The Shanghai Museum, Jin Mao, and Yu Garden
You'll see the Shanghai Museum, which preserves the culture of China, as displayed by numerous items. Look forward to seeing displays that include China's best collection of bronzes, galleries of paintings, and furnishings. You'll then visit the Jade Buddha Temple, featuring the famous white jade Buddha brought from Burma in the late 1800's. The last highlight is the Yu Garden, which is classic for the Ming Dynasty. Lunch is typical Shanghai fare, and you'll have opportunity to shop at the Jiangnan Silk Museum, the Shanghai Museum, and the garden. En route, you'll be treated with the fabulous architecture along the Bund.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $100 for this 9 hour tour including lunch.
Booking Advice: Due to the walking involved, this tour is moderately physically taxing. We do suggest checking with online 3rd party vendors for tour variety and deals.
Suzhou, the Humble Administrator Garden, and Canal Cruise
It is said that Suzhou has been inhabited for 2,500 years. A UNESCO World Heritage site, Suzhou boasts beautiful gardens, and of all the cities in China, this city has the most canals and bridges. You'll see the Humble Administrator's Garden, which is rated as one of China's four best classical gardens. You'll also tour the Suzhou Embroidery Research Institute, watch artisans at work, and view world acclaimed embroidery on display. Your hour long cruise on the Grand Canal will be memorable! This canal, built 1300 years ago, is the largest canal made by man in the world. You'll view Chinese architecture, and see people waving at you as you go along! Lunch is included, and time for shopping is typically part of the deal.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $100 for this 8 to 10 hour tour including lunch.
Booking Advice: This excursion is rated as moderately physically taxing. Cruise line prices appear to be very competitive.
Yu Garden and On Your Own Time in Shanghai's Old Town
Visit the Yu Garden, which is classic Ming Dynasty, and in Old Town view sites of Shanghai as it was hundreds of years ago.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $60 for up to 8 hours.
Booking Advice: You'll likely be paying entrance fees, and your time may vary depending upon the location of your cruise terminal. This tour is rated as moderately physically taxing. Cruise line prices are competitive, but you may want to check out tours by online 3rd party vendors, including http://www.absolutechinatours.com/Shanghai-tours/
Zhujiajiao: Qing Dynasty Post Office and Bridges
Zhujiajiao is situated by a lake, and preserves traditional Chinese culture. You'll see buildings of historic significance, including the Qing Post Office and the Fishing House and Rice Museum. Covered bridges include the Ming Dynasty Fangsheng Bridge. Lunch cost and shopping time are included.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $100 for this 8 hour tour that includes lunch.
Booking Advice: This excursion is rated as moderately physically taxing. Cruise line prices appear to be very competitive.
The Maglev Train, Jin Mao Tower, and Lu Jia
This exceptional train ride whisks you round trip from the airport at an incredible 500 kph. (The Maglev Train uses magnetic levitation, so there's no wheel friction.) You'll also visit the Jin Mao Tower, and enjoy splendid views of Shanghai from the 88 story high observation deck. The Jin Mao Tower is the centerpiece of Lu Jia, China's Wall Street, where there are 45 banks.
Price: Adults expect to pay around $80 for this 3.5 hour excursion.
Booking Advice: This excursions is rated as easy. Cruise line prices appear to be competitive.