Private Tour of Shanghai City Highlights and Zhujiajiao Ancient Town with Lunch

Discover the best of Shanghai and its ancient water town in a carefully curated private tour that blends history, modernity, and local flavors. Spanning about 8 to 9 hours, this experience takes you from traditional water towns to towering skyscrapers with a hassle-free door-to-door service. Perfect for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural exploration and urban sightseeing without the hassle of planning all the logistics themselves.

What stands out about this tour? We love how it combines the charm of Zhujiajiao’s waterways with the modern marvels of Shanghai’s skyline—all in one day. The inclusion of a traditional local lunch adds a layer of authenticity many tours skip. On the flip side, the pace might feel a bit rushed for those who prefer more time at each stop or a more relaxed rhythm. This tour is ideal for those eager to see both old and new Shanghai in a single day, with personalized guidance making it easier to absorb the sights.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Itinerary: Visits to Zhujiajiao, Longhua Temple, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower give a full picture of Shanghai’s historical and modern attractions.
• Private Guide & Hassle-Free Pickup: Enjoy personalized attention and convenience with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Cultural & Architectural Highlights: The tour emphasizes important landmarks, from ancient water towns to skyscrapers and temples.
• Authentic Local Lunch: Savor traditional Chinese dishes, adding a genuine taste of Shanghai to your day.
• Efficient Transportation: A combination of walking, boat rides, and scenic tunnels maximizes your sightseeing time.
• Ideal for First-Time Visitors: Covers the essentials in one well-organized, manageable trip.

A Deep Dive into the Tour Experience

Starting the Day at Zhujiajiao: The Venice of Shanghai

Your day kicks off early at 8:30 a.m., with a courteous hotel pickup arranged by your guide, ensuring a smooth start. Zhujiajiao, often dubbed the “Venice of Shanghai,” is the highlight for those who love exploring charming waterways. This ancient water town stretches back over 1,700 years, and its well-preserved Ming and Qing-era buildings make it a photographer’s paradise.

What makes Zhujiajiao particularly engaging is how it combines history with leisure. Expect to wander along narrow alleys lined with traditional shops, cross picturesque stone bridges, and glide through canals on a leisurely boat ride. Tour guides typically add interesting anecdotes about the local architecture and history, making the experience both informative and visually enchanting.

Some reviewers noted that the boat tour offers a relaxing way to see the town’s waterways, with one describing it as “a peaceful, scenic journey through history.” Visiting landmarks such as Kezhi Garden or the Qing post office adds to the authenticity, giving you a window into daily life centuries ago. The three-hour duration allows ample time to soak in the sights without feeling hurried.

Visiting Longhua Temple: The Oldest Shrine in Shanghai

Next, the tour moves to Longhua Temple, Shanghai’s oldest religious site. With a history of more than 1,700 years, it’s a significant spiritual landmark that contrasts sharply with the city’s modern skyline. The temple complex covers over 20,000 square meters and is built in traditional Buddhist symmetry, which visitors find both calming and architecturally impressive.

Travelers often remark on the peaceful atmosphere that prevails here, especially in contrast to bustling urban areas. The temple’s large size and intricate details make it more than just a quick photo stop; you’ll have time to admire the wooden carvings, ancient pagodas, and the serene courtyards. Many appreciate that Longhua is the grandest temple in Shanghai, offering a glimpse into the city’s spiritual past.

Crossing the Bund and Exploring Shanghai’s Historic Waterfront

From Longhua, your guide will take you to the famous Bund, the city’s historic waterfront. Walking along the promenade, you get to see 26 different buildings showcasing architectural styles from colonial-era European influences to art deco. The Bund encapsulates Shanghai’s transformation from a humble port into a global financial hub.

A highlight here is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, which is a fun, quick ride under the Huangpu River connecting the Bund with Lujiazui in Pudong. Many reviews mention its quirky, futuristic design—some find it more amusing than scenic, but it’s a unique way to travel between the two districts.

