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Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>Take China Group Tours in 2026/2027 to enjoy 30% discount compared to private tour. Same Experience & Lowest Price! Check China Group Deals >>
A long layover in Shanghai is the perfect opportunity to explore China's "Magic City", Shanghai. This Shanghai Layover Tour is specifically designed for transit travelers arriving at Pudong (PVG) or Hongqiao (SHA). We provide a seamless connection between the airport and the city's most iconic landmarks.
In just a few hours, you will journey from the 400-year-old Yu Garden and the historic Bund to the top of the Shanghai Tower, the highest building in China. Whether you have a morning arrival or a late-night departure, our flexible itinerary ensures you see the best of Shanghai's culture, architecture, and cuisine before your next flight.
View Destinations
| Day | Place | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shanghai | Yu Garden, Yuyuan Bazaar, City God Temple, The Bund, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower |
Shanghai(1 Day)
Maximize your layover by exploring the best of Shanghai, from the historic Old Town to the futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui. This flexible route captures the "Paris of the East" through its classical gardens, Taoist temples, and world-class skyline.
Shanghai Old Town & Yu Garden
Start at Yu Garden, a 460-year-old classical garden hidden in downtown. Cross the zigzag Jiuqu Bridge, designed to thwart spirits, and see the Huxin Pavilion, Shanghai's oldest teahouse with views of the modern skyline. Inside the garden, admire Ming Dynasty architecture, intricate clay sculptures, and hidden stone dragons. Don't miss the 21-meter-tall ginkgo tree, reportedly planted by the garden's founder 400 years ago.
Yu Garden is closed on Mondays. If your layover falls on a Monday, we will flexibly adjust your itinerary to include the nearby City God Temple or other top-tier landmarks to ensure the best experience.
Alternatively, explore the City God Temple. This Taoist landmark features a famous abacus representing divine justice. You can visit halls dedicated to the God of Wealth, the God of Love (Chinese Cupid), or Mazu, the protector of seafarers.
Explore Yuyuan Bazaar, a vibrant market surrounding the temple. This is the perfect spot to try authentic local snacks like Xiaolongbao and pan-fried pork buns while browsing for traditional handicrafts.
Nanjing Road & The Bund
In the afternoon, walk along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. This historic thoroughfare features "time-honored" shops dating back to 1806, alongside modern landmarks like the LEGO flagship store and the Huawei Global store.
Many Shanghai museums and sites now require advance ticket bookings. We recommend contacting our travel consultants early so we can secure your entries and streamline your limited layover time.
Continue to The Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront. Known as an "Exhibition of International Buildings," it features 52 structures in various Western styles, reflecting the city's history as the "Wall Street of the Far East."
Walk across the Waibaidu Bridge and visit Huangpu Park. From here, you'll have the best vantage point to photograph the "Kitchen Three-Piece Set"—the three skyscrapers that dominate the Lujiazui skyline across the river.
Shanghai Tower & Skyline Views
Cross the Huangpu River by public ferry to reach the Shanghai Tower. Standing 546 meters tall, it is the highest building in China and features a unique 120-degree twisted design.
Ride the world's fastest elevator to the 118th-floor Top of Shanghai Observatory. You will enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the historic Bund from high above the clouds.
After your Shanghai layover tour, our team will escort you back to the airport, railway station, or your hotel for your onward journey. Thank you for choosing Asia Odyssey Travel (AOT) for your Shanghai adventure!
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Vehicle & Driver ServiceProfessional Guide ServiceDomestic TransportationAdmissions & MealsInsuranceComprehensive Service
International AirfaresChina Visa FeePersonal ExpensesRoom SupplementOptional ActivitiesArrival & Departure TransportTips for Guide and Driver
It is very simple to book a private China tour. Select the tour you are interested in, and click "Make an Enquiry for Free". Tell us your demands and likes while submitting the form.
During this process, you don’t need to pay immediately. After sending us your requirements, one of our professional travel experts will get back to you within 0.5 to 24 hours. When all the information has been confirmed, then you make the deposit. Please feel free to contact the travel expert directly if you have any questions prior to booking.
The above itinerary is a sample that most travelers prefer. However, the tour can be fully customized based on your likes, interests, and budget.
