Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao Airport Package with 2-day Sightseeing Tour and Cruise

Traveling to Shanghai can feel overwhelming with its sprawling skyline, bustling streets, and countless attractions. If you’re looking for a well-rounded, convenient way to experience the city without the hassle of planning every detail, this 3-day package at Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao Airport offers a compelling option. While the package is priced at $396.87 per person, it packs in quite a lot, from stylish accommodations to guided tours, water town visits, and an evening river cruise.

What we especially appreciate about this experience is its central location near Hongqiao Airport, which simplifies arrivals and departures, especially for short stays. The inclusion of guided tours with lunch and dinner ensures you get authentic tastes and insights without the stress of navigating on your own. Plus, the shuttle service from the hotel to the airport every hour provides peace of mind for travel logistics.

On the flip side, a potential drawback is the non-refundable policy, so if your plans shift, you might want to consider that before booking. This package seems best suited for travelers wanting a comfortable, guided overview of Shanghai with the flexibility of airport transfers and a mix of city highlights and water town charm.

Key Points

• Convenient Location: Close to Hongqiao Airport with shuttle services simplifies arrival and departure.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: 3 nights in a deluxe room plus daily breakfast and guided tours.
• Authentic Experiences: Guided visits to classic and modern Shanghai, Zhujiajiao Water Town, and a river cruise.
• Culinary Highlights: Enjoy Chinese lunch and dinner, including local flavors and traditional dishes.
• Group Size: Small tours (maximum 4 travelers) for a more personalized experience.
• Strict Cancellation Policy: Non-refundable once booked, so plan accordingly.

Accommodation and Location: An Ideal Base Near Hongqiao Airport

Staying at the Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao Airport sets a practical tone for your visit. Located just five minutes’ walk from Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport Terminal 1, the hotel offers a comfortable, modern space with deluxe rooms and daily breakfast. The proximity to the airport and the frequent shuttle (every 60 minutes from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM) makes this an excellent choice for travelers with early or late flights, or those who prefer to minimize transit time.

The hotel’s location also offers easy access via metro or shuttle to central Shanghai, making it a convenient starting point for your explorations. The reviews mention the hotel’s cleanliness and friendly staff, which adds a layer of reassurance, especially when arriving after a long flight.

Exploring Day 2: Classic and Modern Shanghai

The second day is the highlight for many—an 8-hour guided tour that covers some of Shanghai’s most iconic sights. Meeting at the Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World in the heart of the city, you’ll travel together with an English-speaking guide, which makes the experience more engaging and informative.

The tour begins with a drive to the Bund, Shanghai’s famous colonial-era waterfront. Here, you’ll enjoy a guided walk past grandiose buildings from the 1920s, offering a glimpse into the city’s international past. Walking along the promenade, you’ll find yourself snapping photos of the skyline, with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and other modern skyscrapers looming in the background.

Next, the group heads into Lujiazui, the city’s financial district, known for its futuristic skyscrapers and the Shanghai Tower—the second tallest building in the world. The guide will likely point out the distinctive architecture and share stories behind these towering symbols of Shanghai’s rapid development.

Around noon, you’ll stop for a Chinese lunch, a perfect chance to savor local flavors like dumplings, noodles, or stir-fried dishes. According to reviews, the lunch is generally well-received, giving travelers a taste of authentic cuisine amidst a busy sightseeing day.

Post-lunch, the tour continues with a visit to The Bund, where the 1920s architecture contrasts beautifully with the modern skyline, providing excellent photo opportunities. The day wraps up with a visit to Lujiazui, where you can admire the city’s skyline from a different perspective, perhaps even taking a quick elevator ride up one of the skyscrapers for panoramic views.

What travelers appreciate most: The balance of historical sites with contemporary architecture, along with the convenience of guided narration. One review mentions being impressed with how the guide explained the history behind the buildings, making the experience more meaningful than just sightseeing.

Day 3: Zhujiajiao Water Town and River Cruise

The third day offers a more relaxed, scenic experience. Meeting again at the Radisson Blu Hotel, you’ll head out for the Zhujiajiao Water Town, often called “the Venice of Shanghai.” This charming water village is renowned for its ancient bridges, traditional architecture, and tranquil canals.

