Shanghai: Wukang Road, Bund, & Circus Day Tour

Travelers looking for a full day of exploration and entertainment in Shanghai will find this guided tour offers a bit of everything—historic architecture, scenic river views, cultural performances, and a dazzling circus. It’s designed to give a balanced mix of local history, iconic sights, and entertainment, all bundled into a single day.

What makes this experience stand out? First, the tour’s focus on Wukang Road and its unique Art Deco architecture provides a glimpse into Shanghai’s eclectic past. Second, the Huangpu River cruise offers some of the best sunset views of the city’s modern skyline. Lastly, the Shanghai Circus World show promises a night of awe-inspiring performances and acrobatics, truly a highlight for those seeking visual spectacle.

However, the busy schedule and multiple stops mean the day can feel a bit rushed, especially if you prefer slower-paced exploration. Also, the tour price of $437 per person may seem steep, but considering all tickets, transport, and guides are included, it offers good value for a comprehensive city experience.

This tour suits travelers who want a well-rounded taste of Shanghai—history buffs, culture seekers, and circus lovers alike—who appreciate guided insights and convenience. It’s ideal if you’re short on time but eager to see key highlights with expert commentary.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines architecture, culture, sightseeing, and entertainment in one day.
• Authentic Insights: Guided tours reveal local stories and hidden details of iconic sights.
• Convenience: All tickets, transportation, and hotel pickup included, making logistics simple.
• Cultural Highlights: From Art Deco buildings to traditional performances, it captures Shanghai’s diversity.
• Value for Money: Covers multiple attractions at a fixed price, reducing the hassle of booking separately.
• Audience: Perfect for travelers seeking a curated, all-in-one day outing in Shanghai.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting the Day at Wukang Road

The day kicks off with a visit to Wukang Road, a street celebrated for its beautifully preserved Art Deco architecture. Here, the guide points out the Wukang Building, a ship-shaped façade that’s a visual standout. We loved how the guide, often with a small group, explained the design details—like the Morse code messages hidden in the corridors—which adds a layer of intrigue to the architecture.

Visitors can expect to learn about Ba Jin’s former residence and view original manuscripts, enriching the experience for history buffs. The chance to sip “Eileen Chang’s favorite” Viennese coffee in a retro café offers a relaxed break, turning a simple coffee stop into a moment to appreciate Shanghai’s literary past.

Authentic reviews mention how knowledgeable guides, like Yifan, bring these stories to life, making architecture feel more than just bricks and mortar. One reviewer noted, “It’s fascinating to decode the Morse messages and realize how much history is tucked into these buildings.”

Exploring Shanghai’s Cultural Heart

Next, a visit to Pudong’s Expo Park introduces us to the Shanghai Eternal Love Show. The show comprises three acts—”Origin of Shanghai,” “Concession Era,” and “Modern Age”—each depicting different eras of the city’s development through impressive visuals and storytelling. The golden-seat viewing guarantees immersive viewing, and the live performances are described as “epic” and “cinematic,” capturing the city’s evolution beautifully.

After the show, there’s an opportunity to take a fun photo with the actor portraying Xu Wenqiang from the famous The Bund series, adding a playful touch to the day.

Lunch at the Paramount Restaurant offers local dishes like braised pork and yellow croaker noodles, giving a taste of authentic Shanghai cuisine. Reviewers say the themed setting is nostalgic and adds to the experience, making it more than just a meal.

Participating in a Qipao Flash Mob and trying to solve puzzles in a Republic-era escape room adds interactive fun, especially appreciated by those who enjoy hands-on cultural activities.

Architectural Tour of The Bund

In the afternoon, the focus shifts to the Bund, where a guided architecture tour reveals why the Customs Building clock plays The East Is Red—a surprising and meaningful detail. Viewing 1920s footage, the guide explains the historical significance of the colonial buildings lining the river, offering a layered understanding of Shanghai’s international past.

The Huangpu River cruise then provides panoramic views of the Lujiazui skyline—a perfect sunset spot. Travelers have commented on how relaxing it is to drift along the river, soaking in the illuminated cityscape, with the view of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower being particularly striking.

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Evening at Shanghai Circus World

As evening falls, the tour concludes with a trip to Shanghai Circus World for the ERA Intersection of Time show. Known for its mesmerizing acts like “Time Loop” and “Extreme Dreams,” it’s a highlight for those who love spectacular performances. Reviewers emphasize the “mind-blowing acrobatics” and “seamless choreography,” making it a memorable finish to a busy day.

It’s worth noting that the show is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly. The venue’s modern setup and comfortable seats make for an enjoyable viewing experience, especially with the additional background insights from the guide.

Practical Details and Tips

The entire experience is designed to be smooth, with hotel pickup and air-conditioned transport reducing travel stress. All attraction tickets are included, and guides are bilingual, helping non-Chinese speakers navigate with ease.

Given the full schedule, wearing comfortable shoes is a must, as there’s quite a bit of walking and standing. Travelers should also bring sunscreen for outdoor stops, especially during the architecture tour and river cruise.

While the price of $437 covers all the major attractions and transport, it’s important to remember that meals and personal shopping are not included, so budget accordingly.

The tour is not suitable for children under 6 or those with mobility impairments, mainly because of the physical demands and walking involved.

Additional Notes

• Booking flexibility: You can reserve now and pay later, offering travelers flexibility.
• Cancellation policy: Cancel at least 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Language options: The guides speak multiple languages, catering to international visitors.

Final Thoughts

This Shanghai day tour offers a well-rounded slice of the city’s character, combining history, architecture, and culture with entertainment. It’s perfect for those who want a curated experience that balances learning with fun, all handled by knowledgeable guides who bring stories to life.

While the schedule is packed, it’s ideal for travelers who prefer a structured plan and dislike the hassle of organizing multiple tickets and transport. The inclusion of lively performances, scenic river cruises, and intriguing architectural insights makes it a solid value for the price, especially if you’re eager to see Shanghai’s highlights efficiently.

For history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and circus fans, this tour provides a balanced mix of authentic sights and entertainment. However, if you prefer a more relaxed pace or are traveling with very young children or mobility challenges, you might want to consider a more leisurely option.

In the end, this tour is about capturing the essence of Shanghai—its history, modernity, and vibrant culture—all in one compelling day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included in the tour? Yes, hotel pickup is part of the experience, making it convenient to start your day without additional planning.

Are all attraction tickets included? Yes, all tickets for the attractions visited are included in the tour price.

What should I wear? Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended, as there’s a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure.

Can I book this tour for a different day? Yes, you can reserve your preferred date, but note that the ERA Intersection of Time show is closed on Mondays.

Is the tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 6 years or people with mobility impairments.

How long is the entire tour? The day typically covers a full schedule, with multiple stops and activities, making for a busy but fulfilling experience.

What languages are guides available in? Guides speak multiple languages including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Arabic, Thai, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese.

Can I cancel the tour if my plans change? Yes, cancellations are accepted with a full refund if done at least 24 hours in advance.

This guided day tour offers a fantastic way to see the best of Shanghai in one comprehensive package—perfect if you want depth, variety, and a dash of entertainment all in one day.

You can check availability for your dates here: