Private Shanghai Museum, Bund & Yu Garden Tour with River Cruise

Summary

Discover Shanghai: Private Walking Tour with River Cruise & Local Sights

You’ll get up close with both sides of Shanghai—from historic Bund buildings to buzzing Nanjing Road shops—with an expert local guide leading every step. Enjoy a river cruise past iconic skylines, wander peaceful Yu Garden, sample street snacks in Old Town alleys, and explore creative corners like Tianzifang—all by public transport so you travel like a true local.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air felt a bit humid as our guide met us right in the hotel lobby at 9 sharp. We hopped onto the metro—super efficient, by the way—and zipped over to the Bund. There’s this mix of old and new that hits you right away: on one side, those grand old buildings like the Peace Hotel and Customs House; across the river, glass towers stretch into the sky. Our guide pointed out little details I’d never have noticed alone, like the lion statues outside Pudong Development Bank and how locals use the promenade for morning tai chi.

We wandered north to Waibaidu Bridge—a spot that feels straight out of an old movie. It’s got this steel structure that creaks just a little when trams pass by. Couples were taking selfies; you could hear bits of laughter mixed with traffic noise from Suzhou Creek below. Then it was time for the Huangpu River cruise. The boat ride lasted about an hour, gliding past both sides of Shanghai: Pudong’s futuristic skyline (the Oriental Pearl Tower really does look like a space probe) and the historic facades along the Bund. If you’re lucky with timing, you’ll catch a breeze off the water and see families waving from riverside parks.

Nanjing Road was next—busy doesn’t even begin to cover it. There are neon signs everywhere and shops selling everything from high-end brands to quirky souvenirs (I grabbed some panda magnets). Our guide led us down Ningbo Road to see what locals call the “Paper Building”—it’s so thin that if you stand at just the right angle, it almost disappears. People still live there! We ducked into a tiny bakery nearby for warm sesame buns—couldn’t resist.

People’s Square sits at Shanghai’s heart. It used to be a racetrack—our guide showed us where some of the old stonework remains near People’s Park. Around here you’ll spot city hall, theaters, and museums all clustered together. The Shanghai Museum itself is impressive before you even step inside—the round dome on top is meant to symbolize heaven, while its square base stands for earth. Inside, we wandered through galleries filled with ancient bronzes, delicate ceramics, jade carvings… Even if you’re not a history buff, there’s something about seeing 2,000-year-old coins up close that sticks with you.

Afterwards we strolled down Shanghai Old Street—Miaoqian Dajie—where shopkeepers call out in Shanghainese dialect and you can smell sweet osmanthus cakes baking somewhere nearby. The street is lined with tea houses and gold shops that have been around for generations. Just around the corner is Yu Garden: built back in Ming Dynasty times as a retirement gift from son to father (our guide told us Pan Yunduan started it after failing his imperial exams). Despite being tucked away in busy city blocks, Yu Garden feels peaceful—there are koi ponds under willow trees and winding stone paths between pavilions.

We made a quick stop at an old Chinese pharmacy dating back to 1783—it still smells faintly of dried herbs and ginseng root inside. The staff wear traditional coats and will explain what all those mysterious jars are for if you ask.

The afternoon wrapped up in the former French Concession area—tree-lined streets shaded by plane trees planted decades ago by French residents. Tianzifang was my favorite part: narrow alleys packed with art studios, noodle shops, boutiques selling handmade jewelry… You’ll see laundry hanging overhead and hear jazz music drifting from tiny bars tucked between brick walls covered in green moss.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's Iconic Sites

• Visit the Bund waterfront
• See Waibaidu Bridge and take Huangpu River cruise
• Enjoy one-hour Huangpu River cruise
• Walk along Nanjing Road and see Paper Building
• Visit People's Square and nearby landmarks
• Tour Shanghai Museum
• Explore Shanghai Old Street and Yu Garden
• Visit Yu Garden's classical Chinese garden
• Learn about traditional Chinese Medicine at ancient pharmacy
• Stroll Former French Concession and Tianzifang
• Walk through Tianzifang lanes and return to hotel

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families or people with limited mobility?

Yes! The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants or small children can use prams or strollers. Service animals are welcome too.

What kind of transportation do we use during this tour?

You’ll travel mostly by public transportation—metro, bus or taxi—which gives you a real taste of daily life in Shanghai.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes—all entrance fees listed in the itinerary are covered in your booking price.

Will we have time for food or snacks?

Definitely! There are plenty of chances to grab local snacks or drinks along Old Street or in Tianzifang; your guide can recommend favorites.

What’s included

Your private tour includes an experienced local guide who knows all those hidden details; bottled water; all entrance tickets mentioned; plus rides on public transport throughout your day exploring Shanghai.