Shanghai: Yu Garden and City God Temple Walking Tour

Shanghai’s Yu Garden and City God Temple walking tour offers an immersive cultural experience for visitors. This 3-hour journey through Old Shanghai’s rich history showcases the exquisite architecture of Yu Garden, renowned for its serene landscapes. Guests will also explore the spiritual hub of City God Temple, where locals come to pray. Along the way, they’ll savor authentic Shanghai cuisine, including the famous xiaolongbao. With expert guides in both Chinese and English, the tour promises an engaging exploration of the city’s vibrant crafts and captivating heritage. Those seeking to uncover the enchanting sights and flavors of Old Shanghai won’t want to miss this unforgettable adventure.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best City Tours In Shanghai.

Key Points

Key Points:

• This 3-hour walking tour explores the renowned Yu Garden and the historic City God Temple in Old Shanghai City.
• Highlights include admiring classical Chinese architecture, witnessing traditional arts and crafts, and savoring local Shanghai cuisine.
• The tour provides live guides in both Chinese and English to offer informative and immersive cultural experiences.
• With a convenient meeting point near the Yuyuan Garden metro station, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Reviewers praise the tour’s excellent guide expertise, high-quality food tastings, and overall value for a memorable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

A 3-hour walking tour through Old Shanghai City offers visitors the chance to explore two of the city’s most renowned attractions – Yu Garden and City God Temple.

Priced from £1,308 per person, the tour features live guides available in Chinese and English. Pickup and drop-off from hotels are optional, and guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance free of charge.

During the tour, guests will stroll through the classical landscape architecture of Yu Garden and visit the City God Temple, a popular site for locals seeking good fortune and peace.

The tour also includes opportunities to taste xiaolongbao soup dumplings and sample high-end Chinese teas.

Key Attractions

Centered around two of Shanghai’s most iconic sites, the walking tour takes visitors on an immersive exploration of Yu Garden and City God Temple.

Renowned for its classic landscape architecture, Yu Garden enchants with serene ponds, ornate pavilions, and intricate rock formations.

Nearby, the City God Temple serves as a spiritual hub, where locals pray for good fortune and peace.

The tour also includes a stroll along Yu Garden Old Street, where visitors can discover a vibrant array of porcelain art, wooden crafts, and jewelry.

• Visit the exquisite Yu Garden
• Explore the revered City God Temple
• Wander the charming Yu Garden Old Street
• Discover traditional Chinese arts and crafts
• Enjoy Shanghai’s rich heritage

Food and Beverage Experience

The walking tour offers visitors the opportunity to savor the flavors of Shanghai’s renowned cuisine.

Guests can enjoy an optional tasting of xiaolongbao, the city’s famous soup dumplings. They’ll learn about the art of crafting these delicate parcels, from the flavorful broth to the quality of the meat filling and the perfect texture of the dough.

Plus, the tour includes a chance to sample high-end Chinese teas, allowing participants to appreciate the nuanced aromas and tastes of these traditional beverages.

This culinary experience enhances the overall immersion in Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage during the walking tour.

Logistics and Meeting Point

The tour meeting point is at the main entrance of the Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel, which is a mere 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of the Yuyuan Garden Station on Metro Line 10.

To join the tour, guests should bring:

• A valid passport or ID card (a copy is accepted)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Sunscreen and a hat, if desired
• A camera to capture the stunning sights
• Any medication or personal items needed during the 3-hour walking tour

The tour operates with live guides available in both Chinese and English, ensuring a seamless and informative experience for all participants.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 13 reviews, travelers have overwhelmingly praised this walking tour of Yu Garden and City God Temple. The tour received a stellar 5/5 rating, with highlights including the excellent guides and well-organized itinerary. Specific praise was given to guide Vicky’s deep knowledge and the quality of the food tastings. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of the customer feedback:

Category	Feedback
Overall Rating	5/5
Guide Expertise	Excellent
Tour Organization	Well-organized
Food Tastings	High quality

Travelers consistently noted the value and memorable experience provided by this Shanghai cultural walking tour.

Garden Highlights

Although Yu Garden is one of China’s finest private gardens, it captivates visitors with its classic landscape architecture and carefully curated features.

The garden’s highlights include:

• Exquisite pavilions, bridges, and rockeries that embody traditional Chinese design principles
• Shaded walkways and serene ponds that create a peaceful, contemplative atmosphere
• Intricate carvings and patterns adorning the garden’s structures, showcasing the skill of local artisans
• Blooming flowers and lush greenery that change with the seasons, providing a visual delight
• The Jade Rock, a renowned feature within the garden that’s said to resemble a crouching lion.

Exploring Yu Garden’s harmonious blend of nature and architecture is a true highlight of the walking tour.

Temple Exploration

After exploring the stunning Yu Garden, the walking tour takes visitors to the nearby City God Temple, an important site for local religious and cultural practices.

The temple dates back to the 15th century and is dedicated to the City God, a deity believed to protect and oversee the city. Guests can wander through the intricate architecture, admiring the detailed carvings and statues.

They’ll learn about the temple’s role in the daily lives of Shanghai residents, who come to pray for good fortune and peace.

The serene atmosphere provides a contrast to the bustling streets outside, offering a glimpse into Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage.

Craft Discoveries

Strolling along Yu Garden Old Street, visitors discover a vibrant array of local crafts and artisanal wares.

The bustling promenade showcases a diverse range of traditional Chinese artistry, from delicate porcelain figurines to intricate wooden carvings.

Shoppers can browse an array of offerings, including:

• Handcrafted jade jewelry and accessories
• Elaborately decorated silk fans and embroidered textiles
• Antique-inspired wood-carved furniture and home decor
• Intricate metal-work sculptures and ornaments
• Vibrant calligraphy and painting brushwork on display

These timeless crafts offer insights into Shanghai’s rich cultural heritage, providing visitors with unique opportunities to enjoy the city’s artistic traditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. It states that visitors should bring their passport or ID card, but there’s no mention of bringing pets. Participants should plan to leave their furry companions at home for this walking tour.

Is the Tour Wheelchair Accessible?

The tour is wheelchair accessible. The meeting point and attractions have step-free access, and the tour guide can provide assistance to ensure a comfortable and inclusive experience for all participants.

Do I Need to Book the Tour in Advance?

Yes, it’s recommended to book the tour in advance. The tour has limited availability and to ensure a spot, booking prior to the tour date is advisable. Booking in advance also guarantees your preferred tour time.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Yes, participants can take photos during the tour. The walking tour allows ample opportunities to capture the historic architecture, traditional gardens, and cultural experiences. Photos are generally encouraged to document the tour and create lasting memories.

Is There an Age Limit for the Tour Participants?

The tour doesn’t specify an age limit. However, it’s generally suitable for all ages, though younger children may require more supervision. Participants should be able to comfortably walk for the 3-hour duration.

The Sum Up

The "Shanghai: Yu Garden and City God Temple Walking Tour" offers an enchanting exploration of Old Shanghai’s rich history. Visitors can delight in the serene landscapes of the exquisite Yu Garden, enjoy the spiritual atmosphere of the City God Temple, and savor authentic Shanghai cuisine, including the famous xiaolongbao. With expert guides providing insights in Chinese and English, this tour provides an immersive cultural experience that captures the essence of this vibrant city.

You can check if your dates are available here: