If you’re looking to fill a day in Shanghai then there’s no shortage of options, whether it’s escaping the city or staying put for a sight-seeing laden adventure.
(Photo: Travel China Guide / Courtesy Viator)
Located on China’s central coast, with so much to see and do in and around the country’s largest city, small group or private tours ensure that you and your fellow travellers have a little more time and control over what you see and do. Here are five of the best day trips from Shanghai, taking into account many factors including itinerary, value for money, duration and the reviews of previous tour guests.
Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town, Yu Garden, Bazaar, Bund
This small private tour explores the peaceful water village of Zhujiajiao, famous for its canals, ancient buildings and bridges. After escaping the busy streets of Shanghai, guests will spend the morning in the village and catch a boat ride here, before exploring the ancient private Yu Garden and neighbouring market, in Shanghai’s downtown. Finish the day strolling down the city’s 1500-metre waterfront promenade, the Bund, that nestles the Huangpu River, a spot that is high on many tourists’ to-do lists. From $232 per person.
Classic Bike Tour With an Authentic Lunch
(Photo: Shanghai Bike Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
On this seven-hour bike tour, you’ll get to see Shanghai from a completely different point of view than before. Navigate the Former French Concession area and Shikumen of Nongtang, as you learn about the areas’ cultures, history and local life. After stopping for an authentic local lunch, the second half of the day will introduce guests to the Xintiandi area, the colonial architecture of the Bund, Shanghai Old Street, the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre … the list goes on, with this experience you’ll pack the very best bits of Shanghai into one day in an unforgettable style. From $84 per person.
Flexible Hangzhou Private Tour by Bullet Train
Situated an hour outside of Shanghai by bullet train, Hangzhou boasts two World Heritage Sites: the West Lake and the Grand Canal, making it a popular tourist destination. This private tour is very flexible, meaning you and your group can customise your itinerary with the bits of Hangzhou that interest you. Select from popular architectural sites, temples and pagodas or explore the Meijiawu Tea Village, you might even choose to head out on the water of Hangzhou’s West Lake- make the day your own! Included in the price of the tour are round-trip train fares on the bullet train, lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off. From $280 per person.
Suzhou Private Day Trip with Bullet Train Option
(Photo: Sunny Private Tours / Courtesy Viator)
Known as the Venice of the East due to its winding canals, historical buildings, and classic gardens, Suzhou is a short 30-minute bullet train from Shanghai, making it a great option for day excursions. Like most private tours, this experience benefits from being fully customisable so you and your group can choose exactly where you want to go and take part in activities that suit your interests. From the Unesco World Heritage-listed Classical Gardens of Suzhou to the silk factory, this city is brimming with cultural activities to engage your group for the entire day. The price of this tour depends entirely on what you want to do, whether you travel by bullet train or take a private car and whether you opt for the all-inclusive options on booking, this covers lunch and entrance fees. From $120 per person.
Su Zhou and Zhou Zhuang Water Village Day Tour
Around 1.5-hour’s drive from Shanghai, the picturesque towns of Suzhou and Zhouzhuang water village make for an idyllic day trip. After departing from Shanghai in an air-conditioned minivan, you’ll begin the scenic journey to Suzhou, an ancient town renowned for its verdant gardens. After exploring in the company of your expert guide, you’ll sit down to an authentic lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your minivan and moving on to Zhouzhuang, a charming town featuring winding waterways, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely look around. Later, you’ll be transported back to Shanghai. From $229 per person.
Private Day Tour to Wuxi Lingshan Grand Buddha and Tai Lake
(Photo: Shanghai Guided Tours / Courtesy GetYourGuide)
One of the world’s largest bronze Buddhas awaits visitors on this immersive all-day private tour. After collection from your Shanghai hotel, you’ll drive for three hours before reaching the 88-metre Lingshan Grand Buddha in the city of Wuxi. As you marvel at its incredible scale, your guide will regale you with fascinating stories and facts about the statue and the history of Buddhism in China. Later, you’ll also visit the scenic environs of Taihu Lake, one of the largest freshwater lakes in China, before your return transfer to Shanghai. From $301 per person.
Private Shanghai Full-Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights
With so much to see Shanghai, there is no need to leave the city’s boundaries. This private tour showcases both the historic and modern side of Shanghai, and you can visit attractions like The Bund, Ming-Dynasty Yu Garden, Jade Buddha Temple, or the observation deck of some of Shanghai’s highest skyscrapers. The great thing is, since it’s a private tour, you can customise it to suit your tastes! You can also opt whether to travel by public or private transport and whether you’d like to include lunch and entrance fees in the overall price or deal with them yourself on the day. From $109 per person.