Shanghai: Private Day Tour with Skyscrapers, Bund & Yu Garden

Summary

Old streets to sky-high views, stories behind every corner

You’ll trace Shanghai’s story from riverside legends on the Bund to dizzying heights atop Shanghai Tower and quiet corners in Yu Garden. Expect laughter over dumplings, surprising contrasts between old lanes and skyscrapers, and small moments—like tea sipped under leafy branches—that stay with you long after.

What’s the experience like?

We started out weaving through Shanghai’s morning traffic — our guide, Li, waving from the hotel lobby like she’d known us for years. First stop was the Bund. I’d seen pictures before but standing there with the river breeze and all those old stone buildings lined up across from the glassy towers… it’s just different in person. Li pointed out which buildings used to be banks or consulates (I kept forgetting which was which), and there were locals doing tai chi right by the water. The air smelled faintly of coffee and car exhaust, honestly — not romantic, but real.

Next came Lujiazui, where we zipped up the Shanghai Tower in what felt like seconds (those elevators are wild). My ears popped halfway up. Looking down at the city grid from that high up made everything below look like a model train set — I tried not to think about how far we were from street level. We could see both the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center from above; someone next to me said it looked like a spaceship landing zone. I still think about that view when I close my eyes.

Lunch was somewhere tucked away near Yuyuan Garden — handmade dumplings that came out steaming hot, with vinegar dipping sauce so sharp it made my nose tingle. Li laughed when I tried to say “xiaolongbao” in Mandarin — probably butchered it. Afterward we wandered through Yu Garden itself; koi splashing under little bridges, red lanterns swaying overhead. It was busy but not overwhelming, just layers of sound: chatter, footsteps on stone paths, someone selling candied hawthorn on a stick.

The French Concession felt totally different again — leafy streets, old plane trees arching over cafes where people sat reading or playing cards. At one point we ducked into a tiny tea shop for a quick tasting (I’m still not sure what kind of oolong that was). By late afternoon my feet were sore but I didn’t want to leave yet — there’s something about seeing so many sides of one city in a single day that sticks with you long after you’re back at your hotel room.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Shanghai's iconic landmarks

• Visit Shanghai Tower observation deck
• See Oriental Pearl Tower views
• Explore Shanghai World Financial Center decks
• Walk along The Bund riverside
• Tour Yuyuan Garden historic site
• Visit Confucius Temple and tea ceremony
• Stroll Shanghai French Concession area

Top questions

How long does this private Shanghai day tour last?

The tour is full-day and typically lasts around 8 hours depending on your pace and preferences.

Is hotel pickup included in this Shanghai highlights tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your centrally located hotel are included.

Are entrance fees for attractions included?

If you select that option during booking, entrance fees are included.

Can I choose which observation deck to visit?

Yes, observation decks in Lujiazui are optional—you can decide based on conditions or preference.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

An authentic dumpling lunch is included if you select that option when booking.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, transportation options and all areas visited are wheelchair accessible.

How do I secure tickets for Yu Garden?

You’ll need to provide your full name and passport number during booking to secure tickets and skip queues.

Are children or infants allowed on this tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome and infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes flexible start time with hotel pickup by your guide, entry fees if selected when booking, all transportation by private car or public transit as chosen, an authentic dumpling lunch if you opt for it, plus return transfer back to your hotel at the end of the day.