3-Day Shanghai Trip Package Including Zhujiajiao Water Town Excursion

Summary

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival: Free & Easy
Day 2 Shanghai:Nanjing Road, The Bund, Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, Old French Concession, Tianzifang
Day 3 Zhujiajiao:Kezhi Garden, Qing Post Office, Fangsheng Bridge, Boat Cruise

Day 1 Shanghai Arrival

Embark on a captivating 3-day Shanghai adventure, where the pulsating heart of China's modern marvels seamlessly blends with the serene whispers of its ancient soul. With Your Way Holiday, you won't just visit iconic sites; you'll immerse yourself in a city that defies time and tradition. Upon arrival, guests can easily find their guide by looking for the "Your Way Holiday" sign in the hotel lobby or at the train station, ensuring a smooth start to your journey. Our professional guides, brimming with deep knowledge and a passion for storytelling, will breathe life into every landmark, transforming each site into a vivid chapter of your exploration. From the stunning skyline of the Bund to the historic charm of Yu Garden and the enchanting Zhujiajiao Water Town, each experience will leave you with unforgettable memories.

Upon arriving in Shanghai—whether via Pudong International Airport, Hongqiao Airport, or Hongqiao Railway Station—you can easily reach your pre-booked hotel using the city’s convenient transport options. The metro is a cost-effective choice for navigating downtown, while taxis or ride-hailing services offer more comfort if you have luggage.After checking in, take some time to settle in and rest to shake off any travel fatigue. You can order a light breakfast or snack through room service or local delivery apps to recharge before starting your free exploration.

The rest of the day is entirely at your leisure, allowing you to tailor your itinerary to your interests. For those who want to get a feel for Shanghai’s mix of modernity and culture, here are a few recommended well-known spots to consider:
People Square: A central hub where you can soak in the city’s urban vibe, with easy access to surrounding malls and cultural venues if you feel like browsing or casual strolling.
Xintiandi: A popular area with restored traditional Shikumen buildings housing cafes, restaurants, and boutiques—perfect for a relaxed walk or stopping for a coffee.
Shanghai Oriental TV Tower: An iconic landmark if you’re interested in taking in panoramic city views from its observation decks.
Jing’an Temple: A serene spot amid the city’s bustle, ideal for those curious about local religious and architectural culture.

You can choose to visit one or two of these spots, spend time wandering through a neighborhood, or even take a break at a local park—there’s no fixed schedule, so feel free to go at your own pace. If you’re craving local flavors, ask your hotel staff for recommendations on nearby eateries, from casual street food stalls to cozy local restaurants.

Day 2 Shanghai

After breakfast, jump into the heart of Shanghai with us, where old meets new in the coolest ways. Our expert guide's got the inside scoop on all the must-see spots. You're in for a treat, discovering everything that makes this city buzz, from its epic skyscrapers to the hidden gems. Let's make some memories in this awesome city together!

Kicking off your Shanghai adventure, your guide will take you to the bustling Nanjing Road, one of the world’s busiest shopping streets. As you step onto this vibrant thoroughfare, your guide will provide an overview of its rich history and significance as a commercial hub since the 19th century. As you stroll along Nanjing Road, your guide will point out a mix of iconic department stores, luxury boutiques, and traditional shops, showcasing the diversity of Shanghai's retail landscape. They will share interesting anecdotes about the evolution of this famous street, highlighting how it has transformed from a center for trade to a modern shopping paradise. Your guide will also lead you to notable landmarks along the way, such as the historic Peace Hotel, where you can admire its stunning art deco architecture. They will explain the importance of these buildings and the stories behind them, giving you a glimpse into Shanghai's rich cultural heritage.

From Nanjing Road, your guide will lead you east to The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade. As you walk along the 1.5-kilometer stretch, your guide will share the history of the 52 grand buildings lining the river, pointing out their diverse architectural styles—from Gothic spires to Baroque facades—and explaining how this area once served as the center of Shanghai’s international trade. They will help you spot key landmarks like the Customs House with its famous clock tower and the Sassoon House, linking their stories to the city’s colonial past and modern resurgence. You’ll also get to gaze across the Huangpu River at the modern skyline of Pudong, creating a striking contrast between Shanghai’s historic roots and contemporary vibe.

