The 10 Best Cultural Tours in Shanghai, Shanghai Region

May 19, 2021 Joeann Galban

The largest city in China is also its most cosmopolitan, offering visitors a chance to experience the past, present, and future all at once. The Huangpu River splits Shanghai into two districts: Pudong and Puxi. The Pudong skyline looks like it was ripped from the Jetsons, with the bulbous Oriental Pearl TV and Radio Tower looking a bit like a two headed lollipop. On the Puxi side, you can walk the Bund riverside district to get a taste of old Shanghai.
Restaurants in Shanghai

1. Peking Duck Dining Experience with Amazing Shanghai Night Lights

Sunny Tours Shanghai
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

This ultimate Peking duck dining experience followed by the amzing Shanghai city night tour is specially designed for you and your party. Enjoy traditional Beijing-style roast duck meal in the popular local restaurant. In addition the wonderful meal, you will also visit Shanghai Old town (Yu Garden Bazaar) and splendid night view along the Bund area or French Concession.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Private driver and car, Local tasty dinner, Private night tour, Hotel pickup and drop-off(Only for hotels located in downtown area, pick up does not include the hotel in the outskirts such as Jiading, Songjiang ,Qingpu ,Jinqiao, Chuansha in Pudong areas, if your hotel is not in the downtown your guide will give you the instruction to meet at the downtown point), VIP cruise ticket ( If related tour option is booked).

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By suhui411

Had a great time in Suzhou with our tour guide Annie. We went through all the transit seamlessly and hit all the major points. It was nice just being able to enjoy and learn about a destination without having to deal with logistics.

2. Private Amazing Shanghai City Day Tour in Your Way

Amazing Shanghai Trip
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5.0 based on 16 reviews

Make the most of a day in Shanghai with this private customized highlights tour. Accompanied by your professional tour guide, visit the city’s top attractions, such as the city skyline on the Bund,the tallest observatory in the world at Shanghai tower, the most charming alley Tianzifang at Former French concession, the old traditional garden at Yuyuan garden& bazaar, the century-old Buddhism temple at Jade Buddha temple, Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao). You are freely to make your own starting time and choose to visit the attractions based on your preference.In addition, you can select the option with an air-conditioned vehicle and driver for your tour.

Inclusions: Private guide, Transport by private vehicle(if Tour with car service option is selected), Hotel pick-up and drop-off

Exclusions: Transport by private vehicle (if Tour only option is selected), Food and drinks, Gratuities, Entrance fees

Reviewed By airyhillstudio

We are a group of Ex-pats who have been in Shanghai an average of 7 years. We can honestly share that this experience will be one of the high lights of our time here. It is one thing to view the Bund from either side looking over to the other. It exceeds your expectations to see it from the middle of the river. Alana was an outstanding host from start to finish. She checked in during the entire process making sure we had what we needed and even thought of extra ways to make this celebration better. The Champaign was Moet and the View was priceless. Thank you again for making our time in your beautiful city even more memorable. Cheers!!!!!

3. Private Suzhou Ancient Town and Tongli Water Village Day Trip from Shanghai

Shanghai Tour Facilitator - Harris Private Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

In this all inclusive private day trip, you will explore Suzhou thoroughly in one day by visiting both representative attractions in ancient town and a charming water village in its outskirt. The itinerary comprises Tiger Hill and Leaning Pagoda, Lingering Garden and Tongli Water Village.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Hotel or residence pickup and drop-off, Transport by air-conditioned vehicle, Lunch

Exclusions: Gratuities, Gondola boat ride in Tongli (your own expense)

Reviewed By neilbS830OM

Harris was so knowledgeable about the places we visited, great with the kids and speak fluent English. Throughout the trip, he managed to capture kid's attention and engaged with them. He took us to an authentic local eating place in Tongli water village, despite a fussy vegetarian husband and kids (popped their eyes when they saw escargot served), they loved their traditional pork knuckles so much that they asked for more rice. YES!! Overall, we had a great memorable trip. Thanks Harris! Highly recommended.

4. 16-Day Small-Group Tour: Beijing, Xi'an, Guilin, Chengdu, Chongqing, Yangtze River Cruise and Shanghai

Travel China Guide
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5.0 based on 5 reviews

This small group trip is a perfect combination of popular tourist destinations in China. You can explore rich historical and cultural heritages in Beijing and Xi'an, by visiting the Great Wall, Forbidden City, Terracotta Army and many other attractions. Continue to appreciate charming natural scenery in Guilin, observe the lovely pandas in Chengdu, relax during the 5-star Yangtze River Cruise and experience dynamic metropolitan life of Shanghai.

