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Unique Experience

3-Day Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour

3 Days / 2 Nights 4.7 (189 reviews) Private Tour English Guide
From $219 / person
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Tour Overview

Looking for a unique Shanghai tour that's different from regular itineraries? Here it is — a harmony between the hard modern landscape of skyscrapers and the soft, ancient water town scenery results in one of a kind holiday in Shanghai.

With our private Shanghai tour, you'll make the best of your time to experience all the city's best highlights — including the panorama of colonial architecture on the Bund, breathtaking views from one of the highest buildings in the world, and the cultural treasures of the Shanghai Museum. You'll then enjoy a unique half-day escape to the beautiful Zhujiajiao Water Town, known as the "Venice of Shanghai," to experience the traditional face of China and discover what a real water town of ancient times was like. It's interesting, enjoyable, and truly valuable.

Tour Highlights

🏛️

The Bund

Stroll along Shanghai's iconic waterfront, admiring the magnificent "Exhibition of the World's Architecture" with the Pudong skyline as backdrop.

🏯

Yu Garden

Find the unexpected traditions of old Shanghai hidden among modern skyscrapers in this classical Ming Dynasty garden.

🌆

Shanghai Tower

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

🏛️

Shanghai Museum

Witness precious cultural relics spanning more than 3,000 years, including the famous Da Ke Ding bronze vessel.

🚣

Zhujiajiao Water Town

Explore the "Venice of Shanghai" — ancient canals, stone bridges, Ming & Qing dynasty buildings, and charming waterways.

🎭

Tianzifang

Discover the unexpected traditions of old Shanghai hidden among modern skyscrapers in the creative arts district.

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 today is yours to relax. If you want to explore nearby, feel free to get some practical suggestions from your tour guide.

Optional Activity: Attend an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking "balls of death" acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances.

Day 2

Shanghai City Highlights

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

Midday: Drive to the Shanghai Museum East, one of the Four Best Museums in China. Over one billion cultural relics related to Chinese ancient history and art are exhibited here, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, and sculptures from more than 5,000 years ago. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Afternoon: Visit Tianzifang, a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in old Shanghai. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafés, bars, and restaurants.

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

Day 3

Yu Garden → Zhujiajiao Water Town → 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.

Late Morning: Drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town (about 1 hour from downtown Shanghai), located in Qingpu District. Known as the "Venice of Shanghai," Zhujiajiao is the closest and largest water town in Shanghai, with a history spanning over 1,700 years.

Explore Zhujiajiao: Take a relaxing gondola ride through ancient waterways lined with Ming and Qing dynasty buildings. Visit Kezhi Garden, a hidden gem showcasing classical Jiangnan garden design. Walk across the iconic Fangsheng Bridge — the longest stone bridge in Zhujiajiao with 5 arches and 72 steps. Explore the old dwellings, intricate canals, and holy temples that reveal the unique living customs of this ancient water town.

Afternoon: Enjoy a traditional tea ceremony at a local tea house overlooking the canals. Afterward, 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, Zhujiajiao)
  • Gondola boat ride in Zhujiajiao
  • Traditional tea ceremony
  • 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. The water town involves walking on stone bridges and cobblestone paths.

Visa-Free Transit

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

Photo Opportunity

Zhujiajiao is a photographer's paradise. Bring your camera for stunning shots of canals, bridges, and traditional architecture.

Weather

Operates in all weather conditions. Umbrellas provided if needed.

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour.

Safety

Licensed operator with comprehensive travel insurance.

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