Shanghai Private City Tour: Old Town, Yu Garden & Bund Walk

Summary

Old streets, garden calm & city lights in Shanghai’s heart

You’ll wander Shanghai’s Old Town with its lively bazaar scents, step into peaceful Yu Garden’s pavilions, stroll along the Bund’s dramatic skyline, and maybe catch your reflection in Pudong’s glass towers—all with a local guide who adapts to your pace. Expect hotel pickup and drop-off plus flexible stops for snacks or photos whenever something grabs you.

What’s the experience like?

We slipped out of the taxi just as the morning buzz started warming up in Shanghai Old City. Our guide, Li, waved us over by a dumpling stall (I caught a whiff of ginger and soy that made me instantly hungry). She asked what we wanted to see most—history or skyscrapers? I said both, honestly not sure what that would look like. We ducked through narrow lanes where old men played cards under red lanterns and shopkeepers called out prices. The nine-lucky bridge was crowded but kind of magical with all those koi darting below. I tried saying “Yuyuan” in Mandarin and Li laughed—probably butchered it.

The air changed inside Yu Garden. It was quieter, almost cool even though outside felt sticky already. There were these curved rooftops and dragon carvings everywhere—I kept tracing them with my eyes while Li told us about the Ming dynasty family who built it (she knew every odd detail, like why the rocks looked melted). We paused at a pond full of lotus leaves; I remember how green everything seemed. Sometimes you could hear distant honking from the street but mostly it was just soft water sounds and people speaking quietly. I didn’t expect to feel so calm right in the middle of Shanghai.

After that, we walked along the Bund. The wind off the Huangpu River picked up and suddenly there was this wild mix of old European buildings on one side and glass towers on the other—it almost didn’t make sense but somehow did. Li pointed out the Peace Hotel and then made us guess which skyscraper was the “bottle opener” (it really does look like one). Up close, Shanghai Tower is unreal—just disappears into clouds if you look up too long. We could’ve gone to an observation deck for city views or wandered Nanjing Road instead; honestly hard to choose when everything feels new.

I still think about that moment on the bridge with all those city layers stacked together—old bricks, neon lights, voices in every language. Four hours went fast but it felt bigger than that somehow. If you want a day trip from central Shanghai with a local guide who actually listens (and jokes about your Mandarin), this private city tour is probably it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's historic and modern sites

• Meet guide at hotel
• Discuss customized itinerary
• Walk through Shanghai Old Town bazaar
• Explore Qing Dynasty ancient town
• Walk along nine-lucky bridge
• Stroll Shanghai Old Street
• Shop souvenirs and try street food
• Visit 500-year-old Yu Garden
• See dragon wall and rockeries
• Enjoy pavilions and ponds
• Walk along The Bund river bank
• View Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower
• See Peace Hotel and Old Customs House
• Walk Pudong Island skybridge
• Visit observation deck of a skyscraper
• Stroll Nanjing Road shopping street
• Explore French Concession area
• Return to hotel or preferred city location

Top questions

How long is the private Shanghai city tour?

The tour lasts about 4 hours and can be customized to your interests.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai are included.

Can I choose which attractions to visit?

Yes, your itinerary is flexible—you can discuss preferences with your guide at pickup.

Is lunch or dinner included?

You can add lunch or dinner during booking if you’d like it included.

What sites are usually visited on this day trip?

The sample itinerary covers Old City bazaar, Yu Garden (or Jade Buddha Temple/French Concession), The Bund, Pudong skyscrapers or Nanjing Road.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with strollers?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; all fitness levels are welcome.

Are vegetarian options available for meals?

Vegetarian meals are available if requested at time of booking.

What happens if Yu Garden is closed?

If Yu Garden is closed (Mondays), your guide will suggest alternatives like Jade Buddha Temple or French Concession.

What’s included

Your half-day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Shanghai by private car or metro/Uber (depending on option), all entry fees for chosen sites like Yu Garden or Shanghai Tower if selected, plus an expert local guide throughout—and if you pick that option when booking, lunch or dinner is also covered before you’re returned wherever you want downtown.