Expect to stroll through narrow alleyways lined with old stone bridges, visit a silk museum, and perhaps see local artisans at work. The water town’s vibe is a stark contrast to the modern city, offering travelers a glimpse into traditional Chinese life. Reviewers have noted that the water town is beautiful and peaceful, providing excellent photo ops and interesting cultural insights.

After exploring Zhujiajiao, the tour includes dinner, which often features local dishes and snacks — a treat after walking around the historic streets. Following dinner, you’ll enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise, giving you a different perspective of Shanghai’s skyline as the city lights come alive at night. Cruises typically last about an hour and are praised for their spectacular views of the illuminated skyline, with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and the bund buildings shimmering in the dark.

The evening wraps up around 8:00 PM, leaving you with a memorable finale to your Shanghai adventure. Reviewers mention the river cruise as a highlight, especially when the city’s lights reflect on the water, creating an almost surreal scene.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This package makes it simple to know what’s covered: your 3 nights in a deluxe hotel room, daily breakfast, guided tours of both the city and water town, lunch and dinner on specific days, and a Huangpu River Cruise. The shuttle bus from the hotel to the airport every hour is a significant perk, especially if you’re catching flights.

However, some costs are extra — meals outside the included dining, public transportation like the metro or taxis, and any additional personal expenses. Familiarity with these costs can help you budget better, especially if you want to explore more independently.

The Value of Guided Tours and Authentic Experiences

What sets this package apart is the guided aspect — having knowledgeable guides to explain the history, architecture, and cultural nuances enriches the experience considerably. For example, reviewers have appreciated guides who are friendly, informative, and engaging, making the sightseeing more accessible and meaningful.

The balanced itinerary means you’re not overwhelmed with too many stops or overly rushed. The small group size (max four travelers) allows for a more personal experience, enabling questions and more flexibility.

Practical Tips and Considerations

Since the package is non-refundable, it’s best suited for travelers with firm plans, especially during non-holiday periods (holidays like Chinese New Year or national holidays are excluded). Make sure to provide your flight details upon booking so airport pickups and transfers go smoothly.

If traveling with children or more adults, note that hotel rooms accommodate up to four people (2 adults and 2 children), and additional bookings may be necessary for larger groups. Also, no extra costs are usually needed for children sharing beds, but you might want to communicate preferences at check-in.

The Sum Up

This Mercure Shanghai Hongqiao Airport package offers a well-rounded introduction to Shanghai, combining easy logistics, guided tours, and authentic cultural experiences. It’s an excellent choice for those who want comfort and convenience, especially if you’re arriving or departing from Hongqiao Airport.

Travelers seeking a balanced mix of modern city sights and traditional water town charm will find this tour hits the mark. While the non-refundable policy demands confidence in your plans, the included excursions, comfortable accommodation, and guided insights provide genuine value for a short stay in China’s vibrant metropolis.

If you’re after a stress-free way to explore Shanghai’s highlights with some local flavor and scenic river views, this package is definitely worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this package suitable for solo travelers?
Yes, but since it’s limited to a maximum of four travelers, solo travelers will find it intimate. Just be aware that the price is based on twin sharing rooms.

What transportation is included?
The package includes shuttle bus services from the hotel to Hongqiao Airport every hour, but other transportation, such as metro or taxis, are not included.

Are meals provided during the tours?
Yes, lunch on Day 2 and dinner on Day 3 are included, offering authentic Chinese cuisine. Other meals are not covered.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
No, this experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed once booked, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time to book?
Avoid booking during major holidays like Chinese New Year, Chinese Labor Day, or National Day, as special rates may not be available.

How much walking is involved?
The tours involve some walking, especially around Zhujiajiao Water Town and The Bund, so wear comfortable shoes.

Is this suitable for children?
Yes, children sharing a bed are included in the maximum room capacity, but check with the supplier for specific age considerations or extra charges.

This comprehensive package combines comfort, guided insights, and scenic highlights, making it a practical way to experience Shanghai without the stress of planning every detail.