Shanghai: Private City Tour with Temples, Bund & Dumpling Lunch

Summary

From quiet temples to the city’s wild markets and riverside lights

You’ll wander Shanghai’s lively squares and quiet temples with a local guide who knows all the shortcuts (and stories). Taste fresh dumplings, watch daily life unfold along the Bund, and find unexpected calm in ancient halls or over tea — all with hotel pickup and flexible stops built around you.

What’s the experience like?

We were already weaving through People’s Square when our guide, Li, pointed out the clusters of parents clutching handwritten signs — apparently it was “marriage market” day. I didn’t expect to start my Shanghai tour surrounded by hopeful parents and their kids’ resumes. The air was thick with chatter and a hint of fried dough from a nearby stall. It felt both chaotic and oddly touching, like everyone was rooting for someone else’s future.

After that, we ducked into the Jade Buddha Temple. I remember the hush — incense smoke curling up toward the painted rafters, monks chanting somewhere deeper inside. Li explained how the jade statues came all the way from Burma; I tried to imagine that journey. My shoes squeaked on the polished floor (a bit embarrassing), but nobody seemed to notice except me. There was this moment where I just stood there breathing in sandalwood and feeling small in a good way.

I got to choose between checking out Qipu Lu Market or wandering along Nanjing Road — went for Nanjing because honestly, I wanted to see what “the Champs-Élysées of Shanghai” looked like. It’s loud and bright and full of people eating things on sticks (Li laughed when I tried to ask what one snack was in Mandarin — probably butchered it). The Bund came next: river wind, neon reflections on water, couples taking selfies everywhere. It’s touristy but… you get why people come here.

Lunch was dumplings at a local spot (not fancy but so good), then we ended up at the City God Temple area for tea. There was this old man pouring tea with these careful little movements — made me slow down too. Honestly, by then my feet hurt but my head felt clearer than when we started. Shanghai is loud but also full of these pockets of calm if you let yourself notice them. Still think about that tea sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's culture and landmarks

• Visit People’s Square and market
• Tour Jade Buddha Temple
• Shop at Qipu Lu market or visit Old City Wall
• Walk along Nanjing Road
• Explore The Bund
• Visit City God Temple and tea ceremony or Yuyuan Bazaar

Top questions

How long does the private Shanghai city tour last?

The tour lasts about 8 hours from hotel pickup to drop-off.

Is lunch included in this Shanghai day trip?

Yes, an authentic dumpling lunch is included if selected during booking.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All entrance fees are included if you select that option when booking.

Can I choose between public transport or private car?

You can travel by metro/taxi or private vehicle depending on your preference at booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and transportation options are wheelchair accessible.

Does the guide pick me up at my hotel?

Your guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel and return you afterward.

What attractions are visited on this tour?

The itinerary includes People’s Square, Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, The Bund, City God Temple or alternatives like Qipu Lu Market or Yuyuan Bazaar.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and return by your personal guide, flexible transport options (metro/taxi or private car), all entry fees if chosen at booking, an authentic dumpling lunch if selected, plus plenty of time for conversation — and maybe even a tea break — before heading back to your hotel in Shanghai.