Next, your guide will take you to Yuyuan Garden & Bazaar, a treasure trove of traditional Chinese culture. As you enter Yuyuan Garden, a classical Jiangnan-style garden with over 400 years of history, your guide will walk you through its winding corridors, lotus ponds, and delicate pavilions like the Mid-Lake Pavilion Tea House. They’ll share stories about the garden’s creation during the Ming Dynasty and the symbolic meaning behind its layout—from rockeries representing mountains to water features symbolizing prosperity. After exploring the garden, you’ll wander into the adjacent Yuyuan Bazaar (also known as Chenghuang Temple Area), a bustling marketplace filled with shops selling traditional handicrafts, jade carvings, silk scarves, and local snacks. Your guide will point out popular stalls and share tips on what to look for, whether you’re hunting for souvenirs or eager to sample authentic treats.

Following your time at Yuyuan, your guide will lead you to the charming Old French Concession, a picturesque district that offers a glimpse into Shanghai's colonial past. As you stroll through the tree-lined streets, your guide will share the history of this area, which was once a foreign enclave established in the 19th century. The French Concession is known for its unique blend of European and Chinese architecture, with elegant villas, quaint cafes, and boutique shops dotting the landscape. Your guide will point out key landmarks like historic Shikumen houses, explaining their significance in Shanghai’s architectural evolution and how they reflect the fusion of Eastern and Western lifestyles. As you walk, they’ll share stories about the expatriates and local residents who once lived here, providing insights into their cultural influences on the city.

From the Old French Concession, it’s a short walk to Tianzifang, a labyrinth of restored Shikumen lanes that blend old-world charm with artistic flair. As you meander through the narrow alleys, your guide will highlight how this former residential area has been transformed into a hub of creativity, with quirky boutiques, art galleries, and small craft studios. They’ll introduce you to local artisans at work—from paper-cutting masters to clay figurine makers—and share the stories behind Tianzifang’s evolution from a quiet neighborhood to a beloved cultural spot. You’ll also have time to browse for unique souvenirs or pause at a cozy tea house to sip traditional Chinese tea, soaking in the area’s bohemian atmosphere.

As you delve deeper into Shanghai’s culinary scene during your explorations, your guide will introduce you to two beloved local dishes: Pork Rib Rice Cake and Wonton. Pork Rib Rice Cake is a traditional dish that combines tender, flavorful pork ribs with chewy, glutinous rice cakes, prepared in a savory broth infused with soy sauce and ginger. Your guide will explain how the rice cakes symbolize good luck and prosperity, making this dish especially popular during festive occasions. Next, you’ll savor Wonton, delicate dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp, wrapped in thin dough and served in light broth. Your guide will share the story behind wontons as a long-standing staple in Chinese cuisine, highlighting their comforting flavor and cultural significance.

Following your day's enriching explorations, our professional guide will ensure your seamless and comfortable transportation back to your hotel, concluding your adventure with the same attentive care and service that marked its beginning.

Day 3 Zhujiajiao

Upon enjoying a delightful breakfast at your hotel, your guide and driver will accompany you as you head to the elegant Kezhi Garden, also known as the "Ma Family Garden." Constructed in 1912 with a lavish investment of 300,000 silver dollars over 15 years, this sprawling garden is a testament to the Ma family's wealth and refined taste. As you stroll through the meticulously designed pathways, your guide will explain the principles of traditional Chinese garden design, such as balance, harmony, and the seamless integration of nature and architecture. In the hall, your guide will share intriguing stories about the Ma family and their influence in the region, enhancing your understanding of the garden's significance. As you admire the rockery, your guide will highlight the symbolic meanings behind the rock formations and water features, illustrating how they represent concepts of prosperity and tranquility. While wandering through the lush landscapes and vibrant flora, your guide will point out intricate details, such as traditional calligraphy, stone carvings, and poetry inscribed on the walls, which reflect the rich cultural heritage of China.

