Shanghai is a cosmopolitan city where anyone may have layover of flights or cruise. There are hundreds flights making transits in Shanghai everyday (most of international flights transit at Shanghai Pudong International Airport). Some internationals have layovers over 8 hours, which allows tourists to enjoy a day trip to Shanghai downtown. Shanghai also receives frequent visits of international cruises to/from Japan, Korea, Singapore, Europe, etc. These cruises usually permit a free stay of 2 or more days in Shanghai, long enough to enjoy the best highlights of magical Shanghai.
It is easy to take a layover tour, but Shanghai is so dazzling with numerous things to do and places to see. That’s why we are here. With our help, you can easily get a tour which matches your schedule, interest and budget well. Our Shanghai layover tours begin with a private tour guide welcoming you at the airport or cruise port, then use the most efficient transportation tools to Shanghai downtown. If you arrive in Shanghai Pudong International Airport (about 1 hour’s drive from downtown), you can take the Maglev Train to save time and escape traffic jams. There are three cruise ports in Shanghai - Wusongkou Cruise International Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, and Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal. It takes about 10~50mins to get to city downtown from the cruise ports above by driving. We will send a tour guide and a driver to pick up you.
How long does a Shanghai layover tour cost? What can you do during your Shanghai layover? Our Shanghai layover tours can be customized according to your layover schedule and personal interests. Walking around the Bund and enjoy a city panorama from Shanghai Tower or other Shanghai’s highest building are two must-try experiences, which needs about 3~4 hours altogether. Yu Garden is a popular option to be covered in your layover if you are interested Shanghai’s ancient architecture, local snacks and souvenirs shopping. If you keen on some leisure walking, Tianzifang (old local neighborhoods) and Former French Concession (with many elegant European-style architectures) are two recommended places to go. If you are a museum fan, Shanghai Museum is the best place to go.
Do you need a visa for Shanghai layover? If your transit is less 24 hours, you don’t have to apply for a transit visa or tourist visa. If your transit is 24~144 hours, and you are nationals from 53 countries that are eligible for 144 Hour Visa-free Transit in China, you can visit Shanghai and nearby Hangzhou, Suzhou, Putuoshan, etc. without a transit visa or tourist visa. Learn more about Shanghai Transit Visa Free Policy »
What you can enjoy in our Shanghai layover tours:
Visit the three best highlighting attractions of Shanghai. Yu Garden provides an opportunity to ancient Chinese architecture and living style; The Bund is the NO. 1 attraction in Shanghai with open wide views of old and new Shanghai; Shanghai Tower (can be replaced by other high buildings) pleases you with a breathtaking panoramic view of Shanghai from several hundred meters. Above three places are not far away from each other.
Starting location: Shanghai Pudong International Airport or International Cruise Port
Attractions: Yu Garden (1.5hrs), the Bund (1hr), Shanghai Tower (1.5hrs)
It’s an amusing trip to find out how some well-preserved ancient heritage sites hiding among Shanghai’s skyscrapers. This Shanghai contrast tour help you trace back on Shanghai’s history, witness present achievement and look for the vista of Shanghai. It’s not only a contrast tour, but also an entertaining tour with a lot of experiences – walking, food street, fashion, etc.
Starting location: Shanghai Pudong International Airport or International Cruise Port
Attractions: Tianzifang(1hr), Former French Concession(1hr), Nanjing Road(1hr), the Bund (1hr)
If you have already seen the highlights in the downtown of Shanghai, or not interested in city exploration, you are advised to visit a romantic ancient Water Town near Shanghai. It can be the famous Zhengzhou, historical Tongli or less-crowded Xitang, all of which are great examples of traditional Chinese water town – ancient houses, water canals, old bridges, stone-paved streets, laid-back living…
Starting location: Shanghai Pudong International Airport or International Cruise Port
Attractions: visit one water town from Zhouzhuang(3hrs), Tongli (3hrs), Xitang(2hrs)
This tour brings you to explore the diversity of Shanghai. You will find historical features in Yu Garden, visit some China treasures in Shanghai Museum, wander around prosperous Nanjing Road (shopping street), stroll at famous the Bund and enjoy a relaxing scenic cruise on Huangpu River.
Starting location: Shanghai Pudong International Airport or International Cruise Port
Attractions: Yu Garden (1.5hrs), Shanghai Museum(1.5hrs), Nanjing Road(1hr), the Bund(1hr), Huangpu River Cruise(1hr), Shanghai Tower (1.5hrs)
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Choose your favorite attractions in Shanghai to let our travel experts design a reasonable Shanghai layover itinerary for you. Pleaste note museums, temples and historical sites are only open during 8:00~18:00 while outdoor places such as the Bund, Nanjing Road, Tianzifang, Former French Concession, etc. are open for 24 hours. Shanghai Towers and other high buildings are usually open to 21:30 or later. We have specified required time to visit each attraction, excluding transfer time as below for your reference.
#1 of 1,350 on Tripadvisor - a waterfront promenade to enjoy Shanghai's skyline and walking;
#2 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - modern architecture & one of the world's highest buildings;
#3 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - spectacular panoramic view of Shanghai & many entertaining activities;
#4 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - A classical garden of ancient Chinese architecture, art and culture;
#5 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - good place for walking, cafes, tree-lined avenues, and tudor houses;
#6 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - one of world's highest observatory, with transparent glass-walled walkways;
#7 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - relaxing and scenic cruise to enjoy contrasts of Shanghai & best in night;
#9 of 1,619 on Tripadvisor - modern architecture, where the Bird Nest and Water Cube locate.
#10 on Tripadvisor - a peaceful Buddhist temple hidding in modern districts;
#12 on Tripadvisor - ancient typical China water town & nearest water town from Shanghai;
#17 on Tripadvisor - tells how Shanghai has developed from a fishing village to a metropolis;
#18 on Tripadvisor - a small private museum to catch a special glimpse of the 20th century history of China;
#19 on Tripadvisor - Modern, electric street filled with shops, eateries, and lovely restaurants;
#46 on Tripadvisor - newest Disneyland in Asia & many kids-friendly activities;
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