Shanghai: Private City Tour with Flexible Itinerary & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Shanghai’s old temples, French streets & riverside lights in four hours

You’ll pick your own Shanghai adventure with a local guide—wander temple courtyards scented with incense, taste street snacks near Yu Garden, and watch neon reflections along The Bund. Includes hotel pickup and drop-off so you can just focus on soaking it all in.

What’s the experience like?

Li was already grinning when we met in the hotel lobby — she asked what I wanted to see in Shanghai, and honestly, I just blurted out “something old, something shiny, and maybe a snack?” That’s how we ended up zigzagging from the hush of Jade Buddha Temple (incense everywhere, monks gliding past) straight into the chaos around Yu Garden. The air outside smelled like fried dough and sweet tofu; Li handed me something called shengjianbao. I burned my tongue but didn’t care — it was worth it.

The Bund was next. We got out of the car right as the river breeze picked up. It’s weird seeing all those colonial buildings facing off with the glass towers across the water — like two cities having a staring contest. Some guy selling kites tried to guess where I was from (he said Canada, which made Li laugh for some reason). The skyline really does hit different in person; photos don’t catch that shimmer on the water or how loud it gets when a tour boat passes by.

I almost skipped the French Concession but Li insisted — “You’ll see why.” She was right. The plane trees were just starting to bud, and there were couples dancing in Fuxing Park even though it was barely noon. She told me stories about old jazz clubs and expats sipping coffee here in the 1930s. I kept thinking how this city never really sits still. Four hours went fast; honestly, I could’ve wandered another four if my feet held up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private 4-hour Shanghai city tour

• Meet guide at hotel
• Discuss itinerary and start tour
• Visit The Bund and Huangpu river landmarks
• Stroll along the river and see colonial buildings
• Visit Jade Buddha Temple and explore temple complex
• Visit Yuyuan Garden and see Chinese pavilion
• Shop and try street food at Yuyuan Bazaar
• Walk through French Concession and see architecture
• Return to hotel

Top questions

How long is this private Shanghai city tour?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Can I choose which attractions to visit?

Yes, you can customize your itinerary and pick 2–3 main attractions with your guide.

Is hotel pickup included?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for central locations.

Are entry fees included?

No entry fees are not specified as included; check with your guide regarding specific sites.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation and most areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

What time does Yu Garden close?

Yu Garden closes at 4pm and is closed every Monday.

Can infants or small children join?

Yes, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller during the tour.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but you can try street food at Yu Garden bazaar if you wish.

What’s included

Your half-day includes comfortable private transport with air conditioning, pickup and drop-off at your hotel (or airport/cruise port for an extra charge), a knowledgeable local guide who’ll help shape your itinerary on the spot, plus an experienced driver so you won’t have to worry about getting around busy Shanghai streets yourself.