Following your visit to Kezhi Garden, your guide will escort you to the historic Qing Post Office, an architectural gem that reflects the colonial influences in Shanghai. As you approach the building, your guide will provide an overview of its significance, explaining how it served as a vital communication hub during the Qing Dynasty and into the early 20th century. Inside, your guide will share captivating stories about the post office's role in connecting Shanghai with the rest of the world. They will highlight the historical context of the postal system in China, detailing how it evolved from traditional methods to a more modernized approach under foreign influence. Your guide will also discuss the building's architectural style, which combines elements of Western design with traditional Chinese motifs, making it a fascinating example of cultural fusion. Throughout your visit, your guide will encourage you to ask questions and share your thoughts, ensuring a more interactive and engaging experience. By the end of your tour of the Qing Post Office, you will have gained a deeper appreciation for its historical significance and the role it played in Shanghai's development as a global city.

As part of your culinary journey, your guide will introduce you to two beloved dishes from Shanghai: Shanghai Braised Duck and Crystal Shrimp. Shanghai Braised Duck is a classic dish known for its rich, savory flavors and tender texture. The duck is marinated in a special soy sauce blend, often with ingredients like ginger, star anise, and rice wine, before being slowly braised until the flavors are deeply infused. This creates a beautifully glazed, aromatic dish with a subtle sweetness balanced by savory undertones. Your guide will explain the significance of this dish in traditional Shanghai cuisine, where the slow-cooking process symbolizes patience and the deep flavors represent warmth and hospitality. Crystal Shrimp is another Shanghai specialty, prized for its delicate texture and beautiful presentation. Fresh river shrimp are marinated to enhance their natural flavor, then gently cooked until translucent, giving the dish its “crystal” appearance. The shrimp are often seasoned lightly to preserve their fresh, sweet taste, and are paired with hints of ginger and scallions. Your guide will share tips on how to appreciate the subtle textures and pure flavors that make Crystal Shrimp a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Next, your guide will lead you to the iconic Fangsheng Bridge, one of the most famous landmarks in Zhujiajiao. Built during the Ming Dynasty and later reconstructed in the Qing Dynasty, Fangsheng Bridge stands as the longest and tallest stone arch bridge in Zhujiajiao, stretching elegantly over the Cao Gang River. As you approach, your guide will share the history of this architectural marvel, explaining its role in connecting trade routes and facilitating daily life in the town. They’ll also point out the intricate stone carvings, including the dragon designs on the bridge’s pillars, which were believed to protect the bridge and bring good fortune to those who crossed it. Walking along the bridge, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the water town, with its picturesque boats and ancient waterfront buildings. Your guide will discuss the cultural significance of the bridge and its role in local traditions, including the “release of life” ceremony, where fish are released into the water as a symbol of compassion and prosperity.

To conclude your enchanting tour, your guide will take you on a relaxing boat cruise along the picturesque waterways of Zhujiajiao. As you board the traditional wooden boat, your guide will provide an overview of what to expect during this serene journey, ensuring you’re comfortable and ready to soak in the beauty of the surroundings. As the boat glides through the tranquil waters, your guide will point out the charming architecture lining the banks, including ancient residences, temples, and quaint shops that tell the story of the town’s rich history. They will share fascinating anecdotes about the people who have lived and worked along these waterways, highlighting the unique blend of culture and tradition that defines Zhujiajiao. Through out the cruise, your guide will encourage you to take in the sights and sounds of the water town, providing insights into the significance of the waterways for transportation and trade in ancient times. You may also learn about local customs and traditions associated with the river, such as fishing techniques and the importance of the waterway in daily life.

As your tour concludes, we ensure a comfortable and hassle-free return to your Shanghai hotel or the train station, tailored to your preferences. Our professional guide's commitment to excellence and personalized service highlights the seamless and caring experience you can expect with us from start to finish.

Price Per Person in US Dollars