Shanghai shore excursion private tour with lunch

Eight hours hitting Shanghai's landmarks: the Bund, French Concession, temples and gardens in one day

A private shore excursion from Shanghai cruise terminal for cruise passengers, with a live guide in English or Chinese, covering the Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, Lujiazui financial center and French Concession. Pickup and drop-off at the cruise terminal, Yuyuan Garden and temple entry, lunch with soup dumplings, and bottled water are included. Children from age 3 are welcome, and the tour operates in all weather.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Jade Buddha Temple1h · entry included
2. Yu Garden1h · entry included
3. Oriental Pearl Tower30m

Explore Shanghai city highlights

• Meet guide at cruise terminal
• Visit Former French Concession
• Tour Jade Buddha Temple
• Walk along The Bund and have lunch
• Explore Yuyuan Garden and Bazaar
• See Lujiazui financial area and towers
• Return to cruise terminal or hotel

The experience

Your guide meets you at the cruise terminal in the morning with a name sign and takes you straight into the city. The route starts in the French Concession, where you walk through preserved stone alleyways lined with cafes, shops and galleries: a quieter side of Shanghai before the crowds build. From there you head to Jade Buddha Temple, a working Buddhist site where you see the jade Buddha statue and gold figures while the guide explains the rituals and history locals practice there.

The Bund comes next, the riverfront strip of colonial-era architecture and modern towers that define Shanghai's skyline. Your guide walks you through the "Bund International Architecture Exhibition" and points out the city's latest changes. Lunch happens at a local restaurant where you eat Xiao Long Bao (the soup dumplings Shanghai is known for), and other dishes. Vegetarian options are available if you request them at booking. After eating, you visit Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, rockeries and dragon carvings that feels removed from the city noise. The adjoining bazaar has street food and souvenirs if you want to browse. The tour ends at Lujiazui financial center, where you see the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower up close before your guide returns you to the cruise terminal or a central Shanghai hotel.

If you've seen any of these sites before, you can swap them for the Shanghai Museum, Propaganda Poster Art Center or Confucius Temple instead. Just let the operator know. The tour runs eight hours and works for all fitness levels. Wheelchair users and families with infants have accessible transport and surfaces throughout. Note that Yuyuan Garden closes Mondays, so the operator will suggest alternatives if your cruise lands that day.

What’s included

• Private guide in English or Chinese.
• Yuyuan Garden entrance fee.
• Jade Buddha Temple entrance fee.
• lunch with soup dumplings and other local dishes.
• bottled water.
• pickup and drop-off at Shanghai cruise terminal (Wusongkou or International Cruise Terminal, depending on your option) or a central Shanghai hotel.
• private vehicle transport throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

International Cruise TerminalGuide in English or Chinese · 9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (No.358 Dongdaming Road, Shanghai) or your centrally located city hotel: pickup and drop-off are included, with the drop-off taking place after the tour.

Wusongkou Cruise TerminalGuide in English or Chinese · 9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00Pickup and drop-off are included, covering Wusongkou Cruise Terminal (No.1 Baoyang Road, Shanghai) or your centrally located city hotel, with the drop-off taking place after the tour.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 11:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Amazing Shanghai Trip

Is this one for you?Book this if you're docking at Shanghai and want a private guide who moves at your pace through the Bund, temples, and gardens: the eight-hour window fits a port day without rushing between stops.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years). Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if my cruise is delayed and I miss the morning pickup?

Contact your local operator in advance if your ship is running late or cancelled. They can reschedule or adjust the tour timing to fit your arrival.

Can I get a visa exemption for this tour if I'm a cruise passenger?

Shanghai offers visa-exemption for cruise transit tour groups. Contact your local operator at least two days before your cruise lands to arrange it.

What is Yuyuan Garden like, and why does it close on Mondays?

Yuyuan Garden is a classical Chinese garden with pavilions, huge rockeries and dragon emblems throughout, designed for peace and contemplation. It closes Mondays for maintenance, so the operator will offer alternative attractions if your tour falls that day.

Does the tour include entry to the Jade Buddha Temple?

Yes, Jade Buddha Temple entry is included. You'll see the jade Buddha statue and gold figures inside the working temple while your guide explains the history and local worship practices.

Can I choose a hotel drop-off instead of returning to the cruise terminal?

Yes, you can arrange drop-off at a centrally located Shanghai hotel instead. Provide your hotel name and details at booking so the driver knows where to take you.

What if I'm vegetarian or have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian options are available at the lunch restaurant. Let the operator know your dietary needs when you book so they can arrange it with the restaurant.