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2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour (Most Time-Efficient)

The Best Essence of the Oriental Paris

What is the real charm of the biggest city of China?

What comes to your mind when you think of Shanghai? The “Paris of the East” and “Pearl of the Orient”? An awesome “Magical City”? The biggest and most populous city in China? A global center for finance? Only when you come here, you will understand what makes Shanghai an internationally-famous tourist destination numerous travelers love to visit.

This 2-day Shanghai City tour offers you great opportunity to uncover distinct fascinations of Shanghai, including its ancient characters and local lifestyle culture harmoniously kept amidst in modern phenomenal high-rises, mixed culture of the East and Europe illuminated in plenty of exotic architectures. Moreover, we have arranged a half-day walking experience in Shanghai to help you explore the tranquility and energy of the city's ancient streets. With our all-inclusive Shanghai tour package, you can enjoy wonderful tour services and well-organized itinerary containing eye-opening sightseeing of top landmarks, relaxed walking and shopping, wonderful cultural learning and authentic local food tasting.

  • Type : Private Tour
  • Tour Code : CD-ST-02
  • Price : from $326 ()
    1. 1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling in low seasons;
    2. 2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, group size, hotel class, change of activities and possible fluctuation of currency exchange rate.
  • Theme : History / Culture / Architecture
  • Physical Demands :

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Take a leisurely stroll along the Bund, the best-known symbol of Shanghai to catch a splendid Vista of various Gothic, Baroque, Neo-Classical and Eclecticist-style buildings and closely encounter the city’s mixed culture;
  • Have an interesting contrast walking tour in Wukang Road, see featured traditional Shanghainese architectures, lifestyle and rows of western style historical edifices, taste local snacks and foreign delicacies;
  • Explore notable Yu Garden to view quintessential ancient architectures and have an insight into the aesthetic, art and craft of Chinese classical garden;
  • Marvel at towering skyscrapers in Lujiazui, walk on hanging glass walkway hundreds of meters high and get a panoramic view Shanghai from the air;
  • Be accompanied by our local friendly and informative tour guide and skillful private driver.
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Itinerary Day by Day (Can Be Customized)
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Day 1 Shanghai Arrival & Tour (L)

Today's Highlights: Pick up, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, The Bund, Shanghai World Financial Center

Welcome to Shanghai! Meet your private tour guide and driver at the airport, railway station, cruise port or your hotel in Shanghai, then start your Shanghai exploration! (Note: the number and order of attractions can be adjusted based on your schedule and interests.)

You will firstly transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, you will visit Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks as a warm-up for your Shanghai modern city tour. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this long busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund, the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

The last stop is the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head.

After visiting the Shanghai World Financial Center, you’ll be escorted back to your hotel. (If you want to be dropped off at the Bund, Nanjing Road or somewhere else please let your tour guide know.)

Recommended Night Activities (optional): 1) Watch an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00); 2) Take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes).

  • Our Guests visited Yu Garden and Bazaar Our Guests visited Yu Garden and Bazaar in 2017
  • Shanghai World Financial - Rajeev's Group from India Rajeev's group from India visited Shanghai World Financial Center with China Discovery
  • The Bund: Famous The Bund: Famous "Exhibition of the World's Architecture"

Day 2 Shanghai Tour & Shanghai Departure (B, L)

Today's Highlights: Wukang Road City Walk, Anfu Road City Walk, Sinan Road City Wal

After breakfast, embark on your captivating Shanghai city walk, beginning on the famous Wukang Road! This picturesque street boasts over 50 incredible buildings, each whispering tales of the city's past. The iconic Wukang Building is a true Art Deco masterpiece showing how Shanghai's architecture has changed over time. Take a shady spot under the trees and watch the locals enjoying a coffee at a sidewalk cafe. Keep an eye out for cool things like art galleries, unique shops selling local crafts, and charming tea houses where you can experience real Shanghai culture.

Next, we'll head to the lively areas of Anfu Road and Huaihai Middle Road. Here, you'll feel the modern side of Shanghai. Busy shops overflowing with the latest trends, cafes serving delicious food from all over the world, and fancy stores with famous designer brands line the streets. The energy here is electric, with a mix of old Shanghai charm and new, modern style. Soak up the atmosphere, relax at a cafe and watch people go by, or treat yourself to some shopping at a big-name store.

