Shanghai tours

Things to do in Shanghai

Shanghai presents a juxtaposition of soaring skyscrapers and time-honoured temples. This city hums with an energy that seems inexhaustible. Yet, to truly grasp its essence, your local guide is indispensable. With their guidance, Shanghai's tours exceed mere landmarks. A walking tour along the historic Bund, with the Huangpu River's breeze, is enriched with stories from the past. The French Concession, with its tree-lined streets, echoes a bygone era. On a food and wine tour, the city's essence might just be found in a steaming bowl of xiaolongbao. Bypass the queues at crowded attractions and discover the Shanghai that the locals hold dear. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Shanghai. Explore Shanghai your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Shanghai tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Shanghai for every interest, including: Boat tours: Glide along the Huangpu River on a private or small-boat cruise, passing the Bund’s art deco landmarks and Pudong icons like the Oriental Pearl Tower while your guide shares the stories behind them. Or head to Zhujiajiao water town for a chartered wooden boat through quiet canals with a stop at Kezhi Garden and a canal-side tea tasting. Layover tours: If you land at PVG with 6–8 hours, ride the Maglev into town, stroll the Bund, slurp xiaolongbao near Yuyuan Garden, and be back at the airport on schedule as your guide keeps an eye on timing and security lines. Layover tours: From Hongqiao, spend 3–5 hours wandering the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession, peek into a lilong courtyard on Wukang Road, grab hand-pulled noodles on Yunnan Road, and pop over to Lujiazui for quick skyline photos before your return flight. The metro is extensive and easy to use, and central areas like the Bund and the Former French Concession are walkable; if you prefer, you can book a chauffeured tour with private transportation or ask your guide to arrange a driver. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Shanghai inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods Exploring Shanghai on a private walking tour with a local guide is an excellent way to uncover the layers of this dynamic city. Dive into these neighborhoods to get a richer sense of Shanghai: - The Bund: A must-see for families and groups, this waterfront area offers stunning views of the skyline and a glimpse into Shanghai’s colonial past. It's perfect for an evening stroll to enjoy the city lights. - French Concession: Known for its tree-lined streets and European-style architecture, this neighborhood is ideal for cultural tourists. Explore boutique shops, cafes, and historical sites that tell the story of Shanghai's diverse influences. - Nanjing Road: Perfect for shoppers and those who love vibrant city life, this area is one of the world’s busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of traditional Chinese stores and international brands. - Xintiandi: A trendy area that combines traditional and modern elements, catering to those seeking meaningful connections with Shanghai’s contemporary culture. Enjoy stylish restaurants, cafes, and galleries. - Tianzifang: A labyrinth of alleyways filled with arts and crafts shops, making it a great spot for families and anyone interested in local art and design. It's a fun place to explore and find unique souvenirs. Day trip ideas from Shanghai Use your time in Shanghai to plan day trips to nearby cities and water towns that show you canals, tea fields, and old streets at a slower pace, and shape each stop around your interests with your tour. Suzhou: Walk canal-side lanes and see why the city is known for classical garden design, then shift into silk history and small workshops where techniques still matter; if you like photography or architecture, this pairs quiet courtyards with stone bridges in one easy day. Hangzhou: Circle West Lake on shaded paths and watch boats slide past willow trees, then head into Longjing for terraced tea fields and a simple tasting in a village; great for anyone who wants calm scenery, easy walking, and a close look at China’s tea culture. Zhujiajiao: This compact water town puts old bridges, narrow alleys, and local snacks within a short ride of downtown, so you can spend more time exploring the canals and less time in transit; your tour can focus on markets, street food, or small temples tucked off the main lanes. Tongli: Smaller than Suzhou and easy to navigate, Tongli gives you quiet canals, stone archways, and historic homes that make slow wandering feel natural; ideal if you want a crowd-light option where traditional neighbourhoods still set the pace. Nanjing: A quick high-speed train brings you to massive city walls, lakeside parks, and museums that explain centuries of history in clear detail; this is a good pick for history fans who want big sights, wide views, and straightforward transport in one of the country’s former capitals. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Shanghai most travellers miss.