Private Tour with Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Zoo and Nanjing Road plus Xiaolongbao

Imagine spending a day in Shanghai, weaving through its skyline, historic streets, and lively markets—all with a professional guide by your side. This private tour offers a comprehensive glimpse into the city’s wonders, from soaring skyscrapers to serene gardens, with the convenience of metro travel, entrance fees included, and a tasty treat of authentic Xiaolongbao. It’s geared toward travelers eager to cover a lot of ground without sacrificing depth or local flavor.

One of the standout features we love? The inclusion of local metro rides. This isn’t just a sightseeing bus tour—it’s about experiencing Shanghai like a local, navigating the city’s bustling streets underground, and seeing how real Shanghainese get around. Plus, the entry to top attractions like Shanghai Tower and the Shanghai Zoo means you skip the hassle of buying tickets on the spot. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that the 9-hour duration can be quite packed, especially if you’re not used to full-day excursions.

This tour is perfect for travelers who want an efficient, well-rounded glimpse of Shanghai—covering iconic sights and hidden gems—without the stress of planning each step. If you love having a guide to explain the history, architecture, and cultural significance of sights, this experience offers a good balance of guided insight and free time.

Key Points

• Efficient sightseeing: Covering major landmarks in one day, ideal for limited schedules.
• Authentic local experience: Traveling by metro, just like locals do, adds a genuine touch.
• Entry fees included: No surprise costs at major attractions such as Shanghai Tower, Zoo, and Yu Garden.
• Comprehensive itinerary: From skyscrapers to traditional gardens, history to shopping.
• Small group or private: Only your group participates, making it personalized and flexible.
• Cost-performance balance: While $158 is a fair price for a 9-hour tour with guiding and entry fees, it’s best suited for those wanting convenience and depth.

An In-Depth Look at the Shanghai Highlights Tour

Starting at the Shanghai Tower: Touching the Sky

The tour kicks off early, at 9:00 am, with a trip to Shanghai Tower, the city’s tallest building, reaching a staggering height of 632 meters. As the tallest skyscraper in Shanghai, this is an absolute must-see, and the Top of Shanghai observation deck on the 118th floor offers astonishing panoramic views.

What makes this experience stand out? The rapid elevator. It zooms up at 18 meters per second, making the ascent thrilling. Within 55 seconds, you’re gazing over the city with your guide explaining the skyline, the development of Lujiazui, and how Shanghai’s architecture is constantly evolving. The admission fee is included, which is a nice perk, saving you the hassle and extra costs.

From the top, you’ll see the Huangpu River, the sprawling cityscape, and the historic Bund on one side. Reviewers often comment on how “the elevator ride is surprisingly quick, and the view is breathtaking,” making this a highlight even for seasoned travelers.

Walking the Iconic Bund: A Flashback of Architectural Styles

Next, the tour proceeds to the Bund, a scenic waterfront lined with 26 historic buildings representing a range of architectural styles—from Gothic to Art Deco. Here, the contrast between old and new Shanghai is palpable, and the atmosphere buzzes with both history and modernity.

This spot is perfect for photos, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s vibe. Visitors mention the “beautiful skyline views” and the chance to see the city’s iconic skyscrapers across the river. The walk along the promenade takes about an hour, providing enough time to absorb the sights and snap memorable photos.

Visiting Shanghai Zoo: A Chance to See Pandas and More

A visit to the Shanghai Zoo introduces you to over 6,000 animals, including giant pandas, golden monkeys, and South China tigers. The zoo’s layout divides exhibits into five areas—Primate, Herbivores, Carnivores, Birds, and Amphibians—making it easy to navigate. For many, seeing the giant panda up close is a highlight, and the zoo’s focus on rare and native Chinese animals adds an educational element.

The zoo is large, so expect about two hours here. Reviewers note that it’s a “well-maintained zoo with a good variety of animals” and appreciate that entrance fees are included, making it a valuable addition without extra expense. The zoo’s size might be tiring for some, but the chance to see pandas and other animals makes it worthwhile.

