Exploring Shanghai's Historic Charm in a Day
Discover the authentic old charm of Shanghai in just 24 hours with a well-planned city tour. Explore Yu Garden, the Bund, Nanjing Road, the French Concession, and take a river cruise along the Huangpu River. Plan your trip today!
Are you planning a trip to Shanghai and looking for a way to experience its authentic old charm? Look no further! With a well-planned city tour of Shanghai, you can immerse yourself in the city's historic past in just 24 hours. Here's a guide to exploring Shanghai's tourist spots, perfect for a Shanghai day tour or walking tour.
Morning: Start Your Day at Yu Garden
Begin your journey at Yu Garden, one of Shanghai's most famous historic attractions. This beautiful garden complex dates back to the Ming Dynasty and features intricate landscaping, ponds, bridges, and traditional Chinese buildings. As you walk through the garden, you'll be surrounded by lush greenery and the soothing sounds of water. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the nearby Bazaar, where you can find a variety of traditional crafts and snacks.
Midday: Explore The Bund and Nanjing Road
Next, head to the Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront area. Here, you'll find a mix of historic European-style buildings and modern skyscrapers, offering stunning views of the Huangpu River. After taking in the sights, make your way to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai's most famous shopping streets. This pedestrian-only area is filled with a variety of stores, from high-end boutiques to budget-friendly shops, and is a great place to pick up some souvenirs.
Afternoon: Discover the French Concession
In the afternoon, head to the French Concession, a historic district that offers a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past. Here, you'll find a mix of historic buildings, trendy boutiques, and cozy cafes. Take a leisurely stroll through the district and explore its hidden alleyways, where you'll discover a variety of unique shops and restaurants. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the former residences of famous Shanghainese figures, such as the house of the famous writer Lu Xun.
Evening: Enjoy a River Cruise
To cap off your day, take a river cruise along the Huangpu River. As you glide along the water, you'll be able to see Shanghai's skyline from a different perspective and take in the city's stunning night views. The cruise also offers a great opportunity to relax and unwind after a busy day of exploring.
Conclusion: A Day of Authentic Old Shanghai
In just 24 hours, you can experience the authentic old charm of Shanghai. From Yu Garden to the Bund, the French Concession, and a river cruise, there's no shortage of things to see and do. Plan your Shanghai day tour or walking tour today and immerse yourself in the city's historic past.
If you have any questions or would like to customize your trip, please contact us!
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
