2021 Shanghai | 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

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 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour

Uncover the Old and New Shanghai

As the largest city in China and an economic, commercial and financial center, Shanghai is vital to the country's future. No other city in the country is more vibrant and fascinating or has such a unique colonial past. 

Shanghai, literally 'Above the Sea', is a port city on the Huangpu River, where the Yangtze River empties into the East China Sea. Originally a fishing and textiles town, the city gained its identity after it was opened to foreign powers by the 1842 Treaty of Nanking. The British, French, Americans, Germans, and Russians moved in, setting up their distinct Western-style banks, trading houses, and mansions, leaving a permanent architectural legacy. 

The city flourished as a cosmopolitan and thriving commercial and financial center, dubbed the "Pairs of the East" in 1920s and 1930s. In spite of being the cradle of Chinese Communism, the city was neglected during the Cultural Revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. In 1990, it was chosen to spearhead modern China's reform and opening up, which resulted in intense development. In addition, the city has often been the inspiration for novels, films and cocktails. It is probably the most evocative city for an outsider to visit all of the country. Beijing may be more mysterious, but Shanghai offers half-understood, semi-mythical images.

Shanghai is always a fun to visit. The commerce river -  Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River, is lined up with a gallery of different architectures, known as the Bund, beckoning to curious visitors and smart locals alike. Although erected during different periods in varying styles such as Gothic, Romanesque or Baroque, those fifty-two buildings stand together in perfect harmony. When night falls, the two most famous - Bank of China Building and the Peace Hotel - are bathed in lavender lighting, and are the most telling witness to the past century of the Bund. 

Mansions, garden estates, clubs and cathedrals built by Westerners a century ago are scattered throughout the city. There is even a synagogue, built during the days of an unprecedented Jewish immigration here. Traditional treasures, though not so many as in Beijing, turns up on a walk through the chaotic old city: a teahouse, active temples, ancient pagodas and  quintessential southern-Chinese classic gardens such as the Yuyuan Garden. 

Across the Huangpu River from the original settlement of Puxi is the city's future, the Pudong New Area. Its modern and ever-expanding skyline includes the emblematic Orient Pearl Tower, the highest observation decks in Asia, the soaring modern art-deco Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower featuring the tallest building in China and the 2nd tallest building in the world by far.

I should say Shanghai is a magic land. It has turned itself from a poor fishing village on the bank of the East China Sea into a prosperous international metropolis which is regarded as “Oriental Paris”. Come to this land today, you can trace back hundreds years’ history of Shanghai and see the future of China and feel how magic this city is.

Highlights of this Tour

Shanghai, regarded as the Oriental Paris, is the best place to see East-meets-West Culture. Walking in the traditional Chinese garden - Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, wandering along the charming exhibition of international architecture at the Bund...you will find a splendid combination of East and West, as well as tradition and modern.

• Capture breathtaking modern skyline towering into the clouds in Lujiazui, , challenge yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime sky walk, catch a panoramic view of whole Shanghai city;

• Have a chance to take the Shanghai Maglev Train, experience the real flying speed and try ultramodern scientific and technological advances;

• Closely feel urban hustle and bustle in Nanjing Road of downtown Shanghai to touch the vitality and heartbeat of Shanghai;

• Admire Chinese traditional architectural art in Yu Garden, perceive awe-inspiring Buddhist culture in Jade Buddha Temple and admire remarkable ancient relics in Shanghai Museum;
  

• Stroll leisurely along the Bund, view western style historical buildings and discover the best epitome of the history of Shanghai;

• Enjoy high-quality tour package covering knowledgeable tour guide, experienced driver & private transfer and other arrangements.

Trip Overview

This 3-day Shanghai contrast tour will show you two different looks and cultural features harmoniously coexisted in Shanghai. You will witness the incredible current achievements of Shanghai and encounter the old Shanghai to enrich your Shanghai tour with both wonderful sightseeing and meaningful cultural cultivation. 

• Day1: Shanghai Arrival. Overnight in Shanghai.

• Day2: Shanghai Museum-Yu Garden-Shanghai World Financial Center-Nanjing Road-The Bund-Huangpu River cruise.Overnight in Shanghai.

• Day3: Jade Buddha Temple-Tianzifang-Train stations or airports.

Note: The Maglev Train only operates between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station from 06:45 AM to 21:42 PM

Follow us to enjoy interesting visits to various kinds of attractions, experience featured activities to dig out the authentic Shanghai, find the great changes made in this internationally famous metropolis and revere the amazing “China Speed” and outstanding balance of the city’s past, today and future!

Shanghai Maglev Train

Shanghai Maglev Train is the fastest operational high-speed maglev train in the world, whose top speed is 431 km/h.

Shanghai Museum 

Over one billion cultural relics are exhibited inside, including precious bronzes, paintings, calligraphy, ceramics, jade, sculptures, traditional furniture, seals and old coins from more than 5,000 years ago to the Qing Dynasty. Da Ke Ding(bronze food vessel in over 3000 years ago), Bianzhong of Marquis Su of Jin (ancient musical instruments) are top treasures to visit. 

