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Trips Starting from Shanghai
4.14 (189 reviews)
88 Tours
When do you want to go?
2026
I'm flexible
Passengers
Adults (18+)
Children (0 - 17)
Discover China trips visiting Shanghai
From skyline views to old streets, Shanghai adds contrast to China itineraries
Shanghai is an ideal place to begin or finish a China trip, thanks to its headline sights, straightforward arrival logistics, and fast connections to other major cities. Many itineraries pair modern skyline views with older lanes, gardens and temples, creating days that feel well-paced rather than overly rushed. You can opt for a short city break, or choose a longer guided tour that links Shanghai with China’s standout destinations, often using high-speed rail or short flights to keep travel time efficient. Some routes also combine China with nearby countries such as Japan, South Korea and Laos, giving your overall journey a broader regional context. Expect a balanced mix of guided visits and independent time, with key travel arrangements set out in advance so you can focus on the experience.
China trips starting from Shanghai
Budget Tours
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip. Our Budget tours offer incredible experiences at a great price. As well as guided sightseeing (depending on the Tour Inclusions), there's free time to explore independently or take part in optional excursions so you can focus on doing just the things that suit you.
This tour blends guided and self-guided travel. You will experience some guided sightseeing with expert guides and will enjoy lots of leisure time in destinations, without a tour guide. Accommodation and transportation is included as per the Inclusions, but you will travel on trains, ferries, planes or other transport by yourself. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£72From
£1,945pp
Signature Journeys
This On The Go Tours Signature Journey is operated in conjunction with our local partners and On The Go Tours accredited expert guides, to deliver you an unforgettable tour.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£208From
£2,860pp
Signature Journeys
This On The Go Tours Signature Journey is operated in conjunction with our local partners and On The Go Tours accredited expert guides, to deliver you an unforgettable tour.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£219From
£3,000pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£201From
pp
Signature Journeys
This On The Go Tours Signature Journey is operated in conjunction with our local partners and On The Go Tours accredited expert guides, to deliver you an unforgettable tour.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£209From
£4,180pp
Signature Journeys
This On The Go Tours Signature Journey is operated in conjunction with our local partners and On The Go Tours accredited expert guides, to deliver you an unforgettable tour.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£210From
£3,675pp
Signature Journeys
This On The Go Tours Signature Journey is operated in conjunction with our local partners and On The Go Tours accredited expert guides, to deliver you an unforgettable tour.
This tour is led by a dedicated tour guide or tour leader who stays with you throughout the entire journey. From start to finish, they manage logistics, offer insights at every stop, and are on hand to assist with anything you need. You may also enjoy sightseeing with local expert guides, as per the Inclusions. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£194From
£2,180pp
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Price per day
£191From
pp
Travel with confidence
Real reviews from our travellers
Yin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15The sights were definitely amazing. Small group of very pleasant travellers made the trip very enjoyable. The guides were all friendly, engaging and helpful as were the drivers. To many amazing things to see to pin down just one.
Totally China & Zhangjiajie - 11 daysEmbark on this 11-day tour of China, starting in Beijing and finishing in Shanghai. Explore the imperial grandeur of Beijing’s Forbidden City, Great Wall and Temple of Heaven before heading to Xi’an to marvel at the Terracotta Army and cycle atop ancient city walls. Journey on to Zhangjiajie’s dramatic peaks, with its glass bridges, skywalks and misty forest trails, famously inspiring the film Avatar. Finally, soak up the energy of Shanghai, from tranquil Yu Garden to the historic Bund, and cruise the Huangpu River for skyline views.Worldwide Touring11It was exceptional tour. Your tour guide are fantastic very friendly and helpful. They very well. They are a asset to your business exceptional L J he was the best. The food was fantastic and to much to eat. All the tours were fantastic and guides were very helpful.
Beijing to Yangtze River & Shanghai - 13 daysPARTIALLY GUIDED TOUR: On this 13 day group tour, we’ll explore China’s highlights, starting with the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and the Great Wall. After a high-speed train to Xi’an, we’ll marvel at the Terracotta Warriors before heading to Chengdu to see giant pandas and visit the People’s Park. Our 3-night luxury Yangtze River cruise includes stops at scenic spots like Qutang Gorge and the Three Gorges Dam. We’ll conclude in Shanghai, exploring Yu Garden, the Jade Buddha Temple, Nanjing Road, and The Bund.
