Shanghai: Private City Tour Old & New Highlights with Pickup

Summary

Old Shanghai alleys, French Concession strolls and sky-high views in one day

You’ll wander through Yu Garden’s winding paths, cross the Bund where old meets new, taste local dishes off Nanjing Road, and catch glimpses of daily life in both ancient temples and futuristic skyscrapers—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect moments that surprise you—and maybe leave you wanting more time in each spot.

What’s the experience like?

I almost lost my nerve crossing the Nine Zigzag Bridge—there were so many people, and I kept bumping elbows with a lady selling candied hawthorn. Our guide, Li, just grinned and said it’s good luck to zigzag before tea. I didn’t expect Yu Garden to smell like incense and fried dumplings at the same time, but it did. The koi in the pond looked older than me. Li told us stories about emperors who never got their shoes muddy here, which made me laugh because my sneakers were already splattered from an earlier drizzle.

The Bund felt like stepping into another country—colonial facades on one side, glass towers on the other. You can see both old and new Shanghai in a single glance if you stand just right (Li showed us her favorite spot). We watched wedding photographers wrangle couples in rented tuxes while riverboats honked below. I tried to imagine what this place sounded like a hundred years ago. Probably less traffic. The private Shanghai city tour kept moving but never rushed; we could linger where we wanted.

Lunch was somewhere tucked behind Nanjing Road—no sign in English, but plenty of locals eating noodles and soup. Li ordered for us after asking what we liked (I said “not too spicy,” which made her smirk). I still think about that tofu dish with chili oil. Afterward, Jade Buddha Temple was quieter than I expected; monks padded by in socks and someone left a stack of oranges at the altar. The air tasted faintly sweet from incense smoke.

Pudong’s skyscrapers looked unreal up close—like someone built them out of silver Lego bricks. We took the skybridge between towers, watching clouds drift past glass walls. If you’re lucky with weather (we weren’t), you can ride up to the top of Shanghai Tower for that famous view over the city. Even without it, just standing there gave me this weird sense of how fast everything changes here—old temples next to neon lights, all in one day trip from central Shanghai.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's old and new highlights

• Meet guide at central hotel
• Visit The Bund riverside promenade
• Explore Yu Garden and learn history
• Walk Old Town Bazaar and shop
• Visit Shanghai French Concession park
• Enjoy local lunch at restaurant
• Visit Jade Buddha Temple and admire statues
• Walk Pudong Lujiazui skybridge
• Visit Shanghai Tower observation deck
• Return to downtown hotel

Top questions

How long does this private Shanghai city tour last?

The tour lasts around 8 hours including all main stops and lunch.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, downtown hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

Can I customize which attractions we visit?

Yes, your itinerary is flexible—just tell your guide what you want to see more or less of.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

Lunch is included if you book the "All Inclusive" option; otherwise you can choose your own meal stops.

Are entry fees covered for Yu Garden?

Yu Garden entry is included only if you select the "All Inclusive Tour" option; note it’s closed on Mondays.

What language does the guide speak?

Your guide speaks English (and often Mandarin); check when booking for other languages.

Can infants or young children join this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join—the tour is stroller-friendly and suitable for families.

Do we use public transit or a private car?

You can choose between public transit or a private vehicle when booking your private Shanghai city tour.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible downtown hotel pickup and drop-off, entrance fees to Yu Garden if booked as “all inclusive,” a traditional lunch at a local restaurant (with dietary requests handled), plus your own expert local guide throughout central Shanghai’s highlights—from temple incense to skyscraper views—all at your preferred pace before returning downtown in comfort.