Shanghai’s best 2-hour tours pack a powerful punch for time-pressed travelers. I especially love the Jewish Ghetto walking tour for its poignant stories and well-preserved architecture. The hands-on cultural workshops – particularly the calligraphy class and ink painting session – offer intimate experiences with local artists in their personal studios. For a spiritual dimension, the temple tours and traditional medicine experiences give fascinating insights into Chinese culture.
These tours include hotel pickup and easy cancellation options – a practical bonus in this bustling city. Check out these recommended experiences below.
Good To Know
- The Jewish Ghetto Tour offers a 2-hour immersive experience in Hongkou District, highlighting the Jewish Refugees Museum and local customs.
- The Lanes and Alleyways Tour provides a 4.6/5 rated 2-hour exploration of traditional courtyard alleyways (nongtangs) with local food sampling.
- The Longhua Temple Tour is a 2-hour experience that explores a significant Buddhist landmark and includes vegetarian noodles and local transit transport.
- The Shanghai Bund Tour offers a 2-hour in-depth exploration of the iconic waterfront with a private guide and pickup from downtown hotels.
- The Evening Skyscraper Tour covers impressive high-rises in Pudong in a 2-hour experience with a maximum group size of 8, starting at Lujiazui station.
Private 2-Hour Walking Tour of Shanghais Jewish Ghetto
On this private 2-hour walking tour, participants can discover the history of Shanghai’s Jewish Ghetto in the Hongkou District.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the tour highlights key sites like the Jewish Refugees Museum, Huoshan Park, and Xiahai Temple.
Visitors will gain insights into the daily life of Jewish refugees and local customs.
The tour also includes visits to the Joint Distribution Committee and nearby neighborhoods, providing a well-rounded understanding of this important part of Shanghai’s history.
With an overall rating of 4.0 from 33 reviews, this tour offers an emotionally engaging and informative experience for those interested in Chinese Judaism.
Read our full review: Private 2-Hour Walking Tour of Shanghais Jewish Ghetto Review
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Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour
This private 2-hour walking tour offers visitors an immersive exploration of Shanghai’s charming lanes and alleyways. Rated 4.6 out of 5, the tour focuses on traditional courtyard alleyways (nongtangs) established in the 1920s, blending traditional and modern architecture.
Led by an English-speaking guide, travelers can interact with local residents, learn about daily life, and sample delicacies like tea eggs. The tour includes access to small food and wet markets owned by locals.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours prior, the private experience ensures a personalized journey through Shanghai’s unique urban atmosphere. Though some reviews mention communication challenges, travelers emphasize the educational and authentic nature of this 2-hour walking tour.
Read our full review: Private 2-Hour Shanghai Lanes and Alleyways Walking Tour Review
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2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy With an Artist in Shanghai, China
Travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience can partake in a 2-hour Chinese calligraphy workshop with a local artist in Shanghai.
With a maximum of 8 travelers, the small-group setting provides personalized instruction from artist Lucy. Participants will learn the history and techniques of this ancient art form while creating a traditional folding fan as a souvenir.
The class, which has a 100% traveler recommendation, includes all necessary tools, materials, and refreshments.
Located just 500 meters from the Jing’an Temple subway station, the workshop offers morning, afternoon, or evening options, priced from $50 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Chinese Calligraphy With an Artist in Shanghai, China Review
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2-Hour Private Chinese Ink and Brush Painting Workshop in Shanghai
For those seeking a deeper immersion into the artistry of Chinese ink and brush painting, a 2-3 hour private workshop in Shanghai offers a unique opportunity.
Hosted in the city’s charming French Concession, the workshop teaches the shui mo (water and ink) techniques under the guidance of skilled masters. Participants will receive personalized attention and can choose to paint peony, bamboo, or orchid motifs.
The experience includes hotel pickup, local transportation, and a relaxing tea service. With a 5-star rating, the workshop provides an immersive cultural experience that allows visitors to explore the Tianzifang neighborhood after the class.
