How to Plan Your Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai

If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to experience the sights and sounds of Shanghai, a full-day private tour might be the way to go. With a local guide, you can explore the city’s cultural highlights and hidden gems, and customize your itinerary to suit your interests.

Overview

The Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai is a customizable tour that takes you to some of the city’s most popular attractions. With a private guide and driver, you can skip the lines at busy tourist spots and go at your own pace. The tour is fully customizable, so you can choose which sites you’d like to visit and how long you want to spend at each location. Potential highlights of the tour include:

• The Oriental Pearl TV Tower: This towering landmark offers some of the best views of the city
• The French Concession: A historic neighborhood with plenty of European charm
• The Bund: A popular waterfront promenade with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline
• Yu Garden: A beautiful traditional Chinese garden

Of course, these are just a few of the potential stops on your tour. Your guide can help you tailor the itinerary to your interests, whether you’re interested in shopping, history, or local cuisine.

What’s Included

When you book the Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai, you’ll receive:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off: A private driver will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off again at the end of the tour
• Personal tour guide services: Your expert guide will lead you through the city and provide informative commentary throughout the day
• Private car service based on your booking option: You’ll have a private car or van at your disposal, depending on the size of your group
• Food and Drink: You’ll enjoy a traditional Chinese lunch at a local restaurant
• Gratuities: Tips for your guide and driver are included in the tour price, so you won’t need to worry about leaving extra cash

Meeting and Pickup

The Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai offers flexible pickup options to suit your needs. You can either meet your guide at a pre-determined location, or request pickup from your hotel or another location within the city center. The tour starts at 9:00 am and ends back at your pickup location, so be sure to plan your day accordingly.

How to Book

If you’re interested in booking the Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai, you can do so online through Viator’s website. Simply visit the tour page here, select your preferred date, and choose your pickup location. You’ll receive a confirmation email with all the details of your tour, including the time and meeting point.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Shanghai or a seasoned traveler, the Full Day Private Tour of Shanghai is a great way to explore the city in depth. With its customizable itinerary, expert guide, and transportation included, you can enjoy a stress-free day of sightseeing and make unforgettable memories.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai, China

Shanghai is a bustling city in China, known for its rapid transformations, modern skyline, and cultural heritage. Here are some frequently asked questions about Shanghai and answers to help travelers plan their trip to this exciting destination.

1. What is the Best Time to Visit Shanghai?

The ideal time to visit Shanghai is from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild, and the humidity and crowds are lower than during the peak tourist season in June to August. The spring and fall months are also the best times to see cherry blossoms and colorful autumn foliage at local parks and gardens.

2. What are the Must-See Attractions in Shanghai?

Shanghai has a wide range of attractions for visitors, including historical landmarks, modern skyscrapers, parks, museums, and entertainment venues. Here are some of the must-see attractions in Shanghai:

The Bund:

A famous waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, with colonial-style buildings, restaurants, and nightclubs.

Yu Garden:

A classical Chinese garden with rockeries, winding paths, pavilions, and ponds.

Oriental Pearl Tower:

A 468-meter-high tower with observation decks, a revolving restaurant, and a glass-bottomed skywalk.

Shanghai Museum:

A top-rated museum with over 120,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, including bronzes, ceramics, jade, calligraphy, and paintings.

Shanghai Disney Resort:

A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, live shows, parades, and character meet-and-greets.

3. What are the Best Foods to Try in Shanghai?

Shanghai is famous for its local cuisine, which features a blend of regional flavors, techniques, and ingredients. Here are some of the best foods to try in Shanghai:

Xiaolongbao:

A type of steamed dumpling filled with pork, soup, and herbs.

Shengjianbao:

A type of fried bun filled with pork and vegetables, crispy outside and juicy inside.

Crab Shell Cake:

A savory pastry filled with crab meat, scallions, and spices.

Scallion Oil Noodles:

A simple yet delicious noodle dish flavored with scallions, soy sauce, and sesame oil.

Red-braised Pork:

A rich and tender pork belly dish cooked in soy sauce, sugar, and spices.

4. What is the Transportation System in Shanghai Like?

Shanghai has a well-developed transportation system, including buses, taxis, subways, and ferries. The subway system is the most convenient and affordable way to get around, with 16 lines covering the city and frequent trains running from 5:30 am to midnight. Taxis are also readily available, but they can be more expensive during rush hours or late at night. Buses are slower but cheaper than taxis, and they cover more areas of the city. Ferries operate between the two banks of the Huangpu River and provide scenic views of the city skyline.

5. What are Some Unique Souvenirs to Buy in Shanghai?

Shanghai offers a wide selection of souvenirs to bring back home, from traditional crafts to modern gadgets. Here are some unique souvenirs to buy in Shanghai:

Silk Products:

Shanghai is famous for its high-quality silk products, including scarves, ties, bedding, and clothing. Many shops in the city offer custom-made silk items or silk fabric by the yard.