Huangpu River cruise

The best place to enjoy the night view of the Huangpu River is on the Huangpu River cruise

Shanghai World Financial Center

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, is one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui.

The Bund

Nanjing Road is Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks.

Yu Garden

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago.It is a classical garden in the south of the Yangtze River, a famous scenic spot and tourist attraction

Tianzifang

Tianzifang is a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in the French Concession area of Shanghai.

Jade Buddha Temple

Jade Buddha Temple is one of the top three sacred Buddhist temples in Shanghai which famed for precious jade Buddhist statues.

Basic Tour Information

Activity Place: Shanghai

Activity Date:  2021 Group Tour Dates

• Every Weekends (Holiday price is different)

Meeting point: Shanghai airport.

Group Trip fee: Local Traveling bus+Accommondations+Guide+Insurance

• Normal Price: 1685RMB/pax, pay the deposit 685RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Group Discount: 1635RMB/pax if 3 or more than 3 seats booked together, pay the deposite 635RMB/pax when you book the trip.

• Kid Price: Children are less than 1.2m and the kids doesnt need beds which is 1285RMB. Children above 1.2m are the same as adult.

• Single Supplement: 400RMB for the Singleroom supplement if you live alone.

Participants: The Group trip fee is for at least 4 people, if only two people the price will 400RMB/pax more to make the trip confirmed.

Driver and Vehicle: Drivers are local, polite, friendly and helpful, taking you to your tourist sites, hotels, airport/train stations in safety. All kinds of vehicle are offered, and yours depends on the size of the group. Usually, we offer sedan cars, SUVs, business vans (MPV) and different types of buses.

Booking Hotline: Kate 15522215077  (English & Mandarin)

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Statement about the Trip Fee

What is includes in the cost?

• Guide for the whole trip.
  

• Traveling bus with experienced driver.

• Pick up and drop off service

• Drivers' accommadations and meals for the whole trip.

• Accommodation: 2 nights in 3-star Hotel.

• 3 Days outdoor insurance.

What is not included in the cost?(The trip fee doesnt include the tickets fee)

• Meals

• Yu Garden:40RMB

• Shanghai World Financial Center:120RMB

• Huangpu River cruise:90RMB

• Jade Buddha Temple:40RMB

Please Note: We want to have a positive effect everywhere we go, we don’t take commissions or kickbacks, and we don’t take you on detours for shopping.

Statement about the Refund:

• If you cancel this trip more than 7 days before depature, we will fully refund

• If you cancel this trip within 7 days before depature, no refund of the deposit fee

About Insurance: Our trip leader will collect your insurance information 3 days before this trip happens, if you didnt fill the form when he collects the informations or gave the wrong information, it means you give up this trip's insurance and the accident compensation.

Quick Weather Info: Shanghai weather is generally mild and moist, with four distinctive seasons - a pleasant warm spring, a hot rainy summer, a comfortable cool autumn, and an overcast cold winter. The weather of Shanghai in July and August is the hottest, with more than 10 days' high temperatures above 35 C. The coldest period is from late January to early February.

About the Local Food: Shanghai is thronged with delicious food and snacks from all over China. Various kinds of local snacks have distinctive flavor. Food and dishes from other regions of the country are also authentic and popular. We will have the chance to taste shanghai food at Old City God Temple Snack Street on the last day for your lunch.

Full Itinerary Day by Day

Day1 : Shanghai Arrival.

Ni Hao! Welcome to Shanghai, the biggest metropolis of China!

Upon arrival, meet your tour guide in the airport Arrival Hall holding. Before being transferred to your hotel, firstly experience the Shanghai Maglev Train (optional) - the fastest operational high-speed maglev train in the world, whose top speed is 431 km/h.

Started running in 2003, the Shanghai Maglev Train is the first commercially high-speed magnetic levitation line in the world. With a top speed of 430 km/h, Shanghai Maglev Train takes only 8 minutes to transfer from Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) to Longyang Road Station on the east outskirt of Shanghai. Passengers can hardly hear any noise and feel any jolt, because the maglev trains run without contacting the surface of the railway line. Facilities inside the trains are very modern, clean and comfortable. (Note: The Maglev Train only operates between Shanghai Pudong International Airport and Longyang Road Station from 06:45 AM to 21:42 PM)

Recommended Night Activity (optional): Watch an entertaining Acrobatic Show, including breathtaking “balls of death” acts, chair balancing, hula hoops, juggling of benches, walking in the air, and other breathtaking performances (usually performed during 19:30~21:00).

Day2:Shanghai Museum-Yu Garden-Shanghai World Financial Center-Nanjing Road-The Bund-Huangpu River cruise.Overnight in Shanghai.

After breakfast, you will visit Shanghai Museum, one of the best museums in China. Conveniently located near the People’s Square, this large museum is designed and built with a round top and a square base which symbolize the ancient Chinese perception of the world as “round sky, square earth”, and mainly focus on Chinese ancient history and art.

