Connected by high-speed train, Shanghai and Hangzhou are now less than an hour apart. These two cities are prime examples of China's rapid rise in wealth and technology.
Our handpicked experiences will enable you to unlock the story of Shanghai's rise, hidden in the old and new buildings. You can wander the character-filled lilong lanes, hunt for authentic snacks, indulge in the city for a day without using cash, and try to find out the secret of Jack Ma's success (Alibaba's chairman is the richest man in China). More surprises are waiting for you to discover.
- Shanghai in Progress Tour
- Shanghai Local Food Hunt
- Shanghai Former Jewish Settlement
- West Lake Scenery and Relaxing Experiences
- Discover Alibaba's Story and Cutting-Edge China
- Tea Village and Culture Experience
Shanghai in Progress Tour (3 hours)
Listen to the hidden stories of the Bund
Experience the local snacks and local life
Overlook the city from Shanghai Tower
Discover the story of Shanghai's rise to the skies…
Trace the clues starting from the Bund, wander through alleyways to get a glimpse of the locals' lives, sit down for a break and enjoy some delicious Shanghai snacks, try to fit on the public ferry among the crowds to cross the Huangpu River and ascend the highest building in Shanghai — Shanghai Tower.
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Shanghai Local Food Hunt (3 hours)
Discover the authentic local snacks
Try Michelin-starred restaurant and street food
If you are tired of eating hotel breakfasts and want to try something new, you must try this tour!
To have a great start to your day, your local guide will take you into the alleyways where you can search for the most popular local snacks that are only served for a few hours each day. Get ready to eat like a local!
Former Jewish Settlement in Shanghai (4 hours)
Visit a Jewish ghetto to find the trace of the history
Witness the historical items in the exhibition
Listen to the stories of Jews in Shanghai
At the edge of old Shanghai, there is an area that witnessed the survival of the faith of tens of thousands of Jews. It is called "Hongkew Ghetto" by Jews.
Follow your local guide to discover the memories of elderly Jews. You will also see exhibitions of historic items, visit original buildings that stood during WWII, and learn stories about the area's history.
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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West Lake Scenery and Relaxing Experiences (3½ hours)
Relax in a rowing boat on West Lake
Enjoy an afternoon Tea of Hangzhou style
As the ancient "back garden of Shanghai", Hangzhou is filled with relaxing charm. The best way to enjoy this city is to follow the locals.
Taking a rowing boat is the most authentic way to enjoy West Lake's beauty. Explore a century-old Chinese pharmacy, learn how to make Chinese medicine and try some Chinese medicine snacks. Then settle down to a fine afternoon tea of Hangzhou style.
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Tea Village and Culture Experience (3 hours)
Pick tea leaves with a tea farmer
Learn the art of tea-tasting
Enjoy tea dishes at China's top tea plantation.
Meijiawu Tea Village is the place of origin of the best tea in China — West Lake Dragon Well tea. A local tea farmer will welcome you with traditional tea-pickers' bamboo baskets and hats and accompany you to the tea plantation.
You will first learn to choose appropriate tea leaves and pick them in the right way. After tea-picking, the tea farmer will show you the process of stir-drying tea. This process dehydrates the leaves and helps preserve their beautiful green color. Then learn the proper way to make a cup of tea.
After saying goodbye to the tea village, we'll drive to a local restaurant hiding in the tea plantation to enjoy some tea cuisine.
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