Add dates

Things to do in
Yu Garden

Yu Garden: Our most recommended tours and activities

Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions

1. Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions

Experience Shanghai’s highlights on a hop-on, hop-off sightseeing bus tour. Pass attractions including the People’s Plaza, Nanpu Bridge, the Bund and the Jing’an Temple on a double-decker bus. Use your ticket on 3 routes to visit the city’s must-see monuments, and hop off whenever you like to explore further. Choose one of the premium options to enjoy access to selected attractions. Enjoy a 360-degree bird’s-eye view from Jin Mao Tower, marvel at the city skyline from Huangpu River on a cruise, explore inside the Jing’an Temple, or ride a train through a tunnel under the river connecting the Bund and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Red Route (Shanghai City Tour)  1. People’s Square 2. People's Park 3. Shanghai Art Museum 4. Nanjing Road 5. The Bund 6. River Cruise, Pier 16 7. Yuyuan Garden 8. Xin Tian Di Blue Route (Pudong Tour)  1. The Bund 2. Oriental Pearl Tower 3. World Financial Center and Jin Mao Tower 4. Cool Docks 5. River Cruise, Pier 16 Green Route (Temple Tour)  1. Nanjing Road (New World City) 2. Shanghai Museum 3. Huaihai Road 4. Jing’an Temple (on Nanjing West Road) 5. Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel (on Nanjing West Road) 6. Shanghai Art Museum 7. People’s Square 8. People's Park

Shanghai: Private and Personalized Guided Tour

2. Shanghai: Private and Personalized Guided Tour

Book a private tour for 4 or 8 hours and inform the local partner of your preferences so that you can be assigned a like-minded guide to take you around the city. With complete flexibility, follow this itinerary or create your own for a unique Shanghai experience. After meeting your guide at your downtown location, start this 8-hour private tour at the Yu Yuan Garden. Explore the Shanghai Old Street before taking a break in an ancient Chinese tea house. Following tea, head to the People Square to see the City Hall and its surrounding buildings. Stroll along the Xintiandi in the charming former French Concession before enjoying lunch on your own. In the afternoon, marvel at the sacred 19th-century Jade Buddha Temple. Then, head to Bund, which is Shanghai's picturesque waterfront. Admire its soaring skyline and views of the Huangpu River. The last stop is the Pudong Business and Financial Center where all of the main skyscrapers are located. See the tallest building, Shanghai Tower, as well as the Shanghai World Finacial Center, and Jinmao Tower before being helped transfer back to your hotel or chosen downtown location.

Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour

3. Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour

With complete flexibility, follow this itinerary or create your own for a unique Shanghai experience. After meeting your guide at your downtown location, start this 8-hour private tour at the Yu Yuan Garden. Explore the Shanghai Old Street before taking a break in an ancient Chinese tea house. Following tea, head to the People Square to see the City Hall and its surrounding buildings. Stroll along the Xintiandi in the charming former French Concession before enjoying lunch on your own. In the afternoon, marvel at the sacred 19th-century Jade Buddha Temple. Then, head to Bund, which is Shanghai's picturesque waterfront. Admire its soaring skyline and views of the Huangpu River. Drive to Pudong Business and Financial Center where all of the main skyscrapers are located. See the tallest building, Shanghai Tower, as well as the Bottle Opener and Jinmao Tower before being transferred back to your hotel or chosen downtown location.

Shanghai: 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour

4. Shanghai: 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour

When the night falls, Shanghai is even dreamier with all the lights intertwining with the moon and the stars. The spectacular skyline in Pudong is well worth a look, with the Shanghai World Financial Center, the Shanghai Tower sitting in the clouds, the spaceship-like pink Oriental Pearl Tower and the video projections on the Aurora Plaza. Meanwhile, on the other side of the Huangpu River, you can view a lot of antique and graceful buildings along the Bund. See pointed Gothic roofs, arches from ancient Greece, Baroque columns, and Spanish balconies, displaying the rich flavor of foreign lands, so unique and majestic. During the tour, you also have a chance to visit the world's most famous jazz bar. From there, cycle to one of the biggest night flea-markets. Then head to Xintiandi and discover its colorful nightlife, wine, cuisines and bands intermingled with western and eastern flavors. You will also bike to a well-known street selling barbecue food. Here you have a chance to taste traditional street food and snacks. Finally, head back to the starting point. 

Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour

5. Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour

Benefit from pick-up at your hotel or the cruise port, and then explore Shanghai with a private guide and driver. Marvel at the historic buildings of The Bund along the banks of the Huangpu River. Get sweeping views of both sides of the river before making your way to Yu Yuan Garden. Located by the City God Temple in the Old City, the traditional garden was built during the Ming Dynasty and features dozens of monuments, pagoda temples and water features. See an old Shanghai street from the Qing Dynasty and more. Continue to the former French Concession and explore the charming neighborhood established when the city was a French settlement. Next, visit the 400-year-old Zhujiajiao Water Town to see why its' often referred to as the Venice of the Orient. Enjoy lunch in a famous Chinese restaurant, and then take a boat ride to get a sense of traditional life in southern China. Stroll the old alleyways to see more buildings and bridges, and get some time to shop before the drive back to Shanghai.

Shanghai: 3-Hour Old Shanghai City Tour

6. Shanghai: 3-Hour Old Shanghai City Tour

Get an inside perspective of the changing scenes of Shanghai on a 3.5-hour tour that discovers old city sights, and the trendy entertainment area of Xintiandi which is in the former French Concession. The tour begins with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, one of the finest private gardens in China, known for its classic landscape architecture. Wander down the old town bazzar and lively streets filled with local residents. See tiny family-owned shops, and elderly folk playing cards on the streets. Once you reach Xintiandi, the scenery will change, and Old Shanghai gives way to its new cosmopolitan face. The stylish nightlife district is crammed with boutique stores, busy pubs and bars, and chic restaurants. Once known as the Old Shikumen area, the antique charm has been gentrified to international levels of sophistication.

Shanghai: Yu Garden and City God Temple Walking Tour

7. Shanghai: Yu Garden and City God Temple Walking Tour

Get an insider's perspective of the changing scene of Shanghai on a 3-hour guided walking tour that discovers old city sights as well as delicious street food. The tour begins with a visit to Yuyuan Garden, one of the finest private gardens in China, known for its classic landscape architecture. Wander down lively streets filled with local residents, sometimes still dressed in their pajamas. See tiny family-owned shops where you can rummage for bargain items. Then you'll visit the City God Temple, where local residents go to pray for good fortune and peace. The popularity of the temple led to many businesses being set up in the area, turning the surrounding streets into a busy traditional marketplace. Your guide can also take you on a stroll along the Yu Garden Old Street and to learn about the porcelain art, wooden crafts, and jewelry crafts in the bazaar. If you want to buy some souvenirs, feel free to ask your guide to tell you how to bargain the best price. And there is an opportunity to taste various high-end Chinese teas in the local tea shop.  Take the optional snack option so you will have a chance to try some Shanghai street food. Taste the famous Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao) and learn from the local guide about the flavor and consistency of the broth, the quality of the meat filling, and the texture of the dumplings' skin.

Shanghai: Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Day Tour

8. Shanghai: Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Day Tour

Embark on a fascinating journey with your knowledgeable guide, starting at your hotel lobby. After a scenic one-hour drive, your adventure begins in the enchanting Zhujiajiao water town. With a history spanning over 1,700 years, it boasts remarkable preserved features. Marvel at the antiquated architecture, traverse old bridges, and follow the bubbling streams. Meander along the picturesque canals, wander through ancient lanes, and explore houses with stunning gardens. Capture the beauty with your camera as you enjoy a leisurely boat ride through the serene waterways. As hunger calls, delight in a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, savoring a variety of mouthwatering dishes that showcase the flavors of the region. In the afternoon, return to Shanghai and embark on the next leg of your adventure. Visit the renowned Yuyuan Garden, a pristine oasis that has stood for over 400 years, with its elegant Chinese pavilions and authentic architectural treasures. Alternatively, opt to explore the famous Jade Buddha Temple, a revered spiritual sanctuary (please note that Yuyuan Garden is closed on Mondays). Next, venture to the iconic Bund, where you will be treated to breathtaking vistas of the city's skyline, encompassing architectural marvels like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the awe-inspiring Shanghai Tower. Allow the vibrant cityscape to captivate your senses and leave an indelible mark on your Shanghai experience. Conclude your tour with a visit to the magnificent Shanghai Tower, soaring 632 meters into the sky. Ascend to the observatory and be rewarded with a panoramic 360-degree view that showcases the city in all its glory. If you have already explored the aforementioned sites, fear not! There are alternative attractions and activities to choose from, such as the Pearl TV Tower, World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower, or the esteemed Shanghai Museum. At the end of your captivating journey, your guide will ensure a comfortable return to your hotel, cruise port, or airport, leaving you with cherished memories of your time spent exploring the wonders of Shanghai.

