Flexible Private Shanghai Layover Tour
Recommended by 99% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Shanghai, China
- 6 to 8 hours (approx.)
- Pickup offered
- Group discounts
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Explore our promoted experiences
Overview
Don’t spend your Shanghai stopover inside the airport; maximize your time in China and opt for a private and customizable sightseeing tour instead. This personalized layover tour is tailored to your needs and allows you to tick off The Bund (Waitan), French Concession, and Yuyuan Garden in limited time. Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off are included for added convenience.
- Private and customizable Shanghai layover tour
- Escape the airport and spend a stopover sightseeing
- Tick off The Bund, French Concession, and Yuyuan Garden in limited time
- Airport or hotel pickup and drop-off are included
- Receive the undivided attention of a private guide
What's Included
- Professional guide
- Two-way or One-way Airport Transfer (please choose the option you need)
- Transport by air-conditioned vehicle
- Bottle of water
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (If Needed)
- Food and drinks
- Gratuities
- Entance fees
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Pickup details
Shanghai airport (PVG/SHA), Cruise terminal (Wusongkou/ Dongdaming) or your hotel in Shanghai
Itinerary
1
Shanghai Tower
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
2
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
1 hour 20 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included
3
Former French Concession
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
4
The Bund (Wai Tan)
40 minutes • Admission Ticket Free
5
Jade Buddha Temple
1 hour • Admission Ticket Not Included
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
- Stroller accessible
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please advise if you have big luggage or more than 2 luggage.
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Please wear comfortable shoes
- The tour starts 1 hour after flight landing. Please contact your local operator if you have to take a long time in custom, and your driver will wait for you in the arrival hall.
- Infant seats available
- Transportation is wheelchair accessible
- This layover tour requires at least 8 to 10 hours between two connecting flights.
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Detailed flight information is required upon booking
- If you are not able to go through customs for any reasons, please take your own responsibility. There is no refund for the same day cancellation
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Reviews
5.0
based on 116 reviews
Liz_C, Apr 2026
I had a 12 hour layover in Shanghai and desperately wanted to see the City but was nervous to head out on my own as a solo Australian girl so I booked a tour and was guided by Snow. Her English was brilliant. The driver had a nice car and drove safe safely. We had traditional Chinese food and went shopping and saw the sites of Shanghai. Highly recommend. I also booked the pick up and return to airport so I didn’t have to worry about travel in and out on my own.
Mashon_T, Apr 2026
I had an 11 hour layover so decided to get out and see the city. Had an amazing time. I got the pick up and drop off from the airport. My driver was waiting right on time and drove me into the city where my guide Kalvin joined. He'd grown up in Shanghai and was able to add so much more to the experience. I couldn't believe how much it had changed over the last 30 years and seeing it through his stories from his childhood until now really helped me to connect more with the city.
I was able to see so much in a short time, I loved having the private car and tour. The guide even stopped off at an amazing little dumping place — somewhere I'd have never found on my own. We went to the Jade Buddha Temple, old town and the Yu Yuan Gardens, and the Bund. Absolutely recommend!
Mariya_S, Mar 2026
Absolutely fantastic tour of Shanghai! Especially the wonderful guide Xin brings heart and soul to the experience! I fell in love with Shanghai thanks to her: Xin is very caring and kind, and knows all the most amazing spots for pictures, food and souvenirs! The driver and the manager did a great job too! Super well organized tour, very caring and kind people! I would love to come back for more!
Sophie_B, Mar 2026
We were on a 20+ hours transit and booked a private trip with Snow, our guide. Although we were tired from our first flight we enjoyed the program made up and the flexibility of our guide. Kids including our teenagers loved it !
Karen_H, Feb 2026
Great communication from Alana on where to meet our driver (she even sent a photo with the location circled in pen). Our driver arrived promptly and his car was immaculate.
We weren’t able shown around Shanghai by Kalvin. He was a font of knowledge and adapted the tour as we went.
We are already talking about booking another tour (hopefully with Kalvin) on our return leg.
