2-Day Shanghai Private Tour: City Gems and Zhujiajiao

Q: What are the main attractions included in Shanghai?

The tour includes Yu Garden, the Bund, local alleyways, Shanghai Tower, the Former French Concession, and the Propaganda Poster Art Centre.

Q: Is Zhujiajiao far from Shanghai?

No. Zhujiajiao Water Town is a popular day-trip destination from Shanghai and can be comfortably visited within this 2-day itinerary.

Q: What local food is included in the tour?

You will enjoy xiaolongbao, one of Shanghai’s most famous local specialties, during your city exploration.

Q: Is the public ferry ride safe and easy?

Yes. The public ferry is a normal and safe part of Shanghai’s local transportation system and offers an authentic way to cross the Huangpu River.

Q: What makes the Propaganda Poster Art Centre special?

It provides a rare and engaging perspective on 20th-century Chinese history, especially the Mao era, through an unusual and visually striking poster collection.

Transportation
Private Vehicle, High-speed Train, Walking, Cable Car, Dragon Boat, Public Ferry
Fitness level
Easy to Moderate
Tour type
Private Tour, Classic China Tour, Cultural Tour, History Tour, First-time China Tour

Overview

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

A Perfect Blend of Shanghai Highlights and Water Town Elegance

This 2-day private tour is a compact yet richly rewarding introduction to Shanghai and its surrounding water-town heritage. Perfect for travelers with limited time, the itinerary combines the city’s most iconic sights with authentic local experiences and a relaxing excursion to Zhujiajiao Water Town, offering a balanced glimpse of both metropolitan energy and traditional Jiangnan charm.

On the first day, you will discover the many faces of Shanghai, from the classical elegance of Yu Garden to the historic riverfront grandeur of the Bund and the soaring modern skyline seen from Shanghai Tower. Along the way, explore everyday life in local alleyways, taste the city’s famous xiaolongbao, and cross the Huangpu River like a local by public ferry. On the second day, delve deeper into the city’s layered history in the Former French Concession and the thought-provoking Propaganda Poster Art Centre, before escaping the urban pace in Zhujiajiao Water Town, where stone bridges, canals, old houses, and a gentle rowing boat ride create a peaceful finale. With private guiding, comfortable transportation, and carefully selected experiences, this short tour is ideal for travelers seeking a stylish cultural snapshot of Shanghai and nearby ancient water-town life.

Tour Highlights

Discover the Contrasts of Old and New Shanghai

Explore the elegant Yu Garden, the historic Bund, traditional local alleys, and the futuristic skyline from Shanghai Tower, all in one well-paced day.

Private guide at Shanghais Bund — Private guide at Shanghai’s Bund

Learn the Stories Behind Shanghai’s Historic Rise

Walk along the Bund with your private guide and uncover the history, architecture, and hidden stories behind some of the city’s most iconic buildings.

Taste Authentic Shanghai Xiaolongbao

Enjoy a classic Shanghai culinary experience with xiaolongbao at a well-known restaurant, and learn the proper way to eat them.

Private guide at Shanghai-Crab-Roe-xiaolongbao

Cross the Huangpu River by Public Ferry

Experience a simple but memorable slice of local life by taking a public ferry across the river from historic Shanghai to modern Pudong.

Explore the Former French Concession

Stroll through the leafy streets of the Former French Concession, where European-style architecture and colonial-era stories reveal another side of Shanghai’s past.

Private guide at Shanghai Former French Concession

Visit the Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Gain unique insight into modern Chinese history at the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, home to vivid posters and materials from the Mao era.

Private guide at Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre

Relax in Zhujiajiao Water Town

Spend a peaceful afternoon in Zhujiajiao, one of the most charming ancient water towns near Shanghai, with its canals, old bridges, and traditional atmosphere.

Private guide at Shanghai Zhujiajiao Ancient Town

Enjoy a Rowing Boat Ride in a Classic Jiangnan Setting

Take a gentle rowing boat ride through Zhujiajiao’s waterways and appreciate the slower rhythm of traditional water-town life.

Private guide at Shanghai Zhujiajiao Boat Ride

Day 01 :

Discover the Enchanting City of Shanghai

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Upon your arrival, your private guide will greet you either in the airport arrivals hall or at your hotel lobby. You’ll then embark on a journey through Shanghai in a comfortable, non-smoking vehicle driven by an experienced driver.

Start with a visit to Yu Garden, a classical masterpiece nestled amidst towering buildings. Here, uncover fascinating tales about its original owner, and learn how the dragon wall nearly led to his downfall.

Stroll along the Bund, as your guide narrates Shanghai’s historic ascent. You’ll explore iconic structures, touch artifacts from yesteryears, and hear the captivating histories behind them.

Navigate the alleyways for a sneak peek into local lifestyles, then head to a renowned restaurant to savor Shanghai’s signature snack — xiaolongbao (steamed buns). Your guide will demonstrate the correct way to enjoy this delicious treat without burning your mouth.

Experience local life firsthand by joining the crowd on a public ferry across the Huangpu River, transitioning from vintage Shanghai to the modern Pudong New Area.

Ascend Shanghai Tower via the world’s swiftest elevator for panoramic city views, observing the Oriental Pearl TV Tower from above and taking in Shanghai’s stunning skyline from a bird’s-eye perspective.

Day 02 :

Immerse in Historic Vicinity and Zhujiajiao Water Town

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

Begin your day wandering through the former French Concession. As you pass stylish century-old structures, your guide will share stories about the area’s colonial past and point out notable landmarks.

Venture to an artistic gem, the Propaganda Poster Art Centre, housing bold posters that capture the essence of the Mao era, offering insights into communist history.

Spend your afternoon leisurely exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town. Enjoy walks over scenic bridges and rivers, and unwind in a rowing boat, allowing this charming town to transport you away from metropolitan madness.

After your visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town, your guide and driver will accompany you to the airport or train station, bidding you farewell.

Expand all

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited time?

Yes. This 2-day itinerary is ideal for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Shanghai and a nearby water town in a short period of time.

What are the main attractions included in Shanghai?

The tour includes Yu Garden, the Bund, local alleyways, Shanghai Tower, the Former French Concession, and the Propaganda Poster Art Centre.

Is Zhujiajiao far from Shanghai?

No. Zhujiajiao Water Town is a popular day-trip destination from Shanghai and can be comfortably visited within this 2-day itinerary.

What local food is included in the tour?

You will enjoy xiaolongbao, one of Shanghai’s most famous local specialties, during your city exploration.

Is the public ferry ride safe and easy?

Yes. The public ferry is a normal and safe part of Shanghai’s local transportation system and offers an authentic way to cross the Huangpu River.

What makes the Propaganda Poster Art Centre special?

It provides a rare and engaging perspective on 20th-century Chinese history, especially the Mao era, through an unusual and visually striking poster collection.

Is Zhujiajiao very commercialized?

Zhujiajiao is one of the most famous water towns near Shanghai, so it can be lively, but it still offers charming canal scenery, traditional bridges, and a distinctive old-town atmosphere.