2-Day Shanghai Classic Highlights Tour

Arrive in Shanghai in the morning. After arrival, your private guide will meet you at the airport or train station and transfer you to your hotel to check in or leave your luggage. Take some time to rest before your guide and driver escort you to Lujiazui in Pudong.

The first stop today is Shanghai Tower, one of the world's tallest skyscrapers. You'll take the high-speed elevator to the 118th-floor observation deck for 360-degree panoramic views of the city. Standing 632 meters tall, the tower allows you to look across the Huangpu River toward the Bund's historic European-style buildings and Lujiazui's forest of modern skyscrapers.

Then, cross the Huangpu River to Shanghai's historic Old City. Visit Yu Garden, a classical Jiangnan garden known for its rockeries, ponds, winding bridges, pavilions, and intricate architectural details. The exquisite Jade Exquisite (Yulinglong) rock is a top highlight. Expect to see different pictures at every turn.

After exploring the garden, walk a few minutes to explore Yuyuan Bazaar and the City God Temple area. This area offers traditional-style buildings with upturned eaves, red lanterns, lively shopping lanes, and most importantly, a variety of local snacks. Allow extra time if you plan to dine here, as popular restaurants are usually very busy.

Continue to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, one of Shanghai's best-known shopping streets. Stretching about 1.5 kilometers, it is home to historic storefronts, time-honored Chinese brands, modern shops, and colorful signs.

Continue walking east toward the Bund, the most iconic waterfront promenade in Shanghai, which is lined with dozens of historic buildings in different European architectural styles. From here, you can also catch the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.

• Good to know: it is recommended to arrive here around sunset, as you may see both the historic waterfront in daylight and the illuminated skyline after dark.

After the visit, drive back to your hotel.

Start today with a visit to at the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center, located in People's Square. Here you can learn about how Shanghai developed from a small settlement and historic trading port to an international metropolis through digital displays, interactive exhibits, and immersive screens. The 1:500-scale model of central Shanghai is a highlight of the museum. From above, you can see the layout of Shanghai's streets, neighborhoods, landmarks, and skyscrapers.

Important: The exhibition center generally closes on Wednesdays. If your visit falls on a Wednesday, the guide will arrange an alternative activity based on your schedule and interests.

Continue to Tianzifang, a lively neighborhood transformed from traditional Shikumen residences into a creative district. All the Shikumen architecture here blends Western-style stone doorframes with traditional Chinese courtyard layouts, offering a glimpse into old Shanghai. Stop by any art galleries, independent boutiques, craft shops, cafés, and local eateries during your stroll. If you like, pick up some distinctive souvenirs, such as handmade crafts, personalized postcards, and tea.

After the visit, you will be escorted to the airport or train station for your departure flight or train.