We would highly recommend this company 😊
AnneMarie_G, Jan 2026
An incredible way to make the most of Shanghai during a layover. They were absolutely brilliant - organized and seamless from pick up to goodbye. Judy and Mr Chi showed us around Shanghai- we particularly enjoyed Judy building and sharing the historical context as we soaked in the sights. We really felt cared for and looked after. We did a lot but also felt that we weren’t forced into anything. We know Shanghai better now and we couldn’t really request for a better team to show us around.
Nuengruethai_S, Jan 2026
We did a 10-hour layover tour in Shanghai and honestly couldn’t have asked for a better experience. Alana organised everything perfectly, and Snow, our guide, was absolutely wonderful — professional, incredibly knowledgeable, and genuinely friendly throughout the day.
We managed to see an amazing amount in such a short time without ever feeling rushed. Our driver was excellent, and the van was far more spacious and comfortable than expected, which made a long day feel easy.
One lovely surprise was that our food was included and paid for, which we truly didn’t expect and really appreciated.
What really stood out was the value for money. We paid £87 per person (for three people), and considering everything that was included and how much we saw, it easily felt closer to £100+ per person.
The only downside was wishing we had more time to soak it all in. Bring a spare bag for souvenirs! Ours were already full to the brim so we couldn’t buy much. We would definitely recommend this tour and would happily do it again.
KimberlyD_C, Jan 2026
Loved the flexibility to make the tour exactly what we wanted. We had an 8 hr window during a layover at Pudong airport and Caroline was an excellent guide and very accommodating. Shanghai was so much more than we imagined and we are already planning a return trip.
Tanya_N, May 2025
We had a great experience.Our guide Mary was very good and helpful and she told us so many things about Shanghai.We were picked with a very comfortable car and the driver was excellent.We enjoyed ourselves and recommend this tour.Loved it!Thank you
Simone_F, Apr 2025
We had a stopover in Shangai, 5 hours we had a little but great trip in the dowton everithink very intresting and very well organised!
Polly_D, Apr 2025
The trip was amazing. So well organised and our guide Xin was so knowledgeable. Adapted the tour to our needs
Jessica_D, Dec 2024
Such an amazing experience to pass time with our layover. Would highly recommend!! Our guide Judy was so friendly and spoke very good english, she was very informative and very welcoming. Felt very safe the whole time and our driver was lovely aswell. She took us round all the popular sites and gave us free time to wonder round if we wished. This experience is very flexible which
Esperanza_P, Nov 2024
Mary was a great and very knowledgeable guide!!! Had a great experience and enjoyed the day in Shanghai. Zhujiajiao water village is definitely recommended.
Edit_T, Sep 2024
Our tour guide was Kalvin, who was very kind and with great knowledge about the area and the Chinese culture. The driver was punctual, everything went smoothly as planned. Food was great, especially enjoyed the local food market in the morning.
We were suffering from the jetlag, but definitely much better to spend the day in the city rather than just sitting at the airport waiting long hours for tne connection flight.
Miroslava_L, Aug 2024
I had amazing day tour with Queena. The driver pick me up and drop off to the airport, which save me a lot of time. The car was clean, with lot of space and air-condition. With Queena we saw all the must see attraction. She was really informative, I learn lit of history on my tour. She answered all my question. We also taste som traditional food as buns, dumplings and some sweet stuff. Also, Queena is the best private photographer as well.
Thomas_M, Mar 2024
Perfect for same day transit. Pickup and transport was easy, efficient and comfortable. Thanks to my tour guide, I have learn much about Shanghai and have seen a lot of beautiful place ! Thank you !
Karen_Y, Mar 2024
I had a layover of just over 24 hours in Shanghai and it was very simple to be granted a visa free tourist transit at Shanghai airport. My airline had notified the Chinese authorities in advance when I checked in - I'm not sure if this was necessary but the advice online was a little confusing so I wanted to be better safe than sorry. I had a hotel booked and a confirmed flight out of Shanghai which the Chinese immigration officials asked to see.
I had booked this trip in advance and the communication and planning was excellent. No problems at all and I was greeted at the airport by my driver. The car for the day was very comfortable and there was WhatsApp communication available in English with the tour organisers at all times. I felt safe in Shanghai, despite travelling alone and knowing no Chinese!