Tea Leaves:

China is the birthplace of tea, and Shanghai has some of the finest tea shops in the country. Visitors can buy various types of tea leaves, teapots, tea sets, and tea accessories.

Shanghai-style Mahjong Set:

Mahjong is a popular tile-based game in China, and Shanghai has its own style of mahjong tiles with unique patterns and shapes. A mahjong set can be a fascinating and practical souvenir for travelers.

Chinese Painting or Calligraphy:

Shanghai has many art galleries and shops that sell traditional Chinese painting or calligraphy artworks, which can be a beautiful and meaningful souvenir for art lovers.

6. How is Shanghai Weather Like?

Shanghai has a humid subtropical climate, with four distinct seasons and abundant rainfalls. Summers (June-August) can be hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F). Winters (December-February) can be cold and damp, with occasional snowfalls and temperatures dropping below 0°C (32°F). Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) are the best seasons to visit, with mild temperatures and comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Visitors should check the weather forecast before traveling and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the season.

7. What is the Currency in Shanghai?

The currency used in Shanghai (and all China) is the Chinese yuan (CNY), also known as renminbi (RMB). Visitors can exchange currency at banks or currency exchange counters, which can be found at airports, train stations, and major shopping areas. Most shops, restaurants, and hotels accept major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express, but visitors should keep some cash for small purchases and transportation. In conclusion, Shanghai is a vibrant and diverse city that offers something for everyone, from history and culture to modernity and entertainment. Visitors should plan their trip carefully and prioritize their must-see attractions and foods, as well as prepare for the weather and transportation options. With some foresight and flexibility, a trip to Shanghai can be an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant, modern city that is rich in culture and history. As a tourist, there’s no shortage of things to do in this city. From sightseeing to trying out the local cuisine, Shanghai has something for everyone. Here are some tips on how to spend your time as a tourist in Shanghai.

1. Visit the Bund

The Bund is a must-see attraction in Shanghai. It’s a waterfront area in central Shanghai that’s known for its stunning skyline views. You can take a walk along the Bund, or you can take a river cruise to get a different perspective of the impressive skyscrapers that make up Shanghai’s skyline.

2. Explore Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai. It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of the bustling city, and it’s a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The garden is beautifully designed, with plenty of intricate paths and bridges, as well as a variety of flora and fauna to admire.

3. Visit the Shanghai Museum

If you’re interested in art and history, the Shanghai Museum is a must-visit attraction. It’s one of the best museums in China, and it’s dedicated to Chinese art, history, and culture. The museum houses over 120,000 pieces of art, which range from ancient jade carvings to contemporary oil paintings.

4. Shop at Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s premier shopping district. It’s a bustling pedestrian street that’s lined with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. If you’re looking for souvenirs or gifts to bring back home, Nanjing Road is the perfect place to go. The prices are reasonable, and the selection is vast.

5. Try the Local Cuisine

Shanghai is known for its unique cuisine, which is a fusion of different Chinese regional cuisines. Be sure to try some of the local specialties, such as xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), and hairy crab. You can find these dishes at most local restaurants, and they’re a great way to experience the local flavor.

6. Take a Day Trip to Zhujiajiao

If you want to escape the city for a day, Zhujiajiao is a great option. It’s an ancient water town that’s located just outside of Shanghai. The town is famous for its picturesque canals, stone bridges, and traditional architecture. It’s a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery.

7. Enjoy the Nightlife

Shanghai has a vibrant nightlife scene, with countless bars, clubs, and restaurants to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a quiet drink or a night of dancing, you’ll find plenty of options in the city. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include the French Concession, Xintiandi, and the Bund.

8. Visit the Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. It’s a 468-meter-tall tower that’s located in the Pudong district of the city. The tower has observation decks that offer stunning views of the city, as well as a museum, a revolving restaurant, and a shopping mall.

9. Take a Huangpu River Cruise

A Huangpu River Cruise is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You’ll sail along the Huangpu River, which cuts through the heart of Shanghai, and you’ll see some of the city’s most impressive landmarks, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the Jin Mao Tower.

10. Go to a Traditional Chinese Opera

If you’re interested in traditional Chinese culture, a Chinese opera performance is a must-see. There are several places in Shanghai where you can see a Chinese opera, such as the Shanghai Opera House and the Yunfeng Theater. The performances feature colorful costumes, intricate makeup, and unique musical instruments.

Book Your Tour Now

Shanghai is a city that has something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or just want to experience the local cuisine, Shanghai won’t disappoint. With so many things to see and do, you’ll never run out of things to do in this dynamic city.