✨ Highlights
📖 What You Can Expect
This private 8‑hour tour takes you outside the city centre – into the part of Shanghai where history began.
Morning | Where Shanghai Began
You will start in Songjiang District, the archaeological and cultural root of Shanghai. The main highlight is a unique underwater exhibition hall – a museum that sits half‑submerged in a lake. It traces Shanghai’s evolution from primitive settlement to Songjiang Prefecture and into today’s metropolis. Outside, you can stroll through a tranquil park dotted with traditional temples, pagodas, ancient houses and replica heritage lanes.
Lunch | On Your Own
Lunch is not included. Your guide will take you to the Songjiang University Town area or the scenic Sheshan foothills, where you will find a wide variety of local eateries – from casual street‑food stalls to sit‑down restaurants serving authentic countryside dishes. Your guide can offer recommendations based on your taste and budget.
Afternoon | A Real Water Town
The tour continues to Zhujiajiao – a genuine, inhabited water town that has been rated as one of China’s top destinations for inbound tourists. You can walk the ancient streets, sit by the water in a riverside teahouse (perhaps with traditional tea and pingtan storytelling), or take a gondola‑style boat ride through the canals. The town also features intangible cultural heritage – interactive folk performances and crafts.
Evening | Return to the City
You will return to central Shanghai in the evening, after sunset if time allows, to see the town’s old buildings and bridges softly lit up.
📍 Meeting & End Points
| Meeting point | Your hotel lobby in central Shanghai (Puxi area within Inner Ring Road) or agreed metro station – details after booking |
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| End point | Hotel drop‑off or downtown metro station |
⏱️ Duration & Availability
| Duration | Exactly 8 hours (flexible within 30 minutes) |
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| Start time | 09:00 (other times possible upon request) |
| Available | Daily, year‑round |
✅ Included / ❌ Not Included
| Included | Private English‑speaking guide · Private vehicle & driver for full 8 hours · All entrance fees to listed sites · A light snack or traditional tea at the water town · Photos taken by guide (free digital copies) |
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| Not included | Travel insurance (mandatory) · Lunch (on your own – guide suggests options) · Any extra food, drinks or snacks · Tips/gratuities · Personal shopping or optional boat ride (approx. ¥180/boat) |
📌 Important Notes
- Rain or shine – the route includes sufficient indoor spaces (underwater museum, teahouses, covered heritage areas).
- Zhujiajiao boat ride is optional and can be arranged on the spot (additional cost).
- Lunch is not included – you are free to choose where and what to eat; your guide will help with recommendations.
- A detailed itinerary with precise timings will be sent after booking – no need to memorise anything.
❌ Cancellation Policy
| Free cancellation | Up to 7 days before the tour |
|---|---|
| 50% refund | 3–6 days before |
| No refund | Within 48 hours of start time |
⭐ Why Book This Tour?
- Beyond the postcard – see the Shanghai that lies outside the city centre
- Exactly 8 hours – a full day but not rushed
- Private & flexible – just you and your guide; the pace is yours
- One day, two worlds – ancient roots, a living water town, and countryside air