If you want to extend this tour, just tell us your favored destinations and things to do. Our professional travel experts will redesign the trip totally for you and your group at the best price.
In-city Transfer: You will travel in a private, spacious, comfortable, and air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver.
Inter-city Travel: We use domestic flights (economy class) or high-speed trains (second class seat, usually less than 6 hours).
Arrival/Departure: Local guides and drivers will pick you up at the airport or train stations and escort you directly to your hotel.
“B” (Breakfast): Included at your hotel each morning.
“L” (Lunch): Arranged at designated tourist restaurants approved by the local administration, ensuring good sanitary conditions. Your guide will assist with ordering.
“D” (Dinner): Usually excluded, giving you the chance to taste authentic local food and snacks at your own pace.
Special Diets: If you are vegetarian, halal, kosher, or have gluten-free requirements, please let us know before booking. We will do our best to accommodate you.
A good night's sleep is essential during your China tour. In our private tours, you have the flexibility to choose your preferred hotel class—whether it's luxury 5-star, comfortable 4-star, or economic 3-star accommodations.
We carefully select hotels in prime locations, situated close to vibrant commercial streets or major tourist attractions. All our partner hotels maintain long-term relationships with us and are equipped with essential amenities including windows, air-conditioning, hot water, showers, and Wi-Fi (with the exception of basic conditions at Mount Everest) to ensure a comfortable stay.
The hotel staff are proficient in English and dedicated to providing high-quality service. Should you have any special requirements during your stay, they are always available to assist you to ensure a truly pleasant experience.
Data in submission...Discover what our customers are saying about the latest Shanghai Tours. Browse through their recent reviews and feedback on tour arrangements, guides, transportation, attractions, dining, hotels, and detailed itineraries to plan your own unforgettable China tour. View All Customers Reviews >>
Tripadvisor 4.9
4.9 | 16,674 reviews
I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.
Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.
Some of the highlights for me:
I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.
Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.
Some of the standout moments for me:
I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.
I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.
From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.
The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.
Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.
I recently took the 2-day Putuoshan tour, and as a busy professional from Singapore, the efficiency of this short trip was exactly what I needed.
The logistics were handled perfectly—from the moment we were picked up to the ferry transfer and arrival on the island, everything was seamless. This allowed me to focus fully on the spiritual experience rather than worrying about connections.
In just two days, we were able to visit all the most important sites, including the colossal Nanhai Guanyin Statue and the three major temples (Puji, Fayu, and Huiji). The atmosphere of quiet devotion on the island is truly palpable. It felt like a complete spiritual recharge in a short amount of time.
If you are looking for a powerful and peaceful pilgrimage experience that respects your limited travel schedule, this 2-day tour is highly recommended. It’s an essential escape to the Island of Compassion.
As a wellness traveler from the UK, I was looking for a short, meaningful trip away from city noise. This 4-day Hangzhou-Putuoshan route was exactly what I needed.
The logistics, which can be tricky when traveling to an island like Putuoshan, were handled flawlessly. Our private transfer from Hangzhou to the pier and the quick ferry crossing felt incredibly seamless. It turned a potentially stressful multi-step journey into a true retreat.
The two days on Putuoshan were the highlight. Standing before the enormous Guanyin statue felt truly profound. I especially enjoyed the quiet climb to Huiji Temple on the summit and the meditative walk down the steps. It felt like shedding the worries of the city with every step.
The balance of the trip—starting with the classical canals and tea fields of Hangzhou and transitioning to the spiritual depth of the island—was perfectly paced. Highly recommend this for anyone seeking both scenic beauty and spiritual clarity.
I just returned from the “Putuoshan Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from Malaysia, it exceeded all my expectations!
From the moment I arrived in Shanghai, the whole experience was exceptionally well-organized. Our guide was knowledgeable and made us feel welcomed right away. The drive to Putuoshan was smooth, and taking the ferry added a fun touch to the journey.
Some of the highlights for me:
Visiting Puji Temple: The peaceful atmosphere and the stunning architecture allowed me to truly reflect and connect with my spiritual side.
Walking along Bai Bu Beach: The serene beach was a perfect spot to unwind and appreciate nature's beauty.
The Goddess of Mercy Statue: Standing before the statue was awe-inspiring; it felt like I was part of something larger.
