Our most recommended things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

1. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

Make the most of your Shanghai visit with a unique combination of a Huangpu River cruise and an authentic Xinjiang food experience. Say goodbye to the hassle of navigating the metro and instead travel in comfort in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. Enjoy stunning views of multiple famous Shanghai landmarks from your river cruise, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the World Financial Center. Your guide will also be on hand to help you navigate the menu during your Xinjiang feast. Your tour guide and private driver will meet you at your hotel lobby in the evening before taking you to the Huangpu River Cruise Terminal. There, you'll embark on a relaxing cruise along the mother river of Shanghai, the Huangpu River. As you stand on the top deck of the cruise ship, you'll get a glimpse of Shanghai's past and future. Along the west side of the Bund, you'll see grand colonial buildings like the famous Peace hotel and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. On the east side, you'll see the city's modern skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower. (Please note that the timing of dinner may depend on the sunset time.) After your river cruise, follow your guide to a popular local Xinjiang restaurant in the Pudong New Area. Sample some of the region's most famous dishes, such as Dapanji (big plate chicken), lamb kebabs, Xinjiang yogurt, and naan (a kind of Xinjiang pancake). Dapanji is a savory, aromatic chicken dish flavored with spices, chopped potato, and green pepper and typically served with hand-stretched noodles. The lamb kebabs at the restaurant are particularly popular among locals, though chicken wings and other skewers are also available. In the evenings, the restaurant sometimes offers entertainment, including cultural and belly dancing performances. If you're lucky, the dancers might even invite you to join in! After your dinner, your guide will escort you back to your hotel. If you'd like to be dropped off at another location in the city, such as Xintiandi, your guide will be happy to take you there. Relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Shanghai, confident in the knowledge that you've experienced some of the city's best sights and flavors.

Shanghai: All-Inclusive Suzhou Day Trip by Bullet Train

2. Shanghai: All-Inclusive Suzhou Day Trip by Bullet Train

Start your Suzhou adventure with a comfortable departure from your Shanghai hotel. Board the bullet train at Shanghai Train Station, enjoying the scenic ride to Suzhou. Upon arrival, be captivated by the beauty of the renowned Humble Administrator's Garden, a unsco World Heritage site. Explore the exquisite ancient structures, pavilions, ponds, and walkways, guided by an expert who will share the rich history. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of bygone eras as you relax in the pavilion beside the tranquil pond. Continue your journey to Pingjiang Road, an enchanting old street nestled along the canal. Hop aboard a private rickshaw and embark on a mesmerizing ride, meandering through the historic streets. Witness the vibrant lifestyle of the locals and soak in the captivating surroundings. Recharge your energy with a delectable traditional Chinese lunch served on Pingjiang Road. Next, discover the remarkable Panmen Gate, hailed as the world's oldest ancient water and land gate, built for defense against enemy armies. Stroll through the park and marvel at the well-preserved gate and majestic pagodas, offering a glimpse into the past. Conclude your Suzhou exploration with a visit to Shantang Street. Unwind by the riverside, taking in the scenic views of ancient bridges and traditional houses. Indulge in local snacks or indulge your ears with the enchanting melodies of Pingtan music. If you desire additional attractions beyond the suggested itinerary, feel free to discuss alternative options with your knowledgeable guide. Choose from Tiger Hill, Hanshan Temple, Master of Net Garden, Lingering Garden, or a silk factory. As your tour comes to an end, board the bullet train for a comfortable return journey to Shanghai, cherishing the memories of your enriching Suzhou experience.

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: Private and Personalized Guided Tour

4. 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: 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour

5. Shanghai: 3-Hour Local Food Tasting Tour

Explore the local restaurant scene of Shanghai on a 3-hour food tasting tour of the city center. Start in the Xintiandi area to taste one of the best dumpling soups in the city. Then, go to the Huaihai Road to sit down at 3 different restaurants and a dessert shop. Marvel at the change in architecture as you move from the French Concession to the shikumen-style buildings that combine western and Chinese elements. Sample authentic dishes such as parched chicken, red-braised pork, scallion oil noodles, candied lotus rice and moon cakes. Try a cup of Longjing green tea or Fujian black tea and get a local insight into life in Shanghai.

China (with VPN), Hong Kong and Macau: eSIM Data Plan

6. China (with VPN), Hong Kong and Macau: eSIM Data Plan

Enjoy a high-speed data pack to stay connected with your friends and family on WhatsApp and seamlessly check up on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter throughout your trip to China. Access all these Apps and websites without being restricted by the Chinese firewall or using a VPN, providing you with connectivity if you are going to China, Hong Kong, or Macau. This data plan comes with an eSIM and you don’t have to switch SIM Cards between your devices anymore. Simply scan the eSIM profile then follow the simple steps of installation and you can get connected to the Internet once you arrive. The eSIM data service is only supported on eSIM enabled devices. Please check if your devices have eSIM functions before you place the orders. All iPhone model launched beyond iPhone XS can support eSIM. For Android, if you are unsure, please check with the guideline photo for eligibility. If you can not connect to the internet after install this eSIM, please follow the Self Help Troubleshooting Guide in your GYG voucher. APN (Access Point Name): ctm-mobile Local operator info: China - China Unicom Hong Kong: csl Macau: CTM

Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour

7. Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour

Depart from your downtown Shanghai hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned minivan and begin the scenic journey to Suzhou, an ancient town famed for the beauty of its verdant gardens. Listen as your guide offers informative narration on the town hailed as the Venice of the east, and then disembark your coach to explore the Master of Nets Garden. Marvel at the town’s exquisite example of Ming Dynasty landscaping, and admire the harmonious style of Chinese garden construction. Continue to the town’s ancient city wall, reputed to date back to 600 BC, and stroll parallel to the picturesque Grand Canal. Conclude your tour of Suzhou with a visit to its 14th century silk factory, then revitalize with a delicious Chinese lunch in a local restaurant.  Afterwards, return to your vehicle to travel to Zhouzhuang, a quaint town thronged with winding waterways and charming structures. Admire the simple, perfectly preserved houses, and hear of how the town’s history dates back to the 11th century as you sail the canals in a Chinese sampan.  Relax during the journey back to your Shanghai hotel and bid farewell to your guide and group upon your return. 

Shanghai: 4-Hour Nightlife Adventure & Tasting Bike Tour

8. 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

9. 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: Yu Garden and City God Temple Walking Tour

10. 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.

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What people are saying about Shanghai

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 918 reviews

What a great afternoon experience with my guide! Given the covid influence, I wasn't sure whether tours still exist or not. It turned out to be one of my favorite day since moved to this city last year. A perfect balance between tea& dessert and walking through old concession neigbourhood. Different from my western taste, it surprised me a lot about locals' flavor. Highly recommend if you're into culture, food and local life.