Overview
Three days across both halves of Shanghai — the art-deco Bund and the neon towers of Pudong, the old Chinese city around Yu Garden, and a full day in the water towns where the region's older rhythm survives.
Shanghai is a city of two cities, and this itinerary is built to show you both. You walk the Bund at dusk when the colonial-era banks light up and Pudong's towers begin their nightly display, cross the Huangpu by ferry, and go up the Shanghai Tower for the view from 546 metres. You wander the Ming-dynasty pavilions and rockeries of Yu Garden and eat xiaolongbao at the Huxinting teahouse.
The water towns are the reason to spare a third day. Zhujiajiao, 1,700 years old, is a town of stone bridges, canals and whitewashed houses where the boatmen still pole their boats under arched bridges — an hour from the city and a world away from it.
Group size is capped at sixteen, the hotel is central and the pace leaves room for the city's best hours, which are early morning and after dark.
- Bund skyline at blue hour
- Zhujiajiao canal boat ride
- Small group, maximum 16 travellers
- English-speaking local guide
Itinerary
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1 The Bund & Old Shanghai
Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Evening walk along the Bund with the Pudong skyline lit up, then wander Nanjing Road and a traditional yum cha at Yu Garden.
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2 Zhujiajiao Water Town
A half-day trip to Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town of stone bridges and canals. Boat ride and free time for local snacks, then back to Shanghai for the Shanghai Tower observation deck.
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3 Modern Shanghai & Departure
Morning at Xintiandi and the French Concession, followed by a transfer to the airport or station for your departure.
Gallery
What's included
- 2 nights handpicked hotel (4-star)
- Daily breakfast
- English-speaking local guide
- Private transport & water-town boat
- All listed entrance fees
- Airport or station transfers
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Lunches and dinners
- Travel insurance
- Tips for guide and driver
- Personal expenses
