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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Shanghai with Karen.
Shanghai with the excellent Karen. Karen was our guide in Shanghai, she was very friendly, thoughtful and knowledgeable. She really listened to what we would like to do and went above and beyond to take us to different places that we greatly enjoyed. more
Mar 2025, Emma B
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Private Shanghai tour with Ms. Mulan
I and my wife have a great time with Ms. Mulan for this couple of days.Day 1 was a rainy day, she very fast in rescheduled our itineraries. Ensuring that our tours for both days are perfect.She takes note of all the little details, brought us roasted pastry and Elephant ear pastry. She even got us into the Peace Hotel, understand the history and watch a singer with the famous Jazz band performances.Thanks for the good times. more
Mar 2025, S
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China tour: Shanghai phase
We have reached the end of our excellent and very busy tour with China Highlights and were flagging a little having done about 15000 steps a day. However, William greeted us warmly on our transfer in Shanghai and set to showing us the best bits. The weather was unkind but William adjusted the itinerary like a pro to show us the indoors attractions during the wet day and programmed the Shanghai tower visit in the clearest part of the next day. William, like our other guides from China Highlights, was very knowledgeable and provided that essential translation service one needs on a first visit. A few of very personal contributions from William were his kindness and patience, his choice of local restaurant and his support at the airport on our way home. Many thanks, William! Our apologies for not remembering the name of our driver for this part, but we could his skill and smoothness was note worthy. more
Mar 2025, Mark R
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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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Discover Alibaba's Story and Cutting-Edge China in Hangzhou
Listen to the stories of Jack Ma and Alibaba
Experience a mobile payment
Have a new retail experiences
Paying with your face, riding a QR code bike, stores without a sales clerk, ambulances getting a green light all the way... these are daily life in Hangzhou.
Journey with us and have your eyes opened by interesting stories about Jack Ma, the richest man in China, and how his company Alibaba changed Hangzhou.
Recommended tours:
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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