Worldwide Touring13The great wall because it is great. We were supposed to get one soft drink with meals, however we were served drinks in tiny little cups so that was less than satisfactory, as we had to buy additional drinks. The guide also charged us more than the actual cost of the cable car to the top of the wall so he is skimming off the top.
Totally China & Guilin - 11 daysDiscover China on this 11-day tour from Beijing to Shanghai, packed with iconic sights and cultural highlights. Explore the Forbidden City, walk along the Great Wall, and visit the historic Hutongs of Beijing. In Xi’an, admire the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. Cruise the scenic Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing picturesque villages and karst landscapes. The journey concludes in dynamic Shanghai, where elegant gardens, lively markets and a glittering skyline await. A rich blend of history, scenery and culture.Worldwide Touring11The tour was great once we arrived in China. The food was amazing, guided well informed and transportation organized and comfortable. The engagement prior to traveling with the local office in nz was appalling. No trip notes till the day prior to leaving and late payment to China team.
Great Wall & Warriors - 10 daysUncover the wonders of China on this 10-day journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City, walk the Great Wall, and feast on Peking duck in the capital. Travel by high-speed train to Luoyang for the incredible Longmen Caves and a Kung Fu display at the Shaolin Monastery. In Xi’an, cycle the city walls, wander the Muslim Quarter, and stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Then fly to Shanghai to stroll the Bund, explore the French Concession, and witness local traditions. With bullet trains, acrobat shows and dumpling making, this tour offers a rich taste of China’s past and present.
Signature Journeys10Great Wall. Not crowded. A challenge to walk.
Great Wall & Warriors - 10 daysUncover the wonders of China on this 10-day journey from Beijing to Shanghai. Explore imperial treasures like the Forbidden City, walk the Great Wall, and feast on Peking duck in the capital. Travel by high-speed train to Luoyang for the incredible Longmen Caves and a Kung Fu display at the Shaolin Monastery. In Xi’an, cycle the city walls, wander the Muslim Quarter, and stand before the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army. Then fly to Shanghai to stroll the Bund, explore the French Concession, and witness local traditions. With bullet trains, acrobat shows and dumpling making, this tour offers a rich taste of China’s past and present.
Signature Journeys10Cyrus- our first tour guide was exceptional, the Great Wall The last hotel accommodation in Shanghal was poor, reception was not very helpful, When asking for assistance with water, where to buy milk for a cup of tea they were just rude. That being said was the only issue on the whole trip we had. Small group was excellent, bus drivers were great.
Yin and Yangtze - 15 daysBegin in Beijing, where you'll explore Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, and hike the Great Wall. In Luoyang, discover celestial art in the Longmen Caves, then journey to Xi'an to meet the Terracotta Army. Get close to China's adorable pandas at the Panda Research Center in Chengdu. Then, board a Yangtze River cruise and enjoy breathtaking landscapes and historic sites, before ending your adventure in the vibrant metropolis of Shanghai.Signature Journeys15When we did the cruise there was an option for us to to go to a show Roger our guide highly recommended this to us so we went He was so right it was a high worldwide quality show that had to be seen Roger was a very good hide and the tour group fully enjoyed having him I was a bit disappointed in the Great Wall of China When we started walking to where we started I thought oh my god what have they done They are building like a theme park down there and it takes all the hype away from seeing such a wonder of the world being turned into like a lesser attraction
Totally China & Guilin - 11 daysDiscover China on this 11-day tour from Beijing to Shanghai, packed with iconic sights and cultural highlights. Explore the Forbidden City, walk along the Great Wall, and visit the historic Hutongs of Beijing. In Xi’an, admire the awe-inspiring Terracotta Army and ancient city walls. Cruise the scenic Li River from Guilin to Yangshuo, passing picturesque villages and karst landscapes. The journey concludes in dynamic Shanghai, where elegant gardens, lively markets and a glittering skyline await. A rich blend of history, scenery and culture.Worldwide Touring11The great wall was absolutely breath-taking and a real highlight of the tour. Making clay warriors. Summer palace. We had 4 different tour guides- they were all good, but Celine (Xi'an) and Katherine (Guilin) particularly stood out for their patience and enthusiasm. There were parts of the tour that I was expecting (based on the itinerary I booked) to be included that weren't- several lunches, and a dumpling banquet show that I had to pay extra for. There was also one day that we essentially did not have a guide which was disappointing.