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dinner, Lunch, Lunch, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, Lunch, Breakfast, 15 nights hotel/ cruise ship accommodation based on twin-sharing room, One way Economy-class airfare from Beijing to Xi'an, Xi'an to Guilin and Guilin to Chengdu. , One way First-class seat of High-speed Train Fare from Yichang to Shanghai, One way soft seat train from Chengdu to Chongqing, Two bottled water per person per day, Professional guide & experienced driver, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, China visa fees, International airfare, Airport drop-off service in Shanghai on Day 16, Single room supplement for solo guest is compulsive and is available on request.

Reviewed By 283brianneb

Really great experience! Our guide Rocky was really knowledgeable and took some amazing photos for our group. This tour made our trip stress free, leaving us to enjoy the beautiful views.

5. 2-Day Unlimited Private Trip to Suzhou and Hangzhou by Bullet Train from Shanghai

Amazing Shanghai Trip
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

There is a Chinese saying, "Up in heaven, there is paradise; down on earth, there are Suzhou and Hangzhou". It means that the cities of Hangzhou and Suzhou have beautiful scenery that make them comparable to paradise on earth. This 2-day private tour leads you to the amazing sightseeing of the top attractions in both Suzhou and Hangzhou. Experience the speedy bullet train of China for your short excursion each day from Shanghai. The itinerary can be 100% customized based on your own interests. Accompany by your professional private guide each day to learn the local history and famous tea culture.

Inclusions: Lunch, Lunch, Private guide, Private transportation in Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou city, Daily lunch (if all inclusive package is selected), Boat ride in Suzhou (if all inclusive package is selected), Entrance fees of Humble Administrator's Garden, Linyin Temple (if all inclusive package is selected), 2 round trip bullet train tickets (Shanghai -Suzhou; Shanghai - Hangzhou)

Exclusions: Additional entrance tickets, Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Lunch and entrance fees (if choose Guide and Transfer Service Package), Hotel accommodation

Reviewed By airyhillstudio

We are a group of Ex-pats who have been in Shanghai an average of 7 years. We can honestly share that this experience will be one of the high lights of our time here. It is one thing to view the Bund from either side looking over to the other. It exceeds your expectations to see it from the middle of the river. Alana was an outstanding host from start to finish. She checked in during the entire process making sure we had what we needed and even thought of extra ways to make this celebration better. The Champaign was Moet and the View was priceless. Thank you again for making our time in your beautiful city even more memorable. Cheers!!!!!

6. Half-Day Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion of City Highlights

Sunny Tours Shanghai
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

No matter you are the first time visitor or veterans, this fully customizable, private Shanghai shore excursion provides you a tailor-made itinerary-designed with your unique interests in mind. Spend a quality time with your local guide expert to enjoy the amazing sites and sounds that the city has to offer. Choose between lunch and dinner options at time of booking. Return travelers who have already ticked off the main sights can opt for lesser-known locations, like Confucius Temple, Tianzifang Creative Park, or the Shanghai Propaganda Art Poster Center. Enjoy the flexible departure time along the day and convenient door to door tranfer during the tour. 

Inclusions: Private tour services, Cruise port pick up and drop offs, Lunch or Dinner based on your tour departure time, Great Local guide , comfortable car and professional driver

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance fee if applies

Reviewed By suhui411

Had a great time in Suzhou with our tour guide Annie. We went through all the transit seamlessly and hit all the major points. It was nice just being able to enjoy and learn about a destination without having to deal with logistics.

7. water village of shagnhai tour

Shanghai, China jason tour in shanghai
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

1-Day Tour to the Zhujiajiao Ancient Town and silk museum Attractions:Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour Duration: 9:00-17:00 Tour Type: private Tour Price Inclusion: Hotel pick-up and drop-off service, Air-conditioned tour bus, English speaking tour guide, Entrance tickets, lunch.

Inclusions: Private tour, Transport by private vehicle, Lunch, Professional guide

Exclusions: tips, Gratuities

Reviewed By wongdeso

We just back from our China trip, where I arrange some day tours through local operator and rent car with driver. We have Jason as our tour guide on our shanghai day tour ( Zhujiajou n cruise ) , we re lucky it was a private tour . Jason been very nice, especially he speak 2 languages (to me n my nephews in english and to my parents n their friends in mandarin) My parents really happy (as the one other tour guide in beijing she did not want to speak in mandarin at all) Jason is very knowledgeable and kind Also Jason is very nice to help check my nephew’s camera left in the van (we realize it on the next day) and he s very kind to ask the drive to send back the camera Thank you Jason, will definetely contact you again when I m back to Shanghai.

