Indigo Shanghai Hongqiao with Airport Pickup, 2-day Sightseeing Tour and Cruise

Traveling to Shanghai often means juggling busy schedules, navigating vast cityscapes, and searching for accommodations that balance convenience with comfort. This Indigo Shanghai Hongqiao with Airport Pickup, 2-day Sightseeing Tour, and Cruise aims to streamline your experience, especially for younger travelers or those craving easy access to the airport and key sights.

What makes this package appealing? First, the luxury hotel located just 10 minutes from Hongqiao Airport offers modern amenities like an indoor pool and a fitness area—perfect for unwinding after your flights. Second, the well-curated guided tours include highlights like The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Zhujiajiao water town, giving a taste of both ancient charm and modern grandeur. Third, the organized water town tour with dinner and river cruise adds a relaxed, scenic dimension to your trip.

A possible consideration? The seat-in-coach tours mean you’ll need to meet at designated places rather than enjoying hotel pick-up for the guided days, which could be less flexible if you prefer private or hotel-based excursions. Still, for travelers who value organized logistics and a hassle-free experience, this package could be an ideal fit.

This tour is best suited for young travelers or first-time visitors who want a straightforward, comfortable way to explore Shanghai’s core attractions while staying close to the airport. It’s also great if you appreciate a blend of guided sightseeing, culture, and leisure at a high-quality hotel.

Key Points

• Convenience: Located near Hongqiao Airport with a dedicated shuttle service.
• Comfort: Modern, stylish hotel with excellent facilities including an indoor pool.
• Structured Tours: Guided experiences cover iconic sites like The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Zhujiajiao water town.
• Cultural depth: Water town visit and river cruise offer scenic and traditional insights.
• Group Tours: Shared guided days with set meeting points, suitable for social travelers.
• Value: Inclusive of accommodation, breakfast, and some tours, making it a practical option.

The Hotel: Indigo Shanghai Hongqiao

Staying at Hotel Indigo Shanghai Hongqiao means enjoying a stylish, modern space that balances vintage charm with contemporary comfort. The rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a bright, airy vibe, and include large flat-screen TVs and high-quality linens that ensure restful nights. The hotel’s interior design, with its vintage touches, adds a distinctive character that sets it apart from more generic options.

The hotel’s amenities don’t stop at aesthetics. You’ll have access to a heated indoor swimming pool, a yoga room, and an outdoor fitness area—ideal for keeping active or relaxing after busy days of sightseeing. The CRAFT Café offers breakfast options, including semi-buffet and à la carte menus, making mornings effortless.

The convenience of the hotel’s free shuttle service to and from Hongqiao Airport (every 30 minutes from 9:00 to 22:30) means that your arrival and departure are smooth. This is particularly valuable for travelers with early or late flights, saving you from the hassle of taxis or public transport.

Day 1: Airport to Hotel

Upon arrival, a friendly staff member will be holding a sign with your name outside the terminal. The shuttle ride is just about 10 minutes, so you’ll be in your comfy room swiftly. This seamless transfer is a big plus, especially after a long flight when comfort and efficiency matter most.

Day 2: Classic and Modern Shanghai Tour

Starting from the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World, the day kicks off around 8 a.m. With group sizes kept manageable, you’ll meet your English-speaking guide and fellow travelers.

The tour begins at Old Street, where you’ll see Shanghai’s historic architecture with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. The guide will share stories about these structures, giving a glimpse into the city’s colonial past. You’ll then wander through Yuyuan Garden, a 16th-century site filled with pavilions and bridges—an excellent spot for photos and soaking in traditional Chinese landscaping.

Next, you’ll walk along The Bund, admiring the colonial-era buildings and skyline views along the Huangpu River. The guide will point out key landmarks and share insights into Shanghai’s rapid growth.

After a traditional Chinese lunch, the tour continues into Lujiazui, Shanghai’s financial hub. Here, you’ll learn about the city’s modern skyline and visit the Shanghai History Museum beneath the Oriental Pearl Tower, offering context for the city’s evolution from old to new. The Pearl City Market provides an opportunity to pick up sea pearls—though at your own expense—and the guide will share details about this local specialty.

A highlight for many is Tianzifang, an artsy enclave that showcases restored French Concession architecture and boutique shops. This part of the tour is perfect for window-shopping or grabbing a quick coffee in a artsy café.

