Shanghai First Impressions

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4 Days
Availability: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Shanghai
Shanghai
About this Journey
Shanghai is often China’s first introduction to visitors, and few cities reveal so many sides of the country at once. Colonial-era architecture faces a futuristic skyline along the Huangpu River. Classical gardens and centuries-old temples sit within one of the world’s most dynamic urban centers. Neighborhood parks remain gathering places for retirees practicing tai chi, while contemporary galleries, design studios, and revitalized waterfront districts reflect the city’s ongoing reinvention.
 
This journey is designed for first-time visitors, offering a balance of walking, hands-on experiences, and cultural immersion. From the leafy lanes of the Former French Concession to classical gardens, lively bazaars, contemporary art spaces, and the city’s revitalized waterfront, discover a city where past and present coexist at every turn.
What we love
  • Exploring Yuyuan Garden with a horticultural specialist, uncovering the symbolism and artistry behind one of China's most celebrated classical gardens
  • Dressing in traditional attire for an immersive banquet evening inspired by China's dynastic past
  • Learning the art of xiaolongbao making and enjoying a taste of Shanghai's culinary heritage
Map
Itinerary

Day 1Arrive in Shanghai

• Upon arrival in Shanghai, you will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel

• Enjoy the evening at leisure, we recommend taking a stroll along the iconic Bund at dark, where historic banks and trading houses meet the illuminated towers of Pudong’s skyline.

Day 2Local Life, Neighborhoods & Evening Immersion

• Start the morning in Fuxing Park, watching locals practice tai chi, dance, sing, and socialize.

• Hop onto an e-bike and zip along the Huangpu Riverside, passing Shanghai’s iconic skyline, modern art museums, and revitalized waterfront districts.

• Learn to make Shanghai’s signature xiaolongbao with a local expert before tasting your creations.

• Dress in traditional attire and enjoy an immersive ancient-style banquet with music, dance, and theatrical performances.

Day 3Classical Shanghai & Night Bazaar

• Discover ancient bronzes, jade, ceramics, painting, calligraphy, and other treasures at Shanghai Museum East.

• Explore Yuyuan Garden with a horticultural specialist, uncovering the symbolism and design principles behind its rockeries, pavilions, ponds, and pathways.

• Pause within Yuyuan Garden for a traditional Chinese tea tasting and introduction to local tea culture.

• Stroll through Yuyuan Bazaar after dark, when lanterns illuminate its traditional architecture, shops, and local snack stalls.

Day 4Contemporary Shanghai

• Explore Shanghai’s contemporary art scene at M50 Creative Park, visiting galleries and artist studios before a hands-on Chinese tea culture experience.

• Visit the historic Jade Buddha Temple, home to two precious jade Buddha statues and an active center of Buddhist worship.

• Transfer to the airport with your WildChina guide for your onward journey.

Hotels
the peninsula shanghai china

The Peninsula Shanghai

5 star

The Peninsula has a strong art deco influence reminiscent of 1930s Shanghai with luxurious rooms, restaurants and a rooftop bar overlooking the Bund.

Details

What’s Included

  • Services of an English-speaking WildChina guide
  • Accommodation based on double occupancy with breakfasts included
  • All overland transfers with private chauffeur and in-transport refreshments
  • Private chauffeur service to and from airport at start and end of your trip
  • All admission fees and activity expenses, as noted in the itinerary
  • Meals as noted in the itinerary with complimentary drinking water

What’s Excluded

  • International and domestic flights, domestic trains, plus relevant taxes
  • Chinese tourist visa, which is required for most foreign passport holders
  • Travel and medical insurance
  • Meals, apart from those included in the itinerary, and alcohol
  • Expenses of a personal nature
  • Excursions and activities not included in the itinerary
  • Discretionary gratuities for guides and drivers
Next Steps

How do I book this tour?

Please use the inquiry form on the right-hand side of this page or email [email protected] to get started. One of our travel designers will be in touch accordingly to start the process of planning your custom China trip! 

What is the payment schedule? 

  1. Deposit:

Once you are ready to book, a deposit equivalent of 20% of the total trip cost is required to begin reserving your arrangements. This will go towards your total trip costs and will be taken off your final balance amount. 

  1. Full payment:
    Full trip payment will be requested 60 days prior to departure. If you’re booking within 60 days of your departure, you may be asked to pay make the full payment straight away.

Payments can be made via credit card, bank transfer, WeChat or Alipay. 

What is your cancellation policy? 

See our full booking conditions here. 

Why WildChina

We’re on the ground with you

Our team of advisors will design every detail of the trip with you through close consultation, then orchestrate your entire journey while on the ground. We’re in the same time zone as you, so we can fulfill requests and handle issues without a hitch. With over 40 staff in China and an expansive network of operational partners across the country, we have the manpower to ensure your journey is safe, reliable and comfortable from beginning to end.

Your trip, your way

Flexibility is our highest-ranking compliment. We pull off journeys for pioneers with a 6-hour layover to Hollywood’s elite, and everywhere in between. Our team regularly pulls off unprecedented logistical feats; nearly any time frame or budget is within our realm. No matter how you wish to experience China, we are here to bring that dream to life.

We embody passion

WildChina guides are carefully handpicked for their knowledge and charisma, then meticulously trained to maintain our exceptional service standards. They are expert storytellers and passionate natives of the regions where they guide, having the perfect combination of local insights and service know-how to bring you seamless once-in-a- lifetime moments all across China.

The little things, the big picture

Supporting inspired local economies allows you to experience the soul of the destination, while also protecting and cultivating China’s artisanal culture. From watching artisans creating their handcrafts, to picking organic vegetables for dinner on a local farm, our tours are designed to showcase and protect China’s heritage, both natural and human.