Private Full-Day Tour: Shanghai Past and Present

Shanghai, the captivating metropolis on the Yangtze Delta, has long been a magnet for travelers seeking to uncover its storied past and vibrant present. A private full-day tour provides the perfect opportunity to explore this dynamic city, guiding visitors through iconic landmarks that chronicle its transformation from a humble fishing village to a global financial powerhouse. From the serene gardens of Yuyuan to the imposing Jade Buddha Temple, this immersive journey promises to unveil the multifaceted nature of Shanghai, leaving one curious to explore further the city’s enduring allure.

Good To Know

• Provides a comprehensive private tour of Shanghai, covering historical attractions like Yuyuan Garden and the Bund, as well as modern landmarks like Nanjing Road.
• Includes entrance fees, lunch, transportation, and an English-speaking guide for an immersive exploration of Shanghai’s evolution from fishing village to global metropolis.
• Highlights the contrast between Shanghai’s colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers, offering insights into the city’s historical development.
• Allows visitors to experience the serene Jade Buddha Temple and learn about the city’s cultural heritage.
• Offers flexibility with hotel pickup, vegetarian/gluten-free meal options, and a cancellation policy that allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Tour Overview

The private full-day tour of Shanghai offers an immersive exploration of the city’s past and present. Over 8 hours, a personal guide accompanies guests as they discover Shanghai’s key attractions.

Included are entrance fees, lunch at a Chinese restaurant, and private transportation with hotel pick-up and drop-off services within the central ring zone.

The tour covers iconic landmarks like the 400-year-old Yuyuan Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, the Bund’s colonial-era waterfront, and the famous Nanjing Road shopping district.

Guests will gain historical context, learning about Shanghai’s origins as a fishing village and its transformation into the "Paris of the East" in the early 20th century.

Key Attractions

On this private full-day tour, guests will explore some of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks.

The first stop is the captivating Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old Ming-era wonder spanning 2 hectares. Featuring rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and corridors, this serene garden offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s past.

Next, visitors will venture to the Jade Buddha Temple, established in 1918 and home to two stunning white jade Buddha statues imported from Burma.

The tour then takes guests to the Bund, Shanghai’s renowned colonial-era waterfront, and Nanjing Road, the city’s famous shopping street that showcases its modern vibrancy.

Throughout the day, the private guide will provide historical context, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of Shanghai’s transformation from a fishing village to the "Paris of the East."

Yuyuan Garden

Yuyuan Garden is a captivating 400-year-old Ming-era wonder spanning 2 hectares in the heart of Shanghai.

Meticulously designed with rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and corridors, the garden offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and architectural elegance.

Key highlights include:

• The intricate rockeries, carefully crafted to evoke a sense of rugged, mountainous landscapes.
• The serene ponds and pavilions, providing tranquil oases for visitors to pause and admire the surroundings.
• The picturesque corridors, their ornate designs creating a sense of timeless elegance.

With an admission ticket included in the tour, visitors can enjoy the garden’s rich history and cultural significance during a 1-hour visit.

Jade Buddha Temple

Established in 1918, the Jade Buddha Temple is a popular destination among locals in Shanghai. The temple is home to two exquisite white jade Buddha statues, carved from a single piece of jade and brought from Burma. Visitors can admire the serene beauty of these sacred figures and learn about their historical significance.

Statue	Characteristics
Sitting Buddha	Carved from a single piece of white jade, this statue depicts the Buddha in a contemplative pose.
Reclining Buddha	This impressive statue shows the Buddha resting, symbolizing the attainment of Nirvana.

The Jade Buddha Temple offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Shanghai.

The Bund and Nanjing Road

The Bund, Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, showcases the city’s architectural grandeur from the colonial era. Lining the Huangpu River, this iconic stretch features a dramatic skyline of historic buildings in neoclassical, Gothic, and Baroque styles – a visual feast for visitors.

• Stroll along the riverside boardwalk to admire the grand structures and take in the breathtaking views of the Pudong skyscrapers across the water.

• Step into the past by exploring the former foreign concessions, where you’ll find the striking facades of banks, trading houses, and hotels that once symbolized Shanghai’s position as the "Pearl of the Orient".

• Just steps away, Nanjing Road represents the city’s modern vibrancy, with its bustling shops, restaurants, and bright neon lights.

Shanghai’s Historical Development

From its humble beginnings as a fishing village, Shanghai has undergone a remarkable transformation over the centuries, evolving into a global metropolis known as the "Paris of the East".

In the 19th century, Shanghai was established as a treaty port, attracting foreign investment and influence. The city rapidly developed, with the British, French, and Americans establishing distinct enclaves.

By the early 20th century, Shanghai had blossomed into a vibrant, cosmopolitan hub, earning its reputation as the "Paris of the East" due to its sophisticated architecture, bustling commercial activities, and diverse cultural landscape.

Today, Shanghai continues to thrive as a dynamic economic and financial center, reflecting its storied past and ambitious vision for the future.

Tour Logistics

The tour’s start time is 8:30 AM, with hotel pickup included within the central ring zone of Shanghai. Guests will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a professional English-speaking guide.

The tour logistics offer several convenient features:

• Confirmation is received at the time of booking
• The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and children must be accompanied by adults
• Vegetarian or gluten-free meal options are available upon request
• Free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the tour

The tour is priced starting at $147.20, with the final cost varying based on the group size.

Additional Information

Confirmation of the tour booking is received immediately after reserving the experience. This private full-day tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and children must be accompanied by adults. However, the tour operator is accommodating, offering vegetarian or gluten-free meal options upon request.

Cancellation Policy	Tour Size	Price per Person
Free up to 24 hours before	1-2	$147.20
	3-5	$117.76
	6+	$94.21

Ultimately, this comprehensive tour provides an immersive exploration of Shanghai’s past and present, seamlessly blending historical insights with modern attractions, ensuring an unforgettable experience for visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Guests can work with the tour operator to modify the key attractions based on their interests and preferences within the 8-hour tour duration.

Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?

There is no specified dress code for this tour. Visitors are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and walking shoes. Avoid excessively casual attire, as this is a professional guided tour experience.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. However, as a private tour, it’s likely a smaller group size to provide a more personalized experience. The price varies based on the number of participants.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Participants can take photos during the tour. The tour guide encourages guests to capture the beautiful sights and scenery at each attraction, providing ample time for photo opportunities throughout the day.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Students?

The tour operator offers senior and student discounts, but the specific details are not provided in the tour overview. Customers should inquire about available discounts when booking the tour to see if they qualify.

Sum Up

This private full-day tour of Shanghai provides a comprehensive exploration of the city’s rich history and vibrant present. From the serene Yuyuan Garden to the stunning Bund, the tour immerses visitors in Shanghai’s evolution, offering deep insights into its transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis. With a personal guide leading the way, travelers can experience the city’s top attractions and savor the local cuisine, making for an unforgettable journey through Shanghai’s past and present.