Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights

Shanghai is a city of contrasts—where colonial architecture meets futuristic skyline, and traditional temples sit alongside bustling streets. The Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights offers an immersive way to experience both facets in just one day. With consistently high ratings and glowing reviews, this tour promises a personalized, flexible adventure, led by knowledgeable guides who bring the city’s stories alive.

What makes it stand out? Travelers love the intimate, customizable approach, the stunning views from high-rise observation decks, and the chance to enjoy authentic sights without rushing. The cost of $108 per person? When you weigh what’s included—private guiding, flexible stops, and optional transport—it’s a solid deal for an in-depth introduction to Shanghai.

One thing to keep in mind: it’s a full day, so come prepared for a lot of walking or sightseeing. This tour suits first-time visitors eager to see the highlights, culture lovers wanting a deeper understanding, or anyone who appreciates a tailored experience.

This experience made our article of 7 Top-Rated Shanghai Tours & Experiences.

Key Points

• Fully customizable itinerary tailored to your interests and pace
• Expert guides enhance understanding of historical and cultural sites
• Options for transport and lunch upgrades add convenience and value
• Ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Shanghai
• Includes famous sights like The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, and Shanghai Tower
• Reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides and comfortable vehicles

Why This Tour Is Worth Considering

This private tour offers a great way to see Shanghai’s contrasting worlds—covering a lot in one day without feeling rushed. It’s perfect if you’re visiting for the first time or only have a limited window to explore. The combination of flexibility, expert guiding, and diverse sights makes it stand out compared to cookie-cutter group excursions. Plus, reviews consistently point to guides like Sammi, Ruby, and Annie who bring genuine enthusiasm and deep knowledge, making every stop more meaningful.

Pricing at $108 per person, with options to upgrade for transport, lunch, and entrance tickets, provides a high degree of value. It’s less about rushing through checklist sites and more about creating a personalized experience that resonates. Expect to visit both iconic landmarks and charming neighborhoods, with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and get local insights.

The Itinerary in Detail

The Bund: Shanghai’s Colonial Charm

Your day kicks off along The Bund, a promenade lined with historic buildings that showcase Shanghai’s colonial past. The views of the Huangpu River are breathtaking, with the skyline of Lujiazui’s modern skyscrapers on one side and traditional architecture on the other. From the Old Customs House to gleaming new towers, this area encapsulates the city’s transformation.

Most reviews highlight the distinctive contrast between old and new here. One reviewer notes, “The skyline was absolutely stunning,” emphasizing how this spot provides a perfect introduction to Shanghai’s dual identity. The guide typically spends about 30 minutes here, offering tips on the best photo angles and background stories about the buildings.

Yuyuan Garden and Old Town Bazaar

Next, you’ll visit the Yuyuan Garden, a 500-year-old classical Chinese garden featuring traditional Qing Dynasty architecture, lush greens, ponds, and winding paths. The Nine Zigzag Bridge is a fun feature—stopping here feels like stepping into a painting. Reviewers mention the peaceful atmosphere, a stark contrast to the city’s hustle outside.

You can explore the nearby bazaar market, packed with souvenirs like jade, silk, antiques, and handicrafts. If you’re tempted, you might indulge in a tea ceremony—an optional experience at your own expense—that offers a taste of local customs. One guest shared, “Yuyuan Garden was beautiful and so peaceful, a perfect spot to unwind,” giving a sense of the serenity this historic site provides.

French Concession: A Charming Retreat

From ancient gardens to tree-lined streets, your next stop is the French Concession. Once the hub of colonial life, today it’s a trendy neighborhood full of cafés, boutiques, and art galleries. You’ll see locals enjoying activities like ballroom dancing, Tai-chi, and water calligraphy at French Park, providing a lively picture of daily life.

Travelers love the ambiance here, describing it as “a charming avenue of French trees and traditional houses,” which makes it perfect for slow walks and photos. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours exploring this area, soaking in its relaxed vibes and historic charm.

Nanjing Road: Shopping and Lunch Break

After a morning packed with sights, you’ll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, with your guide helping you choose dishes based on dietary preferences. This pause is a great chance to recharge and observe everyday Shanghai life.

Following lunch, you can stroll along Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. Although shopping isn’t the main focus, the energy and vibrant storefronts give an authentic feel of Shanghai’s commercial pulse.