Priced from £94.73 per person, this activity is a must for art enthusiasts visiting Shanghai.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Private Chinese Ink and Brush Painting Workshop in Shanghai Review
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Traditional 2-Hour Chinese Medicine Lesson in Shanghai
A traditional 2-hour Chinese medicine (TCM) lesson in Shanghai offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the ancient practices of this holistic healthcare system.
Hosted by a licensed TCM practitioner, the private tour focuses on everyday foods, herbal medicines, acupuncture, reflexology, and personal health consultation.
Participants can expect an introduction to TCM theories at a local clinic, exploration of methods to enhance a healthy lifestyle, and a personal health consultation with herbal remedies provided.
The experience includes a local guide, the TCM class, health consultation, and hotel pickup and drop-off, but excludes food, drinks, and gratuities.
Read our full review: Traditional 2-Hour Chinese Medicine Lesson in Shanghai Review
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2-Hour Private Shanghai Longhua Temple Walking Tour
On a 2-hour private walking tour, visitors can explore the serene Longhua Temple, one of Shanghai’s most significant Buddhist landmarks.
Priced from $82 per person, this private tour includes a private guide, a bowl of vegetarian noodles at the temple, and transportation by local public transit.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the tour is suitable for most travelers and operates in all weather conditions. Visitors should wear comfortable walking shoes.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, but additional food, drinks, and gratuities aren’t included. A vegetarian option is available for the noodle dish.
Travelers can reserve now and pay later for this enlightening exploration of Shanghai’s spiritual heritage.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Private Shanghai Longhua Temple Walking Tour Review
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2-Hour In-Depth Private Tour of Shanghai Bund
Visitors embarking on the 2-Hour In-Depth Private Tour of Shanghai Bund will explore the iconic waterfront district‘s rich history and architecture.
This private tour offers a personalized experience, with a professional English-speaking guide leading the way. Guests will be conveniently picked up from their downtown Shanghai hotels and transported by premium Uber or private air-conditioned mini van, depending on group size.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Regardless of weather, the tour operates, so visitors should dress appropriately.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience, this private tour provides flexibility and an in-depth exploration of the renowned Shanghai Bund.
Read our full review: 2-Hour In-Depth Private Tour of Shanghai Bund Review
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2-Hour Evening Walking Tour in Shanghai: Lookup Skycrapers With City Master
Travelers on the 2-Hour Evening Walking Tour in Shanghai will have the opportunity to explore the city’s iconic skyscrapers with an expert local guide.
The tour starts at Lujiazui station, Exit 2, and covers the most impressive high-rise buildings in the Pudong district.
With a maximum group size of 8 people, the English-speaking guide will provide in-depth insights about the architecture and history of these towering structures.
The tour ends back at the starting point, and gratuities are recommended.
Comfortable walking shoes are advised, as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.
The cost of the tour starts from £49.41 per person, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours prior.
Read our full review: 2-Hour Evening Walking Tour in Shanghai: Lookup Skycrapers With City Master Review
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2-Hour The Chic Jeep Night Tour in Shanghai City
The Chic Jeep Night Tour in Shanghai City offers travelers a unique and stylish way to explore the city after dark.
This 2-hour private tour includes a ride in a convertible jeep with an English-speaking driver and a glass of sparkling wine. Starting at $214.40 per person, the tour picks up at the Bitter Cafe near the Changshu Road subway station and returns to the same location.
With a maximum of 4 passengers per jeep, the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers. Gratuities aren’t included in the price.
This tour is a great way to see Shanghai’s skyline and landmarks in a fun and chic way.
Read our full review: 2-Hour The Chic Jeep Night Tour in Shanghai City Review
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The Sum Up
Shanghai offers a variety of 2-hour tours and experiences, from exploring the city’s historical Jewish Ghetto to learning traditional Chinese arts. Visitors can discover the charming lanes and alleyways, learn calligraphy or ink painting, explore traditional medicine, or admire the iconic Bund and skyline. With diverse options, travelers can maximize their time in Shanghai and enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage.