Charming Shanghai and Water Town Tour
If you are a first-time visitor, don't miss this tour! With new ways to explore Shanghai's most popular and representative attractions, you will have a better understanding of this huge city.
Explore old and new Shanghai, avoid tourist routes to explore unique points along the Bund, listen to anecdotes about the former French Concession, and relax in a rowing boat in Zhujiajiao Water Town.
We always welcome your thoughts on this tour! Each part can be tailored to your interests.
Tour 'Wow' Points
Follow Our Insider's Route to Explore the Real Shanghai.
Embark on an adventure tracing the saga of Shanghai's transformation to a towering metropolis.


Indulge in Authentic Local Cuisine.
Try Xiaolongbao, a type of steamed dumpling with delicate skin and a flavorful filling. When you eat, the broth is released as you bite into the dumpling.


Observe the Old-fashioned Residences in an Ancient Water Town
Zhujiajiao combines serenity of canals and old town charm, representing Shanghai's rich history and culture.


See the Unique Blend of Chinese and French Influences.
Immerse yourself in the architectural beauty, cultural richness, and culinary and shopping paradise of the Shanghai French Concession.


Discover real reviews of Highlights Travel Family's best-rated service across trusted platforms.

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A trip for the history books!
![]() Kenny was an absolutely amazing guide. She told us about the history of Shanghai and a lot of the wonderful sights. She also was able to quickly make changes to tour arrangements on the fly due to weather. more
Jun 2025, Gabriel
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Great Shanghai visit with a very good guide
![]() We just spent three wonderful days in this very special city.First day we were guided by Sean from China Highlights who showed us some of the most important touristic points, the TV tower, the bund, the garden.Friendly and with very good humor, he not added a lot of information but also entertained us. The following two days we were by ourselves, but Sean provided valuable insights. We walked through the French concession, exploited shikumen architecture, visited the narrow streets of Tian Anzi and later on the third days, the Shanghai museum and people’s square and took profit of the inumerous stores for some shopping .Great trip, great value.Thanks, Sean more
Jun 2025, Claudio C
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Qi from Shanghai
![]() Qi, our private guide in Shanghai, was very good. She was very flexible to our needs, and changed a few things for us. Qi was charming and helpful and good to chat with.Also I’d like to acknowledge and recommend Vanessa from China Travel who worked with my wife to create a perfect 15 day China tour plan for us. Vanessa was very responsive and understood what we wanted. We had a private tour, and I know this can be expensive, but if you can afford it the private tour is well worth the money. more
Jun 2025, Andy B
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Suggested Itinerary
Here is a suggested itinerary. We are happy to customize a tour according to your interests and schedule.
Your private guide will be waiting for you in the airport arrivals hall or in your hotel's lobby. A comfortable vehicle (non-smoking) with an experienced driver will be ready for you to explore Shanghai.
Visit Yu Garden, which is a delicate classical garden that is hidden among high buildings. You will hear interesting stories about its former owner, and learn why its dragon wall almost killed its former owner.
Walking along the Bund, you will learn about Shanghai's rise. Your guide will take you into historical buildings where you can touch the old items and he/she will tell you stories about their past.
Wander through alleyways to get a glimpse of the locals' lifestyles. Your guide will take you to a famous local restaurant to taste Shanghai's most typical snack — xiaolongbao (steamed buns). Learn the proper way to eat one or you will burn your mouth!
Be like a local as you hop on a public ferry among the crowds to cross the Huangpu River and slowly travel from old Shanghai to Shanghai's Pudong New Area.
Take the fastest elevator in the world and ascend the highest building in Shanghai — the Shanghai Tower. You can enjoy seeing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower below you and get a bird's-eye view of the entire city.
Wander in the former French Concession where your guide will tell you stories about the buildings and the colonial history. Pass by the stylish buildings constructed a century ago and try to find a famous one.
Next, your guide will take you to a hidden treasure of art — the Propaganda Poster Art Centre. There, you will find exaggerated posters that record the history of the Mao era, and your curiosity about communism will be satisfied.
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon in Zhujiajiao Water Town. Walk over the bridges and by the river, and relax in a rowing boat. This lovely town will make you forget that you are next to a big city.
After Zhujiajiao Water Town, your tour guide and driver will escort you to the airport or train station and wave goodbye.
Tour Price
Price includes: