Shanghai Tower, Zhujiajiao & Maglev Train private tour

Ancient bridges and 632-meter views in one day

This private tour pairs Shanghai's two extremes: the 1,700-year-old water town of Zhujiajiao, where you walk stone streets and ride a gondola past ancient buildings, and the ultra-modern Shanghai Tower with its observation deck 632 meters above the city. You'll also ride the Maglev train at over 300 km/hr and tour its museum. The tour runs 9.5 hours with a private guide in English, Spanish, French or Chinese, hotel pickup within 15 km, and all entry fees included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Zhujiajiao and Shanghai highlights

• Travel to Zhujiajiao water town
• Explore ancient bridges and Qing dynasty streets
• Visit Qing Dynasty Post Office and Yuanjin Buddhist Temple
• Sample local snacks and shop in local stores
• Enjoy gondola ride along canals
• Return to Shanghai
• Visit Shanghai Tower observation deck
• Visit world's largest Starbucks
• Ride Maglev train and visit Maglev Museum

The Experience

How do you see both old Shanghai and new Shanghai in a single day without arranging transport between them? This tour splits the difference by starting an hour outside the city in Zhujiajiao, a water town established 1,700 years ago. You walk the stone streets and cross the 36 ancient bridges that still line the rivers, stop at the Qing Dynasty Post Office and Yuanjin Buddhist Temple, and sample local snacks—sticky rice dumplings and steamed pork in bamboo leaves. A gondola ride along the canals is included, and the historic buildings that line the water still house shops and food vendors.

The afternoon swings to the opposite end of Shanghai's timeline. Shanghai Tower, at 632 meters and 128 stories, holds the world's highest observation deck and the fastest elevators on earth (74 km/hr). You'll stand above the city from the top, then visit the world's largest Starbucks inside the tower itself—a sprawling space that has become a symbol of modern China. The driver and guide handle the logistics of moving between these two worlds; you just move through them.

The day ends with the Maglev train, a technological marvel that cost $1.2 billion and runs at over 300 km/hr (with a top speed of 421 km/hr). The ride takes 7 minutes, and afterward you tour the Maglev Museum to understand how the train works. Bottled water and snacks are provided throughout. The entire tour is private—your guide, your vehicle, your pace—and the driver picks you up from your hotel and returns you there at the end.

What’s included

• Private guide in English, Spanish, French or Chinese.
• hotel pickup and drop-off within 15 km.
• air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver.
• gondola ride in Zhujiajiao.
• Shanghai Tower observation deck entry.
• Maglev train ride.
• Maglev Museum entry.
• bottled water and local snacks throughout the day.
• all fees and taxes.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcome

Operated by Jennys China Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to pair a full morning in Zhujiajiao's ancient water town with Shanghai's modern landmarks in one day—a private guide and vehicle connect both without backtracking through the city.

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Top questions

What is Zhujiajiao and why does it matter on this tour?

Zhujiajiao is a water town 1,700 years old, about an hour outside Shanghai, where 36 stone bridges still span the rivers and Qing Dynasty buildings line the streets. It is the ancient counterweight to the modern Shanghai you'll see in the afternoon—the tour exists to show you both sides of the city in one day.

Can I actually go up inside Shanghai Tower, or do I just see it from outside?

You go up to the observation deck at the top of Shanghai Tower. Entry to the deck is included in the tour price, and it is the world's highest observation deck. You'll also visit the world's largest Starbucks inside the building.

How fast does the Maglev train actually go, and is the ride long enough to feel it?

The Maglev runs at over 300 km/hr, with a top speed of 421 km/hr, and the ride lasts 7 minutes. You'll feel the speed, and afterward the Maglev Museum explains how this fastest commercial high-speed electric train in the world was built and operates.

What food is included, and will I need to buy lunch separately?

Snacks are included throughout the day—local specialties like sticky rice dumplings and steamed pork in bamboo leaves in Zhujiajiao, plus bottled water. Lunch is not included, so you'll have time and opportunity to eat a full meal on your own during the day.

Is the pickup from my hotel included, or do I need to get to a meeting point?

Hotel pickup is included in the tour price for any location within 15 km of central Shanghai. Pickups beyond 15 km incur an additional charge of $40. The driver will return you to your hotel at the end of the tour.

How much walking is involved, and what should I wear?

The tour requires at least a moderate level of physical fitness. You'll walk the stone streets and bridges of Zhujiajiao and explore the tower and museum. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as the tour operates in all conditions.