Shanghai Half-Day Tour: Savor Highlights of Shanghai in Limited Time

Our Shanghai city tour lasts about 4 hours (half-day), and you have a choice between two routes. (1) Route A: This route focuses on the area of Old Town and the Bund, allowing you to explore classical garden, bazaar, skyscrapers and the architectural marvels of the Bund; (2) Route B: This route focuses on the exploration of architectures in the French Concessions, showcasing various Western-style designs and offering insights into Shanghai’s Longtang life during the early 20th century.

Half Day Tour Route A: Classic Exploration of Old Shanghai & the Bund

Spots You will Pass: Yu Garden → Yuyuan Bazaar → Shanghai City God Temple → The Bund → Nanjing Road → Get back to your Hotel

On this day, you will first visit Yu Garden, the most celebrated classical Chinese garden hidden in the bustling downtown area of Shanghai, where you can appreciate the beauty of a Jiangnan water town! Yu Garden was a private garden of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with a history of over 460 years, was built in 1559 by Pan Yunduan (潘允端) for his father to enjoy his retired life. The Chinese character “Yu豫” in Yu Garden means “safe平安,” expressing his filial piety towards his parents. Pan Yunduan spent 20 years creating exquisite pavilions, shaded corridors, pools churning with carp, carved beams, and painted rafters in the garden. You will see the winding paths and changing scenery, the plants and ponds, the brick carvings, stone carvings, clay sculptures, and wood carvings in the garden, all designed with great craftsmanship. On the way to Yu Garden, you will pass by the iconic Jiuqu Bridge (九曲桥Nine-Bend Bridge/Zigzag Causeway) and the Huxin Pavilion (湖心亭Mid-lake Pavilion, built in the Qing Dynasty, 1616-1912). According to Chinese Fengshui, the zigzag causeway is designed to thwart spirits, who can only journey in straight lines.

Then, you can move to Shanghai City God Temple (ChenghuangmiaoTemple城隍庙) located near Yu Garden. Chenghuangmiao (City God Temple), dating back to the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-589), is a Taoist temple dedicated to the City God (Cheng Huang God). “Cheng城” refers to the city walls, while “Huang隍” refers to the dried-up moats. The City God is the protective deity of the city and is often a renowned hero or figure from local history.

Later, visit Yuyuan Bazaar (Chenghuangmiao Market) outside Yu Garden, a vibrant Shanghai Old Street where you can try Shanghai’s local snacks such as Xiaolongbao (Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant小笼包), Pan-Fried Pork Buns (Fried Dumplings生煎包), Soup Dumplings (灌汤包), and Won-ton Soup (上海馄饨). You can also buy some traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks for souvenirs here.

After that, you will get to the Bund, and you will have the feeling of traveling back to the 1930s and 1940s. As the Top 1 Place to Visit on the Shanghai Bucket List, the Bund is the best spot to view the Oriental Pearl TV Tower (a symbol of Shanghai) and the three skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Located on the bank of the Huangpu River and renowned as “An Exhibition of International Buildings”, the Bund is a collection of 52 buildings representing various international architectural styles. Since 1844 (Qing Dynasty), foreign banks, trading companies, clubs, and newspapers have gathered here, showcasing the former glory of the “Wall Street of the Far East” (远东华尔街). Enjoy a walk from the Bund to Nanjing Road, one of the iconic attractions of Shanghai, known as the “Number One Commercial Street in China”. It serves as a window to Shanghai’s openness to the world and a paradise for shoppers from both domestic and international locations. Nanjing Road is the perfect place to experience century-old Chinese time-honored shops.

Half Day Tour Route B: French Concession and Shikumen Architecture & Lifestyle Tour

Spots You will Pass: French Concession → Xintiandi → People’s Square → Shanghai Museum → Get back to your hotel

On this day, your guide will accompany you on a tranquil stroll through the French Concession, which is well known as the “Paris of the Orient” with refined and graceful allure. This historic district is renowned as the earliest, largest, and most prosperous concession in modern China, representing the epitome of Shanghai’s trendiest, most stylish, and sophisticated aspects. French plane tree-lined pathways, European ambiance, literary figures’ former residences, popular restaurants, and cafes combine to create a truly delightful exploration.

You will first have the pleasure of meandering along the captivating Wukang Road, which boasts 14 excellent historical buildings, exemplifying the quintessential garden-style residential complexes that characterize the French Concession. As you revel in the surroundings, be sure to marvel at the architectural masterpiece that is Wukang Mansion, a creation of the acclaimed architect Ladislaus HUDEC from Curry & Co. This exquisite edifice, built in 1924, introduced the concept of exterior corridors to Shanghai, showcasing both innovation and timeless beauty. Along the way, you will also have the opportunity to visit notable attractions such as the romantic Romeo’s Balcony and the Former Residence of Ba Jin, a famous Chinese modern writer who lived here and wrote representative works such as “Family” “Spring” and “Autumn”.

Later, transfer to Xintiandi, a bustling place that seamlessly blends Shikumen architecture with modern urban fashion style. It offers a comprehensive introduction to the local Shikumen (stone-gate house) architecture, along with enticing dining and shopping options. This upscale entertainment and shopping complex is modeled on traditional “Long Tang” (弄堂, alleyway) homes and stands as the pioneering development in the city, demonstrating the commercial viability of preserving historical architecture. 

Afterward, make your way to People’s Square, a popular gathering place that offers a variety of attractions and highlights. Be sure to visit the Shanghai Museum, one of the four major museums in China, for an awe-inspiring experience where you can view a remarkable collection of art and delve into the rich history of China. The museum’s architecture is designed in the shape of an ancient bronze cooking vessel called a ding, with a round top and a square base, symbolizing the concept of “round sky, square earth.” Inside, you’ll find an astounding collection of 120,000 cultural relics spanning 5,000 years of Chinese history. Take time to immerse yourself in the Exhibition Hall of Bronze and Ceramic, where you can appreciate the intricate bronzes and exquisite artifacts on display. Don’t miss the opportunity to see the Shanghai Museum’s Top 10 treasures, including the Dake Ding (a bronze food vessel over 3,000 years old) and the Chime Bells of Jinhousu (an ancient musical instrument dating from 1046 BC to 771 BC).

Thank you for choosing HelloChinaTrip for your Shanghai tour. We are always dedicated to serving you and look forward to welcoming you again for your future trips in China/Asia.