Shanghai’s full-day tours offer practical ways to tackle this sprawling metropolis efficiently. The most worthwhile options include private city tours that smartly combine the French Concession’s tree-lined streets with the gleaming skyscrapers of Pudong. I especially love the Jewish heritage walks through Hongkou district – they bring wartime Shanghai’s fascinating story to life through expert storytelling. The water town day trips to places like Zhujiajiao provide a perfect escape from urban intensity, showing you traditional China just an hour from downtown.
What impresses me most are the tours featuring insider stops at hidden local restaurants and family workshops – experiences you simply couldn’t find on your own. The best guides help you navigate the metro like a local while explaining centuries of history in clear, relatable terms.
Let’s explore the specific tours that deliver the most memorable Shanghai experiences.
Key Points
- Private full-day city tours in Shanghai showcase old and new highlights, with knowledgeable guides, iconic landmarks, and local lunch options.
- Cultural and historical tours, such as a full-day Jewish heritage tour, provide in-depth exploration and authentic local experiences.
- Water town excursions to Wuzhen and Xitang offer enchanting boat cruises, sunset views, and riverside dining in a private, guided setting.
- Flexible and specialty tours allow customizable itineraries to visit historic landmarks, museums, and the Pudong skyline at a personalized pace.
- Culinary-focused tours feature authentic dumpling lunches and other local cuisine, with wheelchair and stroller accessibility for inclusive experiences.
Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour With Old and New Highlights
This private full-day tour in Shanghai provides an opportunity to explore the city’s captivating blend of old and new highlights.
Rated 5.0 from 658 reviews, the tour boasts a 100% traveler recommendation and a Badge of Excellence. Guests can expect a personalized experience led by knowledgeable guides, who’ve received praise for their friendliness, accommodation, and insightful commentary.
The tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like Yu Garden and Jade Buddha Temple, as well as the observation deck of the top tower.
With the option to include a delightful local lunch, this comprehensive tour offers a convenient and flexible way to discover Shanghai’s rich history and culture.
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Full Day Shanghai Jewish Refugee Museum & Heritage Bike Tour
Discover Shanghai’s rich Jewish heritage and history on this captivating full-day tour.
Priced at Kč 2,044 per person, the 7-hour experience takes you on a bike ride through the Japanese Concession, the Bund, and the famous Nanjing Road.
You’ll visit the Jewish Refugee Museum and Ghetto, exploring the Jewish influence on Shanghai’s culture and economy from the 1850s to 1950s.
Enjoy an authentic local lunch and stop at Huoshan Park, home to a memorial plaque for Shanghai’s Jewish community.
With a professional English-speaking guide, comfortable bikes, and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this tour offers a personalized and informative exploration of Shanghai’s Jewish heritage.
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Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip From Shanghai With Lunch and Dinner
A private full-day trip from Shanghai to the enchanting water towns of Wuzhen and Xitang provides a captivating glimpse into China’s ancient history and culture.
Accompanied by a knowledgeable private guide and comfortable vehicle, travelers can stroll along the picturesque cobbled paths, enjoy boat cruises, and savor local cuisine.
The experience includes a sunset in Xitang and a riverside dinner. Priced at SEK 3,194.58 per person, the tour offers excellent value, with inclusions like entrance fees, transportation, and gratuities.
Rated 5/5 by 28 reviewers, this excursion is highly recommended for its organization, flexibility, and the expertise of the guides.
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Shanghai: Full Day Classic Bike Tour With an Authentic Lunch
For those seeking to explore Shanghai’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods, the full-day classic bike tour provides an engaging and immersive experience.
Priced from $85 per person, this 7-hour tour takes cyclists through notable locations like the People’s Square, Shanghai Museum, the Bund, and the Former French Concession.
Participants can expect to visit local neighborhoods, ancient parks, and popular shopping destinations like Tianzifang and Xintiandi. An authentic local lunch in the French Concession area is included, and the tour is guided by an English-speaking expert who shares insights into Shanghai’s culture, history, and daily life.
While cycling can be assertive, the focus remains on safety, and overall, reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the tour’s organization.
Read our full review: Shanghai: Full Day Classic Bike Tour With an Authentic Lunch Review
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Full Day Private Tour Amazing Shanghai City Highlights
This full-day private tour showcases Shanghai’s iconic landmarks and renowned attractions, providing an immersive experience for visitors.
Priced from $158 per person, the tour features a private English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and optional lunch and taxi fare within the 2nd Ring Road.
With a 5.0 rating based on 2 reviews, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and requires a moderate fitness level.
Highlights include visiting top sights within the city center.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.
Guests can reserve now and pay later, with this private tour exclusively for their group.
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Private Flexible Shanghai Full Day City Tour in Your Way
Although priced at SEK 1,517 per person, this private flexible Shanghai full-day city tour offers a tailored experience that allows visitors to explore the city’s top attractions at their own pace.
The 8-hour tour includes pickup and drop-off from downtown Shanghai, with the option to customize the itinerary based on personal interests.
Highlights include the historic Bund, the tranquil Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, and the futuristic Pudong skyline. Knowledgeable guides provide cultural and historical insights throughout the tour.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, travelers can book this comprehensive Shanghai sightseeing experience without upfront payment.
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Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour
Travelers looking to explore Shanghai’s rich colonial history can embark on the Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Colonial History Tour.
This 5-star rated tour takes visitors on a journey through the city’s colonial past, complete with an air-conditioned vehicle and an authentic dumpling lunch.
The tour includes pickup and return to centrally located hotels, with an additional fee for pickup/drop-off outside the city center.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and infant seats are available.
Booking is easy, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience and a Reserve Now and Pay Later option.
Prices start from $175 per person, with the lowest price guaranteed.
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Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Flexible Specialty Museum Tour
Explore Shanghai’s diverse cultural attractions with the Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Flexible Specialty Museum Tour.
This private tour offers a customizable experience, allowing you to visit specialty museums that cater to your interests. The tour includes an authentic dumpling lunch, with a vegetarian option available.
Pickup is available from various locations, and an extra charge applies for those outside central Shanghai. The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travelers can participate.
Confirm your booking, and take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior. This private tour ensures you’ll have a personalized experience with just your group.
Read our full review: Private Full Day Tour: Shanghai Flexible Specialty Museum Tour Review
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Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Full Day Tour From Shanghai
For those seeking an immersive experience in traditional Chinese water village life, the Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Full Day Tour from Shanghai promises an unforgettable journey.
Priced from $156 per person, this tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and admission to the picturesque Zhouzhuang Water Village. Visitors will enjoy a Chinese-style gondola cruise and savor local snacks and lunch.
However, the tour isn’t recommended for those with mobility issues or certain medical conditions.
With availability from May 2024 to November 2025 and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this tour offers a flexible and convenient way to explore one of China’s most iconic water towns.
Read our full review: Zhouzhuang Water Village Private Full Day Tour From Shanghai Review
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The Sum Up
Shanghai offers a variety of full-day tour options for visitors. Whether it’s exploring the city’s highlights, visiting historical sites, or discovering water towns, there’s a tour to suit every interest. Travelers can choose from private, group, or customized tours, ensuring a personalized experience. With so many choices, visitors can easily find the perfect full-day tour to make the most of their time in Shanghai.