Hiking to Huiji Temple: The views from the top were breathtaking! It was worth every step of the climb.
Delicious Local Cuisine: I enjoyed trying fresh seafood dishes in the local restaurants, which were absolutely delightful.
I highly recommend this tour to anyone seeking a blend of spirituality and nature!
I recently completed the “30 Days China Tour from Beijing” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as someone from Singapore, I found it to be an exceptional experience.
Starting in Beijing, everything kicked off seamlessly — airport pick-up worked well, and our guide made us feel comfortable right away. Over the month we moved through a very broad selection of China’s landscapes, cities, history and culture. From the imposing Great Wall of China and Forbidden City in Beijing to ancient capitals, ethnic minority regions, high-speed train rides, rural scenery and modern metropolises.
Some of the highlights for me:
I recently completed the “21-Day China Tour from Shanghai” with Asia Odyssey Travel, and as a traveler from the U.S., I found the journey both impressive and very well managed.
Starting in Shanghai, our arrival went smoothly — airport pick-up, a comfortable downtown hotel, and a friendly local guide who helped us get oriented right away. From there, the itinerary took us through a carefully curated mix of China’s highlights: we explored ancient towns, visited imposing historical monuments, traveled on high-speed trains and domestic flights, and experienced both modern cities and scenic countryside.
Some of the standout moments for me:
I highly recommend this tour to fellow American travelers. It offers an excellent balance of history, nature, and city life — all arranged in a smart, hassle-free manner. Thanks to Asia Odyssey Travel for making it an unforgettable experience.
I just came back from the 30-Day China Panorama Tour from Guangzhou with Asia Odyssey Travel, and it was truly one of the most memorable trips I’ve ever joined.
From the moment I landed in Guangzhou, everything was well-coordinated. The local guide greeted us at the airport and made us feel welcome right away. We started with classic Cantonese highlights like the Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Lychee Bay, and traditional dim sum — a great introduction to southern China’s culture.
The route that followed was impressive. We cruised along the Li River in Guilin, cycled through Yangshuo’s peaceful countryside, and admired the Longji Rice Terraces. In Yunnan, Dali and Lijiang’s old towns were full of character, with snow-capped mountains in the distance. Chengdu was all about pandas and Sichuan food, Jiuzhaigou and Huanglong looked like scenes from a painting, and Chongqing’s mountain city views were unforgettable. The trip ended with Beijing’s Great Wall and Forbidden City, and Shanghai’s skyline — the perfect contrast of history and modern life.
Everything ran smoothly throughout. The guides were professional and friendly, the hotels were clean and comfortable, and transportation was efficient. My personal highlights were sharing bamboo rice with local villagers in Longji, standing by the turquoise lakes of Jiuzhaigou, and watching the city lights in Chongqing after dinner.
This tour was incredible. We were skeptical about combining Vietnam's slow-paced beauty with China's massive scale, but the contrast was brilliant. Ho Chi Minh City to Shanghai's towering skyline felt like a time warp! Seeing history at the Forbidden City and the Terracotta Warriors was profoundly moving, while the natural grandeur of the Zhangjiajie mountains was simply unforgettable. The flights and rail connections were perfectly organized, easing any stress for our older family members. Truly an epic expedition guided by real experts.
Seriously the best month of our gap year. We called it the "banana route" because of the way we traveled from the chaos and charm of Vietnam right into the futurism of Shanghai and then into the refined order of Japan (Nara's deer were everything!). The planning done by the team was flawless. We got to see three totally distinct worlds: the temples of Hanoi, the Great Wall of China, and the shrines of Kyoto. All without worrying about Visas or logistics. We want a huge, eye-opening adventure, this is the one.
Our agent Chia is simply the best! She was in contact with us every step of the way from the time we committed to the Beijing - Xian - Chengdu - Lhasa - Shanghai tour. There was absolutely no stress with the entire tour ie. Pick ups, train/ plane tickets, payments. Each time Chia was able to answer any questions that we had almost immediately. The tour itself was great, met some really nice people from different parts of the world. Groups were a maximum of 12 so the guides were always very attentive - in Tibet, we only had 3 left in the group. We have travelled quite extensively but this is the first time we have engaged in a tour and it certainly did not disappoint. Highly recommended!
