A Private Shanghai full-day Tour with Museums, Temples and Shanghai Circus World

Taking a full-day tour of Shanghai offers a fantastic way to get a comprehensive taste of this vibrant city. From its sobering history during World War II to its dazzling modern skyline, this private tour designed by MoreFunAsia Shanghai Tours covers the highlights with a mix of cultural, historic, and entertainment stops.

What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, the knowledgeable guides help bring each site to life with intriguing stories and local insights. Secondly, the tour seamlessly combines educational visits like the Shanghai Museum and Longhua Temple with lively experiences such as the Shanghai Circus World. Lastly, the convenient private setup ensures a personalized, relaxed day tailored to your pace.

However, a potential consideration is the long duration—around 11 to 12 hours—meaning it’s a full day on your feet, so pacing yourself is key. This tour suits travelers eager to see Shanghai’s diverse offerings in one day without the hassle of planning or navigating public transport. If you love a well-rounded, immersive experience with a touch of spectacle, this tour could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Comprehensive itinerary covers historic sites, shopping streets, cultural landmarks, and entertainment.
• Expert guides enhance storytelling, making each stop more meaningful.
• Balanced mix of indoor museums, outdoor landmarks, and lively performances.
• Private tour offers flexibility and personalized attention.
• Included transportation makes navigating Shanghai easier, especially for first-timers.
• Affordable value considering the many stops and experiences packed into a single day.

A Deep Dive into the Shanghai Full-Day Tour

The Convenience of a Private Tour

Starting at 9:00 am, this private tour is a smart choice if you prefer not to be part of a large group. The tour company, MoreFunAsia Shanghai Tours, offers pickup, reducing the stress of arranging transport in a busy city. The private setting also means your guide can tailor the pace and focus on your interests, making the day more engaging and less rushed.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum: A Sobering Start

This stop is more than just a museum; it’s a poignant reminder of Shanghai’s role during WWII. Situated at the site of the former Ohel Moishe Synagogue, the museum delves into the story of Jewish refugees who found sanctuary here. Expect to learn about their lives, the community they built, and their struggles during wartime. One reviewer highlighted how the guide’s storytelling made the history resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of understanding Shanghai’s multicultural past.

The Bund: A Classic Shanghai Scene

Next, a stroll along the Bund offers spectacular views of the Huangpu River and Shanghai’s iconic skyline. Here, you’ll see 26 buildings showcasing various architectural styles—from neoclassical to art deco—each narrating a chapter of Shanghai’s colonial-era wealth. The waterfront is lively, and many travelers appreciate the photo opportunities. It’s a great spot to soak in the city’s historical and modern contrast. Expect about an hour here, with plenty of chances to capture the stunning scenery.

Nanjing Road: Shopping and Buzz

A quick 30-minute walk along Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping street, provides a glimpse into Shanghai’s bustling commercial life. Over 600 shops line this 5.5 km stretch, and while you might not be tempted to buy everything, it’s fun to witness the vibrant atmosphere. Some travelers find this stop a quick snapshot rather than a shopping spree, but it’s undoubtedly a lively pulse of the city.

Shanghai Museum: Culture and Art

The Shanghai Museum is a highlight for those interested in Chinese history and arts. It houses an impressive collection of ancient Chinese bronzes, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. The museum’s layout makes it easy to navigate, and admission is free—an added bonus. One reviewer praised the well-curated exhibits and the chance to deepen understanding of Chinese culture, making it a worthwhile stop even for casual visitors.

Longhua Temple: Serenity and History

Built over 1,700 years ago, the Longhua Temple is the oldest and largest temple in Shanghai. Expect to see intricate architecture, pagodas, and peaceful courtyards. It’s a serene contrast to the busy city streets. The temple’s history and spiritual significance resonate with visitors, some of whom appreciated exploring a less commercialized part of Shanghai. The visit is scheduled for about an hour and a half, giving ample time to appreciate its historic ambiance.