Jade Buddha Temple: Spiritual Serenity

Post-lunch, your journey takes you to the Jade Buddha Temple—famous for its exquisite Jade Buddha statues from Burma. The temple’s chambers are filled with religious artifacts, and the atmosphere offers a peaceful contrast to the busy city outside.

Guides often share insights into Chinese Buddhism, making this stop both spiritual and cultural. Reviewers mention how beautiful and fascinating the temple is, with one stating, “Learning about its religious culture made me appreciate the city’s spiritual side much more.”

Pudong Skyline and Observation Decks

The afternoon culminates in Pudong’s Lujiazui area, where towering skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower dominate the skyline. You’ll enjoy a leisurely walk along skybridges among these giants, marveling at their futuristic designs.

Depending on your preference and weather, you might visit the observation deck of Shanghai Tower (not included in the base price), which offers sweeping views of the city. If clear, the vistas from this height are unforgettable—reviewers describe the skyline as “spectacular,” especially at sunset.

Customizable Options and Additional Sights

If you’ve already seen some of these attractions or prefer a different focus, your guide can suggest alternatives like Xintiandi, Tianzifang, Shanghai Museum, or Urban Planning Hall. This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your day based on your interests.

End of Day: Comfortable Drop-off

After roughly 7-8 hours, your guide will drop you back at your hotel or a preferred central location, leaving you with a wealth of impressions and photos.

Transportation and Additional Options

The tour offers options to customize transport—whether by private car or rideshare and metro—making it adaptable depending on your comfort and budget. Many reviews highlight the comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and attentive driver, which makes moving between sites hassle-free.

If you choose the all-inclusive package, it includes guide, car, tickets to Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple, and a delightful lunch. For those opting for a more basic experience, you can still enjoy a guided tour with some entrance fees and lunch at your own expense.

What Reviewers Say

Travelers consistently praise the guides, such as Sammi, Ruby, and Annie, for their knowledge and friendly demeanor. Reviewers mention how guides often share detailed stories and cultural insights, enriching the experience. For instance, one states, “Sammi is an excellent guide—very knowledgeable, explains everything in detail, and made our day!”

Comfort and flexibility are also highly valued. Guests appreciate the luxurious vans and the ability to tailor stops based on their interests. Multiple reviews highlight the smooth communication from booking through the tour, ensuring everyone’s needs are met.

Final Thoughts on Value and Suitability

This private tour packs a lot into one day, offering a comprehensive, personalized introduction to Shanghai. At $108 per person, with optional upgrades, it’s a well-priced way to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. The full-day format suits those wanting an immersive, relaxed experience, with plenty of time to explore each site.

It’s especially suited for first-time visitors eager for a broad overview, culture enthusiasts wanting deeper insights, or travelers who value flexibility and comfort. The high ratings and rave reviews demonstrate this tour’s ability to deliver a memorable, authentic taste of Shanghai.

If you prefer guided, hassle-free sightseeing with the freedom to customize, this experience is likely to meet your expectations—and maybe even exceed them.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour’s pace and stops are generally family-friendly.

Can I choose my preferred start time?
You can select your preferred time when booking, and the guide will meet you at your hotel accordingly.

Does the tour include transportation?
Transport options vary. The basic package includes guide and car, with upgrades available for private transfer or metro and rideshare options.

Are entrance fees included?
Entrance to Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple are included if you book the “All Inclusive” tour. Other sites, like observation decks, are not included in the base price.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours, covering multiple sites at a comfortable pace.

Is lunch included?
Lunch can be included if you choose the all-inclusive package. Otherwise, you’ll stop at a local restaurant and pay separately.

What should I wear?
Dress appropriately for weather conditions, as the tour operates in all weather. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Absolutely. The tour is fully flexible, and guides are happy to swap out sites or suggest alternatives based on your interests.

What makes this tour stand out?
The combination of personalized guidance, flexibility, and the opportunity to see both historic and modern Shanghai makes it highly appealing.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book around 41 days in advance, which helps ensure availability, especially during peak travel seasons.

In essence, this private Shanghai tour offers a well-balanced, engaging way to see the city’s most iconic sights with the benefit of expert guidance and customization. Whether you’re looking to tick off bucket list spots or dive into local culture, it’s an experience that promises both comfort and depth.