What destinations are commonly combined with Shanghai on multi-day tours?

Most organized tours link Shanghai with nearby cities that showcase different sides of China. Suzhou 2 hours away lets visitors experience classical Chinese gardens while Hangzhou (1 hour by bullet train) centers on the serene West Lake area. Xian reached in 5 hours by rail adds historical depth with sites like the Terracotta Warriors. Accommodations typically include international chains like the Crowne Plaza in Xian and regional hotels such as the Silk Road Hotel group. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "It was amazing to see the diversity of cities in Eastern China."

What's the typical duration of tours starting from Shanghai?

Most Shanghai-based tours run between 7-15 days with 10-12 days being standard. The Explore China tour covers the route to Beijing over 12 days while the China Shanghai Chengdu and Yangtze Cruise packs key sights into 7 days. Longer options like the Southern China Explorer take 12 days to reach Hong Kong via Zhangjiajie. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The 12-day duration was perfect to see all the highlights without feeling rushed."

What are the must-see attractions during the first two days in Shanghai?

The first 48 hours in Shanghai focus on key sites that define the city. Visitors explore the colonial-era Bund waterfront Yu Garden with its adjoining bazaar and the tree-lined French Concession. Tours also head to Pudong to see Shanghai Tower and modern landmarks. Many itineraries include stops at the Jade Buddha Temple and local tea ceremonies. As confirmed by a TourRadar traveler: "Starting in Shanghai was amazing - we saw the contrast between old and new China visiting both the historic Yu Garden and modern Pudong area on our first full day."

What kind of accommodation can I expect for tours starting in Shanghai?

Tour accommodations center on 4-star hotels in Shanghai's main districts. Common choices include the Pullman Shanghai Jing'an in the French Concession and the Novotel Shanghai Atlantis near The Bund. Hotels are selected based on proximity to metro stops and major sights. As one TourRadar traveler shared: "The Novotel Shanghai Atlantis was perfectly located with amazing views of the Pudong skyline and walking distance to the Bund."

What's the best time of year to start a tour from Shanghai?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) provide the most comfortable conditions for Shanghai tours with mild temperatures and lower rainfall. Summer brings heat and humidity while winter temperatures drop but crowds thin out. A TourRadar traveler recommended: "We started our tour in October and had perfect weather for exploring Shanghai's outdoor attractions like Yu Garden and the Bund."

What's included in typical meal arrangements for tours starting in Shanghai?

Tour packages usually cover hotel breakfasts and selected lunches featuring local dishes like xiaolongbao soup dumplings and regional Shanghainese specialties. G Adventures includes a welcome dinner with cooking instruction while Intrepid provides 9 breakfasts and 2 dinners. A TourRadar traveler mentioned: "The food experiences starting in Shanghai were incredible - learning to make dumplings on our first night really set the tone for the trip."

China Tours from Shanghai

Think about exploring Shanghai's futuristic Pudong skyline and historic Old City streets – the contrast is wild. Cruise the Huangpu River while taking in city views, visit Xi'an's legendary Terracotta Army standing in formation, and see adorable pandas at Chengdu's breeding center. Tour ancient Dujiangyan and sacred Qingcheng Shan mountain, and uncover China’s ancient and modern sides in fascinating ways.

10 best China tour packages from Shanghai

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In-depth Cultural
Ultimate 6 Single Days Private Tour: Shanghai,Hangzhou,Suzhou and Huangshan
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Suzhou, Hangzhou, Huangshan
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Southern China
Operated in
English, Chinese
Operator
Shanghai Advisor Tour
From
US$1,980per person
+$240 local payments
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Best of China with Avatar Mountains (Private Customize)
5.0 (11 traveler reviews)
"The local cuisines and landscape were amazing. We had an incredible experience."
Gary, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
10% Off
From $3,467
US$3,120per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Wild Southern China 10D: Shanghai, Xidi, Hongcun, Chengkan, Huizhou old town, Wuyuan
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Huangshan
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Southern ChinaHuangshanAnhui+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
10% Off
From
US$2,699per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Classical China and Chengdu
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Luoyang, Longmenzhen, Sanmexia, Xi'an, Chengdu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
10% Off
From
US$1,866per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
Explore China
4.9 (9 traveler reviews)
"Interesting stops. Always things to do."
Elizabeth, traveled in April
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $3,975
US$3,379per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
Classical China end Xian
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Luoyang, Longmenzhen, Sanmexia, Xi'an
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Europamundo
15% Off
From
US$1,272per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Solo-ish China
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Seen so much, experienced so much, a wonderful guide, a nice group of people, good food."
Margrit, traveled in October
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Yangzhou, Xi'an, Luoyang, Jinshanling, Beijing
Age Range
Ages 18+
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From $2,599
US$2,209per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Food & Culinary
Chinese Cuisine & Culture
5.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Beijing, Xi'an, Chengdu
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Truly China Travel
15% Off
From
US$3,727per person
Price based on Shared Room
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In-depth Cultural
11 Days Incredible China With Zhangjiajie Small Group Tour (Max 12)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
5% Off
From $2,800
US$2,660per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Shanghai & The Silk Road - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Beijing, Luoyang, Xi'an
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From $3,885
US$2,720per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
China Highlights
4.5 (49 traveler reviews)
"Wonderful company, wonderful trip itinerary and a diversity of experiences."
Manna, traveled in January
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Great Wall of China
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% Off
From $1,850
US$1,573per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
【China】7 Days of Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou Package
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Well-organized tour, small groups of travelers - with us exactly 12 people, relatively close distances between individual cities."
Rumi, traveled in August
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Wuxi, Nanjing, Suzhou, Hangzhou
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Southern ChinaJiangsu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Delightful Travel
15% Off
From
US$1,974per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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In-depth Cultural
8 Days Cultural Treasures of China Small Group Tour (Max 12)
Duration
8 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
UME Travel Co. Ltd
5% Off
From $2,020
US$1,919per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Gorgeous China 15D: SH, Zhangjiajie, Wangxiangu, Jingdezhen, Huangshan, Shenxianju etc.
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Zhangjiajie, Fenghuang, Jingdezhen, Huangshan,Hangzhou+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Southern China
Operated in
English
Operator
Silk Road Trips
5% Off
From
US$3,989per person
Price based on Private Double Room
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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In-depth Cultural
Premium China
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Shanghai, Huizhou, Yangshuo, Xi'an, Beijing
Age Range
Ages 15+
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Premium
20% Off
From $6,080
US$4,864per person
Price based on Shared Room
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