After that, escape the busy streets and find some peace on Sinan Road. Here, it's like stepping back in time. Quiet streets with trees on both sides and charming houses with gardens give you a glimpse of Shanghai's rich history and different cultures. Walk along the peaceful streets and discover the Sinan Mansions, an outdoor museum of old colonial buildings. These grand buildings show how Shanghai used to be. Explore them and learn all about the history of this fascinating neighborhood. This area shows how much Shanghai cares about its past and wants to keep its unique charm alive.

After the tour, your guide and driver will escort you to the airport, railway station or cruise port for your flight / train / cruise to your next destination.

  • Sinan Road City Walk Sinan Road City Walk
  • Sinan Mansions on Sinan Road Sinan Mansions on Sinan Road
  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk

The quotation for this trip is from $326 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2024 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2025.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.

What's included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Airport (and train station) pick up and drop off;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What's excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.

Check What our delighted customers are saying about our services

Good morning, Tracy.

We have completed our travel in China. Thank you very much for arranging this wonderful tour for us.

You amended the itinerary 3 times according to our needs. One of the changes in the itinerary was your suggestion to add the Xingyi Fenglin Buyi Scenic Area which was an excellent recommendation. All of us enjoyed this beautiful environment, away from the hustle and bustle of the big city as well as away from the regular tourist crowds.

I understand that you wish me to provide our reviews and feedback. Here they are:

Tracy is efficient and very patient with us. Tour was very well arranged. Everything is good.

The following is what I intend to post on tripadvisor. My user name in tripadvisor is Hing2013:

“CHINA DISCOVERY - AMAZING 13-DAY PRIVATE TOUR Our group of 8 seniors have just finished a wonderful 13-day private tour to Guizhou and Guilin arranged by Tracy. From the first email, Tracy had shown her willingness to help. She had been courteous and efficient. All my requests were attended promptly. Sceneries in both Guizhou and Guilin are spectacular. Everything was well arranged. The guides and drivers in both Guizhou and Guilin were caring. Guilin guide Kenny was particularly knowledgeable. It was a wonderful and memorable trip and we all enjoyed the tour. We will book with China Discovery again and have no hesitation to recommend China Discovery to anyone who is interested in traveling in China.”

Have a good day!

Lena

Lena‚ China, November 13, 2024

Hi Jack,

We had a great time on our trip thanks.

The trip went very well (apart from a rainy day in Pingyao), with no hitches.

Guides were all excellent, and took us to some great restaurants! All drivers were good as well - all punctual and drove safely.

Hotels were excellent, with the Beijing and Pingyao hotels standing out.

We had a great time and are sorry that it's over so quickly!

Many thanks.

Steve

Steve‚ Britain, November 12, 2024

Dear Jack,

We would like to thank you for the trip arrangement. It was very good and we had a wonderful time. Jessica, our guide, was very helpful and knowledgeable, and she took great care of us.

Thanks.

Warmest regards.

Sok Yong

Yong‚ Singapore, November 10, 2024

Hi Jack,

The tour was excellent and so were the guides (Michelle and Cecilia) and driver (Mr Wei). Both Michelle and Cecilia were knowledgeable and helpful and made our trip a memorable one.

Regards,

Lawrence

Lawrence‚ Singapore, November 9, 2024

Hi Leo,

Thanks for everything. I really enjoyed the Yunnan trip. Highly appreciated your tourist guides’ professional services. I will recommend your company to my friends. I definitely will come back again.

Ka

Ka‚ China, November 8, 2024
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Check What our customers are saying about us on Tripadvisor.com

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Han Meng
"Decided to choose China Discovery after reading great reviews on TripAdvisor and I was glad I chose them. Rita Jiang was my travel consultant and she was very patient with all my questions and changes..." read more »
Reviewed on November 16, 2024
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Ken C
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Reviewed on November 15, 2024
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How Our Teams Serve you at China Discovery

"Highest Standards of Quality and Honesty" is the core value of each specialized team at China Discovery.