Shanghai: Top 5 Highlights All Inclusive Private Day Tour

9. Shanghai: Top 5 Highlights All Inclusive Private Day Tour

Meet your guide and driver in your downtown hotel lobby at your request time and start your exciting sightseeing tour. First visit to the famous Yu Yuan Garden and Bazaar - Yu Yuan Garden is the largest and best known of the historic gardens of Shanghai (Built in 1559), while the bazaar is a market with lots of small shops / vendors selling souvenirs, hand-made crafts, folk crafts, packed snacks. The next destination will be Jade Buddha Temple, which was built in Qing Dynasty. It is one of the most famous Buddhist Temples in Shanghai. There are two jade Buddha statues (one sitting and one reclining) imported to Shanghai from Burma cross the sea. Admire at the mesmerizing architecture in the temple, while your guide explains the history of the construction and the background stories. After Shanghai local Shengjian dumpling lunch, you will visit Shanghai Tower for city bird view which is the highest building in China and the second highest in the world. You will stroll along the French Concession and the Bund in the late afternoon, your guide and driver will take you back hotel at end of this whole day tour or you keep stay in the bund area for evening free wander if you like. Note 1: Shanghai has pretty developed subway system which is clean, easy, fast, safe and cheap in price. Subway is more faster than private transfer sometimes. Note 2: Please note your passport information on booking page for tickets pre-booking in advance.

4-Hour Best Shanghai Private City Tour with Your Choice

10. 4-Hour Best Shanghai Private City Tour with Your Choice

On the tour day ,your friendly guide will pick up at your downtown Shanghai area. Following is the popular itinerary you may follow or craft a unique itinerary that meet your interests with your knowledgeable guide. Begin your fun tour at the city's top site at Old Town area, enjoy leisure explore the bazaar markets while immerse yourself in the charming Qing Dynasty architecture, check out various local vendors with unique arts, trinkets ,crafts , admire the 400 years old tea house while passing by the nine lucky bridge. You may enjoy some fun souvenir shopping here or sample the famed Shanghai soup dumplings. Then ,pay the visit to the 500-year old Yu Garden,follow your guide to explore the ancient garden built with artistic design, tranquil chambers , see the famed dragon wall and unique rockeries ,immerse yourself in the picturesque pavilions dotted with ponds in the lush greens while learning the rich culture and history from your guide. Next ,head to The Bund , see the " lover's wall " and take in the fantastic old and new skylines while you strolling along Huangpu river bank , include iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, 2000 Feet Shanghai Tower, "Bottle opener" tower , famed Peace hotel ,Old Customs House along with other historic heritage. Set your cameral ready and capture the best memories of Shanghai. Then choose to take the ferry to Pudong Island,walk up the skybridge among the futuristic skyscrappers. Marvel at some of the world's tallest building that witnessed Pudong's fast development. On the nice clear day ,choose to visit one of the top observation deck in Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower to get spectacular bird-eye view of the mega Shanghai city. Or simply get on to Nanjing road ,leisurely stroll down to feel the dynamic vibes of magic city in China's No.1 shopping street. Or experience the European-glamour at French concession. For return travelers, you may choose to explore other popular sites like century old Jade Buddha Temple. Learn the locals go about their life, custom, see Tianzifang creative park, Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Hall, Shanghai poster art museum, AP Plaza market etc based on the time and your own interests. After the wonderful day you will be dropped off back to your downtown hotel or other downtown area as per your request.

All activities

39 activities found
Sort by:

Other Sightseeing Options in Yu Garden

Want to discover all there is to do in Yu Garden? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Yu Garden

Overall rating

4.4
(325 reviews)

The guide and the driver were perfectly on time, we had a complete tour of Shanghai’s main attractions and ate Chinese dumplings. Great experience strongly suggested if you have a long transfer in Shanghai and want to see something beautiful instead of wasting your time at the airport

The tour guide Henry was outstanding, and delight to be with. Went out of his way to accommodate us. Tour was good value for money. Have to be prepared to do a lot of walking Henry had a lot of local knowledge & history. Highly Highly recommend this tour, you will not be disappointed

We only had a little time in Shanghai but this tour has covered everything that we wanted to see. Popular and secret spots, cultural and foodie experience, the best of Shanghai. We highly recommend to take this tour on your layover! 10/10!!!

It was a great tour with lot of beautiful sights. The lunch was also fantastic and our tour guide (Snow) was incredible and had a lot of knowledge about the town and the sights. The car was very comfortable.

Awesome night tour.. Stunning view... The guide Caroline explain well about the city. She also guide through famous shanghai meals... Overall pleasant experience