Private Shanghai Layover Tour: Explore Museum, Yu Garden and Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai
Discover the best of Shanghai on a private layover tour. Visit Shanghai Museum, explore the Old City, and enjoy a Huangpu River cruise. No shopping, just authentic experiences.
Duration: 9 hours
Cancellation: 1 day learn more
Highlights
  • The Bund - Your tour guide will meet you at the airport exit at 08:30 a.m. or upon your flight’s arrival. From there, you’ll head to the Bund. The Bund is a renowned waterfront on the west bank of the Huangpu River and is considered a symbol of Shanghai. It showcases Shanghai’s blend of a century-old history and a thriving future, making it a must-see attraction. You’ll see 26 buildings of various architectural styles, including the Peace Hotel, Shanghai Customs House, and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. You’ll also visit the Sculpture on the Bund, Monument to the People’s Heroes, Huangpu Park, and Waibaidu Bridge, and admire the high-rises across the Huangpu River.

Next, you’ll take a cruise to enjoy the scenery along the Huangpu River.

  • Huangpu River - The Huangpu River separates two iconic but distinct Shanghai sights: the modern skyscrapers in Pudong and the 26 diverse architectural buildings on the west side. You’ll embark on a one-hour cruise along the Huangpu River to enjoy the light show and beautiful scenery on both sides, including the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower.

Afterward, you’ll head to People’s Square and visit the Shanghai Museum to learn about Shanghai’s rich history and culture.

  • People’s Square (Renmin Guang Chang) - Located in the heart of Shanghai, People’s Square is the dividing point between East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. It’s a bustling area for sightseeing. Before 1949, the area was a famous horse racetrack built in 1861, known as the “No.1 Racetrack in the Far East.” Visitors can still see the remnants of the former main building in the northeast part of People’s Square. You’ll explore many scenic spots around People’s Square, such as the new Municipal Government Mansion, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theater, Shanghai History Museum, and the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Later, you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum.
  • Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) - Situated in the center of Shanghai at People’s Square, the Shanghai Museum is a large museum dedicated to ancient Chinese art. Its design and exhibits immerse visitors in ancient wisdom and philosophy. The museum’s round dome and square base symbolize the ancient concept of a round heaven and a square earth. The museum features eleven galleries and three exhibition halls, covering major categories of Chinese art: Ancient Bronze, Ancient Ceramics, Paintings, Calligraphy, Ancient Sculpture, Ancient Jade, Coins, Ming and Qing Furniture, Seals, and Minority Nationalities. You’ll also see many scenic spots around People’s Square, such as the new Municipal Government Mansion and Shanghai Grand Theater.

Later, you’ll walk to Yunnan Road. Based on your preferences, your guide will recommend a dining spot, which could be a local eatery or an elegant restaurant.

  • Shanghai Great World Amusement Park - This building was once the pinnacle of nightlife in Shanghai. Da Shi Jie was the place to be in the foreign settlement area of Shanghai. Crowds gathered to see novelties and enjoy themselves. The first floor still features “magic mirrors” brought from the Netherlands decades ago. Some shows still survive, showcasing everything from beautifully woven carpets in Xinjiang to cave paintings in Ningxia and various skilled artisans displaying their crafts.
  • Yuyuan Old Street - Historically known as Miaoqian Dajie, Shanghai Old Street is a blend of tourist attractions, shops, entertainment, and cultural exhibits. Its rich commercial background includes the city’s earliest bank, gold shop, jeweler’s store, wine shop, and tea house. Visiting the old alleys of Shanghai offers a glimpse into the city’s traditional culture and the real life of its residents. You’ll then visit Yu Garden, the largest of Shanghai’s ancient gardens.
  • Yu Garden (Yuyuan) - You’ll tour Yu Garden, first built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty by Pan Yunduan as a comfort for his father, Minister Pan En, in his old age. Pan Yunduan began the project after failing an imperial exam, but his appointment as governor of Sichuan delayed construction until 1577. Despite its small size, Yu Garden contains all the elements of a classical Chinese garden, including pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and cloisters, each with unique characteristics. The garden is divided into six areas, each with its own style.
  • Shanghai Temple Of the Town God (Chenghung Miao) - The Old Town God Temple of Shanghai, with its long history, attracts many tourists worldwide. Visitors can pray, watch folk performances, participate in cockfighting, special calligraphy, and other acrobatic performances. The temple is also famous for its local snacks, making it a haven for food lovers with numerous restaurants lining the streets.

Afterward, you’ll enjoy a comfortable transfer back to the airport to catch your flight or to a nearby hotel. Cherish your memories and say goodbye.

What's Included
  • Knowledgeable tour guide
  • Private transportation
  • Bottled water
  • Entrance fee of the indicated attractions
What's Not Included
  • Lunch
Additional Information

Discover Shanghai with a personal guide on this exclusive layover tour. Roam around the Bund and experience a river cruise along the Huangpu River; explore People’s Square and pay a visit to Shanghai Museum; entertain yourselves at Shanghai Great World; unearth the delights of the local food street - Yunnan Road; amble around Yuan Old Street and Yu Garden, savouring the attractive garden landscapes and immersing in the local street life. Based on your tastes, your guide will suggest some tasty local treats to try out.

  1. Absorb the deep history and culture at Shanghai Museum
  2. Connect with locals and experience their way of life in Shanghai Old City
  3. Customizable tour itinerary with dedicated attention from a private guide
  4. Efficient use of your time: no rushing, no enforced shopping and no wasted moments
Location
The Bund
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Select Date and Tickets
up to 15 guests
1 Adult
June 2024
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