From China’s tallest tower to a storybook water town—all in one unforgettable day.
Editor's comment
“I couldn’t believe how much we fit into just one day—making wontons with a local family and floating through Zhujiajiao’s canals felt like stepping into a storybook!”
Highlights
- 🏙️ Shanghai Tower – Ride the world’s fastest elevator to breathtaking city views from China’s tallest building.
- 🌸 Yu Garden – Step into a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty masterpiece of pavilions, ponds, and rockeries.
- 🥟 Handmade Wontons – Cook, fold, and feast with a Shanghai family for a taste of true local life.
- ⛵ Zhujiajiao Water Town – Glide on a hand-rowed boat through ancient canals and stone bridges.
- 🌃 Huangpu River Night Cruise (Optional) – See Shanghai sparkle as the skyline comes alive after dark.
Shanghai One Day Tour Itinerary
Shanghai Tower （上海中心大厦 shàng hǎi zhōng xīn dà shà）: China’s Tallest Building
Rise above the city as you visit Shanghai Tower,the tallest building in China and the third tallest in the world, standing at 632 meters (2,073 feet). Designed as a spiraling structure resembling a dragon rising from the earth, its twisting form reduces wind resistance while symbolizing Shanghai’s rapid growth.
Yu Garden（豫园 yù yuán）: A Hidden Garden in the Heart of Shanghai
Step into the tranquility of Yuyuan Garden, a 400-year-old Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) masterpiece with ponds, rockeries, and intricately carved pavilions.
Handmade Wonton Experience : Make and Enjoy Wontons with a Local Family
Step into a local home for a hands-on wonton-making experience. Learn to mix the filling, fold the wrappers, and perfect your technique with guidance from your host. As you cook, hear stories about family traditions and Chinese culture. Finally, sit down and enjoy a delicious, home-cooked wonton feast—a true taste of local life!
Zhujiajiao （朱家角 zhū jiā jiǎo）: A Hidden Jiangnan Water Town in Shanghai
Tucked away in Shanghai’s modern metropolis lies Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old Jiangnan water town with stone bridges, winding alleys, and tranquil canals.The highlight of your visit? A hand-rowed boat ride through Zhujiajiao’s picturesque waterways. Sit back as a boatman skillfully navigates the canals, passing under arched bridges and alongside centuries-old homes.
Enhance your Shanghai experience with a Huangpu River night cruise. See the city light up in full color as you relax on deck and take in the dazzling reflections on the river. This optional tour offers a unique perspective of Shanghai at night—join if you’d like to see the city from a whole new angle!
What’s Included
- Lunch
- Professional English-speaking tour guide
- Drivers & air-conditioned vehicles
- Entrance fees to tourist sites
What’s Excluded
- International and domestic airfares or train fares
- China Visa fee
- Travel and medical insurance
- Gratuities to guides and drivers
FAQs
Yes, Shanghai is one of the most exciting cities in China. It combines modern skyscrapers with traditional neighborhoods, offering attractions like the Bund, Yu Garden, and world-class shopping and dining.
Shanghai is famous for its stunning skyline, the Bund waterfront, colonial-era architecture, modern shopping malls, delicious street food, and nearby water towns.
Very much so. Shanghai is one of the most international cities in China, with many English signs, English-speaking staff in hotels, and a large expat community.
Absolutely. Many travelers explore Shanghai without speaking Chinese. With English signs, translation apps, and English-speaking guides, getting around is easy.
Yes, central Shanghai is walkable, especially areas like the Bund, Nanjing Road, and French Concession. For longer distances, the metro is fast and affordable.
Yes, Shanghai is one of the safest big cities in the world. Popular areas like the Bund, Xintiandi, and the French Concession are lively and safe at night.
Most places accept mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay, but international tourists often use credit cards or cash. It’s good to carry some Chinese yuan for small shops and taxis.
The best time to visit Shanghai is spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November), when the weather is mild and comfortable for sightseeing.
Avoid peak Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year and Golden Week (early October), when attractions are crowded and hotel prices rise sharply.
3–4 days is ideal to see the highlights, including the Bund, Lujiazui skyline, Yu Garden, and day trips to nearby water towns like Zhujiajiao or Suzhou.