8. Private Half Day Tour: Zhujiajiao Ancient Water Town with Local Delicacies

Jenny's Shanghai Tours
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5.0 based on 31 reviews

Enjoy this short trip just one hour outside of Shanghai to the serene charm of Zhujiajiao ancient water town. On this 4 1/2 hour tour you'll ride a gondola beneath ancient bridges and stroll Qing dynasty streets and explore Ming and Qing dynasty architecture while diving into local shops. Along the way you'll sample local delicacies such as sticky rice dumplings (zong zi) and steamed pork wrapped in bamboo leaves (zha rou) as well as traditional Chinese candies. This tour also includes a relaxing site-filled gondola ride.

Inclusions: Private guide, Air-conditioned vehicle with ample room based on your group size with experienced driver, Gondola ride, Bottled water, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Local delicacies(Snacks) tasting

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Tips-recommended

Reviewed By Abr24601

Thanks to Cassie and Jenny’s China Tours, I recently enjoyed a live virtual tour of the Leshan Buddha, one of the oldest Buddha statues in the world. Cassie made the experience come alive, and is an absolutely incredible tour guide. She is so kind, welcoming and knowledgeable! I felt like I was there in person. Cassie provided an excellent historical background (including the Buddha’s construction), and bravely climbed the steps to the top. She made the experience personal, pausing as she climbed the steps, giving me the opportunity to marvel at the Leshan Buddha from different perspectives, and answering all of my questions. I also enjoyed the pavilion and exquisite Buddhist temple behind the Leshan Buddha (including breathtaking Buddha statues). What an exceptional experience! I can’t wait to tour with Cassie and Jenny’s China Tours again.

9. Private Walking Tour in the Former French Concession

Shanghai Melody
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5.0 based on 48 reviews

The former French Concession is always the highlight of a visit to Shanghai. It also becomes the city's hottest and hippest neighborhood, where trendy bars and clubs multiply like mushrooms after a rainstorm. The area still holds something of the alluring mix of scrappy Shanghainese street life, shopworn European colonial charm, Art Deco edifices, hidden brick courtyards and film noir intrigue that have, along with the proud stone edifices of the bund and the twisting alleys of Shanghai's Old city, long defined Shanghai in the Western popular imagination. Shanghai's idiosyncratic push-pull between new and old, development and preservation, takes a special form in the French Concession, making it an absolutely unique urban experience.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup, Transportation to attraction, Excellent English-speaking guide, Entrance Tickets

Exclusions: Personal expenses, Gratuities, Hotel drop-off

Reviewed By Menepois

The tour was great. I learned a lot of interesting things about the Bund. Penny was great and friendly. She was also well informed.

10. Private: One-Day Zhouzhuang Tour from Shanghai

China Travel Shanghai
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Admire the most authentic water town view and learn about the most authentic water town culture in the most renowned water town of China. Both ancient agriculture and commerce are the highlights.

Inclusions: Necessary transfers during the tour, A local private English-speaking guide, A private air-conditioned car or van, according to the size of your group number, with a local driver, Local meals listed in the itinerary, Lunch

Exclusions: Tips and gratuities to guide or driver (recommended), Personal expenses, Any meals or drinks not listed in the itinerary, Any attractions/activities/shows not listed in the itinerary

Reviewed By chiniehdiaz

I booked this cruise terminal pickup and transfer to our Shanghai hotel through the Chinatravel.com website, and was delighted by the quick and very accommodating service I experienced all throughout. Communications with Sally prior to the tour were easy and very professional, and when I had to change pickup time, this was no problem at all. When we arrived in Shanghai, our tour guide William was waiting for us exactly on time, and on the trip to the hotel arranged two more tours for us - one that afternoon for some sightseeing, and another to take us to the airport the next day. William was a great tour guide, and really helped us make the most of the limited time we had to see the sights. He helped us through everything - hotel check-in, finding best currency exchange rates, ordering food and buying things in convenience stores. And when at the end of our day I discovered I had dropped my wallet in the van (which had already left!) he made all the arrangements for the driver to bring it back to me at the hotel later that night. When I finally had it back, I called to thank him and he said "Ok.. now I can relax." :) So nice. Thank you William, and thank you, China Travel!

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