If you’re seeking a way to experience both the timeless charm of Zhujiajiao Water Town and some of Shanghai’s most famous landmarks in a single day, this Zhujiajiao Water Town & Shanghai Highlights Day Tour might just be the perfect fit. While we haven’t personally taken this journey, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a clear picture of what you can expect: a mix of cultural discovery, scenic views, and a dash of modern urban energy—all tailored to your interests.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the fully guided private experience means it’s flexible and personalized—no cookie-cutter itineraries here. Second, the scenic ferry ride on the Huangpu River offers a relaxing crossing with skyline views that are truly picture-worthy. Third, the opportunity to wander through historic alleys of Zhujiajiao Water Town feels like stepping back in time, away from Shanghai’s hustle. That said, a potential consideration is the eight-hour duration, which might be long for those with limited stamina or very tight schedules. This tour seems well-suited for travelers craving an authentic, comfortable, and customizable day out, especially those eager to see a blend of old and new China in one trip.

Contents show

Key Points

Personalized Experience: Fully guided and flexible to your interests.
Cultural & Scenic Highlights: Explore historic water town alleys and enjoy a river ferry ride.
Convenient Transportation: Private, comfortable vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.
Time-efficient: Combines city highlights and Zhujiajiao in about 8 hours.
Value for Money: Includes ferry tickets, water, soft drinks, and personalized service.
Ideal for: Those seeking a balanced blend of culture, scenery, and modern city life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why Choose This Tour?

This tour offers a rare chance to see two distinct sides of Shanghai—the bustling metropolis and a tranquil ancient water town—without the hassle of arranging separate trips. The private guide enhances the experience by adapting the itinerary to your preferences, whether you want more time at the historic alleys or prefer to focus on famous landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower or Nanjing Road.

We love the way the tour emphasizes authentic local experiences, such as wandering through Zhujiajiao’s stone bridges and peaceful canals, which remain remarkably unspoiled despite Shanghai’s rapid modernization. The scenic ferry ride on the Huangpu River is a real highlight, offering stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline from the water, a picture that stays with you long after the day ends.

A notable advantage is the flexible pickup and drop-off, making this especially suitable for travelers staying in central Shanghai. Plus, the small group size (1-6 people) ensures personalized attention and intimate exploration, compared to larger, more generic tours.

However, keep in mind that lunch is not included—this allows you to choose where and what to eat, possibly trying local specialties or enjoying a quick snack. The tour’s price of $223 per person might seem steep, but when you consider the private guide, transportation, ferry ticket, and personalized itinerary, it offers solid value, especially for those wanting a seamless, stress-free day.

Looking for more options in Shanghai? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Detailed Breakdown of the Day

Hotel Pickup and Introduction

The day starts with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Shanghai, which is confirmed the night before. You’ll be greeted by your dedicated guide, who will get to know your interests and help tailor the day’s agenda. This personalization is a key feature, allowing you to prioritize landmarks or experiences that matter most to you.

Morning: Shanghai City Landmarks

Once in the city, you’ll begin your exploration based on your preferences. The guide will help craft a route that might include the historic Bund, famous for its colonial-era architecture and stunning skyline views, or the bustling Nanjing Road, ideal for those craving shopping and street energy. If you prefer a more tranquil vibe, the Yu Garden & City God Temple area offers a peaceful retreat with traditional architecture and beautiful scenery.

The highlight here is the scenic ferry ride across the Huangpu River, providing a local-style crossing between Pudong and Puxi. This ride offers panoramic views of Shanghai’s evolving skyline, with iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower in sight. One reviewer shared, “We loved the views from the ferry—it’s a quick, relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.”

More Great Tours Nearby

Midday: Transition to Zhujiajiao Water Town

After the city highlights, your guide will escort you to Zhujiajiao Water Town, about an hour away from central Shanghai. Known as one of the most famous ancient towns around Shanghai, Zhujiajiao offers a stunning contrast to the modern city — quiet, peaceful, and steeped in history.

