Shanghai
Discover Shanghai, a booming megalopolis mixing East and West, ancient and modern. The 144-hour visa-free transit policy makes Shanghai a more convenient destination for transit and short stay passengers. We also design tours from Shanghai to the Yellow Mountains, Suzhou, Hangzhou, and nearby water towns, all of which can be completed within 6 days. Each tour can be tailored to your dates and interests.
Shanghai is such a large and complex city that going with a tour guide and driver to see Shanghai's modern wonders and classic side helps make your visit less stressful and more rewarding.
Our well-designed tour plans cover the highlights of the Shanghai area in ways that experience and customer feedback shows are best. They can all be customized to your interests and travel style.
Shanghai
Shanghai has a long history as a gateway to China on the Yangtze River Delta. It is the largest economic and trade center in China, and one of China's cultural centers.
Shanghai's colonial past is retained in the Bund and cosmopolitan air.
Shanghai is at the front line of China's economic development. The Pudong district's prosperous features are guaranteed to wow visitors.
Top Things to Do in Shanghai
- Stroll the Bund promenade: It is the top TripAdvisor Thing to Do. See the grand skyline views of colonial-era buildings and tall skyscrapers.
* Visit the Shanghai Museum that is one of China's best and where you can see masterpieces of Chinese art and ancient artifacts.- * Appreciate the traditional architecture and harmony of Yuyuan ('Happiness Garden')
* Dine at the World Financial Center and the revolving restaurant at the Oriental Pearl.
* Discover the French Concession — Walk among colonial architecture, shop, snack, and enjoy modern art.
* Ride a river boat to see the light and color in the evening.
* Go to Zhujiajiao Water Town, a water town with fascinating canals, bridges, and architecture, for countryside excursions. - * Tongli Water Town is one of several that our tourists prefer near Shanghai.
Best Times to Visit Shanghai
Winter in Shanghai is windy and chilly, so to visit the water towns, enjoy the Bund and see the scenery during clear warm (or hot) weather, the period from March to the end of November is better.
To avoid crowds, heat and storms, avoid July, August and the first weeks of October and May.
Shanghai Attractions
1) The Bund
For a century, the Bund has been one of the most recognizable symbols and the pride of Shanghai. The architecture along the Bund is a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s. You've never been to Shanghai if you haven’t seen the Bund.
The Bund is a mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. To the west of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings".
The best way to appreciate the buildings is to have a walk along the Bund. Roaming among the architectural complexes, you'll have a better understanding of the century-long charm of this city.
2) Yu Garden
Yu Garden is believed to have been built in the Ming Dynasty, more than 400 years ago. The exquisite layout, beautiful scenery, and the artistic style of the garden architecture have made the garden one of the highlights of Shanghai.
Yu Garden is composed of six scenic areas: Sansui Hall, Wanhua Chamber, Dianchun Hall, Huijing Hall, Yuhua Hall, and the Inner Garden.
The highlights of the garden are: classical Chinese architecture, exquisite sculptures and carvings, and the busy Yuyuan bazaar.
3) The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Standing by the bank of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower has been the outstanding landmark of Shanghai since its completion in 1994.
With a height of 468 meters (1,535 feet), it was the tallest structure in China before it was surpassed by the Shanghai World Financial Center in 2007. Now, it is the fifth highest tower in the world.
Shanghai History Museum is on the ground level. It contains thousands of historical relics, over 100 wax figures, and scaled-down exquisite architectures.
You can learn about the culture of Shanghai, from what it used to be and how it has evolved through time. It's a very nice exhibition for both children and adults, showing the history of the city.
4) Nanjing Road
Located in Huangpu District, Shanghai City, Nanjing Road (Nanjing East Road, to be exact) stretches from Xizang Middle Road in the west to He'nan Middle Road in the east, and it is about 1,033 meters long and 18–30 meters wide.
Nanjing Road enjoys a history of over 100 years and used to be called “Parker Lane”. It was named Nanjing Road officially in 1865 and turned into a pedestrianized road in 1999. According to statistics, there are over 1,700,000 visitors to Nanjing Road every day.
Shopping must be the theme of East Nanjing Road, on which there are lots of old stores, famous stores and large commercial buildings.
5) Shanghai Disneyland Park
Shanghai Disneyland Park is the first Disney theme park in mainland China, which blends the magic of Disney and unique cultural elements of China. Embark on a magical journey through various themed lands filled with world-class attractions and spectacular entertainment.
6) The Shanghai Tower
The building dwarfs the Shanghai World Financial Center and the 88-story Jin Mao Tower next to it. It is about 122 meters (400 feet) taller than Shanghai World Financial Center and the Taipei 101 too.
Some of the world's fastest elevators speed up and down at 65 kph (40 miles per hour). You may want to visit just for that experience.
7) Zhujiajiao Watertown
Zhujiajiao Water Town is about 50 km away from the Bund, Shanghai. If your time is limited, Zhujiajiao would be the best and 2nd nearest option to get a feel of such ancient towns. Similar to Venice in Italy, there are many well preserved bridges and boat ride is available.
Zhujiajiao is a township in the Qingpu District of Shanghai. In the centuries past Zhujiajiao was a trading area due to the many canals, which were used to ferry products along in little boats and barges.
It is well endowed with waterways, 36 ancient bridges, and traditional Chinese-style residences.
You don't need a ticket to walk around, but it is an official tourist area, so some attractions and buildings require a ticket, available at the main gate.
8) Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
If you’re stunned by Shanghai today, go to see how it will look in 2020. The Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall is a short walk across Renmin Square from the magnificent Shanghai Museum, and is well worth a visit, far more interesting than its name suggests.
The centerpiece is an enormous scale model of the city centre that takes up an entire upper floor. It shows current and future development, and it’s mind-boggling. There are raised walkways for viewing the model from different angles, and the detail is fascinating, showing clearly what’s planned, and what already exists. It’s also a very good introduction to Shanghai, and gives visitors an excellent perspective and introduction to the city. The building itself is attractive, and includes space for temporary exhibitions.