Xujiahui Catholic Church: Architectural Charm

Dating back to 1896, the Xujiahui Catholic Cathedral offers a Gothic architectural style that stands out in the cityscape. It’s an important spiritual site with a rich history as Shanghai’s largest cathedral of its time. Visitors often find the interior awe-inspiring, and some reviews mention the peaceful atmosphere as a nice break from the bustling day.

Shanghai Circus World: Spectacle and Excitement

The tour culminates at Shanghai Circus World, renowned for its world-class acrobatics. The 2-hour show features daring acts, stunning costumes, and impressive stagecraft. It’s considered China’s No. 1 Circus and provides a lively, entertaining finale. The seating arrangement, with a capacity of 1,638, ensures a good view from most seats. Many reviewers have commented on how the show is a highlight, blending traditional Chinese acrobatics with modern flair.

Practical Tips and Insights

Transportation and Pacing

The tour includes metro travel, which allows you to experience local commuting like a Shanghainese. This adds an authentic touch and helps keep costs down. The entire day is packed with walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Timing and Flexibility

While the schedule is well-planned, the private nature of the tour offers some flexibility. If you want to spend more time at certain stops, your guide will likely accommodate. However, with such a packed itinerary, be prepared for a full day of activity.

Cost and Value

At $216 per person, the price covers admissions to key attractions, the acrobatic show, and private guiding—offering good value given the number of sites visited. The inclusion of transportation and a dedicated guide makes this an efficient way to cover so much ground without the stress of self-planning.

Insights from Past Travelers

Several reviews mention knowledgeable guides who make history come alive. For instance, one noted that her guide’s storytelling at the Jewish Refugees Museum was particularly moving, emphasizing the importance of local perspectives. Others appreciated the mix of indoor and outdoor sites, which kept the day lively and varied.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who want a rundown of Shanghai in just one day. It suits those interested in history, culture, and lively entertainment—all wrapped into a private, stress-free format. It’s especially ideal if you prefer guided commentary, as your guide will add depth to each stop.

If you’re short on time but eager to see the city’s diverse sides, this tour offers a robust snapshot. However, keep in mind the long hours and physical activity involved—pace yourself accordingly.

Final Thoughts

This full-day private tour provides a fantastic way to see Shanghai’s contrasting faces—the historic and the modern, the spiritual and the spectacular. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll gain insights that go beyond guidebooks, making each site more meaningful. The mix of cultural visits, shopping streets, and entertainment ensures a well-rounded experience that captures the city’s essence.

The included attractions and performances make this tour a good value, especially considering the convenience of private transport and personalized attention. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free, immersive introduction to Shanghai’s highlights.

For those eager to explore extensively without the hassle of organizing, and who enjoy storytelling as much as sightseeing, this tour offers a memorable day packed with variety and authenticity.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for families or children? This tour is generally suitable for most travelers, including families, as it involves walking and sightseeing. However, the full day may be tiring for very young children, so consider your group’s stamina.

What’s included in the price? The tour fee covers admissions to the Jewish Refugees Museum, Longhua Temple, and Shanghai Circus World, along with the acrobatic show. Transportation and guiding services are also included.

Can I customize the schedule? Since it’s a private tour, your guide may accommodate some adjustments based on your interests and pace, but the overall itinerary is quite full.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible? The provided information doesn’t specify accessibility details, so it’s best to contact the provider directly for specific needs.

What should I wear? Comfortable walking shoes are recommended due to the amount of walking. Dress according to the weather, especially if visiting outdoor sites like the Bund and Nanjing Road.

Are meals included? No, meals are not included in the tour price. You’ll have opportunities to grab lunch or snacks during the day at your own expense.

How is the guide’s knowledge? Multiple reviews praise the guides’ storytelling skills and local insights, which enrich the experience and provide a deeper understanding of each site.

What if I need to cancel? The tour allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility if plans change.

In essence, this private Shanghai tour balances history, culture, shopping, and entertainment in a way that suits travelers who want a thorough, engaging day with the benefit of expert guidance. It’s an excellent choice for those eager to understand Shanghai’s past and present all in one go.