Shanghai Transit Tour – See the City in 8 Hours
Long layover in Shanghai? Don't waste time at the airport — embark on an exciting sightseeing tour of China's most dynamic city! We have specially designed this route for transit passengers so you can see Shanghai's main jewels in just a few hours.
Main attractions on the route
Old Town — a masterpiece of 16th-century Chinese landscape art
Yu Garden — artificial ponds, pavilions, "singing" bridges
City God Temple — the guardian spirit of Shanghai
French Concession — a slice of Europe in the heart of Shanghai
The Bund — famous Shanghai panorama
Business district — vertical city of the future
Jade Buddha Temple — famous Buddhist temple
What awaits you during the Shanghai transit tour
- Airport pick-up. Guide meets you at Pudong or Hongqiao airport, helps with luggage and transfer to the city.
- Explore The Bund. Walk along the famous waterfront with views of Pudong, see historic colonial-era buildings and take classic photos against the skyscraper backdrop.
- Visit the Old Town. Immerse yourself in traditional China in a labyrinth of narrow streets where time stood still centuries ago.
- Tour of Yu Garden. Explore a 16th-century masterpiece of Chinese landscape art with artificial ponds, pavilions and "singing" bridges.
- Stroll through the French Concession. Soak up the European atmosphere on the streets of the former French concession with its plane trees and colonial architecture.
- Visit Jade Buddha Temple. See one of Shanghai's most famous Buddhist temples, home to unique jade Buddha statues.
- Observation deck (optional). Ascend one of Shanghai's highest observation decks (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao, or World Financial Center) for a panoramic view.
- Shopping on Nanjing Road. Walk along China's most famous shopping street, lined with global brands and local shopping centers.
- City God Temple. Learn about traditional Chinese beliefs at the temple dedicated to Shanghai's guardian spirit.
- Lunch at a traditional restaurant. Taste famous Shanghai delicacies, including xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and other local dishes.
- Walk through Xintiandi. Visit the trendy area with restored traditional shikumen houses, home to boutiques, galleries, and restaurants.
- Visit a local market. Experience authentic Shanghai life at a traditional market and buy souvenirs.
- Guaranteed return to the airport. We strictly manage time so you return to your flight at least 2 hours (international) or 1.5 hours (domestic) in advance.
Sample transit tour timing
*Times depend on your flight and arrival airport (Pudong / Hongqiao).
| Time | Program stage | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Airport pick-up | Guide meets you at the arrival terminal, helps with luggage (if needed, leave in storage). |
| 9:00–10:00 AM | Transfer to city center | Journey to downtown (by taxi or rental car). Time depends on airport: from Pudong ~50 min, from Hongqiao ~30 min. |
| 10:00–11:30 AM | The Bund | Walk along the waterfront, photoshoot, view of Pudong skyscrapers. |
| 11:30 AM–1:00 PM | Old Town and Yu Garden | Visit the garden (ticket paid separately), walk through the nearby market. |
| 1:00–2:00 PM | Lunch | Lunch at a traditional restaurant (xiaolongbao, Shanghai-style duck). Cost ~100–200¥. |
| 2:00–3:00 PM | French Concession | Walk through the former concession: tree-lined streets, trendy cafes, old villas. |
| 3:00–4:00 PM | Observation deck (optional) | Ascend Shanghai Tower or another skyscraper (ticket paid separately). |
| 4:00–5:00 PM | Return to airport | Transfer to airport with check‑in time accounted for. |
💡 Important notes for transit passengers:
- Minimum layover time: you need at least 8 hours between flights to participate.
- Luggage: you can leave luggage at airport storage or take it with you (in the car if you book the transfer option).
- Visa-free transit: with a visa or the 144-hour visa‑free transit, there will be no problems. The guide will assist with formalities.
- Contact with guide: after booking, you will receive the guide's contact details to coordinate the meeting.
Price and conditions
Tour cost
Walking tour
Services of a Russian-speaking guide, escort throughout the day. Transfers between locations by metro and taxi. Airport pick‑up by taxi (paid separately).
By car
ComfortGuide services + sedan rental (up to 3 people) for the whole day, including airport round‑trip transfer.
Estimated expenses per person
- Yu Garden ticket 40¥ (~$6)
- Jade Buddha Temple ticket 50¥ (~$7)
- Observation deck (optional) 180–240¥ (~$25–35)
- Lunch at a restaurant 100–200¥ (~$14–28)
- Airport transfer (if not in the car option) ~200–300¥
Tour duration
Additional services
Frequently asked questions
Booking conditions
The indicated prices are valid at the time of offer for private individuals. The cost and availability of vehicles, interpreter and guide services may change.
Booking of services is made only after receiving 100% prepayment. The conversion rate is calculated according to the current Central Bank rate on the payment date.
If a booking is cancelled less than 24 hours before the start of the event, the payment is non-refundable.
In the event of force majeure circumstances that make the execution of the tour program fully or partially impossible (national holidays, large-scale forums, official visits, etc.), the organizer reserves the right to make changes to the program and its duration.
The cost of services does not include and is paid additionally: transport expenses, tickets for events, entrance fees and other similar expenses.