Eveyone in our company is working hard for only one goal, which is to ensure the highest level of service, luxury, and attention to detail from the minute you begin planning your trip, to the day you return home.

1-on-1 Travel Consultant

China Tour

Our travel consultants are professional, experienced and responsible, helping you from the very beginning to the end of your China trip!

After sending us an inquiry, one of our travel consultants will get back to you within 0.5~23.5 hrs. In the next few days, he/she will be working closely with you to formulate a customized tour plan, as well as providing professional suggestions based on your travel interests, time, and budget.

Beside, he/she will keep in contact with you during your entire tour in China, continually checking if everything is going well as planned.

We're working at Chengdu Bamboo International Tours, local based in Chengdu.

Local Tour Guides

China Tour

Our local guide in every destination is not only very friendly, enthusiastic but also very informative and knowledgeable.

Once you arrive in the destination, the patient and punctual guides will pick you up and take you to get under skin of the city at your own pace. By in-depth discovery and explanation, they’ll show you more about the history, culture, customs and authentic local life. Throughout the journey, they're not only expert guides who take care of all the details but also fellow travelers who are dedicated to help you explore in comfort and style.

Our guides are passionate about what they do, and it shows all the way!

Local Drivers & Vehicle

Using our private transfer service makes you comfortable, relaxed and worry free all the way!

Our private service includes licensed drivers with many years’ driving experience and air-conditioned, non-smoking, clean and well-maintained cars/vans. Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of your group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses, all with extra space for your luggage.

Our private transfer service guarantees you the highest comfort!

Comfortable & Homelike Hotels

China Tour

In each destination, you’ll enjoy a comfortable stay in a great location!

The hotels we choose are based on star rating, great locations, well-equipped facilities, cozy bed, high quality service and guests’ feedbacks. Choices are a lot ranging from luxury 5 star, comfortable 4 star to budget 3 star. You could decide where to stay to best suit for your budget and likes. Generally, the hotels have both Western and Chinese breakfast with a wide choices.

If you have already got an ideal hotel, please feel free to tell our travel consultants and they'll book the hotel for you.

Have good sleep in our well-selected hotels in all the destinations of China.

Meals & Dining

China Tour

We can satisfy all the dietary requirements no matter you want Chinese local food, western food, vegetarian food or muslin food.

The restaurants we will take you for lunch or dinner are all designated tourist restaurants approved by local tourist administration bureau. They have very good sanitary conditions and the food is prepared fresh and clean.

There will be some meals excluded in your itinerary as you like, and your private guide will be delighted to give you some suggestions and take you to the local restaurants to taste like Beijing Roast Duck, Xian Dumpling Dinner, Sichuan Hotpot, etc., if you are interested in local food tasting.

All the dining options will satisfy your stomach!

Photo gallery of this trip

  • Our Guests visited Yu Garden and Bazaar Our Guests visited Yu Garden and Bazaar
  • Shanghai World Financial - Rajeev's Group from India Shanghai World Financial - Rajeev's Group from India
  • The Bund: Famous The Bund: Famous "Exhibition of the World's Architecture"
  • Sinan Road City Walk Sinan Road City Walk
  • Sinan Mansions on Sinan Road Sinan Mansions on Sinan Road
  • Wukang Road City Walk Wukang Road City Walk

Most Important Shanghai Travel Notes

1. Make most use of China’s Visa Free Policy to visit Shanghai.

Normally, you need to get a Chinese Tourist Visa (L Visa) for a Shanghai tour. However, at present, Shanghai offers different visa exemptions applying to different visitors. Knowing them helps you save lots of time, energy and money on applying for a Chinese Visa, and enjoy great convenience to have a visa-free layover tour in Shanghai. The 144-Hour Visa Free Transit and 15-Day Visa Free for Cruise Travelers are the two main visa free accesses used by international travelers.

Shanghai 144-Hour Visa Free: If you hold valid ordinary passport of one of the appointed 53 countries (including US, UK, Canada, Australia, Singapore...) and connecting ticket to a third country (region) with confirmed date and seat, you can get into Shanghai from Shanghai Hongqiao & Pudong International Airport (SHA & PVG), Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Railway Station, and visit Shanghai, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Nanjing, etc. (Shanghai, Jiangzu and Zhejiang) no exceeding 144 hours (6 days).

