Shanghai’s shore excursions fall into several smart options for cruise travelers. The most practical choices start with private tours, letting you see The Bund and historic neighborhoods exactly how you want.
I’m a big fan of the half-day private tours – they’re perfect for hitting the main sites without feeling rushed.
The water town trips to Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang are especially wonderful. You’ll glide along peaceful canals, sample authentic local dishes, and wander through centuries-old streets – these tours really capture the essence of old China.
For maximum value, the full-day tours include everything: transport, food, and entry tickets to major sites.
And if you’re up for something special, there’s an overnight option aboard a Wusongkou cruise ship.
Let’s look at our favorite Shanghai shore excursions in detail…
Key Points
- Private customized shore excursions offer tailored exploration of Shanghai’s top attractions like The Bund, People’s Square, and French Concession.
- Half-day private shore excursions provide flexibility to visit landmarks, historic sites, and local neighborhoods at a personalized pace.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town excursions combine a boat ride in the canals with visits to iconic Shanghai sights, catering to various fitness levels.
- Zhouzhuang Water Town excursions offer a chance to explore China’s “No.1 Water Town” with private transportation, lunch, and an expert guide.
- Comprehensive Shanghai tours provide airport drop-off, cruise port pickup, local guide, and private driver, including Chinese lunch and all entrance fees.
Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion Tour of City Highlights With Lunch
For cruise ship passengers seeking a personalized exploration of Shanghai’s top attractions, this private customized shore excursion offers a tailored experience.
With a full-day tour, you’ll have the flexibility to create an itinerary that suits your interests, visiting sites like The Bund, People’s Square, and the French Concession.
Enjoy private air-conditioned transport with port pickup and drop-off, and a local lunch provided.
The tour also includes a free transit visa service if needed, and entrance fees and gratuities are covered.
This highly-rated excursion ensures only your group participates, delivering an informative and accessible sightseeing experience in the heart of Shanghai.
Read our full review: Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion Tour of City Highlights With Lunch Review
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Half-Day Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion of City Highlights
This half-day private customized Shanghai shore excursion offers cruise ship passengers a chance to explore the city’s top highlights at their own pace.
Priced from $135 per person, the tour includes a private guide, transportation, and lunch or dinner depending on the departure time.
Travellers can customize the itinerary to their interests, with the flexibility to visit famous landmarks, historic sites, or local neighborhoods.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the provider accommodates dietary requests.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no negative reviews, this shore excursion is a convenient and reliable option for discovering Shanghai during a cruise.
Read our full review: Half-Day Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion of City Highlights Review
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Private Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhujiajiao Water Town With City Highlights
Explore the charming Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai’s iconic city sights on this private shore excursion.
With a great local guide and private driver, you’ll enjoy personalized attention as you visit the ancient water town and top attractions in Shanghai.
The tour includes a boat ride in Zhujiajiao’s canals, entrance fees, and Shanghai visa-exemption service if needed.
Pickup is at your cruise port, and the tour operates in all weather conditions.
With a moderate fitness level required, this is an excellent way to make the most of your limited time in port.
Reviewers praise the guide’s expertise and the overall tour experience.
Read our full review: Private Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhujiajiao Water Town With City Highlights Review
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Private Shore Excursion of Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Highlights
Set out on a captivating private shore excursion that immerses you in the serene charm of Zhujiajiao Water Town and the iconic sights of Shanghai.
Priced from $175 per person, this 5-star rated tour offers a private guide, transportation, and all necessary inclusions like lunch, entrance fees, and a boat ride.
Cruise passengers can conveniently depart from the terminal and enjoy the flexibility of a private experience tailored to their interests.
With a vegetarian option available and the ability to operate in any weather, this excursion provides an authentic and comfortable exploration of Shanghai’s highlights.
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.
Read our full review: Private Shore Excursion of Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Highlights Review
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Private Shanghai Shore Excursion Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town With Lunch and Boat Ride
Discover the serene charm of Zhujiajiao Water Town on this private shore excursion from Shanghai.
You’ll enjoy a personalized experience with a private guide, driver, and transportation. The tour includes a tasty local lunch and a relaxing boat ride along the canals.
Pickup and drop-off are conveniently located at the cruise port. The tour is priced starting at $162 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour accommodates children and vegetarians. Wear comfortable walking shoes and dress appropriately, as the tour operates in all weather conditions.
This private tour ensures you’ll have an intimate experience exploring the charming water town.
