Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 385 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights worth booking?
Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights is a 8-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $19 per person. It scores 94 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “90+ Club”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 385 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing. It sits in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
- Outty Ranking
- 94 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (385)
- Duration
- 8 hours
- From
- $19 per person
If you have very limited time in Shanghai, and want to go home with a great understanding of Shanghai, its people, history and culture, then this private day tour is perfect for you! You will visit both the east and west
What you get
- Authentic dumpling lunch (if option selected)
- Personal tour guide services
- Flexible start time (choose when booking)
- Entrance fees (if option selected)
- Private car or metro/taxis (if option selected)
- Guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel and return you to your hotel
About this experience
If you have very limited time in Shanghai, and want to go home with a great understanding of Shanghai, its people, history and culture, then this private day tour is perfect for you! You will visit both the east and west sides of Shanghai and also discover Shanghai's fascinating mix of modern and classic character. The major attractions in this tour includes: Shanghai Tower, The Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, The Bund, Riverside Promenade (Binjiang Da Dao), Yu Yuan Garden, French Concession area and much more! Note that observation decks in Lujiazui area are optional so you can choose based on conditions.
What's included
Included
- Authentic dumpling lunch (if option selected)
- Personal tour guide services
- Flexible start time (choose when booking)
- Entrance fees (if option selected)
- Private car or metro/taxis (if option selected)
- Guide will meet you at your centrally located hotel and return you to your hotel
Not included
- Tips-recommended
- Observation decks in Lujiazui area (allows you to choose based on conditions)
What you'll see and do
Shanghai Tower
The Shanghai Tower is a 632-metre, 128-story megatall skyscraper in Lujiazui (second-tallest behind Dubai's Burj Khalifa.) It has the world's highest observation deck and the world's fastest elevators at a top speed of 74 km/hr. It is the world's A truly amazing view and experience.
30 minutes here
Oriental Pearl Tower (Dongfang Mingzhu)
This iconic symbol of Shanghai, at 468 m (1,535 feet) high, was the tallest structure in China from 1994 to 2007. It is classified a AAAAA scenic area by the China National Tourism Administration. An observation deck is in the highest sphere with glass floor 360-degree view.
15 minutes here
Shanghai World Financial Center
This iconic structure looks like a bottle opener and is the 2nd tallest building in Shanghai. Three observation decks offer different experiences at the 94th, 97th, and 100th floors. The 100th floor is the highest observatory in the world, with transparent glass-walled walkways.
15 minutes here
Yu Garden
This garden dates back to 1559 during the Ming Dynasty. A classic Chinese Garden rich in history, you'll see a wide range of halls, statues, rock structures, water features as well as the famous Grand Rockery and Exquisite Jade Rocks.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Yuyuan Old Street
Once called Miaoqian Dajie, is an old business street that has a combination of tourist attractions, shops, entertainment and cultural exhibits as well as the earliest bank, gold shop, jeweler's store, wine shop and tea house of the city were all to be found here.
60 minutes here
Shanghai Confucian Temple
The Confucius Temple was founded during the Yuan Dynasty, when Shanghai was just a small fishing village. It was also the most prestigious learning institution, combining a spiritual temple with a top-rated school. A beautiful and serene site of gardens, halls, statues and an amazing complimentary tea ceremony.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Former French Concession
Enjoy the atmosphere of east meets west or one of the new popular places. This area is rich in the history of China when colonial powers had a significant presence in Shanghai. It has unique architecture while bustling with people along tree-lined streets.
60 minutes here
The Bund (Wai Tan)
The Shanghai Bund has dozens of historical buildings, lining the Huangpu River, that once housed numerous banks, trading houses and consulates from all over Europe, Asia and the United States. The area highlights Shanghai's western influence in architecture and culture and today offers a beautiful walkway along the Huangpu River while learning about Shanghai's history.
60 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
All Inclusive W/Private Car
Authentic dumpling lunch Private car: Modern vehicle with A/C and ample room All entrance fees: This option includes all entrance fees (except observation decks) and lunch. Pickup included
All inclusive w/Metro & taxis
Authentic dumpling lunch Transportation by metro/taxis: This option is includes entrance fees, lunch and public metro and taxis. Pickup included
Guide only
Flexible tour option: This option includes guide service only to give you ultimate flexible to choose your sites and meals. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en, fr, es
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Jennys China Tours
Know before you go
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Dress comfortably and for the season
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- To secure your Yuyuan Garden Ticket and bypass queues, please provide your full name along with your passport number.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 385 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
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Small groups
4 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Food and drink
3 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
385 verified traveler reviews for Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Wonderful and Knowledgeable Guide in Shanghai
We had a wonderful experience with our guide yesterday in Shanghai. She was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and friendly. She explained the history and culture of every place we visited in a very interesting way and made our day enjoyable and memorable. We truly appreciated her knowledge, patience, and excellent service. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Peggy our tour guide gave...
Peggy our tour guide gave us a great experience in Shanghai! She was super flexible, and Mr. Wong, our driver for the day was very attentive to our needs! Thank you for making our Shanghai trip a very positive and memorable day!
via Viator
Great experience
We used this private tour during a layover of just a few hours in Shanghai, and it was a great way to get a taste of the city and see some of its key sights in a limited amount of time. Our guide, Peggy, was fantastic and really made the experience. She was friendly, knowledgeable, and made sure we got the most out of every moment without ever feeling rushed. A great option if you have limited time in Shanghai and want to experience the highlights. Highly recommended!
via Viator
Our Wonderful Shanghai Tour!
Our tour guide, Peggy, was excellent! Very knowledgable, very organized, very warm and cordial! Spoke perfect English! Great day for our family!
via Viator
Shanghai Surprise - Victoria from South Australia
We spent a marvellous day touring the sights of Shanghai with Krisy. Krisy was friendly, warm, knowledgeable and made the experience feel highly personalised and easy, despite the crowds in several places. Together with Mr Wong, our polite and efficient driver, they treated us to a truly memorable day. We would highly recommend.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 8 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $19 to $329
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 135
- Verdict
- 90+ Club
Why this scores 94
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights cost?
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Prices start at $19 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 Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights take?
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Plan for about 8 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 Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 94 out of 100, which we label "90+ Club". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 385 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. Scoring 90 or above puts it in the Outty 90+ Club, the top tier of everything we rank.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights?
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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 Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights?
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Around 135 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 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights 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, Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option, 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour. 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.
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