3 Days Private Shanghai & Water Town Tour
Code: SH05
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Tour Overview
Look out for a quintessential Shanghai experience? Follow us to explore a mix of the swirling metropolis’s rich history, modernity, and traditional way of life, coupled with an old water town exploration. Trace Shanghai’s colonial past through beautiful Western architecture along the Bund while taking a Huangpu River cruise to look up its neck-craning skyscrapers peeking into its cyber-punk future. Slow down in Shanghai’s finest classic garden, Yu Garden, and stop for a rowing boat experience at the 1,700-year-old Tongli Water Town. Explore how the Tianzifang with traditional alleyways bursts with new life and why so many artists moved into the small space! ... Read more
Trip Highlights
- Personalized private tour tailored to your own schedule and interests.
- English-speaking private guide, air-conditioned private car with experienced driver.
- Stroll along the 52 grand European buildings of the Bund to learn about Shanghai’s colonial past.
- Cruise on the Huangpu River to marvel at Shanghai’s modern twists and iconic Pudong skyline.
- Explore a picturesque water town according to your preference: Tongli, Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, or Xitang.
- Enjoy the exemplary Yu Garden with mysterious rockeries, exquisite pavilions, and glimmering pools with koi fish.
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Day 1 Arrival in Shanghai, Visit Shanghai Tower, the Bund, and take a Huangpu River Cruise
This morning, your private guide and the driver will warmly greet you at the airport, train station, or your hotel in Shanghai, and your 3 days Shanghai tour will kick off!
Few visitors can resist overlooking the stunning Shanghai panoramas from high. Let’s first visit the Duoyun Bookstore, one of the world’s highest bookstores, located on the 52nd floor of China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower. Sip one cup of drink for free while from the south deck enjoying the Huangpu River below winding through the city. From the north deck, observe the neighboring three iconic megatall skyscrapers: Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.
After that, we’ll cross the river to the city’s famous calling card, the Bund. The 1.5-kilometer-long (0.9-mi) riverfront area had been the concession of Western countries for about 100 years since the mid-19th century, leaving a group of historical buildings, known as the "World Architecture Exhibition". Stroll along the Bund, and you may notice that most of the buildings are banks, like the HSBC Building, blending Neoclassical and Baroque architectural elements. As the city became a financial center in the early 20th century, a surge of bank buildings in various architectural styles rose in competition, reflecting the economic influence of foreign countries in Shanghai during that era. Looking towards the east bank, the jaw-dropping skyscrapers pierce the sky, representing the city’s meteoric growth since the 1990s. Here, board our specially arranged one-hour Huangpu River cruise to fully enjoy the sweeping views of the shorelines. During the voyage, you’ll also encounter various bridges, including the harp-like Yangpu Bridge, the elegant Nanpu Bridge, and the historic Waibaidu Bridge, China’s earliest all-steel structure. After the cruise, your guide and the driver will escort you to check into your hotel.
► After-hours Suggestion: (at your own expense)
If you’d like more time at the Bund to enjoy the gorgeous night views, you can finally take a taxi to your hotel independently in 10-20 minutes. Browse NASA's nighttime lights imagery, and you’ll surprisingly find that the Yangtze River Delta urban cluster of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou is one of the most densely lit areas in the world, while the Bund's historic buildings and Pudong's skyscrapers are undoubtedly the most dazzling core. They are typically lit up between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the season. Stroll along the riverbank or reserve a table at an upscale rooftop bar to indulge in the Bund’s unparalleled night views. For a more authentic local vibe, consider hanging out at lively bars along Julu Road and Changle Road.
Accommodation: Ocean Hotel Shanghai - Business Room (4 stars) or Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (5 stars)
Few visitors can resist overlooking the stunning Shanghai panoramas from high. Let’s first visit the Duoyun Bookstore, one of the world’s highest bookstores, located on the 52nd floor of China’s tallest building, the Shanghai Tower. Sip one cup of drink for free while from the south deck enjoying the Huangpu River below winding through the city. From the north deck, observe the neighboring three iconic megatall skyscrapers: Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.