Stepping Back in Time at Shanghai Old Street & Yu Garden

After zoo time, you’ll explore Yuyuan Old Street, a lively market area where traditional Chinese architecture and local vendors create a nostalgic atmosphere. This spot allows you to imagine old Shanghai, with small shops selling souvenirs, textiles, and local snacks.

Connected to this is the Yu Garden, a classic Ming dynasty garden filled with pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. Restored in 1961, it showcases ancient garden design, offering a peaceful retreat amid the bustling city. Visitors often comment on the “beautifully designed layout” and the chance to see traditional architecture firsthand. It’s a great spot for photos and soaking up the historic ambiance.

Ending at Nanjing Road: Shopping Paradise

The tour concludes with a stroll along Nanjing Road, China’s most famous shopping street. Over 5.5 kilometers, you’ll find everything from luxury brands to budget souvenirs. The street buzzes with activity—millions of locals and travelers walk, shop, and snack here daily.

This segment is about 1 hour, giving you time to browse, buy souvenirs, or just people-watch. Many reviews mention that the “street is vibrant and lively,” and the option to take the Dangdang sightseeing tram offers a fun way to see the area if you prefer a break from walking.

Practicalities and Value

Pricing at $158.04 per person, this tour offers solid value considering the inclusion of entrance fees, a professional guide, metro fares, and snacks like Xiaolongbao. The group size is private, meaning you get tailored attention and the flexibility to customize certain parts if needed.

The transportation focus—primarily metro rides—means you’ll experience Shanghai like locals do. This adds an authentic touch, but also requires a bit of walking and navigating busy stations. The entire day is quite packed, and some may find the 9-hour duration tiring, especially if traveling with young children or those with limited stamina.

While the tour doesn’t include private transportation, the metro’s efficiency and coverage across key sights compensate well. You’ll appreciate skipping the hassle of booking taxis or buses, and guides usually help streamline the process.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who want a broad yet deep look at Shanghai’s highlights without the stress of planning. It’s great for those interested in architecture, history, and local life, as well as anyone eager to see pandas and enjoy authentic street snacks. If you’re comfortable with a full schedule and enjoy guided insights, this tour offers a well-rounded day.

It’s less ideal for travelers seeking a leisurely pace or those who prefer more time at a single site. Also, if you’re not keen on metro travel or long walking periods, some parts might feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

This private Shanghai tour delivers on its promise of covering top sights efficiently with expert guidance. From the dizzying heights at Shanghai Tower to the charming Old Street and modern Nanjing Road, it balances iconic attractions with local flavor. The inclusion of entrance fees and snacks adds value, making it a practical choice for travelers wanting a rundown without extra costs.

While the day is undoubtedly busy, it’s a fantastic way to get a taste of both the futuristic skyline and historic neighborhoods of Shanghai in just one outing. Perfect for first-time visitors, busy travelers, or anyone eager to see the city’s highlights with insider knowledge.

For those looking to understand how Shanghai blends tradition and innovation, this tour offers an excellent starting point—short on fluff, long on authentic experiences.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour covers metro fares, allowing you to experience how locals get around, which is both cost-effective and authentic.

What attractions are included in the price?
Entrance fees for Shanghai Tower, Shanghai Zoo, and Yu Garden are included. The tour also covers the cost of snacks like Xiaolongbao.

How long does each stop last?
Stops vary, but expect about an hour at Shanghai Tower and Nanjing Road, two hours at the zoo, and around an hour each at the Bund, Old Street, and Yu Garden.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, especially if your family enjoys sightseeing and walking. However, be prepared for a full day with potentially long hours on your feet.

Can I customize the tour?
Since it’s a private experience, guides are usually flexible with timings or specific interests, but the full itinerary is generally set.

What should I bring?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat or umbrella for sun protection, a camera, and some cash for souvenirs or snacks.

What is the group size?
It’s a private tour for your group only, ensuring a personalized experience with your guide.

This detailed review aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect and help you decide if this Shanghai tour fits your travel style. With a mix of modern marvels, historic sites, and local experiences, it offers a well-balanced day in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.