Private Customized Shanghai Walking Tour

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. A Sanctuary of Serenity and Artistic Mastery Unlike many historical temples, the Jade Buddha Temple is renowned not for its age, but for its world-famous spiritual treasures. Built in 1882 to house two exquisite jade Buddha statues brought from Burma, it remains a deeply active monastery and a haven of peace amidst the urban bustle. The Jade Buddha Temple offers a unique combination of breathtaking artistic beauty and a deeply tranquil, working monastic environment. It's a must-visit for those seeking a moment of reflection and to witness one of Shanghai's most cherished cultural gems.

   1 h

2. Skybridge HQ: Shanghai's "Thousand Trees" Designed by Thomas Heatherwick—the visionary behind London’s Rolling Bridge—this building looks like a "living ecosystem." Its white pillared columns branch out like giant stems holding up green platforms, creating a stunning contrast against the city’s skyline.

   45 min

3. Xintiandi isn't just a destination; it's Shanghai's most successful blend of heritage and modernity. This stylish pedestrian district has masterfully transformed traditional 1920s shikumen (stone-gate) houses—once symbols of local residential life—into a vibrant playground of international dining, luxury boutiques, and contemporary art. Xintiandi is the sophisticated "living room" of Shanghai—a must-visit to understand how the city honors its past while constantly evolving into the future. It's where history, culture, and global trends seamlessly converge.

   45 min

4. Yu Garden (Garden of Happiness): A 16th-century classical Chinese garden masterpiece, Yu Garden is a peaceful oasis of pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and dragon-lined walls. Each element is artistically arranged according to Feng Shui principles, creating a harmonious retreat from the modern city. Yu Garden Bazaar: Surrounding the garden, the lively bazaar bursts with energy. Wander through zigzagging lanes to discover: Traditional handicrafts like paper-cutting and silk products Street food stalls serving xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and candied hawthorns

   1.5 hAdmission included

5. Soaring 632 meters above the financial district of Lujiazui, the Shanghai Tower is not just China's tallest building; it's a visionary symbol of sustainable design and urban innovation. As the world's third-tallest skyscraper, it redefines what a modern mega-structure can be.

   1 hAdmission included

6. The Bund—Shanghai's most iconic landmark and an open-air museum of architecture. This magnificent mile-long waterfront promenade showcases a stunning collection of 52 grand buildings from the 1920's and 1930's, once housing the world's greatest banks, trading houses, and clubs. This is why it was known as the 'Wall Street of the East.' It's the perfect symbol of Shanghai itself: a city forever looking forward, but built upon a rich and powerful history.

   1 h

7. Stretching for about 1 kilometer through the very center of Shanghai, the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is more than just a shopping street—it's a dynamic urban spectacle and a living symbol of the city's commercial spirit. Often called "China's No. 1 Shopping Street," it seamlessly blends a rich historical legacy with hyper-modern energy.

   45 min

8. People's Square: From Racecourse to Civic Center Step into the geographical center of Shanghai and discover a site of dramatic transformation. In the 1920's and 1930's, this was the famed Shanghai Racecourse, the playground of international elites. Today, it's a symbol of modern China, housing world-class cultural venues. The square's evolution from a symbol of colonial past to a proud public space perfectly mirrors the larger story of Shanghai itself—a city constantly reinventing itself while honoring its history.

   1 h

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Know before you go

How it compares in Shanghai

• Its from-price is 18% below the median of the 504 city tours we list in Shanghai.
• Its length is typical for the group.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Shanghai

Shanghai is China's dazzling financial city on the Huangpu River, where a colonial-era waterfront faces a futuristic skyline and old lanes hide teahouses.

The Bund, a riverside promenade lined with grand banks and hotels from the early twentieth century, faces the towers of Pudong across the water, among them the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower and the twisting Shanghai Tower. The view is at its most dramatic after dark, when both banks light up and river boats glide between them.

Top-ranked sights in Shanghai: The Bund (Waitan), Yu Garden (Yuyuan), Shanghai French Concession.

See all 2099 experiences in Shanghai