Discover the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai, China — a city where ancient traditions coexist with cutting-edge modern technology. With origins dating back over a thousand years, Shanghai was originally established as a fishing village that gradually rose to prominence during the Ming Dynasty. By the 19th century, the once small settlement had morphed into an international trade and commerce hub. Whether you’re interested in exploring colonial architecture on the Bund, immersing yourself in the artistic enclaves of the French Concession, or taste-testing delicious street food at a night market, Gray Line Shanghai is your go-to source for a convenient, engaging, and holistic travel experience.
Tour Expert, Gray Line Shanghai
Known as “Outer Beach” in Chinese, the Bund is a famous waterfront area located along the western bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Stretching approximately 0.93 miles (1.5 kilometers) from Waibaidu Bridge to Jinling Road, this iconic promenade is celebrated for its beautiful colonial-era buildings and breathtaking views of the modern cityscape. The 1840s saw Shanghai become designated as a treaty port after the First Opium War, which paved the way (literally) for the development of the river’s muddy towpath into a bustling hub for foreign trade and finance. Often described as a “living museum” of various architectural styles, the buildings along the Bund are all noteworthy in their own way and include locations like the HSBC Building, Customs House, and Fairmont Peace Hotel.
The Yu Garden is a renowned classical Chinese garden located in the Huangpu District of Shanghai. Spanning approximately 5 acres (2 hectares), the garden’s landscape is filled with beautiful pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and traditional architectural elements. Originally constructed in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty, the Yu Garden was funded by Pan Yunduan, a government official looking to provide a peaceful retreat for his aging parents. The Yu Garden is deeply rooted in the philosophy of filial piety and has increasingly become a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.
Completed in 2015, Shanghai Tower is a remarkable engineering marvel that stands at 2,073 feet (632 meters). This span makes it the tallest building in China and the second tallest in the world, after the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. Found in the Lujiazui financial district of Pudong, the Shanghai Tower was designed by an American architectural firm and sticks out with its distinctive spiral shape that actually enhances wind resistance. The structure is one of the most sustainable skyscrapers ever built and relies on various technologies — including wind turbines, rainwater harvesting systems, and indoor gardens — to function in an environmentally friendly way.
By far one of the most famous places to shop in Shanghai, Nanjing Road attracts over 1 million daily visitors along its 3.4-mile (5.5-kilometer) stretch from the Bund to the Jing’an Temple. Filled with a mix of modern retail spaces, traditional Chinese shops, restaurants, and historical sites, the street also offers a beautiful spot for evening picture-taking against the backdrop of Shanghai’s neon lights. In the 1840s, Nanjing Road began as a route for accessing the Bund and was divided into East and West sections during World War II. In 2000, significant renovations transformed the space into a pedestrian-only zone, which enhanced its appeal to locals and visitors alike.
A prominent Buddhist temple in Shanghai, the Jade Buddha Temple is well-known for its stunning jade statues and designation as a significant cultural and religious landmark. Established in 1882 during the Qing Dynasty, the temple’s origin story begins with a monk named Huigen making a pilgrimage from Tibet to Burma (now Myanmar). Along the way, Huigen was given five jade Buddha statues, two of which he decided to house in Shanghai. Today, visitors can enter the temple through the Hall of Heavenly Kings and view the sitting statue of Maitreya Buddha. The temple’s second floor holds the Jade Buddha, a marvel carved from a single piece of jade that is believed to embody the essence of peace and tranquility.
As one of China’s most significant and sophisticated museums, the Shanghai Museum is prominently located in People’s Square in the Huangpu District of the city. Established in 1952, the museum is home to an extensive collection of over 120,000 pieces of ancient Chinese art and artifacts. With a structure designed to resemble an ancient Chinese bronze cooking vessel called a ding, the museum symbolizes a fusion of modern practices and ancient cultural beliefs. Major exhibits include the Ancient Chinese Bronze Gallery, Gallery of Ancient Coins, and a Furniture Gallery that features examples of Ming and Qing dynasty craftsmanship.
Meaning “New Heaven and Earth,” Xintiandi is a fashionable pedestrian district located in the heart of Shanghai. Renowned for its unique blend of traditional Shikumen architecture and modern shopping, dining, and entertainment venues, this locale is a popular hub for tourists and residents of the area. Xintiandi was also the site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party in 1921. As a design style, Shikumen translates to “stone gate” and is characterized by stone arches and enclosed courtyards. Wealthy 19th-century merchants favored these homes for the extra layer of protection they offered during the Taiping Rebellion. Shikumen houses also became symbols of Shanghai’s unique merging of Eastern and Western cultural traditions, a trait that remains intact as many buildings now hold luxury retail stores, boutiques, and bars.
Originally established in 1849, the French Concession has a complex history integrally tied to European colonialism and China’s defeat during the Opium Wars. After being forced to open its borders to international trade, China ceded this Shanghai district to French authorities intent on governing the territory independent of Chinese control. As a result, the French Concession attracted a motley crew of French, British, American, and Russian expatriates as well as wealthy Chinese elites in the early 20th century. Today, guests can walk beneath shady London Plane trees and observe 37 historic buildings along Wukang Road. Multiple winding alleyways hide one-of-a-kind fashion boutiques, antique shops, and local artisan stalls — all of which can be explored with a guided walking tour.
Originally known as Fangbin Road, Shanghai Old Street is a vibrant historical pathway that showcases a fascinating blend of traditional architecture from the Ming and Qing Dynasties. As a key trading hub known for its banks, gold shops, and tea houses, Shanghai Old Street carries remnants of recognizable building features, including checkered windows, wooden shop fronts with swinging doors, and roofs with distinct upturned eaves and detailing. Visit the Tonghanchun Pharmacy or Laotongsheng Food Store, which have been in operation for over a century. You can also order local dishes like xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and a variety of traditional teas.
Standing at 1,535 feet (468 meters) tall, the Oriental Pearl Tower is the fifth tallest tower in the world and third tallest in Asia as a whole. Located on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River opposite the historic Bund, the tower’s design comprises 11 spheres of various sizes threaded by three pillars that reflect the work of poet Bai Juyi. With multiple observation decks open to the public, the tower is a great place to get panoramic views of Shanghai. Asia’s highest revolving restaurant can also be found in the structure and serves an international buffet of culinary delicacies to curious guests. Don’t miss a visit to the Shanghai Urban History Museum and Space Capsule Experience!
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We’ve used Grsy Line in other cities and it’s been great. A lot of ways to learn the city and find your way around. I trust the name so that’s why I booked for our next trip.
Beautiful informative tour of grand circle
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It was like retracing the roads of the old West
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