghai’s past.

    Cross the famous Jiuqu Bridge, or Nine-Turn Bridge, and explore the bustling bazaar surrounding Yu Garden. Browse traditional Chinese handicrafts, silk products, antiques and souvenirs, or try your hand at making a traditional craft. If you are interested, you can also enjoy a traditional Chinese tea-tasting experience at your own expense.
  4. Shanghai Temple Of the Town God (Chenghung Miao)
    30m · Admission ticket included
    Next, visit Shanghai’s historic City God Temple, a famous Taoist temple located in the heart of the old city.

    The temple is an important landmark for understanding Shanghai’s traditional folk beliefs and religious culture. Your guide will explain the history and legends surrounding the City God, traditionally believed to protect the city and its people, as you explore the temple grounds and main halls.
  5. Former French Concession
    1h
    Continue to Shanghai’s former French Concession, exploring some of the city’s most atmospheric streets and historic neighborhoods, including Wukang Road, Fuxing Road and Fuxing Park.

    Walk beneath the canopy of mature plane trees and admire elegant European-style villas, historic residences and distinctive streetscapes that reflect Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past. At Fuxing Park, you may also see local residents practicing tai chi, dancing or practicing traditional Chinese calligraphy in the park, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Shanghai.
  6. Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
    1h 30m
    End the tour at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai’s most famous commercial streets and often known as “China’s No. 1 Street.”

    Your guide can recommend authentic local restaurants based on your dietary preferences and assist you with ordering lunch or dinner. After your meal, enjoy some free time to explore the pedestrian street and experience the energy of one of Shanghai’s historic commercial centers.

    As this is a private, customizable tour, the itinerary can be adjusted according to your interests and available time. If you have already visited any of the above attractions, they can be replaced with other popular destinations such as Xintiandi, Tianzifang, the Shanghai Museum or a Lujiazui observation deck.

    At the end of the tour, your guide and private vehicle will safely return you to your centrally located hotel or another designated location in central Shanghai.

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We will meet you at your chosen location within the pickup radius, the driver will have a board with your name on it.

Additional information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$179.00 per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
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