After that, we’ll cross the river to the city’s famous calling card, the Bund. The 1.5-kilometer-long (0.9-mi) riverfront area had been the concession of Western countries for about 100 years since the mid-19th century, leaving a group of historical buildings, known as the "World Architecture Exhibition". Stroll along the Bund, and you may notice that most of the buildings are banks, like the HSBC Building, blending Neoclassical and Baroque architectural elements. As the city became a financial center in the early 20th century, a surge of bank buildings in various architectural styles rose in competition, reflecting the economic influence of foreign countries in Shanghai during that era. Looking towards the east bank, the jaw-dropping skyscrapers pierce the sky, representing the city’s meteoric growth since the 1990s. Here, board our specially arranged one-hour Huangpu River cruise to fully enjoy the sweeping views of the shorelines. During the voyage, you’ll also encounter various bridges, including the harp-like Yangpu Bridge, the elegant Nanpu Bridge, and the historic Waibaidu Bridge, China’s earliest all-steel structure. After the cruise, your guide and the driver will escort you to check into your hotel.
► After-hours Suggestion: (at your own expense)
If you’d like more time at the Bund to enjoy the gorgeous night views, you can finally take a taxi to your hotel independently in 10-20 minutes. Browse NASA's nighttime lights imagery, and you’ll surprisingly find that the Yangtze River Delta urban cluster of Shanghai, Suzhou, and Hangzhou is one of the most densely lit areas in the world, while the Bund's historic buildings and Pudong's skyscrapers are undoubtedly the most dazzling core. They are typically lit up between 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m., depending on the season. Stroll along the riverbank or reserve a table at an upscale rooftop bar to indulge in the Bund’s unparalleled night views. For a more authentic local vibe, consider hanging out at lively bars along Julu Road and Changle Road.
Accommodation: Ocean Hotel Shanghai - Business Room (4 stars) or Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (5 stars)
Skyline to the East of Huangpu River
Historical Building Cluster on the Bund
Day 2 Shanghai to Tongli Water Town
After breakfast, your guide and the driver will pick you up at your hotel lobby. Today, we’ll go beyond Shanghai and drive 1.5 hours to the "Venice of the East", the thousand-year-old Tongli Water Town. Here, traditional houses line ancient canals spanned by over 40 stone bridges. Compared to other bustling water towns, Tongli offers a low-key getaway with fewer crowds, where you can breathe in the fresh air, witness locals trimming vegetables and drinking tea by the river, and see rowing boats gliding slowly across the waterways, while camphor tree blossoms sway in the breeze.
Wandering through the old cobbled alleys, your guide will accompany you to explore the Retreat & Reflection Garden, inscribed as part of the UNESCO-listed Suzhou classic gardens. What makes it unique is that it unfolds horizontally from east to west, unlike others that extend vertically. Its elegant two-tier wooden pavilions and towers were built super close to the water surface, creating fantastic reflections as if the garden is floating on the water! Next, pass through the brick-carved gate of the centuries-old Gengle Hall, and you’ll be rewarded with traditional residences and a serene garden landscape centered around a lotus pond with a three-turn bridge spanning and staggered rockeries surrounding. There is also a 400-year-old lacebark pine standing permanently in the garden.
After that, try a special custom like a local - walk across the Three Bridges in the town center: Peace and Tranquility Bridge, Luck Bridge, and Lasting Celebration Bridge, which have witnessed the township’s joyous and auspicious events for generations. Whether it’s a wedding, the 66th birthday celebration of the elderly, or the baby’s first-month celebration, residents will all walk over the three bridges, and the bride’s bridal sedan chair will be carried across as well, to pray for blessings and avoid disasters. If lucky, you might stumble upon such a grand procession around the Three Bridges, accompanied by cheerful drum music and firecrackers, beaming people, joyful relatives and friends, with wedding candies scattered everywhere.
► Activities Recommendation: (at your own expense)
If you’d like to find peaceful moments on the water, consider hopping on a rustic rowboat, costing CNY 120 (USD 17) per boat, available to share by 6 people. Sway gently along the river at a blissfully slow pace. When going under the low bridge arches, see the boatman bend over and duck to pass. A boat journey lasts 20-25 minutes. After disembarking, stroll along the river and dig into authentic local snacks, like the savory sole-shaped crispy pastry and sweet Retreat & Reflection cake, or kill time at a riverfront cafe.
At the end of the day, your guide and the driver will convoy you back to your hotel in Shanghai.
2. Zhouzhuang: “No. 1 Water Town in China”, rich in history but the most crowded.
3. Xitang: Famous for its unique covered corridors and fantastic night views.
Whichever town captures your interest, just contact us to personalize your journey!
