My short day trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai was perfectly arranged by the team, and our guide, John, was an absolute gem. We set off early in the morning, and the drive was smooth and comfortable, giving us a chance to enjoy the views along the way.

The highlight of our trip was West Lake. I had heard so much about it, but nothing compared to experiencing it firsthand. The boat ride was peaceful, and the view of the Three Ponds Mirroring the Moon was even more impressive in person. John explained the symbolism behind the scene, which really enhanced my appreciation of the landscape.We made a quick stop at Guo Garden, which was charming and offered a nice contrast to the sprawling lake. I didn’t expect to be so captivated by a garden, but the peaceful atmosphere and delicate architecture were very refreshing.The visit to Dragon Well Tea Plantation was next, and John took us through the tea fields while explaining the unique process of Longjing tea production. Even as someone who doesn’t usually drink tea, I found it fascinating and enjoyed the serenity of the plantation.We ended our journey with a walk through the Bamboo-lined Path at Yunqi, a peaceful spot that gave us some quiet time before heading back to Hefang Street for some light shopping and a taste of local snacks.

The day was packed with beauty, culture, and delicious food, all thanks to John’s smooth guiding. If you have just one day to spare, this tour is a great way to experience the essence of Hangzhou without feeling rushed.

Reviewed to: Scenic Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai: Explore West Lake & Tea Plantations

My husband and I, both recently retired, wanted a gentle day trip to Hangzhou—no rushing, just savoring the sights. Booking with Guide Chen was the key to making that happen. He greeted us at the Shanghai railway station,We started at Dragon Well Tea Plantation, and Chen didn’t hurry us through the rows of green. He walked at our pace, pointing out how the tea bushes are pruned to catch the morning sun. Chen asked if we’d like to try a pot, and we spent nearly an hour there, chatting with the farmer and learning about his family’s tea-making history. When my husband mentioned his bad knee, Chen adjusted our route to avoid steep paths?

West Lake was next, and Chen suggested a gondola ride instead of the bigger boats. He sat across from us, pointing out distant hills and telling stories of the lake’s ancient poets. When we wanted to stop and take photos of the lotus flowers, he asked the boatman to glide to a calm spot—no rush, even though I’m sure he had a schedule in mind. After the ride, he led us to a bench under a willow tree and handed us bottles of cold osmanthus water he’d brought along.

Guo Garden was a highlight we hadn’t expected. Chen knew all about the garden’s layout—where the best views of the rockeries were, which flowers bloom year-round. He stopped often so we could admire the koi ponds and the intricate wooden pavilions, never making us feel like we were lingering too long. “This garden was designed for slowing down,” he said, and we couldn’t agree more. He even showed us a hidden corner with a stone table, where we sat and ate the homemade cookies we’d packed.

Yunqi Bamboo Trail felt like a sanctuary. Chen took us on a less-traveled section, where the bamboo towers overhead and the only sounds are birds and rustling leaves. He pointed out medicinal bamboo shoots and told us how locals use bamboo leaves to make tea. When we got tired, we used the folding stools he’d brought—perfect for a quick rest. He never pushed us to walk further than we wanted.

We ended at Hefang Street, and Chen gave us a list of his favorite old-fashioned shops: a herbal tea store that’s been run by the same family for 100 years, a woodcarving shop where the owner demonstrates his craft. He said he’d wait at a nearby tea house so we could browse at our leisure.

On the way back to Shanghai, we talked about how the day had felt like a gift—no stress, just good company and beautiful sights. Chen’s flexibility and kindness made all the difference. He understood that we wanted to take our time, and he adjusted the trip to fit our rhythm. We’d recommend him to any retirees looking for a peaceful day trip to Hangzhou.

Reviewed to: Scenic Day Trip to Hangzhou from Shanghai: Explore West Lake & Tea Plantations

I recently took a one-day Shanghai tour that included Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, and the Old French Concession, and it was an amazing introduction to the city. Our guide, Emily, was fantastic—enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and always ready to share local insights.

We started at Yuyuan Garden, where Emily gave us a thorough tour of the classic Chinese garden and its unique architectural style. The nearby Bazaar was lively, and Emily recommended some delicious local snacks for us to try—something I wouldn’t have thought of without her guidance.

