How to Experience the Best of Shanghai’s Past and Present: Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour

Shanghai is a city that never disappoints its visitors. The city has successfully blended its ancient past with its modern present. It is a bustling metropolis that is a perfect amalgamation of natural beauty, historical landmarks and modern structures. If you want to have an experience that includes all of these, then you should not miss the Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour. This eight-hour private tour will take you through the many faces of the city, past and present. With a personal guide, you’ll receive an abundance of context and history, offering you the opportunity to truly appreciate Shanghai’s many charms.

Overview of the Tour

The tour starts with hotel pickup by your private guide, who will transport you in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle for your tour. You’ll start your day at the Yuyan Gardens, which is one of the most picturesque and serene spots in Shanghai. You’ll walk through the four hundred year old garden, taking in its pagodas, ponds and other classical Chinese features. Following the serene beauty of the garden, you will visit the Jade Buddha Temple. This temple is a popular tourist attraction because of the two jade Buddha statues that were imported from Burma. These statues are believed to be priceless and over 1000 years old. After the temple, the tour will take you to a silk reeling factory, where you will get to see how silk is produced, from the silkworm cocoons to the finished product. This will give you an insight into the silk-reeling industry that has been an integral part of Chinese commerce for centuries. From there, you’ll head to the iconic Bund waterfront, which will give you a taste of Shanghai’s colonial era. You’ll walk along the promenade, taking in the sights of the many different buildings with their unique architecture. Finally, the tour will drive you to the Nanjing Road, where you can see the many high-end stores and shopping centers that showcase the city’s modern side. Here, you can take a stroll and shop, as well as experiencing the many dining options available in the area. This tour includes a hearty lunch at a Chinese restaurant, which is also part of the experience.

What’s Included in the Tour

The tour fee includes all the admission tickets as listed in the itinerary. The fee also includes hotel pickup, round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle, and, of course, a personal guide who will make sure you have a fantastic experience.

Why Choose the Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour

There are many reasons why this tour is a must-do if you’re visiting Shanghai. With a private guide, you’ll have an experience that is tailored to your interests and pace, giving you a personalized tour of the city. Private tours are especially important today, as they offer you the opportunity to control your travel environment whilst ensuring social distancing measures. By choosing this tour, you’ll save yourself the hassle of navigating around the city on your own, you won’t have to wait in line to purchase your tickets, and the tour is all-inclusive, from transport to admission fees to lunch. You’ll also enjoy an exciting experience that includes both the city’s history and modernity, giving you a unique view of the city.

Points to Note when On the Tour

– The tour is not wheelchair accessible due to the steps and uneven surfaces in some areas visited – Wear comfortable shoes because the tour involves a considerable amount of walking – Please be prepared for the weather, especially during autumn and winter, when it can be quite chilly, and during summer when it can be hot and humid. – Bringing some water and light snacks with you would be a good idea, although the tour does include a hearty lunch at a Chinese restaurant.

Booking the Tour

If you’re interested in experiencing the best of Shanghai’s past and present, you can book the Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour here: book the tour here. The tour is discounted as you book online with the added benefit of a hassle-free process. You’ll receive an e-ticket which will allow you to join the tour with your personal guide on your preferred date.

Book Your Tour Now

The Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour is an experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone visiting the city. This tour will give you an unforgettable experience while offering valuable insights into the city’s history, culture, classical beauty, and modernity. The personalized nature of the tour will only add to the adventure of your trip, making it a memorable one. Don’t hesitate to book the Shanghai Old and New Private Day Tour for an eye-opening experience like no other.

FAQ about Shanghai: Everything you need to know

If you’re planning a trip to China, Shanghai should definitely be on your list. As the country’s largest city, there’s a lot to explore in this bustling metropolis. In this FAQ, we’ll answer some of the most commonly asked questions about Shanghai, covering everything from its history to its cuisine.

1. What is the history of Shanghai?

Shanghai has a rich history that dates back over a thousand years. The area was originally settled during the Song Dynasty and served as a fishing village. However, it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that Shanghai became a major city. During this time, foreign powers began to establish concessions in the city, making it a major hub for international trade. Shanghai played a significant role in China’s modernization movement during the early 20th century and was an important center for finance, industry, and culture. In the 1990s, the city underwent a massive redevelopment project that transformed it into the modern city it is today.

2. What’s the best time to visit Shanghai?

The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring and fall months, from March to May and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it easy to explore the city. However, if you don’t mind hot and humid weather, you can also visit during the summer months.

3. What are some must-visit tourist attractions in Shanghai?

There are many incredible tourist attractions in Shanghai. Some of the most popular include:

The Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront area that offers incredible views of the city’s skyline. Here, you can take a stroll along the river and admire the historic buildings that line the street.

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a beautiful classical Chinese garden that was built during the Ming Dynasty. It features stunning rock formations, water features, and traditional architecture.

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is one of the most iconic buildings in Shanghai. It’s a 468-meter-tall tower that offers incredible views of the city from its observation deck.

Shanghai Tower

The Shanghai Tower is the second-tallest building in the world and is a must-visit for anyone interested in architecture.