Shanghai 15-Day Visa Free for Cruise Entry: Foreign cruise group tourists can make visa-exempted shore excursion in Shanghai, Beijing and other coastal cities for up to 15 days if received by licensed Chinese travel agents.

2. What are the advantages of China Discovery’s private Shanghai tour packages?

Our private Shanghai tour packages provide you wonderful travel experiences of high quality and best value. Travel with us, you can enjoy the best sightseeing highlights, featured local activities and local experienced and knowledgeable tour guide, efficient private transfer, excellent dining and accommodation and many considerate tour services. One-to-one trip planning is offered during your whole tour. Except our popular itinerary, you can let us design a special travel itinerary in Shanghai based on your own schedule and interests. Also, you have great flexibility of choosing hotel and restaurant. Thousands of customers have realized their Shanghai tour with our help and spoke highly of our arrangement and service that you can get inspired from.

3. How to Get to Shanghai?

There are three ways to reach Shanghai: by air, by train and by cruise. Shanghai as two airports, Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), both are international airports flying lots of international and domestic lines. You should know that Pudong Airport operates more international flights to/off Shanghai, but is located farther from downtown than Hongqiao Airport. If you want to take a train travel to Shanghai, you can depart from Beijing, Xian, Hong Kong, Guangzhou..., nearly all major cities in China. Besides, you can take an international cruise voyage or a Yangtze River cruise to get to Shanghai.

4. Shanghai Weather & Climate, Best Time to Visit Shanghai

Located in China’s east coast, Shanghai experiences a humid subtropical monsoon climate, which features four distinct seasons, abundant sunshine and rainfall. The annual average temperature of Shanghai is about 17.6℃ and yearly sunshine hours is around 85.9 hours and mean annual precipitation reaches up to 1,173.4 mm, which mostly occurs between May and September. Shanghai is quite hot and moist during summer (June ~ August) and clammy and cold in winter (December ~ February). As an metropolis highlighting in cultural & historical sites and modern skyscrapers, Shanghai can be visited all year round. If you think of temperature comfort, travel convenience and seasonal features, Spring (March ~ May) and Autumn (September ~ November) are the best times to visit Shanghai, for the weather is quite pleasant, nature scenery is beautiful and a good time to taste crabs.

5. Extend your Shanghai tour to Suzhou, Hangzhou and other destinations is strongly suggested.

Normally, top Shanghai city highlights can be covered within a 2 to 3 days’ itinerary. Nearby area, such as Suzhou, a poetic city of classical gardens and Hangzhou, a paradise city with West Lake, both with UNESCO World Heritages are worth for a Jiangnan style natural and cultural exploration. It’s very popular to take day trips or spend 2 days in each city. If you have 2 days and more, you can also make a marvellous hiking in Huangshan Mountain, travel to Beijing realizing your Great Wall tour, visit Xian to see the miraculous Terracotta Army, to Guilin for a picturesque Li River Cruise and idyllic countryside experience, etc. Just contact us, tell your schedule and preference, we can tailor-make a unique China tour of different destination, theme and length for you.

6. How to Start Your China Tour from Shanghai?

If you choose Shanghai as the gateway city for a China discovery, it’s very convenient to travel from Shanghai to other parts of China, based on the city’s excellent transportation network. Depending on your time and personal interests, you can easily enjoy a China trip of different destination, theme and length. The “”Golden Triangle Cities” - Beijing, Xian and Shanghai are the top three must-visit destinations with the most famous iconic attractions of China, which can be covered in 7 to 8 days’ itinerary. If you only want to explore diverse charm in neighboring area of Shanghai, 5 days is enough to visit Suzhou and Hangzhou with Shanghai, and 9 days is fine to add the Huangshan Mountain in. With over 10 days, you can more stunning experiences, such as a relaxing Yangtze River Cruise tour, a pastoral Guilin countryside life immersion, a super cool real “Avatar World” expedition in Zhangjiajie, a colorful ethnic culture in Yunnan, and sacred spiritual trip to Tibet and so on. Just contact us, tell your schedule and preference, we can tailor-make a unique China tour for you.

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