One-Day Shanghai Tour: Yu Garden + The Bund + Shanghai Tower + Xintiandi
After breakfast, you will go to [Yu Garden], known as the "crown of famous gardens in the southeast," to enjoy the classical garden scenery of Jiangnan in China. Yu Garden was first built in the 38th year of the Jiajing reign of the Ming Dynasty (AD 1559), with a history of more than 460 years. It was originally a private garden built by Pan Yunduan, the Ming Dynasty provincial administration commissioner of Sichuan, for his father to spend his later years in peace. Strolling along the winding paths of Yu Garden, you can appreciate China's exquisite garden layout, beautiful classical architecture, and superb craftsmanship in brick carving, stone carving, clay sculpture, and wood carving. In particular, the iconic attractions - the Dragon Wall, the Nine-Turn Bridge, and the Mid-Lake Pavilion - are especially worth careful appreciation.
Afterwards, walk to Yuyuan Bazaar near Yu Garden. On this charming old Shanghai street, taste the most authentic Shanghai cuisine, such as xiaolongbao, braised pork, eight-treasure duck, etc. If interested, you can also browse various traditional Chinese handicraft shops, such as embroidery, ceramics, wood carvings, etc.
Optional activity (at your own expense): The City God Temple near Yu Garden, where you can stroll and admire the magnificent Taoist architectural complex and learn about traditional Chinese Taoist culture. During traditional Chinese festivals such as Spring Festival and Lantern Festival, there are also rich cultural activities and lantern fairs to participate in.
Afterwards, go to visit [Xintiandi], one of the world's top 20 cultural landmarks. This is an urban tourist attraction that perfectly integrates Shanghai's traditional shikumen architecture with modern architecture, and is also an excellent place to learn about Shanghai's history, lane culture, and modern fashion. Here, you can stroll leisurely, admire historical sites, taste specialty foods, and browse various shops representing Shanghai's fashion and tradition. In addition, the Shikumen Wulixiang Museum inside is also a good place to learn about the lifestyle of Shanghai people in the 1920s and 1930s.
Afterwards, go to [the Bund], known as the "Paris of the East," to feel the prosperity of Shanghai, the magic city. The Bund is located on the west bank of the Huangpu River and is one of Shanghai's iconic attractions. It is known as the "Exhibition of World Architecture" and gathers 52 exotic buildings of different styles, such as the Shanghai Club, Peace Hotel, HSBC Building, etc. Stepping into it feels like entering the golden age of the former Oriental Wall Street. Standing by the river, you can also see landmark buildings in the distance, such as the world's third tallest building - Shanghai Tower, Asia's tallest tower - Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai's fourth tallest building - Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai's second tallest building - Shanghai World Financial Center.
Afterwards, you will take a public ferry at Jinling East Road to cross the [Huangpu River] and arrive at the Lujiazui business district in Pudong, Shanghai. Then walk to [Shanghai Tower], the tallest building in Shanghai and even China. Here, you will take the world's fastest sightseeing elevator (73.8 km/h) directly to the "Top of Shanghai Observatory" on the 118th floor, 546 meters above the ground, and enjoy a 360-degree unobstructed view of the magnificent Shanghai skyline and panoramic city views, overlooking famous buildings around. If interested, you can also send a special blessing from above the clouds to family and friends at the Top of Shanghai Air Post Office, currently the world's highest post office.
Suggestions for nighttime activities in Shanghai
1. Shanghai Acrobatics Show (19:30~21:00, 1.5 hours): Shanghai acrobatics performances are the favorite nighttime entertainment for domestic and international tourists. They include not only thrilling acrobatic performances but also beautiful dance and humorous and comedic plots, bringing the audience a brand-new viewing experience and allowing you to gain an in-depth understanding of Shanghai's rich cultural heritage in an entertaining way.
🍽️ Breakfast included, Lunch included
🏨 Shanghai