The day ends with a convenient metro ride back to the hotel. Reviewers mention that the tour is well-paced, and the guide’s storytelling makes the history come alive. However, since it’s a seat-in-coach experience, passengers should be prepared to meet at the designated spot rather than enjoy hotel pick-up.

Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town and River Cruise

Today’s adventure takes you to Zhujiajiao, one of Shanghai’s oldest water towns, often called the “Venice of Shanghai.” The 6.5-hour tour begins at noon from the same meeting point, with plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

As you stroll over ancient bridges and along tree-lined canals, the guide will point out classical architecture and share stories about the town’s history. It’s a relaxing contrast to the high-rise cityscape and offers excellent photo opportunities.

Next, you’ll visit a silk museum, where you can learn about silk production’s centuries-old techniques—a fascinating peek into traditional craftsmanship. The visit is interactive, and some reviews mention it’s a good spot to pick up silk souvenirs.

Lunch is included at a local restaurant, giving you a taste of regional cuisine before the highlight: a Huangpu River cruise. This 1-hour cruise offers scenic views of Shanghai’s skyline from the water, especially stunning at sunset, as the buildings light up.

The tour concludes in Xintiandi, a lively area famous for its bars, restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, perfect for soaking in local energy before returning to the hotel by metro.

Day 4: Departure and Return to Airport

On the final day, the hotel’s shuttle bus will take you back to Hongqiao Airport. It’s advisable to confirm your shuttle time with the concierge on Day 1, so you’re prepared for a smooth departure.

Price and Value

At $689.21 per person, this package offers a lot of value for travelers looking for convenience, comfort, and curated experiences. The hotel stay alone provides a comfortable base with excellent amenities, while the guided tours cover many of Shanghai’s highlights efficiently.

The inclusion of breakfast, airport transfers, and special excursions like Zhujiajiao and the river cruise means you won’t have to worry about additional bookings or transportation costs. Yet, it’s important to note that meals outside breakfast and individual metro or taxi fares are not included, so budget accordingly.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience fits first-time visitors eager to see the main sights without the hassle of planning every detail. It’s especially ideal for young travelers or those who appreciate a modern, stylish hotel close to the airport. If you prefer organized group tours with fixed meeting points, this package offers a straightforward way to explore Shanghai.

However, those seeking more personalized or flexible itineraries might find the seat-in-coach setup limiting. Also, travelers arriving by train will need to plan their own transport to the hotel, as shuttle service is only available from the airport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included for the tours?
No, the guided tours are seat-in-coach and start from designated meeting points, not the hotel. You will need to meet at the specified location each day.

How close is the hotel to Hongqiao Airport?
The hotel is just about 10 minutes on the free shuttle bus, making it very convenient for arrivals or departures.

Are the tours suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed for general audiences. However, check the physical demands if you plan to walk or stand for extended periods.

What amenities does the hotel offer?
You’ll find an indoor swimming pool, yoga room, outdoor fitness area, and breakfast options at the hotel café, making it a comfortable base.

What are the included meals?
Breakfast is included daily. Lunch and dinner are not included but are available during the tours, such as the Chinese lunch on Day 2 and dinner on Day 3.

Are there any restrictions on the number of people per room?
Yes, the hotel allows a maximum of four people (2 adults and 2 children) per room, usually without needing an extra bed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This package is fixed as-is; if you want more flexibility, consider customizing or booking separate activities.

Final Thoughts

This Indigo Shanghai Hongqiao package offers a well-rounded introduction to Shanghai, combining modern comfort with thoughtfully curated sightseeing. Its strength lies in its convenience—short transfers, a stylish hotel, and organized excursions that hit all the major highlights.

It’s particularly well-suited for travelers prioritizing ease and comfort, especially those arriving or departing via Hongqiao Airport. While it may not be ideal for those seeking deep customization or private tours, it provides excellent value for a first visit or a brief stay.

If you’re after a stress-free way to explore Shanghai’s iconic sights, enjoy a taste of traditional water town life, and unwind in a boutique-style hotel, this package might just be a smart choice.

Remember: Always double-check the meeting points, shuttle schedules, and included activities to ensure everything aligns with your travel plans. This approach guarantees a smooth, enjoyable trip without surprises.