Shanghai trips at a glance
Trip and guiding style
Trips that visit Shanghai can be fully guided, partly guided, or semi-independent, which makes it easier to match the itinerary to your preferred level of structure and support. Many routes include guided time at key sights, with planned travel between stops and assistance at practical moments such as transfers and check-ins.
Accommodation
Where you stay depends on the trip, and options can range from simple hotels to higher-end stays and cruises, depending on the route and travel style. It may include 3 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 5 star hotels, hostels, camping, sleeper train, overnight cruise, or a river cruiser. Star ratings can vary by country, and an alternative of a similar standard may be used if needed.
Trip pacing
Most trips run at a moderate pace, blending guided touring with free time in Shanghai so you can explore at your own rhythm. Some routes use high-speed trains, internal flights, or overnight travel to cover more ground, so earlier starts can be part of the schedule on the busiest sightseeing days.
Popular tours visiting Shanghai
Why start in Shanghai
A smart gateway city with culture, food and modern life in one place
Shanghai suits travellers who want a mix of cultural depth and modern city life, and it also works well as a smooth start or finish to a wider China journey. Even with only a few days, the city can feel varied and easy to navigate, shifting from quiet garden paths to lively night streets without demanding constant long-distance travel. On longer tours, Shanghai often acts as a practical link between major highlights across China, while still leaving time for food, neighbourhood walks, and a glimpse of everyday local life. Trips that visit Shanghai work for different travel styles, from quick breaks to multi-stop tours that cover several regions. Some itineraries are fully guided throughout, while others include guiding at key sights and then leave you free time between included visits, which many travellers find more flexible. If you prefer a private trip, some routes are designed for a single party, typically with local guides for scheduled activities and clear planning behind the scenes.
Frequently asked questions
What types of trips visit Shanghai in China?
Shanghai features on many China itineraries, ranging from short city breaks to longer, multi-stop tours that travel across the country. Trips can be group, private, or city explorer style, and they may be fully guided, partly guided, or semi-independent depending on the route.
Do trips visiting Shanghai include guided tours of the main sights?
Many Shanghai trips include guided visits at key sights, typically led by local expert guides for included activities and scheduled touring. The amount of guiding varies by itinerary, and most programmes also build in free time so you can explore independently when it suits you.
What are the main highlights to see in Shanghai?
Top Shanghai highlights often include the Bund, Yu Garden, and the Old Bazaar, alongside wide views of Pudong’s skyline. Depending on the itinerary, you may also visit the Jade Buddha Temple and the Shanghai Museum, with time to experience major shopping streets such as Nanjing Road.
Are there trips that start and end in Shanghai?
Yes—some China itineraries start in Shanghai and end in Shanghai, which can simplify flight planning and reduce the need for extra internal transfers. Other routes use Shanghai as either the first stop or the final stop, depending on the overall travel flow.
Can Shanghai be combined with nearby places without long travel days?
Yes, several itineraries include shorter side trips to nearby places such as Suzhou or Zhujiajiao, which are known for gardens, canals and older streetscapes. What is included, and how long the travel takes, will depend on the specific itinerary and transport used.
Is Shanghai suitable for a private trip in China?
Yes, private options are available, with travel arranged for one party and local guides included for planned activities on set days. This format suits travellers who want a clear schedule and support at key sights, while still keeping day-to-day time more personal.
What is a city explorer tour in Shanghai?
A city explorer tour uses one base, so you stay in the same accommodation each night and take day trips out and back as planned. In Shanghai, this usually focuses on major city highlights, and it can also include nearby day visits depending on the itinerary.
What is the group size like on trips visiting Shanghai?
Group size depends on the itinerary, as some group tours run with smaller numbers while others operate at a larger, more social scale. Private trips are organised for one party only, so it’s best to check the trip notes for the specific trip you’re considering.
What is accommodation like on Shanghai itineraries?
Accommodation varies by trip, and standards can differ from one itinerary to another, particularly when routes include different regions or transport types. If the planned property is unavailable—especially in busy seasons or on nights with onward travel—a similar alternative may be used.
Do any trips combine China with other countries as well as Shanghai?
Yes, some itineraries are multi-country and can link China with places such as Japan, South Korea and Laos as part of a wider route. When Shanghai is included, it is often positioned as a key stop within the China portion of the trip.
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