Meal: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Ocean Hotel Shanghai - Business Room (4 stars) or Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (5 stars)
Wandering through the old cobbled alleys, your guide will accompany you to explore the Retreat & Reflection Garden, inscribed as part of the UNESCO-listed Suzhou classic gardens. What makes it unique is that it unfolds horizontally from east to west, unlike others that extend vertically. Its elegant two-tier wooden pavilions and towers were built super close to the water surface, creating fantastic reflections as if the garden is floating on the water! Next, pass through the brick-carved gate of the centuries-old Gengle Hall, and you’ll be rewarded with traditional residences and a serene garden landscape centered around a lotus pond with a three-turn bridge spanning and staggered rockeries surrounding. There is also a 400-year-old lacebark pine standing permanently in the garden.
Tongli Water Town
Narrow Alley in Tongli Water Town
► Activities Recommendation: (at your own expense)
If you’d like to find peaceful moments on the water, consider hopping on a rustic rowboat, costing CNY 120 (USD 17) per boat, available to share by 6 people. Sway gently along the river at a blissfully slow pace. When going under the low bridge arches, see the boatman bend over and duck to pass. A boat journey lasts 20-25 minutes. After disembarking, stroll along the river and dig into authentic local snacks, like the savory sole-shaped crispy pastry and sweet Retreat & Reflection cake, or kill time at a riverfront cafe.
At the end of the day, your guide and the driver will convoy you back to your hotel in Shanghai.
► Alternative Water Towns Available (No additional charge)
1. Zhujiajiao: The closest water town to Shanghai and a perennial favorite for international travelers.2. Zhouzhuang: “No. 1 Water Town in China”, rich in history but the most crowded.
3. Xitang: Famous for its unique covered corridors and fantastic night views.
Whichever town captures your interest, just contact us to personalize your journey!
Meal: Western buffet breakfast
Accommodation: Ocean Hotel Shanghai - Business Room (4 stars) or Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel (5 stars)
Yu Garden, Shanghai
Our Guests Exploring Tianzifang Block
Day 3 Visit Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, Yu Garden & Bazaar, Tianzifang Block; See-off
Yu Garden
Next, get an insight into Shanghai’s most representative classic Chinese garden, the 400-year-old Yu Garden, boasting a delicate layout with richly ornamented traditional buildings, strange rockeries, and perfectly manicured potted plants. The most eye-catching piece is the 3.3-meter-tall (10.8-foot) wrinkled and porous Exquisite Jade Rock, characterized by its unique “breathable” texture. It is said that when pouring water over the top, the water will drip from every hole, while smoke will rise from the holes when incense is burned below – truly mysterious! Just enjoy the peaceful escape by sitting under the lakeside pavilion supported by vermilion pillars, seeing bridges zigzagging over the lake, and watching the koi fish swimming in glittering pools. Finish the visit, and let’s dive into the adjacent bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, which delivers a sharp contrast with the elegant garden. Brimming with traditional architecture, the busy block offers chances to witness local crafts like paper cutting, rubbings, bamboo weaving, and seal carving. There's also a dazzling array of local snacks: pear syrup candy, butterfly pastries, White Rabbit milk candy, steamed buns, meat sticky rice dumplings, and water chestnut cakes, etc.
Wrap up your 3 days Shanghai tour itinerary with an exploration of Tianzifang Block. Once an old residential area with red-brick Stone Gate Townhouses, aka Shikumen, it has been reborn as a trendy artistic hotspot that everyone exclaims "amazing!" The crisscrossing nostalgic alleys are home to countless hidden gem shops, including vintage jewelry, original designs, and niche fragrances. From local Shanghai cuisine to Western food, from cafes to bars, Tianzifang also offers a culinary scene that’s worth exploring.
After that, your guide and the driver will escort you to your self-booked hotel, Shanghai airport, or train station. If you’d like to leave Shanghai today, it is recommended that you book a flight or train departing after 21:00. Wish you a nice trip! If you want to extend your trip to Hangzhou or Suzhou, or visit the Great Wall and the Forbidden City in Beijing, just contact us to craft a bespoke itinerary!
Meal: Western buffet breakfas
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
| Destinations | 4 Stars Hotels | 5 Stars Hotels |
|---|---|---|
| Shanghai | Ocean Hotel Shanghai  - Business Room | Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel |
Tour Prices
| With 4 Stars Hotels | |
|---|---|
| 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers |
USD489 | USD409 |
| With 5 Stars Hotels | |
|---|---|
| 2-3 travelers | 4-5 travelers |
USD599 | USD529 |
- Prices are per person on twin sharing.
- If you are a group of 6 people or more, we will offer a more favorable price by your group size.
Price Includes
- Private English-speaking guide
- Private driver & air-conditioned vehicle
- Hotel accommodation with western buffet breakfasts
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
Price Excludes
- International airfares
- Lunches and dinners
- Entry visa fees
- Gratuities to guide and driver
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