Afterward, we strolled down Nanjing Road, the iconic shopping street, and Emily shared the history behind its transformation from a small street to a global shopping destination. We then visited the Jade Buddha Temple, where Emily explained the cultural and spiritual significance of the jade statues and the temple itself.

The day ended with a leisurely walk through the Old French Concession, which offered a quiet respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. Emily's flexibility allowed us to explore at our own pace, and she even took us to a hidden café in the area to try some local pastries. It felt more like a personalized experience than a typical tour.

For anyone wanting to explore the essence of Shanghai in one day, I highly recommend this tour. Emily’s knowledge and friendly demeanor made it all the more enjoyable.

Reviewed to: Discover Shanghai: Flexible One-Day Highlights Tour with Expert Guide

I had a fantastic time on the one-day Shanghai tour that covered Yuyuan Garden, Nanjing Road, Jade Buddha Temple, and the Old French Concession. Our guide, Jack, was superb—his passion for the city was contagious, and he knew all the hidden gems we would’ve missed on our own.

We started in the peaceful Yuyuan Garden, which was a nice break from the city’s fast pace. Jack explained the garden's history, and we marveled at the traditional landscaping. We then made our way to Nanjing Road, where Jack gave us a brief history of Shanghai’s commercial growth.Next, we visited the Jade Buddha Temple, where the statues of jade were simply stunning. Jack gave a thoughtful explanation about Buddhism and the role of temples in Shanghai's history. The final stop was the Old French Concession, which was so charming with its European-style architecture and quiet streets. Jack showed us some great local spots for food and shopping in the area.

The whole day felt relaxed, and Jack’s flexibility ensured we had enough time at each stop to really take it all in. If you’re visiting Shanghai for a short time, this tour gives you a great snapshot of both the old and new sides of the city.

Reviewed to: Discover Shanghai: Flexible One-Day Highlights Tour with Expert Guide

As a busy professional with limited free time in Shanghai, I wanted to escape the city's chaos without spending too much time traveling. The Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour was the perfect solution. Our guide, Ethan, was knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible in making sure we got the most out of our half-day trip.

The journey to Zhujiajiao was quick and comfortable, and Ethan provided insightful commentary about the town’s 1,700-year history along the way. Upon arrival, we spent time exploring the quaint streets, passing by ancient homes and lovely little shops. We also enjoyed a peaceful boat ride, which gave us a chance to take in the town’s beauty from the water. Ethan made sure to give us time to appreciate the sights at our own pace while offering interesting tidbits about the town’s past.

Ethan was also very considerate of our time, adjusting the tour to ensure we didn’t feel rushed and had enough time to enjoy the more hidden corners of Zhujiajiao. We even stopped by a local tea house where Ethan explained the significance of Chinese tea culture. It was a calming and enlightening experience, just what I needed to escape the bustling city life for a few hours.

This half-day tour is perfect for anyone wanting to experience the tranquility of an ancient water town without taking up an entire day. Thanks to Ethan’s guidance, it felt like a personalized experience that was both relaxing and culturally enriching. I highly recommend it for those looking to discover the peaceful charm of Zhujiajiao.

Reviewed to: Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour From Shanghai - The Secret Hidden Under the Modern City

If you're visiting Shanghai and looking for a relaxing escape, the Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour is the perfect option. I was pleasantly surprised by the serenity of Zhujiajiao compared to the fast-paced energy of Shanghai. Our guide, Linda, made the experience even more enjoyable with her extensive knowledge of the town’s history and her warm, welcoming attitude.

We started the tour with a comfortable drive from Shanghai, and Linda gave us interesting insights about the water town’s history along the way. Once we arrived, we took a leisurely stroll through the charming canals and traditional bridges, and Linda was excellent at pointing out hidden details in the architecture and local life. We then hopped on a boat cruise through the canals, which was a great way to see the town from a different perspective. Linda was kind enough to take some lovely photos of us along the way!

Although the town is small, it offers so much in terms of charm and culture. I especially appreciated the slower pace, allowing us to enjoy the local tea houses and the peaceful atmosphere. Linda also introduced us to some of the town's local artisans, which gave the visit a more personal touch. It was a nice break from the crowds of Shanghai and provided a real sense of local life.