Modern Marvels at Pudong: Shanghai Tower & Lujiazui

The afternoon is dedicated to the ultramodern side of Shanghai. Lujiazui’s skyline is famous worldwide, and your visit to Shanghai Tower allows you to see it from the top. The tower’s 632-meter height makes it the tallest building in Shanghai, and its “Top of Shanghai” observation deck on the 118th floor offers spectacular panoramic views.

Travelers have noted that the elevator ride is swift, reaching 18 meters per second, and giving you a sense of how cutting-edge the city’s architecture really is. Standing on the 119th floor, you’ll have sweeping views of the cityscape, the Huangpu River, and beyond. Many describe this experience as “breathtaking,” especially when seen against the backdrop of a clear day.

Lunch and Local Flavors

The tour includes a traditional Chinese lunch, providing a delicious break amid the sightseeing. While the specifics of the menu aren’t detailed, travelers often mention enjoying authentic dishes that add to the culture. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s worth confirming in advance, but generally, this aspect is praised for offering a genuine taste of local cuisine.

Ending the Day with Ease

After a full day of exploration, your guide will escort you back to your hotel, wrapping up around 6:00-6:30 p.m. This door-to-door service makes the experience hassle-free, especially after a busy day of walking and sightseeing. The private aspect means you can customize your pace slightly or ask your guide for additional insights if time permits.

Why This Tour Works Well

This private tour provides a carefully balanced itinerary that covers essential sights without feeling overly rushed. It’s especially suited for first-time visitors wanting a rundown of historic water towns, iconic landmarks, and modern skyscrapers. The inclusion of a private guide adds a personalized touch, giving you tailored insights and making navigation through busy areas much easier.

The logistics are thoughtfully arranged—hotel pickup and drop-off, efficient transportation, and a mix of walking, boat rides, and tunnels—saving you time and energy. The 8 to 9-hour length is enough to see a lot but not so long that it becomes exhausting.

However, keep in mind that the schedule might feel tight for those who prefer a more leisurely experience. The focus on highlights means you won’t get deep dives into each location, but it’s an excellent overview for first-timers or travelers with limited time.

The Sum Up

This private tour of Shanghai and Zhujiajiao offers a well-rounded, convenient way to experience the city’s most iconic and authentic sights. It’s particularly valuable for those who want a guided, comprehensive day without the stress of planning logistics themselves. The combination of ancient water towns, historic temples, and towering skyscrapers provides a fascinating contrast, making it an ideal introduction to Shanghai’s diverse personality.

The inclusion of a traditional lunch and the personalized guidance enhance the experience, giving you a taste of local culture along with sightseeing. While the schedule is packed, it’s perfect for travelers eager to maximize their time and see the highlights without missing out.

For those wanting a mix of history, architecture, and modern marvels, this tour offers solid value—especially when considering the convenience of private transport and expert guidance. It’s best suited for first-timers, busy travelers, or anyone who appreciates a thoughtfully curated day blending old and new Shanghai in one seamless experience.

FAQs

What time does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:30 a.m., with hotel pickup arranged for that time, ensuring a smooth start to your day.

Is transportation included?
Yes, transportation from your hotel to Zhujiajiao, Longhua Temple, the Bund, and Shanghai Tower is included, along with a boat ride and tunnel transit.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, your guide can usually accommodate some minor adjustments, but the core stops are set for optimal sightseeing.

Are tickets to the attractions included?
Yes, admission tickets for Zhujiajiao, Longhua Temple, and Shanghai Tower are included in the price.

How long is each stop?
Zhujiajiao (around 3 hours), Longhua Temple (about 1 hour), the Bund and tunnel (around 45 minutes), and Shanghai Tower (about 1.5 hours).

Is lunch included?
Yes, a traditional local lunch is part of the tour, allowing you to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but those with mobility issues should consider the walking involved.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sun protection, and perhaps a camera or smartphone for photos—especially at the viewpoints.

All in all, this private Shanghai and Zhujiajiao tour offers a smart, well-organized way to see the city’s highlights while enjoying personalized service and authentic experiences.