Read our full review: Private Shanghai Shore Excursion Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town With Lunch and Boat Ride Review
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Private Shanghai Shore Excursion of City Highlights With Airport Drop-Off
This private Shanghai shore excursion offers a comprehensive tour of the city’s top highlights, culminating in a convenient airport drop-off at either Pudong or Hongqiao.
Guests will be picked up at the cruise port and enjoy the services of a local guide and private driver. The tour includes a Chinese lunch and all entrance fees.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly, and children can participate.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, but there are no refunds for missed tours.
Priced from $195 per person, this flexible option is perfect for making the most of your time in Shanghai before heading to the airport.
Read our full review: Private Shanghai Shore Excursion of City Highlights With Airport Drop-Off Review
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Shore Excursion Tour of Shanghai Highlights
Guests can explore Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks and attractions on this comprehensive shore excursion. The tour includes a guided visit to the city’s highlights, such as the Bund and Pudong skyline, as well as a traditional Chinese tea ceremony.
With a maximum of 25 travelers, the experience provides an intimate and personalized adventure. The tour includes cruise port pick-up and drop-off, but lunch and tips for the guide are additional costs.
Guests can easily access the meeting point via public transportation, and the tour is stroller-accessible. Travelers can book with confidence, as the excursion offers a free cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee starting at €162.15 per person.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion Tour of Shanghai Highlights Review
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Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhouzhuang No.1 Water Town
Travelers embark on a captivating journey to Zhouzhuang, considered China’s “No.1 Water Town,” on this Shanghai shore excursion.
The private tour, accessible to all travelers, includes round-trip transportation, lunch, and an expert English-speaking guide. Guests can explore the town’s charming canals, historic bridges, and well-preserved architectural wonders, all for a starting price of $254.94.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, this excursion offers flexibility and convenience. Pickup is available near public transportation, and the tour is suitable for most travelers, excluding those with mobility issues or serious medical conditions.
Read our full review: Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhouzhuang No.1 Water Town Review
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Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhujiajiao Water Town With Lunch
The Shanghai shore excursion to the charming Zhujiajiao Water Town offers visitors a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of this well-preserved historic site.
Priced from $161 per person, this private tour includes a professional guide, cruise terminal pickup and drop-off, lunch, and boat ride.
Travelers can enjoy the town’s picturesque canals, ancient bridges, and traditional architecture, with a vegetarian option available.
While not wheelchair accessible, the tour operates in all weather conditions. Guests should remember to bring appropriate attire.
Confirmation is provided at booking, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience.
Personal expenses and gratuities aren’t included, and refunds won’t be issued for missed tours due to late or non-arrival of the cruise ship.
Read our full review: Shanghai Shore Excursion to Zhujiajiao Water Town With Lunch Review
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Private Shanghai Shore Excursion From Shanghai Wusongkou or Baoshan Port
This private Shanghai shore excursion from the Shanghai Wusongkou or Baoshan port offers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s highlights.
Starting at 8 AM, you’ll be picked up from the port and whisked away in a private vehicle with an English-speaking guide. The tour includes all entrance fees, lunch, and gratuities, ensuring a hassle-free experience.
You’ll visit iconic landmarks, explore vibrant neighborhoods, and learn about Shanghai’s rich culture and history. This is a private tour, so you’ll have the flexibility to customize the itinerary to your interests.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, you can secure your spot while staying flexible.
Read our full review: Private Shanghai Shore Excursion From Shanghai Wusongkou or Baoshan Port Review
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Shore Excursion to Shanghai(Stay Overnight on Wusongkou Cruise Ship)
Offered by ETripChina, this shore excursion to Shanghai allows travelers to stay overnight on a Wusongkou cruise ship.
Priced from $185 per person, the tour includes entrance fees, private transportation, an English-speaking guide, meals, and accommodations.
Pickup is at 8:30 am from Wusongkou Wharf, and the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, requiring a moderate fitness level.
Cancellations are free up to 24 hours before the experience, and customers can reserve their spot and pay later.
This private tour ensures that only your group will participate, providing a personalized and flexible sightseeing experience in Shanghai.
Read our full review: Shore Excursion to Shanghai(Stay Overnight on Wusongkou Cruise Ship) Review
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The Sum Up
Shanghai offers a variety of exciting shore excursions for cruise passengers. Whether it’s a customized tour of the city’s highlights, a visit to the charming water towns of Zhujiajiao or Zhouzhuang, or an overnight stay on a cruise ship, there’s something to suit every traveler’s interests and preferences. With knowledgeable guides and seamless transportation, these shore excursions provide a memorable and stress-free way to explore the best of Shanghai.