Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Hop On Hop Off City Tour

Traveling in a sprawling city like Shanghai can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unfamiliar with its layout. The Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus aims to simplify your exploration with a flexible, budget-friendly option that promises to hit many of the city’s highlights. While some travelers highlight its convenience and coverage, others note logistical hiccups that can affect the overall experience.

What we appreciate about this tour is its affordability at just over $17 per person, the multiple routes available, and multilingual audio guides that cater to international visitors. Plus, the ability to hop on and off at your own pace allows travelers to customize their sightseeing day. Still, a few drawbacks, such as potential issues with QR code access and the lack of included attraction tickets, are worth considering.

This tour suits first-time visitors eager to get an overview of Shanghai’s most famous sites without the hassle of planning individual tickets. It’s also great for those who want a flexible way to revisit favorite spots or simply prefer a laid-back, stress-free approach to city sightseeing.

Key Points

• Flexible routes and hop-on-hop-off style make it easy to explore according to your schedule
• Multilingual audio guides enhance understanding of the city’s landmarks
• Affordable price point offers good value for casual sightseeing
• No included attraction tickets mean additional costs if you want to enter sites
• Some review concerns about QR code access and booking support highlight potential logistical issues
• Best for first-time visitors wanting a quick, broad overview of Shanghai

An Overview of the Tour Experience

The Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus is designed as an accessible, straightforward way to see many of the city’s must-visit locations without the complexity of navigating public transport or hailing taxis. The experience is built around five different routes, each covering key neighborhoods, landmarks, and cultural sites, valid for either 24 or 48 hours after your first ride. You can hop on or off at any stop, making it an ideal option for those wanting to explore at their own pace.

The price point of approximately $17.68 per person makes this an attractive choice for budget-minded travelers, especially since it includes multilingual audio guides in languages ranging from English and French to Japanese, Russian, and Spanish. This means you’ll get some context and stories about each site without having to read guidebooks on the go.

How Does the Ticket Work?

Once booked, you’ll receive a voucher that needs to be exchanged at a designated location before boarding the bus. The QR code on your ticket will be scanned by staff, and you’ll be able to start your tour. Notably, users have mentioned some issues with the QR code access via Viator, requiring patience in case of support delays—so plan for that.

Duration and Group Size

Each bus ride lasts around one hour, but with the hop-on-hop-off setup and multiple routes, you could feasibly spend an entire day exploring. The buses are generally air-conditioned and clean, which is a plus during Shanghai’s hot summers. The group size tends to be manageable, but busy periods might see larger crowds, especially at key stops like The Bund and Nanjing Road.

Itinerary Breakdown

The tour covers a wide array of attractions, but since the routes are extensive and somewhat overlapping, we’ve distilled what you can expect at each key stop.

Stop 1: Shanghai Museum

As a first stop, many travelers find the Shanghai Museum a highlight, offering insights into Chinese art and history. While the bus tour doesn’t include entry tickets, this stop is an excellent opportunity if you’d like to plan a visit later. Reviewers note that the museum itself is a standout, with extensive collections and a modern, spacious design.

Stop 2: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center

This stop provides a fascinating look at how Shanghai envisions its future. The exhibits feature models and multimedia displays of the city’s development, giving visitors a visual sense of Shanghai’s growth trajectory.

Stop 3: Shanghai Historical Museum

Another cultural gem, this museum offers a deeper understanding of Shanghai’s past, from traditional Shanghai villages to rapid modernization. To make the most of this stop, you’ll need to purchase an admission ticket separately, as it’s not included.

Stop 5: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

A favorite among travelers, Nanjing Road buzzes with shops, street performers, and a lively atmosphere. From the open-air markets to flagship stores, this stop offers a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant retail scene.

Stop 7: The Bund

The iconic waterfront area, Garden Bridge, and the skyline views of Pudong are what make The Bund a must-visit. Reviewers like Pierre praised the bus’s convenience here, noting it facilitates visits to this essential Shanghai experience. The views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and Jin Mao Tower are particularly photogenic, especially at sunset.

Stop 10: Yuyuan Garden Residential District

This traditional garden area provides a peaceful contrast to the city’s modern skyscrapers. It’s worth a quick visit, and you might find the nearby markets perfect for souvenirs.

