
4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 97 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour worth booking?
4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour is a 4-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $44 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 97 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (97)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $44 per person
The itinerary of this half day private Shanghai city tour is 100% customized based on your interests. Whether you want to enjoy a city sightseeing to top attractions or would like to learn about a wide range of Shanghai history, culture, art and etc., your friendly guide will give your a wonderful showcase of this amazing city.
What you get
About this experience
The itinerary of this half day private Shanghai city tour is 100% customized based on your interests. Whether you want to enjoy a city sightseeing to top attractions or would like to learn about a wide range of Shanghai history, culture, art and etc., your friendly guide will give your a wonderful showcase of this amazing city.
What's included
Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Private transfer (only if Tour with Private Car Tour Option is selected)
- Private professional guide
Not included
- All Entrance fees
- Transportation (if Tour Only Option is selected)
- Personal expense
- Food and drinks
- Airport pickup and drop-off service
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
The Bund (Wai Tan)
Meet your local professional guide at your hotel lobby at 8:30, 13:00 or 18:30 ( Or your preferred departure time ). Since this is a fully private customized tour based on your own interests, please choose 3 top attractions that you want to visit the most, or feel free to discuss your preference with your guide upon meeting. Typically, you will visit The Bund first, to see the amazing skyscrapers along the Huangpu River.
30 minutes here
Yu Garden
If you like, you can choose to visit the most famous classic Yu Garden. Your guide will share with you the Chinese garden art, and give you an overview of high official's garden life in the history.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Jade Buddha Temple
You can also choose to visit one of the most famous Buddhist temple "Jade Buddha Temple". Your guide will not only point out all the details but explain you the history of Buddhism and wisdom of Buddhism philosophy.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Former French Concession
Another good choice is to visit Former French Concession, where is full of trendy bars and clubs. The area still holds something of the alluring mix of scrappy Shanghainese street life and shopworn European colonial charm. Your guide will show you the most interesting area in the Former French Concession according to your preference.
60 minutes here
Shanghai Tower
Your final stop can be at Shanghai Tower, you can take the fastest elevator ( 18m/s ) in the world to 119F to have a wonderful view of Shanghai. Your guide will point out all the important places and explain you all the stories behind it. If you wish to do something else, such as food tasting, body massage, or visit other attractions, such as Shanghai Propaganda Museum, Shanghai Museum and etc, please feel free to let your guide know.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
Afternoon Tour w/ Private Car
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide plus private transfer service (entrance tickets are at your own cost). Your tour departure time is 1:00pm Pickup included
Night Tour w/ Private transfer
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide plus private transfer service (entrance tickets are at your own cost). Your tour departure time is 6:30 PM or your preferred departure time. Pickup included
Morning Tour with Private Car
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide plus private transfer service (entrance tickets are at your own cost). Pickup included
Afternoon Tour only
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide (entrance tickets and public transportation are at your own cost). Your tour departure time is 1:00pm Pickup included
Night Tour only
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide (entrance tickets and public transportation are at your own cost). Your tour departure time is 6:30 PM or your preferred departure time. Pickup included
Morning Tour only
You will be accompanied by local professional tour guide (entrance tickets and public transportation are at your own cost). Pickup included
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
- Shanghai Melody Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- For the Pudong airport layover travelers, please meet up either at Maglev Train Longyang Rd Station ( You can easily take Maglev train from Pudong airport to Longyang Rd Station in 7 minutes ), Or Pudong airport with extra pick-up charges applied.
- If hotel is located at outskirt of Shanghai, please meet up either at Fairmont Peace Hotel ( the concierge area ) or your hotel with extra pick-up charges applied.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 97 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Organization
3 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Pace and timing
2 mentionsSeveral reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
97 verified traveler reviews for 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
10 out of 10! Such a great tour.
We absolutely loved this tour! Penny was our guide and she did such an amazing job taking us around, and explaining the unique history of the city. We explored at an easy pace and never felt rushed to go to another location before we were ready. We loved that throughout the tour, we would stop and just have an in-depth conversation about anything that came to mind. By the end of the tour, we felt like we made a wonderful new friend and were that much more knowledgeable about Shanghai. We highly recommend taking this tour, and while I am sure all the guides are great, you are in for a great experience if you happen to get Penny. One suggestion, make sure you specify that you would like transportation included when you are reserving the tour. We overlooked it when we booked, and while it was not a big deal, I figured I would mention it to prevent anyone else from making the same mistake we did when we booked.
via Viator
Such a great tour and memorable experience
This was my husband's and I's first time visiting Shanghai and since we only had a few days, we wanted to make the most of seeing as much as we could. Our guide, Penny, was the perfect guide for us. She was on time and from the moment we met her, we knew that she was going to not only show us around but share her expert knowledge of the history of the city. Penny took her time explaining so many things to us and let us explore and ask her a ton of questions. We also got to explore at our own pace and never felt like we had to rush. By the end of the tour, we knew that Penny would be more than just a guide, but a new friend for us in the city. This tour is absolutely one you should not miss. One suggestion is to make sure that you book the option with the transportation included and don't make the same mistake I did in thinking that the "morning tour only" option was referring to the time of day instead of it referring to having just the guide without transportation included. Other than that, enjoy the tour and soak in all the beautiful sights and history that you'll be exposed to on it.
via Tripadvisor
Penny made our trip!!!
Right from the start, the team have been in contact with me and has been so open with communication and questions. Penny, our guide, was extremely knowledgeable and kind. She delivered exactly what she proposed. This took our visit to Shanghai to a whole new level. She has so.much knowledge and explains things in such a good way. Absolutely amazing!
via Tripadvisor
We had an amazing time...
We had an amazing time with our tour guide Summer. We learned so much about Shanghai. We really learned a lot and enjoyed our time in the Yu Garden and Jade Temple. We also really enjoyed the views of the Bund. Our guide, Summer, was so sweet and considerate. She shared a lot of interesting facts and answered our questions. She really made the experience so memorable and enjoyable. We were so thankful that she was our guide and helped introduce us to the beautiful city of Shanghai!
via Viator
Shanghai Private Tour
Penny was absolutely amazing! She made our 4 hours together such a great learning experience. We saw sights we would have missed had we not taken this tour. I would definitely take this tour if your time is limited in Shanghai.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $44 to $180
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 34
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Shanghai Melody Tours, who run 19 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 57.5.
See everything Shanghai Melody Tours runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $44 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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour take?
+
Plan for about 4 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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 97 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most highly reviewed in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
Around 34 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?
+
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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
Included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; Private transfer (only if Tour with Private Car Tour Option is selected); and Private professional guide. Not included: All Entrance fees; Transportation (if Tour Only Option is selected); Personal expense; and Food and drinks. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 1718 listed pickup locations in and around Shanghai.
What languages is 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour offered in?
+
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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Transportation options are wheelchair accessible; and All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour if the weather is bad?
+
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 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
Across 97 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Several reviewers comment on how the schedule is paced.
What booking options are available for 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour?
+
There are 6 options to choose from, including Afternoon Tour w/ Private Car, Night Tour w/ Private transfer, Morning Tour with Private Car, Afternoon Tour only. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for 4-Hour Private Customized Shanghai City Tour.
Pick your date




