
1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 25 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future worth booking?
1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future is a 9-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $229 per person. It scores 75 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 5/5 rating across 25 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 75 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (25)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $229 per person
Shanghai is a huge international metropolis with a long history. This private full-day city tour is designed for people who are interested in Shanghai’s past, present and future. It starts with a visit to the galleries in the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Stroll through the lovely Yu Gardens and purchase lunch in the nearby Yu Bazaar, then take a walk along the Bund. Head to the Shanghai World Financial Center for an aerial perspective on the city, then see shops and Shikumen-style architecture along the atmospheric alleyways of Tianzifang, located in the old French Concession. Your tour includes entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off. No shopping detours, factory stores, tea ceremony or shopping site restaurant to take up your valuable time at attraction sites, so you will have a pure sightseeing experience.
What you get
About this experience
Shanghai is a huge international metropolis with a long history. This private full-day city tour is designed for people who are interested in Shanghai’s past, present and future. It starts with a visit to the galleries in the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. Stroll through the lovely Yu Gardens and purchase lunch in the nearby Yu Bazaar, then take a walk along the Bund. Head to the Shanghai World Financial Center for an aerial perspective on the city, then see shops and Shikumen-style architecture along the atmospheric alleyways of Tianzifang, located in the old French Concession. Your tour includes entrance fees, and hotel pickup and drop-off. No shopping detours, factory stores, tea ceremony or shopping site restaurant to take up your valuable time at attraction sites, so you will have a pure sightseeing experience.
What's included
Included
- Air conditioned car with chauffeur
- Centrally located hotel pick-up and drop-off
- Private English Speaking guide
- Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies
Not included
- Meals
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall
Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel and drive you to the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall. There, you can view many textual and graphic files and architectural models, which will help you get an overall understanding of the development of Shanghai.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Yu Garden
Then, your guide will accompany you to the Yu Garden. Renowned as a shinning jewel among classical gardens in southern Yangtze River of China, it mainly features waterside pavilions, artistic stone carvings and wood engravings.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Yuyuan Old Street
After leaving the garden, you will be guided to the nearby Yuyuan market to take a leisurely walk along the bustling pedestrian street. The pseudo-classic architectures lie along ancient streets to form a market selling souvenirs and snacks. You may have lunch here on your own choices.
90 minutes here
The Bund
Next, your trip will continue to the lively Bund Area to admire its essential part - the architectural complex of 52 exotic and glorious buildings. Take a leisure walk on the Bund and enjoy the spectacular view of the Huangpu River.
30 minutes here
Shanghai World Financial Center
After that, you will ascend the World Financial Center, a skyscraper takeing the unique shape of a beer bottle-opene, with a height of 492 meters (1,600 feet). Here you will have a fantastic bird's eye view of the whole city. Take photos from the spectacular perspective of the city.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Tianzifang
This Shanghai one day tour will conclude at Tianzifang, an old-style cultural block featuring distinctive Shikumen buildings with art studios, themed cafés and bars, and handicraft workshops. After that, your guide will escort you back to your hotel.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Travel China Guide
Know before you go
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Wheelchair accessible
- Pick-up from hotels within the Middle Ring Road of Shanghai. An additional transfer fee will be incurred if your hotel is outside the above mentioned area.
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 25 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
4 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Good for families
2 mentionsReviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.
Traveler reviews
25 verified traveler reviews for 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Definitely worth it
Did a last minute booking because I was not prepared for how big Shanghai was and was able to secure a private all day tour. Ryan, our tour guide, not only showed up early but had a driver ready to go. He took us to all the important spots on our list and answers all our questions. Zero language barrier. He even helped us order coffee and lunch. The ferry ride was a perfect way to see the city and talk about the history. Ryan definitely knew the city and provided insider tips to navigate the city. Highly recommend having him as your guide because he worked around our pace.
Response from the operator: Dear guest, thank you for your cheerful post! It gives us endless joy to have your satisfaction of our service. Thank you for choosing us. We look forward to offering you with more wonderful journeys! Best regards from TravelChinaGuide Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Great Private Tour with William
We had such a great time with William. He was very knowledgeable, kind, and helpful in getting around Shanghai! We would highly recommend using this tour company and William.
Response from the operator: Dear Kia B, thank you for taking time to share your wonderful trip! We are so glad to see you were satisfied with your journey and our travel service. It is our honor to have your trust. We look forward to serving you on your next trip. Best regards from TravelChinaGuide Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Kris is an amazing guide!
Kris is an amazing guide because goes above and beyond. He provides extensive information and doesn't rush you when visiting the sites. He went above and beyond by helping us order at the restaurant, taking us to Starbucks to make sure we have our afternoon pick-me-up, and he even helped us schedule a transfer to the train station to make sure we left safely. Although I only spent a day with Kris, by the end of the day, I felt like I knew him for a long time!
Response from the operator: Dear Thais A, thank you for taking time to rate our travel service. It is very delighted to have your praise for our guide. There is nothing happier than seeing you enjoyed your trip. Thank you for giving us the chance to serve you. We look forward to traveling with you on your next vacation! Best regards from TravelChinaGuide Tours.
via Tripadvisor
A great day in Shanghai
You definitely need more than 1 day to experience Shanghai but I had been here before and this time my 2 daughters came with me and they did not care about going to some tourist attractions so we decided to get a private tour to get the highlights of the city. Kris, our tour guide, was wonderful. We exchanged ideas where to go and what to experience. In addition, he gave me ideas where to go after the tour. His English is excellent so he was able to communicate easily with us. He was very engaging and was able to tell my daughters about all the trendy things to do and took us to many Instagrammable places for them to have pictures. We tried so many local food/snacks as Kris took us to trendy local spots.
Response from the operator: Dear BenLA1, thank you for kindly sharing your lovely experience again. How cheerful to know you were happy with the trip and our service! Our travel experts with years of experience master all travel types to meet your needs. Thank you again for choosing us. We look forward to serving you again! Best regards from TravelChinaGuide Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Bonnie was outstanding.
Our family of 3 had a wonderful time in Shanghai. Bonnie was our extraordinary guide who went out of her way to provide excellent service and accommodate our groups requests. She is very knowledgeable and kind. Our 8 year old son Bodhi went to give Bonnie a hug at the end our trip. Strong recommendation!
Response from the operator: Dear valued guest, we greatly appreciate your time of sharing your wonderful journey! How exciting to know that you enjoyed a memorable trip in Shanghai. Our team are all travel experts striving for perfect tours. We expect more journeys with you! Best regards from TravelChinaGuide Tours.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $229 to $366
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 9
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Travel China Guide, who run 163 experiences we rank across 39 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 52.6 and 6 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Travel China Guide runsWhy this scores 75
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future cost?
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Prices start at $229 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future take?
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Plan for about 9 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.
Is 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 75 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 25 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future?
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Around 9 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
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On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai, Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future?
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Included: Air conditioned car with chauffeur; Centrally located hotel pick-up and drop-off; Private English Speaking guide; and Complimentary bottled water with unlimited supplies. Not included: Meals; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 8 listed pickup locations in and around Shanghai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future offered in?
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It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Specialized infant seats are available; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Shanghai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about 1-Day Private Shanghai City Tour to See Its Past, Present and Future?
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Across 25 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, food and drink. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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