Then, transfer to Shanghai old town to visit Yu Garden (Yuyuan), a famous Southern China classical garden which was originally built about 450 years ago. Walk around to view the ancient pavilions, halls, towers with jagged carved cornices and decorations, grotesque rockeries, glittering ponds filled with swimming kois and many old plants. These buildings, laid out in an asymmetry, fully embody impressive Chinese architectural style, art and skills, from which you can imagine an ancient living scene and find a magic harmony between human and nature. Yuyuan Bazaar outside the garden is an interesting place for shopping traditional Chinese handicrafts and artworks and tasting a variety of local snacks.

Next, visit the Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), “the Eye of Shanghai”, one of the most incredible skyscrapers in Lujiazui. With a height of 492 meters (1,614 ft), the tower is the second tallest building after the nearby Shanghai Tower (632 meter/2,073 ft). Ascend up to the 474 meter-high 100th floor observation deck, try a thrilling skywalk on the transparent glass walkway and enjoy a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the entire city, including the Bund, neighboring Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower and many surrounding attractions. Feel Shanghai lying under your feet and blue sky hanging above your head.

Later, get to Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s earliest commercial street and one of the most popular current landmarks. Lots of big name brands, restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops and towering buildings can be seen when you stroll around this busy pedestrian mall. Continue your walk to the Bund, the most iconic place of Shanghai. Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, this 1.5km-long road was a simple towpath for transporting good but developed to the early “East Wall Street” in late 19th century. Most known as a perfect blend of the East meeting the West, the Bund mainly features 52 various European-style architectures praised to the Exhibition of World’s Architecture. Make a pleasant walk to see those western classical and modern style buildings and amazing skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river.

After the tour, drive back to your hotel. (If you want to spend free time at the Bund, Nanjing Road or take a relaxing Huangpu River cruise to see the city’s most significant edifices and streets ablaze with colorful lights (about 50 minutes), or explore somewhere else, please let your tour guide know.)

Day3：Jade Buddha Temple-Tianzifang- airports or train station.

After breakfast, your tour guide and driver will pick you up in your hotel, and take you to Jade Buddha Temple, one of the top three sacred Buddhist temples in Shanghai which famed for precious jade Buddhist statues. The temple was built by a Buddhist monk from Mount Wutai to enshrine two jade Buddhas invited from Burma in Qing Dynasty (1882 AD). Now it has been renovated to a Song Dynasty style temple worshiping a sitting Buddha (1.95 meters tall) originally imported from Burma, a reclining Buddha (4.05 meters, 6 tons) donated from Singapore and two smaller reclining Buddhas, Giant Golden Buddha statues, massive valuable Buddhist scriptures and ancient Buddhist sculptures. It’s a wonderful spiritual visit to see real monks chanting and endless pilgrims praying with serene and pure ambience hidden among modern blocks and bustling metropolis.

Finally, drive to Tianzifang, a unique popular tourist enclave remolded from a traditional residential block in the French Concession area of Shanghai. Intertwined narrow alleys are filled with small creative shops selling lovely souvenirs and plenty of cafés, bars and restaurants. It’s great fun to ramble through the maze-like area to appreciate the well-preserved traditional Shanghainese Shikumen (Stone Warehouse Gate) houses, see interesting novel art and handicrafts, savor a lazy open-air coffee time and try some local street food and feel the original Shanghai life vibe.

In the afternoon, your guide and driver take you to the airport/train station/cruise port for your next destination or home. Tour ends.

Additional Information:

• Please be advised that there will be approximately 10-45 travelers per group

• The above itinerary is for reference only, and is subject to change due to the weather conditions

• Please inform us of any dietary restrictions and allergies if you booked our tour. Please remember to bring any medication that you need with you

• Pregnant women, guests with heart attacks, high blood pressure, respiratory diseases, severe colds, and those who are not suitable for outdoor hiking are advised to carefully decide whether or not to travel according to their own conditions or doctor's advice

• We will contact you between 8:00pmto10:00pm a day before you travel to reconfirm the pick up time and place. Please keep your contact lines or channels available. If you have not received any confirmation after 10:00pm, please contact customer service.

• In case of severe inclement weather or other environmental problems beyond control that causes the tour to be unable to proceed, participants can opt for a reschedule.

Things to bring

• Passport/ID card.

• Comfortable, sturdy shoes, and a spare pair of shoes to change into at the end of the day. 

• Bring a few changes of clothes, including something warm for night time.

• It's highly recommended you bring a waterproof outer layer and rain jacket.

• Bring a book or pack of cards in case you get bored during the driving between the villages. (We don't think you'll get bored!)

• Bring you camera and chargers for all your electronics.

• Bring a backpack to hold water and food for the hiking. Bring a duffle bag or suitcase for the rest of your things – we can leave that at the hotel or on the bus.

• Meals, water and snacks arenot all provided; bring extra snacks if you like!

• Bring personal toiletries (shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste etc) and small towel.

• Bring any personal medicine you might need. Your guide will have a basic first aid kit.