Overall, the tour was very well-paced and Linda’s flexibility made it feel more like a personalized experience. If you’re in Shanghai for a few days and want to see something different, I highly recommend this half-day trip to Zhujiajiao.

Reviewed to: Zhujiajiao Water Town Half-Day Tour From Shanghai - The Secret Hidden Under the Modern City

I thoroughly enjoyed the 3-Day Shanghai Tour that included everything from modern city wonders to charming historical spots. Kevin, our guide, was fantastic—knowledgeable, approachable, and flexible. We visited iconic places like The Bund, Nanjing Road, and the Shanghai Oriental TV Tower, where the city’s modern skyline took my breath away. But what I loved most was the peaceful escape to Zhujiajiao Water Town, with its scenic canals and old-world charm. Kevin gave us a wonderful mix of history, culture, and local insights, and his personalized approach made the experience feel truly special. Highly recommend this tour if you’re looking to see the best of Shanghai in a short time!

Reviewed to: 3-Day Shanghai Trip Package: Discover Urban Wonders & Zhujiajiao’s Ancient Water Town Charm

I had an amazing time on the 3-Day Shanghai Tour that included both the city's famous sights and a peaceful visit to Zhujiajiao Water Town. Our guide, Kevin, was excellent. He took us through modern landmarks like The Bund and Shanghai Oriental TV Tower, where we had breathtaking views of the city. Kevin also made sure to show us cultural gems like Yuyuan Garden and the Shanghai Confucian Temple, giving us a deeper understanding of the city's heritage.

The highlight for me was Zhujiajiao Water Town. It felt like stepping back in time with its canals, stone bridges, and quaint streets. Kevin shared fascinating stories about the town's history, and the boat cruise through the canals was a relaxing and scenic experience.

Kevin’s flexibility in adjusting the tour based on our interests was a big plus. Overall, this tour is a great way to explore Shanghai’s dynamic mix of old and new in just three days!

Reviewed to: 3-Day Shanghai Trip Package: Discover Urban Wonders & Zhujiajiao’s Ancient Water Town Charm

I recently took the Shanghai One-Day Tour and it was a fantastic experience. As someone who wanted to see both the vibrant city life and the tranquil side of Shanghai, this tour was a perfect balance. Our guide, Michael, was exceptional—knowledgeable and personable, making the experience feel personalized and relaxed.

The day started with a tour of The Bund and Nanjing Road, where Michael provided insightful commentary on Shanghai's evolution, highlighting the stunning contrast between colonial-era architecture and the city's futuristic skyline. From there, we explored the peaceful Yuyuan Garden and the nearby bustling Yuyuan Bazaar, where Michael shared details about the garden's design and history. His recommendations for local snacks and souvenirs added an authentic touch to the experience.

The true highlight was visiting Zhujiajiao Water Town, a serene escape from the city. Michael took us through the narrow, charming streets and arranged a relaxing boat cruise along the canals. We also stopped at a local teahouse to experience the traditional Chinese tea ceremony. This unexpected moment was a perfect way to connect with the culture, and it helped us unwind after the busy morning in Shanghai.

Overall, this tour was a wonderful mix of modern Shanghai and traditional charm. Michael's knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to adjust plans made the day seamless and enjoyable. If you’re looking to experience the essence of Shanghai in just one day, this tour is a must.

Reviewed to: Shanghai One Day Trip: City Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town

I had the chance to experience the Shanghai One-Day Tour: City Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town, and it was a wonderful way to see both sides of the city. Michael, our guide, was fantastic—friendly, knowledgeable, and very flexible with the itinerary. We started with The Bund and Nanjing Road, where Michael gave us great insights into the city’s history and development.

The real highlight for me was Zhujiajiao Water Town. After the modernity of Shanghai, the calm canals and traditional architecture of the town were the perfect contrast. Michael took us on a peaceful boat cruise and even made sure we had a stop at a local teahouse to experience Chinese tea culture.

The tour was well-paced, and when it rained unexpectedly, Michael quickly shifted the plan to keep us comfortable. It’s rare to find a guide who’s both knowledgeable and flexible, and I really appreciated that about Michael. Perfect for anyone looking to experience the best of Shanghai and a peaceful escape to a hidden gem in just one day!

Reviewed to: Shanghai One Day Trip: City Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town