4. What’s the food like in Shanghai?

Shanghai is known for its delicious cuisine, which is often characterized by its sweet and savory flavors. Some of the most popular dishes in Shanghai include xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried pork buns), and hongshao rou (braised pork).

5. What’s the nightlife like in Shanghai?

Shanghai has a vibrant nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants to choose from. The city’s central business district is a popular spot for nightlife, with many high-end venues that cater to both locals and foreigners.

6. Is Shanghai expensive to visit?

Shanghai can be expensive to visit, especially if you’re staying in the city center. However, there are many budget-friendly options available, such as street food and public transportation.

7. What’s the best way to get around Shanghai?

The best way to get around Shanghai is by subway. The city has an extensive subway network that’s fast, efficient, and cheap. Taxis are also readily available, but can be more expensive.

8. Is it safe to travel to Shanghai?

Shanghai is generally a safe city to visit, with very low levels of violent crime. However, like any big city, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to keep your belongings safe.

9. What are some cultural norms to be aware of in Shanghai?

When visiting Shanghai, it’s important to be aware of some cultural norms. For example, it’s considered impolite to point with your finger, instead, it’s best to use your whole hand. It’s also important to dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious sites. Finally, Chinese people place a high value on politeness and respect, so be sure to say “please” and “thank you” often.

10. What’s the currency in Shanghai?

The currency in Shanghai is the Chinese yuan (CNY). Most places in the city accept credit cards, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for street food and other small purchases. Overall, Shanghai is an incredible city that’s rich with history, culture, and opportunity. Whether you’re interested in exploring its tourist attractions, trying its delicious cuisine, or experiencing its vibrant nightlife, there’s something for everyone in this amazing destination.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Shanghai

Shanghai is a vibrant metropolis and a popular tourist destination. It is known for its rich history, culture, food, and modern architecture. If you’re planning a trip to Shanghai, here are some tips on how to make the most of your time as a tourist.

1. Visit Popular Tourist Attractions

Shanghai has many tourist attractions that are worth visiting. The most popular ones include:

The Bund

The Bund is a waterfront area in central Shanghai that is famous for its colonial-style buildings. The best time to visit is at night when the lights are on, and you can get a spectacular view of the Shanghai skyline.

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that was built in the Ming Dynasty. It is known for its beautiful pavilions, halls, rockeries, ponds, and bridges. It’s a great place to relax and immerse yourself in Chinese culture.

Oriental Pearl Tower

The Oriental Pearl Tower is a landmark in Shanghai that stands at 468 meters tall. It offers a panoramic view of the city from its observation deck, which is located at 350 meters.

2. Try Shanghai Cuisine

Shanghai is famous for its cuisine, which is a blend of different regional flavors. Some of the must-try dishes include:

Xiaolongbao

Xiaolongbao is a type of soup dumpling that is famous in Shanghai. It’s filled with pork and a hot broth, and you eat it with soy sauce and vinegar.

Shengjianbao

Shengjianbao is a type of pan-fried dumpling that is filled with pork and soupy broth. It’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

Jianbing

Jianbing is a savory pancake that is filled with eggs, scallions, and a crispy cracker. You can add various sauces and meat to it, such as hoisin sauce, chili sauce, and bacon.

3. Explore the Local Neighborhoods

Shanghai has many local neighborhoods that are worth exploring. Some of the popular ones include:

Xintiandi

Xintiandi is a pedestrianized shopping and dining area that is located in the heart of Shanghai. It’s known for its restored Shikumen houses, which are traditional Chinese townhouses.

Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards that is located in the French Concession area. It’s known for its arts and crafts, boutique shops, and coffee shops.

Zhujiajiao

Zhujiajiao is a water town that is located on the outskirts of Shanghai. It’s known for its picturesque canals, historic bridges, and traditional architecture. You can take a boat ride and experience the local culture.

4. Go Shopping

Shanghai is a shopper’s paradise, with many shopping centers and markets. Some of the popular ones include:

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is a pedestrianized shopping street that is located in the heart of Shanghai. It’s known for its luxury brands, boutiques, and department stores.

Qipu Lu

Qipu Lu is a wholesale market that is known for its cheap clothes, shoes, and accessories. It’s a great place to bargain and get a good deal.

Yuyuan Bazaar

Yuyuan Bazaar is a traditional Chinese market that is located near Yu Garden. It’s known for its souvenirs, snacks, and tea.

5. Enjoy the Nightlife

Shanghai has a vibrant nightlife scene, with many bars, clubs, and live music venues. Some of the popular ones include:

The Bar at the Park Hyatt

The Bar at the Park Hyatt is located on the 91st floor of the Shanghai World Financial Center. It’s known for its panoramic view of the city and its cocktails.

M1NT

M1NT is a club that is located on the Bund. It’s known for its modern decor, rooftop terrace, and live music.

Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai

Jazz at Lincoln Center Shanghai is located in the iconic Bund 18 building. It’s known for its jazz performances, cocktails, and appetizers.

Book Your Tour Now

Shanghai has something for everyone, whether you’re interested in history, culture, food, shopping, or nightlife. By following these tips, you can make the most of your time as a tourist in Shanghai and experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.