Got only half a day to explore Shanghai? Discover the 'must-see' sights such as Jade Buddha Temple, Fresh Water Pearl Gallery and Shanghai Museum on the morning tour or The Bund, Yuyuan Garden, Shanghai Old Street, a silk mill and Shanghai's entertainment district on the afternoon tour. A guided sightseeing tour of Shanghai is a must for anyone visiting China's most modern city.
Unlike any other city in China, or in all of Asia for that matter, Shanghai is an intoxicating blend of ancient culture and a modern, progressive city. Depending on your preferences you can choose from a morning or an afternoon half-day city sightseeing tour. Both tours concentrate on the can't-miss highlights that all visitors to Shanghai must experience.
Morning Tour highlights (this tour is the morning part of Best of Shanghai Full Day City Tour):
- Jade Buddha Temple
- Fresh Water Pearl Gallery
- People Square
- Shanghai Museum
Afternoon Tour highlights (this tour is the afternoon part of Best of Shanghai Full Day City Tour):
- Yuyuan Garden
- Shanghai Old Street
- Bund
- Silk Factory
- Xin Tian Di (entertainment district)
INCLUSIONS
- Local guide
- Entrance fees
- Transport by air-conditioned coach
- Hotel pickup and drop off in the city center
EXCLUSIONS
- Gratuities (recommended)
ITINERARY
Morning Tour itinerary:
For any visitor to China, perhaps the most attractive thing about Shanghai is just how fashionable it is. Museums, galleries, restaurants, etc. have emerged in the past few years. The heydays of the 1920s and 30s and the newfound wealth in the city are making Shanghai a place with a fabulous and optimistic style and attitude.
Your tour begins with Jade Buddha Temple. It was built during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1875-1909) with its priceless collection of jade statues from Burma. The construction of the temple is in the magnificent architectural style of the Song Dynasty. There are monks currently living in the Temple and the Temple houses the Shanghai Buddhist Institute.
Next stop is Fresh Water Pearl Gallery. We may see the process of pearl cultivation. One lucky participant will be presented with a single pearl from a mussel.
People Square is a spectacular space in the heart of the city. It is a vast green area including plants and trees, and surrounded by great buildings on all sides, where you may feed the lovely doves to pray for the world peace.
The visit to Shanghai Museum is a real highlight. The museum design is in keeping with Feng Shui principles. It houses a great permanent collection and hosts various exhibitions with over 120,000 pieces including bronze ware, ceramics, paintings, calligraphy, sculpture, ancient Chinese coins, jade carving, ancient furniture, and western art, which shows you 5000 years history of China. We recommend you to rent an audio phone (USD 5) to make 1.5 Hours' visit more splendid.
Afternoon Tour itinerary:
The tour begins the classic sights from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and you will visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street. The garden covers a significant space and includes many halls, springs and other buildings of interest. The visit brings you back to Ming Dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644)
Then, the tour stops at the Bund on Shanghai's waterfront, a showcase of pre-1949 architecture. The symbol of old and new Shanghai, Bund is Shanghai's most famous landmark. Four kilometers long, the Bund has long been one of the most important areas in Shanghai, and a must to visit to every visitor. In the 1930s, the row of buildings was host to the city's financial and commercial centers and the world's greatest banks and trading empires established a base here.
The silk factory in Shanghai is not only an interesting place to see how Chinese silk has been produced since the 14th century, but also a desirable site to purchase in low price.
After a drive along the former French Concession District, characterized by beautiful, tree-lined streets and weathered European architecture, you will visit the Finally, you'll be able to stretch your legs in Shanghai's hottest new entertainment district, Xin Tian Di. The brick buildings on these two-square blocks have been preserved and transformed into trendy clubs, restaurants and boutiques. You will have time on your own here, or can go back to your hotel with the group.