My tour guide Queena was amazing - I managed to see so much more of Shanghai than I thought possible in the time. Queena had great knowledge of the places we went to and I learned a lot. The tour seemed very flexible and efficient.
Even though the weather wasn't the best, this was a day well spent and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Theresa_H, Feb 2024
It was awesome! Our tour guide Snow was such a lovely woman. She took care of us and respected us for everything we wanted so see and the things we didn’t want to see. We saw a lot of Shanghai in such a short time. We can really recommend!
Daniel_D, Jan 2024
Had a 15 hour long layover in Shanghai, so we booked this tour to pass the time. It was a great experience. It allowed us to stretch our legs, while discovering the beautiful city of Shanghai. I would recommend getting an e-sim card that works in China. This way we were able to be in permanent contact with Alana, who gave us clear instructions about obtaining the 24 hour visa free pass in China from the airport and then meet our driver there. After that, we were taken into the city, where we met Xin, our guide. The tour was tailored to our needs, and Xin took us to see many beatiful spots in the city. We learned a lot about the history and culture of Shanghai. Great experience, highly recommend it!
Michael_L, Jan 2024
I completed the layover tour of Shanghai and can't praise the company enough. I completed the tour with tour guide Alana. Her exceptional expertise brought my Shanghai tour to life! Her insightful guidance and warm demeanor made my experience truly memorable. Highly recommend her as a fantastic tour guide.
Alana's exceptional guidance made our Shanghai tour unforgettable! A true gem in navigating the city's wonders. Everything was planned to perfection and car pickup arrangements seamless and always on time.
Alana's exceptional taste led us to authentic Chinese gems in Shanghai. Her culinary expertise elevated our tour, making every meal a delightful cultural experience. Kudos for a fantastic and flavorful journey.
Outstanding tour and great value for money. Would recommend to family and friends and repeat again if returning to Shanghai.
Reference number 1484149007
Alice_C, Jan 2024
The whole experience was nothing short of amazing. The Yu garden was breathtaking but the whole city was beautiful. Our guide Queena was so fun and knowledgeable. Couldn’t have asked for a better person to show us around the city. Oh and the food that she took us for was so delicious!!
Overall we had the best day, and want to thank everyone involved.
Herman_K, Dec 2023
Indeed an excellent experience and format for a quick overview of Shanghai.
It gave us a unique sense of this great city with its combination of old and new, Western and Eastern, traditional and modern.
One of the most memorable travel experiences ever.
The company's customer service was outstanding. Our guide, Madame Xun made our short stay unforgettable.
Jan_H, Dec 2023
We’ve had a great time with our tour guide Berlin. She showed us the highlights of the city and also took us to a restaurant, where we could experience the local kitchen.
fatima_J, Dec 2023
It is the best experience so far, I 100% recommend the service, our guide was Berlin and our driver Jhon, before the trip we received very clear instructions of the route to follow to obtain a layover visa and exactly where our meeting point would be, as soon as we started The tour felt safe as if we were with very close friends, we visited some places like Buddha temple, the financial towers, China Town, for me and my family it is an unforgettable experience even for my 10 year old daughter who misses Berlin! It may seem expensive but it is worth it!
Aristea_F, Dec 2023
Worth every penny! Words can not describe how amazing Queenza and Alana's team made our experience in Shanghai. I say experience and not day because it was if we lived multiple days in our time with the team. We were walked through all the logistics of everything and as a US citizen I was concerned but it was incredible fast and easy and we were super welcomed into Shanghai. So much to see and do and eat. And Queensa made sure to hit all the photo opps!! It is fast paced and super fun and we experienced things like a local. I would not do Shanghai any other way!!! Come to this experience with an adventurous attitude, with an appetite and well rested. It is a marathon of sights, sounds, delights, and memories!!!
Ha_B, Nov 2023
We got picked up at shanghai airport. The booking was a lil bit of a challenge sinnce i could not use Whatsapp, Facebook or Google. After using a VPN it worked. We drove like 1 hr to shanghai. After that we drive to a few budda temples and got told some about the history behind it. Also the influence of india to it. After that we went to a restaurant which had dumplings and they were special since they was also fulled with soup. We saw the some ild buildings and after some new buildings and in the end the amazing view of the skyscrappet from both sides.
The guide ( Jerry ) was very patience and very nice. Also my wife was very happy that he took many pictures of us and showed us the best locations.
Would do again.
thank you for the amazing day in China.
We booked it cause we had 17 hr transit in Shanghai. It was the best chaice we made on this day.
Theresa_H, Oct 2023
I can really recommend. They picked me up at the airport and dropped me off on time. My tour guide Berlin gave me such a nice tour through a big part of Shanghai. They took care of me and gave me all I needed. All of them were very friendly and honest people. The booking was also very easy and I got clear directions. They responded very fast and helped me out in every situation. It was perfect for me cause I just had a few hours between my flights and it was a stress less way to see Shanghai of its best.
Elizabeth_O, Sep 2023
I had a stop over in Shanghai with Alana who was knowledgeable and kind. She showed me everything I asked for, took me for an amazing breakfast and helped me arrange a massage which was just what I needed when passing through between London and Sydney. Highly recommend,
Sarah_B, Sep 2023
The whole tour was very well-organized from start to finish. My flight was delayed but the driver and guide were still helpful and re-arranged to enable me to still see Shanghai during my 8hr layover. The guide was so welcoming, incredibly knowledgeable, and moved us through all the major sites at a really nice pace. I was originally a little worried about a solo 1-on-1 tour but was immediately at ease thanks to Snow!
Shlomo_C, Sep 2023
The flexible private Shanghai Layover-Tour has simply been an incredible experience. Right after I arrived at Shanghai Pudong Airport I was picked up by my friendly driver. With a brand new and luxurious car we headed to the city center. At the first stop I met my guide Alana who fluently spoke both chinese and english. In front of Juyuan Garden we ate delicious dumplings and meanwhile introduced ourselves to each other. Afterwards we visited Shanghai ´s most interesting places such as Juyuan Garden, a Buddhist Temple, Tianzifang with it ´s tiny shops located in beautiful alleys, The Frech Concession, Pudong with a stunning view from the top of Shanghai Tower and a nice walk between the impressive skyscrapers. During the whole tour Alana provided me with a wide range of information on all the sights which allowed me to immerse myself into Shanghai even better. As it turned dark we drove to my personal highlight of the tour, The Bund or Waitan on the other side of Huangpo River. Looking to the right we saw traditional english buildings built in the 19th century. On the left the promenade gave us a breath taking view on the unique skyline of the city which I will never forget.
All in all I can only highly recommend this unforgettable tour as you can take a visit on everything you should have seen in Shanghai within only one day. Furthermore, both the driver and the guide are courteous as well as very well organised which made my 9 hour trip feel like 2-3 hours. All in all, the just make the best of the small amount of time you have in this gigantic city so that I flew home with numerous unforgettable memories. They do everything they promise and even better. I don ´t know what could be done better, it was perfect.
Greetings from Germany,
Shlomo
From $152.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Compare Similar Experiences
Current
Flexible Private Shanghai Layover Tour
116
8 hours
Free Cancellation
From
$152.00
Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought
Attractions in Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum (Shanghai Youtai Nanmin Jinianguan) Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai City God Temple (Chenghuang Miao) Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Old City (Nanshi) Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall (Shanghai Chengshi Guihua Zhanshi Guan) Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Ocean Aquarium (SOA) Tours & Tickets
- Zhujiajiao Kezhi Garden Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Zoo (Shanghai Dongwu Yuan) Tours & Tickets
- Zhouzhuang Water Town Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Museum of Arts and Crafts Tours & Tickets
- China Art Palace Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Museum (Shanghai Bowuguan) Tours & Tickets
- Xin Tian Di Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai History Museum (Shanghai Lishi Bowuguan) Tours & Tickets
- Jin Mao Tower Tours & Tickets
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan) Tours & Tickets
- Nanjing Road (Nanjing Lu) Tours & Tickets
- Shanghai Chedun Film Park Tours & Tickets
- Shikumen Open House Museum (Wulixiang Shikumen Bowuguan) Tours & Tickets
- Jade Buddha Temple (Yufo Si) Tours & Tickets