There's plenty more to explore in Shanghai

Afternoon: Exploring Zhujiajiao

Once in Zhujiajiao, you’ll explore old stone bridges, traditional streets, and canals that have been the lifeblood of the town for centuries. The Fangsheng Bridge is an iconic spot, offering picturesque views and photo opportunities. You can stroll along narrow alleyways lined with traditional shops, or opt for a relaxing boat ride through the waterways, providing a different perspective on the ancient town.

A traveler noted, “We enjoyed wandering through the alleys and taking in the tranquil atmosphere. The boat ride was a lovely way to see the waterways up close.” It’s a perfect way to experience local life away from the tourist crowds, and the quiet charm of Zhujiajiao is a highlight of the day.

Return & Drop-off

After a leisurely exploration, your guide will accompany you back to Shanghai, typically arriving in the late afternoon or early evening. The drop-off is flexible and tailored to your hotel location, ensuring a smooth end to a full day of sightseeing.

Transportation and Comfort

Transportation is handled in a private, well-maintained vehicle, which varies in size depending on your group. The comfort of this mode of travel allows for a more relaxed experience, especially after a long day of walking and sightseeing. The total tour duration is approximately 8 hours, which balances seeing a lot of sites without feeling rushed or exhausted.

Inclusives & Extras

The tour includes ferry tickets, plenty of bottled water and soft drinks, and professional guiding in multiple languages, making communication seamless. The flexibility to book and pay later adds to the appeal, giving you time to confirm your plans without pressure.

What’s Not Included

Lunch is not included, but the guide will provide recommendations for local eateries or street food options. This gives you the freedom to explore local flavors and fit your meal into your schedule and budget.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a curated, personalized day that combines culture and city highlights. It’s particularly suited for those who prefer small groups or private guides, seeking flexibility and tailored experiences. If you’re interested in photography, history, or simply want an easy way to see Shanghai’s contrasts, this tour delivers.

It’s less suitable for those with limited mobility, given the amount of walking involved in Zhujiajiao, or travelers on a very tight schedule, since the full itinerary takes about 8 hours.

Final Thoughts

The Zhujiajiao Water Town & Shanghai Highlights Day Tour offers a comprehensive, comfortable way to experience the city’s iconic landmarks alongside a peaceful ancient water town. The private guide’s flexibility and personalized approach make it stand out. While it’s a bit of a splurge, the inclusion of transportation, ferry rides, and the ability to customize your day make it a worthwhile choice for those wanting a memorable, hassle-free day.

This tour is best for adventurous travelers who want a blend of culture, scenery, and city life without feeling rushed. It’s perfect if you value personalized service and local insights, and are eager to see both the modern and the traditional sides of Shanghai in one go.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup available?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off from any location in Shanghai city, with details confirmed the evening before.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, offering ample time to explore both Shanghai’s highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town.

What transportation is used?
A private, comfortable vehicle is provided, suitable for groups of 1-6 people. Larger groups may inquire about custom options.

Is the ferry ride included?
Yes, the Huangpu River ferry ticket is included, providing scenic views of Shanghai from the water.

Can I customize the sightseeing itinerary?
Absolutely. Your guide will tailor the city stops to your interests, whether it’s historic sites, shopping streets, or scenic views.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included, but the guide will recommend local restaurants or street food options.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, you can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering flexibility. Cancellation is free if done 24 hours prior.

What languages are available?
Guiding services are available in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Italian, Russian, and French.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?
Generally yes, but consider the amount of walking and general mobility needs. The tour is designed to be comfortable but involves some leisurely walking.

What if I have special interests or requests?
Your guide can help customize the experience based on your preferences, to ensure you get the most out of your day.

This tour combines cultural richness, scenic beauty, and urban energy—perfect for curious travelers eager to see both the historic and contemporary face of Shanghai.