3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour (at Leisure Pace)

  • Duration: 2 days - 1 nights
  • Language: English
  • Transport: Vehicle
  • Accommodation: Hotel
  • Meals: 2 Breakfasts, 1 Lunch
  • Group size: You, your family, friends or group
Indeed, huge groups of high-rises, especially the towering skyscrapers in Lujiazui are the most eye-catching and most representative postcard of Shanghai. But meanwhile, as a young metropolis, Shanghai still well preserves its local traditional culture and history amid the high blocks. This 3-day Shanghai contrast tour will show you two different looks and cultural features harmoniously coexisted in Shanghai. You will witness the incredible current achievements of Shanghai and encounter the old Shanghai to enrich your Shanghai tour with both wonderful sightseeing and meaningful cultural cultivation. Follow us to enjoy interesting visits to various kinds of attractions, experience featured activities...

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Hightlight tour

Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center
Tianzifang
Tianzifang

Itinerary

1

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China!

Upon arrival, meet your tour guide in the airport Arrival Hall holding placard with your name. Before being transferred to your hotel, firstly experience the Shanghai Maglev Train (optional) – the first operational high-speed maglev train in the world, whose speed is 300km/h.

Started running in 2003, the Shanghai Maglev Train is the first commercially high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. With a top speed of 430 km/h, Shanghai Maglev Train takes only 8 minutes to transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road Station on the east outskirt of Shanghai. Passengers can hardly hear any noise and feel any jolt, because the maglev trains run without contacting the surface of the railway line. Facilities inside the trains are very modern, clean and comfortable. (Note: The Maglev Train only operates between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station from 06:45 AM to 21:42 PM)

Recommended Night Activity (optional): Watch an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

 

2

Day 2 Shanghai City Highlights Tour (B, L)

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large and modern museum mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art. Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. An Audio Explanation Device will help you better learn the facts and knowledge of the exhibitions.

Then, transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, ascend the Shanghai Tower – China’s tallest building and a marvel of modern engineering, standing at 632 meters (2,073 ft). Take one of the world’s fastest elevators to the 118th-floor observation deck, perched 546 meters high, from which you will feast your eyes on a jaw-dropping panorama of Shanghai, including the Jinmao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Oriental Pearl Tower almost at eye level. Look farther and spot the historic Bund, its classic European-style buildings lining the Huangpu River like a living postcard.

Later, get to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund, the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes), or explore somewhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

3

Day 3 Shanghai Tour & Shanghai Departure (B)

Have you wondered why Shanghai developed into a modern, vibrant and cosmopolitan city from what was originally a shabby fishing village? This morning’s tour to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center will answer that question fully while also giving you an overview of the City’s ambitious plans for future. The Center is a fashionably designed modern museum, themed with “City, Citizens, Environment and Development”. Different usages of photography, models and interactive multimedia displays make your visit enjoyable and entertaining. The best features are the old rare photos of landmarks, such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, during the international settlement, and the large scale model showing the detailed layout of Shanghai.

Next, you will be transferred to Tianzifang which is touristic arts and crafts enclave that has developed from a renovated traditional residential area. It is the typical tourist attraction to appreciate the preservation of local Shikumen architecture. In this place full of rich flavor of life, you can leisurely stroll along the clean old alleys to watch the daily life of local Shanghai people, savor a cup of drink at the open-air café, and find some interesting things in the novel shops to feel the international feature mixed with real Shanghai culture.

In the afternoon, your guide will escort you to the airport for your flight to next destination or home.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THIS TOUR

  • Capture breathtaking skyline towering into the clouds , challenge yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime skywalk, catch a panoramic view of Shanghai city;
  • Admire Chinese traditional architectural art in Yu Garden, and admire remarkable ancient relics in Shanghai Museum;
  • Have a chance to take the Shanghai Maglev Train, experience the real flying speed and try ultramodern scientific and technological advances;
  • Stroll leisurely along the Bund, view western style historical buildings and discover the best epitome of the history of Shanghai;
  • Closely feel urban hustle and bustle in Nanjing Road of downtown Shanghai to touch the vitality and heartbeat of Shanghai;
  • Enjoy high-quality tour package covering knowledgeable tour guide, experienced driver & private transfer and other arrangements.

 


 

The quotation for this trip is from $346 Per Person

1. This price is for one person, based on a group of 2 adults sharing one standard double-bed room in a 4-star hotel and traveling with our private tour in low seasons. It will drop greatly if your group has 4 or more members.
2. This price is subject to change according to your traveling season, month and date. There may be huge price increasing during public Chinese holidays, school summer vacations, tourism peak seasons or some special dates. (China Public Holiday 2025 Schedule Released)
3. Other factors that may change the final tour price include group size, hotel class, tour activities, fluctuation of currency exchange rate, etc.
4. This price is based on exchange rate USD 1=RMB 7.00. The final price will be based on the exchange rate in effect at the time of agreement with our quotation.
5. This price is only valid to March 31, 2026.
6. This price is not the final price until the Confirmation Letter is sent.
7. The items included and excluded in this price are for reference only. The final services included, please refer to the confirmation letter sent to you by the travel consultant.

What’s Included?

  • Professional licensed English-speaking guide;
  • Admission tickets for all attractions listed in the itinerary;
  • Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (4-star standard);
  • Necessary vehicle transfers as listed in the itinerary;
  • Luggage Transfers: between airports (railway station) and hotels;
  • All meals as listed( “B” for Chinese and Western breakfast buffet in your hotel; “L” for Chinese Lunch in local restaurant; “D” for Chinese dinner in local restaurant.);
  • Our service charge, including tour planning, handling, operational and communication charges.

What’s excluded?

  • China visa;
  • Personal expenses;
  • Accommodation not listed in the itinerary;
  • Tourist sites which are not listed in the itinerary;
  • Recommended optional activities;
  • Flights or trains not listed in the itinerary;
  • Excess Baggage Charges;
  • Optional tips to guides, drivers, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions
  • Shanghai is renowned as China's most developed and cosmopolitan city, often dubbed "the Oriental Paris," famous for its captivating blend of East and West. Key attractions include marveling at the futuristic skyline from The Bund, exploring historical Western architecture, wandering through traditional Shikumen houses, experiencing Chinese garden art at Yuyuan Garden, visiting the Shanghai Museum, and enjoying the vibrant arts and crafts of Tianzifang.

  • \The essence of Shanghai can typically be explored in about 2 days, covering major highlights like The Bund, modern skyscrapers, Yuyuan Garden, and historical areas. If you wish to take popular side trips, you'll need additional days.

  • Shanghai is an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions, all well-connected by high-speed trains. Popular side trips include the poetic gardens of Suzhou (1-2 days), the scenic West Lake in Hangzhou (1-2 days), and the magnificent Huangshan Mountain (2-3 days). For longer China tours, Shanghai can easily be extended to destinations like Beijing, Xi'an, Zhangjiajie, or the Yangtze River.

  • Yes, Shanghai offers specific visa-free policies. International cruise arrival visitors may be eligible for a 15-Day Visa-Free Entry. Additionally, Shanghai participates in a 240-Hour (10-day) Visa-Free Transit policy for eligible travelers transiting through the city to a third country. It's advisable to check the latest specific requirements for these policies before planning your trip.

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From Original price was: $480.00.Current price is: $346.00.

    From Original price was: $480.00.Current price is: $346.00.

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