2-Day Historic Shanghai Walking & Architecture Tour
Overview
Over the decades, Shanghai has marked many of our clients’ first trips to China. Easy Tour China’s expert curated a 2-day historic and walking tour in Shanghai, allowing you to discover the city in depth. Explore the enduring heritage of the Bund as you learn about Shanghai’s colonial past. Sample local culinary delights while walking from the Yu Garden to the old town of Shanghai. And discover the traditional dwelling houses of Zhujiajiao with your private local guide in the tranquil water town.
Focus: Shanghai History, Colonial & Modern Architecture, Walking ExperienceBest For: First-time visitors, History & culture lovers, Architecture enthusiasts
Destinations: Shanghai
Duration: 2 Days
Travel Type: Private tour - Flexible & Free to customize
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In the morning, take a stroll along the Bund (about 1.5 kilometers) - the starting point of modern Shanghai, featuring a collection of colonial architectural masterpieces. Representative buildings of neoclassical, Art Deco, and Gothic Revival styles, such as the HSBC Building, the Customs House, and the Peace Hotel, reveal the history of Shanghai's opening in the 19th and 20th centuries, the leasehold system, and the formation of the Far East financial center.
Then, head to the City God Temple area (Yuyuan Bazaar) and Yu Garden (about 1 kilometer on foot), to understand the urban layout of the Ming and Qing dynasties and the classical Chines garden. And compare traditional Jiangnan architecture with modern commercial development. Have lunch enjoying Shanghai local cuisine.
In the afternoon, visit the Shanghai Former French Concession and Tianzifang (about 2-2.5 kilometers on foot). Walk along the tree-lined avenue of the former French Concession, admire various historical residential buildings, including French-style garden villas and Normandy-style residences. Also discover the traditional Shanghai stone gatehouses hidden in the alleys (longtang) with the current mixed-Western-style residential forms. Take a glance at the lifestyle of ordinary Shanghai citizens and discuss urban renewal and historical preservation with your guide.Meals: B. L
Accommodation: 2 nights in Shanghai
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After breakfast, drive to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (about 1 hour). It is one of the best-preserved Chinese water towns in Shanghai. Walk along the ancient river channels and the old streets, and spot ancient bridges (such as Fensheng Bridge), residences from the Ming and Qing dynasties, and waterfront shops. Listen to your guide explain in detail the form of the ancient Jiangnan water towns and the water transportation in Shanghai. Taste local cuisine in the ancient town (or return to the city for lunch).
In the afternoon, visit the over 1700-year-old Jing'an Temple. Walk through the main halls and admire the exquisite Buddha statues. Learn about Buddhist rituals and incense burning norms. What's even more stunning is that this old temple is surrounded by modern skyscrapers. You can also look at the Lujiazui skyline and compare the urban landscapes of old Shanghai and modern Shanghai.
Meals: B. L
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