HuangPu River Ferry Boat & Highlights Bike Tour With Local Lunch

If you’re visiting Shanghai and want to see the city from a local, authentic perspective, this Bike and Ferry Tour offers a wonderful way to do just that. It combines cycling through lesser-known neighborhoods with visits to must-see landmarks, all with the convenience of a professional guide, a delicious local lunch, and stunning views along the way.

One of the highlights? There’s no need to worry about navigating busy streets alone — the tour provides bikes, helmets, and a knowledgeable guide to keep you safe and informed. Plus, the inclusion of a ferry ride to the Pudong area adds a scenic touch that separates this experience from typical city tours.

A potential drawback? The tour’s 3.5-hour duration means you’ll need a moderate level of physical fitness, as you’ll be cycling through varied terrain, including some hilly areas. It’s best suited for those comfortable on a bike and eager to explore beyond the usual tourist spots. This tour is particularly ideal for first-time visitors wanting a broad yet intimate glimpse of Shanghai’s vibrant neighborhoods.

Key Points

• Authentic Local Experience: Cycle through lesser-visited neighborhoods alongside iconic landmarks.
• Comprehensive Sightseeing: Includes the Bund, Nanjing Road, Old Street, and the financial district via ferry.
• All-Inclusive Value: Bikes, helmets, bottled water, and a local lunch are covered in the price.
• Ideal for First-Timers: Perfect if you’re new to Shanghai and want a guided overview.
• Moderate Physical Activity: Suitable for travelers with average fitness levels.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 10 travelers, you’ll get personalized attention.

An In-Depth Look at the Shanghai Highlights Bike Tour

This tour runs for approximately three and a half hours, making it a compact yet comprehensive way to see a good slice of Shanghai. Starting at the Fuxing Senior High School West Gate, you’ll meet your guide at 9 a.m., ready for a day full of exploration. The small group size, capped at 10 people, ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and you’ll get plenty of personalized insights.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: The Bund (Wai Tan) — 20 Minutes

The tour kicks off with a visit to the famous Bund, where you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Shanghai’s skyline. We loved the way the guide pointed out specific buildings and shared snippets of history, making the experience more engaging. The view of modern skyscrapers against historic architecture offers a perfect photo opportunity, and it’s a great way to start the day with some instant awe.

Stop 2: Sichuan Bei Lu — 20 Minutes

Next, you’ll cycle along Sichuan North Road, a bustling local shopping street. Here, you’ll find everything from clothing stalls to local snacks. Reviewers mention that this street is a treasure trove of everyday life in Shanghai, giving an authentic taste of local commerce. It’s a lively, colorful place that offers a break from the more polished tourist areas.

Stop 3: Duolun Road Cultural Street — 20 Minutes

This charming street is a walk through Shanghai’s artistic and literary past. The guide will share stories about 19th-century celebrities who once called this neighborhood home. The mix of old architecture and cultural significance makes it a delightful stop — especially if you’re into arts and history.

Stop 4: Hongkou Football Stadium and Luxun Park — 30 Minutes

This area provides a glimpse into local leisure culture. The park is over 100 years old and often filled with locals practicing tai chi or relaxing. The guide’s insights explain how parks like Luxun serve as communal spaces that keep the city’s social fabric vibrant. Reviewers highlight that this stop enriches your understanding of Shanghai’s everyday lifestyle.

Stop 5: Lujiazui via Ferry — 40 Minutes

The ferry ride across the HuangPu River is a scenic highlight, offering spectacular views of the Lujiazui skyline. When you arrive in Pudong, you’ll see the iconic financial district with its futuristic skyscrapers. This ferry segment makes the journey feel like a mini-adventure, emphasizing the contrast between the historic and ultra-modern areas of Shanghai.

Stop 6: Nanjing Road — 20 Minutes

The final stop takes you along Nanjing Road, China’s top shopping street. It’s a bustling, neon-lit corridor that epitomizes Shanghai’s commercial vitality. The guide points out key landmarks and makes sure you’re familiar with the area’s importance as China’s number one retail street.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour price of $68 per person offers significant value. Included are bike and helmet use, bottled water, and a well-curated local lunch. The guide’s commentary adds depth to each stop, and the small group size ensures a personalized experience.

One aspect to consider is that hotel pickup isn’t included, so you’ll need to meet at the designated starting point. The meeting point is accessible via public transportation, which is convenient for most travelers.

How It Feels to Ride

Reviewers emphasize that the tour is manageable even for those in their late 50s and 60s. One said, “If we can do it, so can you,” pointing to the accessible nature of the experience. The route is designed to avoid overly strenuous sections, but a moderate fitness level is recommended.

The Food and Cultural Highlights

Lunch is a standout aspect for many — a chance to sample local flavors amidst a busy urban backdrop. Reviewers describe it as “yummy” and a perfect way to recharge. The guide’s insights, combined with the sights and tastes, make the experience both educational and delicious.

Guides and Personal Touch

The guide, Mayfer, received praise for her knowledgeable commentary and friendly demeanor. Reviewers felt that her local insights helped bring the city’s history and everyday culture alive. Such personal touches make all the difference when exploring a bustling metropolis like Shanghai.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This bike tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Shanghai’s highlights without sacrificing authenticity. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy active sightseeing and are comfortable on a bike, even if they’re not professional cyclists. Families with children (accompanied by adults) will also find it manageable, given the moderate pace and small group size.

If you’re interested in local neighborhoods, historical streets, and scenic river views, this experience checks all those boxes. It’s also a fantastic choice if you want to combine physical activity with cultural insights, all at a reasonable price point.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $68, this tour offers a balanced blend of sightseeing, culture, and local flavor. The inclusion of bicycles, helmets, bottled water, and a traditional lunch makes it a convenient and cost-effective way to explore Shanghai’s diverse neighborhoods. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personalized, engaging experience, ideal for those who prefer a more intimate connection to the city.

While it requires some physical effort, the manageable pace and scenic ferry ride make it accessible and memorable. The tour’s focus on authentic local areas, away from the more touristy parts, provides a genuine taste of Shanghai’s vibrant urban life.

This activity is especially suited for curious travelers eager to see both the modern and historic sides of Shanghai in a fun, active way. It’s a great fit for first-timers who want an overview with depth, or for seasoned travelers looking to add a unique, guided biking experience to their itinerary.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You’ll need to meet at the designated starting point near the Fuxing Senior High School West Gate.

Do I need to be an experienced cyclist?
Not necessarily; the route is designed to be manageable for most people with moderate fitness. The tour includes the use of bikes and helmets, and the pace is suitable for most adults.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts around 3 hours and 30 minutes, including stops, sightseeing, and the ferry ride. It’s a good length for a morning or early afternoon activity.

What’s included in the price?
Bikes, helmets, bottled water, a professional guide, and a local lunch are all included. You just need to cover your transportation to and from the meeting point.

Is the ferry ride scenic?
Absolutely. The ferry offers a beautiful perspective of the city’s skyline and provides a relaxing break from cycling, adding a scenic element to the experience.

Can children join this tour?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but the tour recommends a moderate physical fitness level, so keep that in mind when planning.

Whether you’re eager to tick off major sights or seek a more authentic local experience, the HuangPu River Ferry Boat & Highlights Bike Tour delivers a well-rounded, engaging way to experience Shanghai’s vibrant personality. With scenic views, lively neighborhoods, and cultural insights, it’s a memorable journey into the heart of this sprawling metropolis.