Stop 12: Site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party

This historical site offers a glimpse into China’s political history. While the stop itself is accessible via the bus, you’ll need to buy tickets if you want to explore inside.

Stops Covering The Pudong Skyline

Routes include stops at the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. These stops are ideal for those wanting classic skyline views and photo ops.

Additional Stops

Some routes feature stops at the Huaihai Road Commercial Street, Shanghai Mao Zedong Former Residence, and the Shanghai General Postal Office—each offering a different slice of Shanghai’s diverse character.

The Practicalities: What You Need to Know

Transport and Comfort: The buses are generally clean, air-conditioned, and comfortable, making long rides more pleasant, especially in summer. The buses are near public transportation stops, which makes for easy access before or after your ride.

Language and Audio Guides: The multilingual audio guides are a definite plus, turning a simple bus ride into an educational experience. Reviewers mention that guides provide interesting facts, but some note occasional issues with timing or clarity—so listening attentively helps.

Booking and Support: Some users, like sams772000, experienced difficulties with QR code access via Viator, leading to delays. It underlines the importance of arriving prepared with your voucher and patience if technical issues arise.

Cost and Value: For around $17.68, you get a flexible, no-fuss way to see dozens of key sites. However, remember that admission to attractions is not included, which could add to the total cost if you plan to explore museums or gardens inside.

Flexibility: With the 24 or 48-hour validity, you can spread out your sightseeing, or use the bus as a transportation backbone to move between sites quickly.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Shanghai without the stress of planning each step. It’s a cost-effective option for travelers on a tight schedule or those who prefer a relaxed, guided experience.

If you’re the type who enjoys customizing your sightseeing and hopping on and off at your own pace, this setup will suit you well. However, if your goal is to explore specific attractions in-depth with included tickets, you might want to supplement this tour with additional entry passes.

Travelers who prioritize comfort and convenience will appreciate the air-conditioned buses and multilingual guides, but those expecting a curated, guided tour with included tickets may find the experience somewhat limited.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Hop On Hop Off offers an accessible, budget-friendly way to get a snapshot of Shanghai’s iconic sights. Its multiple routes, friendly audio guides, and flexible timing make it a practical option for first-timers and casual visitors alike.

While some logistical hiccups—like QR code access issues—have been noted, most travelers find the service useful for navigating a sprawling city. The absence of included attraction tickets means you’ll need to plan extra visits, but the overall value for the price remains solid, especially if you’re keen to see many landmarks without fuss.

This tour is a good choice for those wanting to get their bearings, relax between sites, and enjoy Shanghai’s vibrant scenery at their own pace. If you’re looking for a straightforward, cost-effective way to tick off key sights, this hop-on-hop-off bus provides a practical solution with plenty of flexibility.

FAQ

Is the ticket valid for 24 or 48 hours?
The ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours from your first ride, allowing you to hop on and off as many times as you like during this period.

Do I need to buy separate tickets for attractions?
Yes, the sightseeing bus pass does not include admission tickets to attractions like museums or gardens, so plan to buy those separately if you wish to visit inside.

Can children ride for free?
Children under 130cm in height can ride for free when sitting on a parent’s lap. If they need their own seat, you’ll need to purchase a ticket.

What languages are available on the audio guides?
Audio guides are available in Chinese, Japanese, Korean, English, German, French, Russian, and Spanish, offering good coverage for international travelers.

Are the buses air-conditioned?
Yes, the buses are generally air-conditioned, making long rides comfortable, especially in hot weather.

How do I board the bus?
You need to exchange your booking voucher at a designated location before boarding. The staff will scan your QR code, so be sure to have your voucher ready.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best to check with the provider directly if you have specific mobility needs, as stops are mostly at well-developed sites.

What should I do if I experience issues with my QR code?
Some users have reported difficulties accessing the QR code via Viator, so arriving early and having patience with support can help. Keep your voucher handy for quick processing.

Traveling through Shanghai with this hop-on-hop-off bus can make a city of contrasts feel more manageable, offering both convenience and a good overview. Just be prepared for some potential technical frustrations and plan your visits accordingly.