China

5 Unique Shanghai Private Guided Tours

by Oliver Stallwood  |  Published October 2, 2024

Shanghai is a city packed with world-famous landmarks, hidden gems, and even a few ghosts – take a unique private tour to make the most of any visit.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

Shanghai is a city that can be seen from many perspectives. It is modern and high tech on one side, but at the same time conjures up images of glamour and mystery from the past. The Chinese city can feel pretty crowded at times so perhaps the last thing you need when exploring is to be part of a large tour group – a more intimate private tour makes perfect sense in Shanghai. There are plenty of unique options to choose from too. 

Shanghai: 8-Hour Private City Tour

This tour is a full day of sightseeing, taking in all of the main sights and landmarks of Shanghai in one go, from ancient temples to the soaring, modern skyline, as well as lesser-seen places of interest. Even though it is eight hours long, it’s unlikely you’ll get bored on this top-rated trip, with a private vehicle and guide to keep things moving, plus it is peppered with unique experiences such as a break in an ancient Chinese tea after a visit to Yu Yuan Garden. You’ll also experience Shanghai Old Street, People Square and the charming former French Concession if you wish, although naturally the itinerary is completely customisable. From €107.13.

Book at Getyourguide.co.uk

Shanghai : Old Town Private Walking Tour

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The city’s roots go back more than 6,000 years, the one-time fishing village and market town that we now know as Shanghai has plenty of history. The city’s Old Town is, as the name might suggest, thought to be the oldest inhabited part. For this immersive tour a local guid takes you through this ancient part of Shanghai, pointing out and explaining both the famous landmarks and hidden gems along the way. You will get to explore the labyrinthine lanes of the Old Town bazaar, and witness old family-owned shops that have operated for many years. The guide is also happy to share advice on good local spots to visit for the rest of your trip too. From €59.00.

Book at Getyourguide.co.uk

Private Shanghai Gangster Tour

This tour provides looks at an alternative side to Shanghai’s history – it is perfect for anyone who has already seen the sights of the city and looking for something a little different. This gangster-themed private tour of Shanghai is led by a character from the city’s colonial-era criminal underworld, introducing you to the lesser-known side to Shanghai’s history when powerful crime lords ruled the streets. The tour includes a free drink at a historic property and lesson in cheating at Black Jack and Craps too. You can also add a visit to a shooting range as an option. From €102.84.

Book at Viator.com 

4-Hour Shanghai Best Garden and Temple Tour with Tea Tasting

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

This tour is perfect for tea lovers who want to blend Shanghai’s history with learning more about their favourite brew. The day starts with meeting your local guide in downtown Shanghai before heading to the tranquil temple-Jade Buddha Temple, with a tour of the complex. From there you will head to the 500-year-old Yu Garden, a 20,000 square meter maze of gardens, pavilions, lakes and bridges. One of the unique highlights of the trip is the chance to experience a tea ceremony and tea tasting, trying different flavours and learning the culture around China’s most famous drink. The tour ends with a drop-off in the downtown area. From €88.91.

Book at Getyourguide.co.uk

Private Shanghai Ghost Tour

A local guide introduces you to the spooky history of Shanghai during this two-hour ghost tour. There are plenty of scary stories to keep the spirits up as you go about ghost hunting, visiting a number of spots along the way. There is a visit to Jingan Temple’s Guardian Lions to ask them for their protection against the evil spirits of the night and you’ll also discover the identity of the two ghosts that haunt the Paramount Theatre and find out why you always need to keep an eye on the fourth-floor windows. At the end of the tour you receive a gift of a floating lotus lantern. From €103.88.

Book at Viator.com