Private Day Tour to Catch the Highlights in Shanghai

Hangzhou , China

Private Day Tour to Catch the Highlights in Shanghai

Active

6h - 8h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This day trip packages to Shanghai offer you excellent experience to walk in the historical area and admire the city views. We select Shanghai's unique tourist attractions, the Oriental Pearl, the Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and so on, so that you can get a fantastic insight into the real life of local people in Shanghai and feel the fashion and charm of Shanghai. Wide ranges of vehicles from 5 seats to 19 seats available to cater different sizes of your group.

Available options

Private Day Tour to Catch the Highlights in Shanghai

Pickup included

What's included

Experienced tour guide

Air-conditioned private vehicle

Bottled water

Admission tickets

Downtown Hotel and Railway Station Pickup and Drop-off in Hangzhou

Licenced driver

Detailed itinerary

Your trip starts with a pickup at your Hangzhou downtown hotel. You will then proceed to the Hangzhou East Railway Station, where you will take the train to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station (second class tickets are included). Our guide will be at the exit of Shanghai, holding a sign waiting to meet you. Then count on our comfortable vehicle with licensed driver who will help you with your luggage and take you to the first attraction-The Oriental Pearl Tower, located in the Pudong New Area of Lujiazui, Shanghai, China, was built in July 1991 and put into use in May 1995. With a height of 467.9 meters, it is the first tower in Asia and the third tallest tower in the world. It is one of Shanghai's landmarks. Located in the 4.2 meter ticket hall, the luxurious elevator will take you to the 263 meter sight-seeing level in 40 seconds at a high speed of 7 meters per second. This unique and swift feeling will be a rare experience for you to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Up a bright, luxurious, curved staircase, up a 267-meter platform, and directly in front of it is a bright reception hall, with opalescent walls reflecting soft light and stunning black marble, to surround you with an air of dignity. Then you will visit the Exhibition Hall of Shanghai's Urban Historical Development which is an image exhibition reflecting the changes of Shanghai's modern history, with an exhibition area of 10,000 square meters.

Next head to The city God temple tourist area, which includes the Old Town God temple, Yu Garden and shopping, food and small commodities, is a must-see attraction for many visitors to Shanghai. The city God temple is the first window to fully appreciate the history, culture and customs of Shanghai, and to taste the authentic Shanghai snacks. You will have ample time to tour around and buy the authentic Shanghai snacks you want.

The Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is one of the ten most famous pedestrian streets in China. This is the gathering place of the department store, the complete range of goods, is a shopper's paradise. Creative city sculptures are everywhere, and there are plenty of chairs for tourists to sit on in the middle of the street. Walking along the pedestrian streets of Nanjing Road, you can see trolley cars like miniature versions of old trams shuttling back and forth, feeling the old Shanghai. After that, you will transfer back to Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station and take the train to Hangzhou East Railway Station.(Second-class tickets are included)

What's not included

Gratuities(optional)

Lunch

Available languages

Guide guide

CMN EN

Important information

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Hangzhou

Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang Province, is renowned for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. It's home to the iconic West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers a blend of historical landmarks, modern attractions, and serene landscapes.

Top Attractions

West Lake

West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous attraction in Hangzhou. This picturesque lake is surrounded by scenic gardens, temples, and pagodas, offering a serene escape from the city.

Nature Half day to full day Free to enter the lake area, but individual attractions may have entrance fees (¥30-¥100)

Lingyin Temple

Lingyin Temple is one of the largest and wealthiest Buddhist temples in China, dating back to the Tang Dynasty. It is renowned for its ancient architecture, Buddhist artifacts, and serene atmosphere.

Historical/Religious 2-3 hours ¥30

Hefang Street

Hefang Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with traditional buildings, shops, and restaurants. It offers a glimpse into Hangzhou's rich history and is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local snacks.

Cultural/Shopping 1-2 hours Free to enter, but budget for shopping and snacks

Xixi Wetland Park

Xixi Wetland Park is a unique urban wetland park that offers a serene escape from the city. It is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, and visitors can explore the park by boat or on foot.

Nature Half day ¥100 (including boat tour)

Hangzhou Botanical Garden

The Hangzhou Botanical Garden is a vast and beautifully landscaped garden that showcases a wide variety of plants and flowers. It is a peaceful and scenic spot to relax and enjoy nature.

Nature 1-2 hours ¥30

Must-Try Local Dishes

Dongpo Pork

A braised pork belly dish that is tender, succulent, and slightly sweet. It is named after the famous Song Dynasty poet Su Dongpo, who is said to have created the dish.

Main dish Contains pork

Beggar's Chicken

A dish made with a whole chicken wrapped in clay and baked, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender, flavorful meat inside. The legend goes that a beggar wrapped a stolen chicken in clay to hide it from his pursuers, and the resulting dish was so delicious that it became a local specialty.

Main dish Contains chicken

West Lake Fish in Vinegar Gravy

A dish made with fresh river fish, cooked in a tangy vinegar-based sauce. The dish is named after the famous West Lake in Hangzhou and is known for its delicate flavors and tender fish.

Main dish Contains fish, may contain gluten

Bamboo Shoot Dishes

Hangzhou is famous for its bamboo shoots, which are used in a variety of dishes. They can be stir-fried, braised, or steamed, and are often served as a side dish or incorporated into other dishes.

Side dish Vegetarian, may contain gluten

Popular Activities

Hiking Biking Boat tours Kayaking Tea tasting Spas and wellness centers Parks and gardens Cultural performances

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city is vibrant with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: English (limited)
English: Limited

Currency

Chinese Yuan (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Hangzhou is generally a safe city for travelers, with low crime rates and a well-developed tourism infrastructure. However, as with any destination, it is essential to take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of your belongings in crowded areas
• Use metered taxis or ride-hailing apps to avoid overcharging
• Bargain for better prices in markets and street stalls

Getting there

By air

Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport • 26 km from city center

By train

Hangzhou East Railway Station, Hangzhou Railway Station

By bus

Hangzhou Bus Terminal, East Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Hangzhou Metro is efficient, clean, and easy to navigate. It consists of multiple lines that connect key points in the city. Signs are in both Chinese and English.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi Chuxing

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Qinghefang Ancient Street Binjiang District Xiacheng District Gongshu District

Day trips

Xitang Ancient Water Town

120 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Xitang is a picturesque ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing Dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It is often compared to Venice for its charming waterways and historic buildings.

Wuzhen Ancient Water Town

140 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Wuzhen is another well-preserved ancient water town, known for its traditional architecture, canals, and bridges. It is less touristy than Xitang and offers a more authentic experience.

Tianmu Mountain

90 km from Hangzhou • Full day

Tianmu Mountain is a scenic area known for its lush forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails. It is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Festivals

West Lake International Music Festival • September Hangzhou Tea and Culture Festival • March Qingming Festival • Early April

Pro tips

Visit West Lake early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy the best views
Explore the ancient water towns of Xitang and Wuzhen for a unique and authentic experience
Sample local snacks and street food at the night markets, such as Hefang Street and Wulin Square
Take a tea plantation tour to learn about the history and culture of tea in Hangzhou
Experience a traditional Chinese medicine treatment or massage for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience