How to Plan Your Best of Shanghai One Day Tour

If you only have a limited amount of time in Shanghai, you might be wondering how you can explore the city’s top attractions. Luckily, there’s a solution that allows you to make the most of your time in the megacity. This full-day Best of Shanghai Tour takes you on a journey to explore classical gardens, museums, waterfronts, and lively nightlife districts. In this blog post, we’ll guide you step-by-step on how to plan your Best of Shanghai One Day Tour.

Overview of the Best of Shanghai One Day Tour

The Best of Shanghai One Day Tour is a small-group tour for a maximum of 15 attendees. The tour includes an English speaking local guide, transportation by air-conditioned minivan, and gratuities. Food and drinks are not included unless specified.

The tour starts at 8:30 am, and the guide will pick you up directly at your hotel. You’ll travel in the comfort of an air-conditioned minivan and explore the city’s top attractions. The tour will end in the lively nightlife district of Xintiandi.

Itinerary of the Best of Shanghai One Day Tour

Here’s a breakdown of the itinerary for the Best of Shanghai One Day Tour:

1. Yuyuan Garden

The tour starts with a visit to the classical Yuyuan Garden, one of the most famous gardens in Shanghai. Yuyuan Garden is a peaceful and serene garden with beautiful pavilions, corridors, rockeries, and ponds. You can learn more about the Chinese garden culture and history while exploring the exquisite scenery.

2. The Bund

Next up, you’ll visit the Bund, a famous waterfront area in Shanghai. The Bund is known for its colonial-era architecture and stunning views of the city skyline. You’ll take a leisurely walk along the riverside and enjoy the breeze from the Huangpu River.

3. Shanghai Museum

After that, you’ll visit the Shanghai Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the rich Chinese culture and history. The museum’s exhibitions range from ancient bronze and ceramics to contemporary Chinese art.

4. French Concession

Next, you’ll venture into the atmospheric French Concession, a charming neighborhood that was once a French settlement. The French Concession has a unique blend of Chinese and Western architecture, and you’ll see beautiful tree-lined streets, trendy cafes, and boutique shops.

5. Xintiandi

Finally, you’ll end the tour in Xintiandi, a lively nightlife district with a mix of Chinese and Western influences. Xintiandi has an array of restaurants, bars, and clubs, and you can choose to stay and enjoy the night before returning to your hotel.

Booking the Best of Shanghai One Day Tour

Ready to book your Best of Shanghai One Day Tour? You can easily book the tour online through viator.com. Simply visit https://www.viator.com/tours/Shanghai/Best-of-Shanghai-One-Day-Tour/d325-21407P13?pid=P00070472&mcid=42383 and follow the instructions to book the tour.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has been helpful in planning your Best of Shanghai One Day Tour. With this tour, you can explore many of the city’s top attractions in just one day. Don’t forget to bring your camera and comfortable walking shoes, and get ready to experience the best of Shanghai.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai

Shanghai is one of the most populous cities in the world and a popular tourist destination. Getting to know this bustling metropolis can be overwhelming for some visitors. Here are some frequently asked questions about Shanghai, along with their answers:

1. What is the best time of year to visit Shanghai?

The best time to visit Shanghai is during the months of March to May and September to November. During these times, the weather is mild, and the cityscape is vibrant with the colorful gardens and trees in bloom. Summer in Shanghai can be oppressively hot and humid, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C (95°F) or more.

2. What are some must-visit attractions in Shanghai?

Shanghai is home to many world-renowned attractions. Some must-visit sites include:

• The Bund – a famous promenade along the Huangpu River, offering stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline
• Yu Garden – a traditional Chinese garden with beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features
• Shanghai Tower – one of the tallest buildings in the world with an observation deck on the 118th floor
• Shanghai Museum – showcasing over 120,000 ancient Chinese artifacts, including bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy
• Tianzifang – a trendy arts and crafts enclave in the French concession, featuring narrow alleys lined with bars, boutiques, and galleries

3. What about the food in Shanghai?

Shanghai is known for its diverse and delicious cuisine. Some famous dishes include:

• Xiao Long Bao – steamed dumplings with hot soup inside, a specialty of Shanghai’s Shanghainese cuisine
• Hairy crab – a seasonal delicacy, usually available in the autumn, with a sweet and delicate taste
• Shengjian Bao – pan-fried buns filled with minced pork and savory soup, crispy on the bottom and soft on the top
• Red-braised pork belly – a slow-cooked pork belly in soy sauce, sugar, and spices, with a tender and juicy texture
• Scallion oil noodles – a simple yet delicious dish of thin noodles tossed with scallion oil and soy sauce

4. Is it easy to get around in Shanghai?

Shanghai has an extensive public transportation system, including metro, bus, and taxi. The metro is the most efficient and convenient means of getting around the city, with 16 lines covering most major areas. Taxis are also readily available but can be expensive during rush hour and peak periods. It is advisable to use a transportation card, such as the Shanghai Public Transportation Card or the Shanghai Maglev Train Ticket, to save money and time.

5. What are some common scams in Shanghai?

As with any major tourist destination, there are some scams to watch out for in Shanghai. Some common ones include:

• The tea ceremony scam – where friendly locals invite tourists to a traditional tea ceremony and then ask for an overpriced bill
• The art student scam – where someone claims to be an art student and offers to show tourists around, then takes them to a fake art store where they are pressured to buy some artwork
• The counterfeit money scam – where someone gives tourists fake currency as change or payment, and they only realize it later

It is advisable to be wary of anyone who approaches you on the street or in tourist areas and to always check your change or bills carefully.

6. What are some cultural etiquettes to observe in Shanghai?

Shanghai has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors should observe some basic etiquettes to show respect for the local customs and traditions. These include:

• Avoiding public displays of affection or loud behavior, especially in temples or other religious sites
• Removing shoes before entering someone’s home or a temple
• Dressing modestly in religious sites or formal events
• Using chopsticks properly and not spearing food with them
• Using both hands when presenting or receiving gifts or business cards

7. What should I know about Chinese currency and transactions in Shanghai?

The currency in China is the Chinese yuan (CNY), also known as renminbi (RMB). Cash is still widely used in Shanghai, although some establishments accept credit cards or mobile payments like WeChat or Alipay. It is advisable to carry enough cash to cover your expenses and to exchange your currency at authorized banks or exchange counters. Be careful of scams or counterfeit currency when exchanging money on the street.

Conclusion

Shanghai is a fascinating city with a unique blend of ancient and modern culture. By following these frequently asked questions and answers, visitors to Shanghai can have a memorable and enjoyable experience.