Shanghai is a well-known metropolis, unlike anywhere else in China. If you’re looking to fill a day in Shanghai then you’ll not be short on options here; whether you decide to escape the city and explore some of its surrounding cultural sites or stay in the city for an enriching full-day excursion.
With so much to see in and around Shanghai, small group or private tours ensure that you, and your fellow travellers, have a little more time and control over what you see and do. Here are five of the best day tours from Shanghai, taking into account many factors like the itinerary, value for money and the reviews of previous guests.
Mini Group Shanghai Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town
FROM: £121/per person
This small private tour explores the peaceful water village of Zhujiajiao, famous for its canals, ancient buildings and bridges. After escaping the busy streets of Shanghai, guests will spend the morning in the village and catch a boat ride here, before exploring the ancient private Yu Garden and neighbouring market, in Shanghai’s downtown. Finish the day strolling down the city’s 1500-metre waterfront promenade, the Bund, that nestles the Huangpu River, a spot that is high on many tourists’ to-do lists.
Shanghai: Full Day Classic Bike Tour With an Authentic Lunch
From £70/ per person
On this seven-hour bike tour, you’ll get to see Shanghai from a completely different point of view than before. Navigate the Former French Concession area and Shikumen of Nongtang, as you learn about the areas’ cultures, history and local life. After stopping for an authentic local lunch, the second half of the day will introduce guests to the Xintiandi area, the colonial architecture of the Bund, Shanghai Old Street, the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre … the list goes on, with this experience you’ll pack the very best bits of Shanghai into one day in an unforgettable style.
Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour from Shanghai by Bullet Train
From £223/ per person
Situated an hour outside of Shanghai by bullet train, Hangzhou boasts two World Heritage Sites: the West Lake and the Grand Canal, making it a popular tourist destination. This private tour is very flexible, meaning you and your group can customise your itinerary with the bits of Hangzhou that interest you. Select from popular architectural sites, temples and pagodas or explore the Meijiawu Tea Village, you might even choose to head out on the water of Hangzhou’s West Lake- make the day your own! Included in the price of the tour are round-trip train fares on the bullet train, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off.
Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option
From £146/ per person
Known as the Venice of the East due to its winding canals, historical buildings, and classic gardens, Suzhou is a short 30-minute bullet train from Shanghai, making it a great option for a day trip. Like most private tours, this experience benefits from being fully customisable so you and your group can choose exactly where you want to go and take part in activities that suit your interests. From the Unesco World Heritage-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou to the silk factory, this city is brimming with cultural activities to engage your group for the entire day. The price of this tour depends entirely on what you want to do, whether you travel by bullet train or take a private car and whether you opt for the all-inclusive options on booking, this covers lunch and entrance fees.
Private Full-Day Tour: Shanghai Old and New Highlights
From £99/ per person
With so much to see Shanghai, there is no need to leave the city’s boundaries. This private tour showcases both the historic and modern side of Shanghai, and you can visit attractions like The Bund, Ming-Dynasty Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, or the observation deck of some of Shanghai’s highest skyscrapers. The great thing is, since it’s a private tour, you can customise it to suit your tastes! You can also opt whether to travel by public or private transport and whether you’d like to include lunch and entrance fees in the overall price or deal with them yourself on the day.
