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3-Day Classic Shanghai Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights 4.9 (350+ reviews) Private Tour English Guide
From $189 / person
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Tour Overview

Spend 3 days discovering the diversity of Shanghai and experiencing traditional Chinese culture amid overwhelming modernization. This classic Shanghai tour at a leisure pace takes you to the city's top landmarks — from the iconic Bund and Shanghai Tower to the classical Yu Garden and world-class Shanghai Museum.

With our cultural guide and attentive service, you'll deeply feel the sharp contrasts between old and new, East and West, and truly understand the magical fusion that defines Shanghai! This tour also includes a ride on the legendary Shanghai Maglev train — the world's first commercial high-speed maglev line reaching speeds of 431 km/h (268 mph) — a thrilling experience in itself.

Tour Highlights

🏛️

The Bund

Take a wonderful walk along the Bund to enjoy both the modern Pudong skyline and the colonial-era "Exhibition of the World's Architecture."

🏯

Yu Garden & Bazaar

Explore a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty classical garden and the lively Yuyuan Bazaar filled with traditional shops and local snacks.

🌆

Shanghai Tower

Ride the world's fastest elevator to the 118th floor (546m) of China's tallest building for 360° panoramic views of the city.

🏛️

Shanghai Museum

Visit one of China's Four Best Museums, home to precious cultural relics spanning over 5,000 years of Chinese history.

🚄

Maglev Train Experience

Ride the world's first commercial maglev railway at 431 km/h — a thrilling 7-minute journey from the city to Pudong Airport.

🎭

Acrobatic Show (Optional)

Attend a breathtaking Shanghai acrobatic performance featuring "balls of death," chair balancing, and aerial acts.

Full Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Shanghai

Welcome to Shanghai! Upon your arrival at the airport or train station, your private guide and driver will meet you at the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle.

After check-in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recover from your journey. If you're feeling energetic, your guide can recommend nearby places to explore or suggest an optional evening activity.

Optional Activity: Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show at Shanghai Circus World, including breathtaking "balls of death" acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling, and other breathtaking performances.

Day 2

Shanghai City Highlights

Morning: After breakfast, your guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Start your exploration at the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong. Ride one of the world's fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck (546 meters) of the Shanghai Tower — the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world at 632 meters. Enjoy a jaw-dropping 360° panoramic view of Shanghai's dynamic skyline.

Midday: Drive to the Shanghai Museum East, one of the Four Best Museums in China. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited here, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and sculptures from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Don't miss the Da Ke Ding (bronze food vessel from over 3,000 years ago) and Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments).

Afternoon: Visit Tianzifang, a unique arts enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in Shanghai's old town. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops, cafés, bars, and restaurants. It's the perfect place to experience the daily life of the Shanghainese and find unique souvenirs.

Evening: Head to The Bund, Shanghai's famous waterfront. As night falls, watch the historic colonial buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other create a breathtaking illuminated display.

Day 3

Yu Garden → Shanghai Urban Planning Center → Maglev Experience → Departure

Morning: Visit Yu Garden, a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty landscape design built over 450 years ago. Explore the exquisite pavilions, rockeries, and ponds, then wander through the bustling Yuyuan Bazaar where you can shop for traditional Chinese handicrafts and taste local snacks like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).

Midday: Visit the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, which features a massive 1:500 scale model of the entire Shanghai city center. This fascinating museum shows you the city's past, present, and future development.

Afternoon: Experience the legendary Shanghai Maglev Train! Ride the world's first commercial high-speed maglev line from Longyang Road to Pudong Airport, reaching an incredible speed of 431 km/h (268 mph) in just 7 minutes. It's a thrilling end to your Shanghai tour!

Your guide will escort you to the airport or train station for your departure.

What's Included

Included

  • Private English-speaking guide
  • Airport/train station pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned private vehicle
  • 2 nights hotel accommodation (4-star)
  • Daily breakfast
  • All entrance fees (Shanghai Tower, Yu Garden, Shanghai Museum)
  • Shanghai Maglev Train ticket (one-way)
  • Bottled water throughout the tour

Excluded

  • International or domestic flights/trains
  • Lunch and dinner (guide can recommend)
  • Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
  • Optional acrobatic show ticket
  • Tips for guide and driver (optional, appreciated)

Important Information

Walking Level

Moderate. Comfortable walking shoes recommended. Approximately 10,000 steps per day.

Visa-Free Transit

Shanghai offers 240-hour visa-free transit for citizens of over 50 countries. Ask us for details!

Family Friendly

Children of all ages welcome. Family pricing available for kids under 12.

Meals

Dietary requirements accommodated (vegetarian, halal, etc.). Please advise at booking.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.

Safety

Licensed operator with comprehensive travel insurance.

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