Shanghai: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Ticket and Optional Attractions

Exploring Shanghai with a hop-on hop-off bus is a practical way to get acquainted with China’s most vibrant metropolis. For $13 per person, you get a 24- or 48-hour ticket that grants access to three distinct routes—covering the city’s top sights, from the historic Bund to the soaring Jin Mao Tower. The double-decker buses provide excellent panoramic views, especially from the top deck, making the experience both scenic and convenient.

Two aspects we particularly appreciate: first, the multi-language audio commentary in eight languages, which makes the city’s sprawling layout a lot less confusing. Second, the ability to hop on and off freely allows us to explore places at our own pace, whether lingering at a landmark or grabbing a quick photo. The optional attractions—like the River Cruise and Observation Deck—add extra value, making this a flexible, budget-friendly way to see Shanghai.

However, a potential downside is the frequency of buses, which, while generally every 30 minutes, can sometimes lead to longer waits, especially during peak times or at less central stops. Also, for those wanting a very detailed, in-depth tour, the bus’s quick stops might feel rushed or superficial. Still, if your goal is a broad overview with some added sightseeing, this tour hits the spot.

This tour suits first-time visitors or those with limited time who want a cost-effective, flexible way to get a feel for the city’s layout and main attractions. It’s also perfect for travelers interested in combining city transport with optional experiences like river cruises and observation decks. If you’re after a quick, panoramic intro rather than a deep dive into Shanghai’s history, this setup offers good value.

Key Points

• Flexible Itinerary: Three routes, multiple stops, hop on and off at your own pace.
• Multilingual Audio: Commentary in 8 languages enhances understanding of the city’s highlights.
• Optional Attractions: River cruises, observation decks, and other tickets are easily incorporated.
• Short Waits & Frequent Service: Buses depart every 30 minutes, but waiting times may vary.
• Great Views from Double Decker: Especially the top deck provides sweeping, unobstructed cityscape views.
• Value for Money: At around $13, it offers a broad overview and access to top sights, making it appealing for budget-conscious travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Shanghai with the Hop-on Hop-off Bus

We found this Shanghai hop-on hop-off bus tour to be a friendly, accessible way to navigate a city famous for its skyscrapers, historic sites, and bustling streets. For those unfamiliar with Shanghai’s sprawling layout, the three routes—Red (City Tour), Blue (Pudong Tour), and Green (Temple Tour)—help organize the city’s diverse neighborhoods into manageable segments.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Red Route (Shanghai City Tour):
This is the core route, giving you the classic Downtown experience. Stops include People’s Square, the Shanghai Art Museum, Nanjing Road, The Bund, and Yuyuan Garden. The highlight for many is The Bund—a stretch of historic colonial-era buildings with stunning views of Pudong’s modern skyline across the river. The River Cruise at Pier 16 is also a favorite, offering a different perspective on the city’s impressive architecture.

Blue Route (Pudong Tour):
This route takes you across the Huangpu River into Pudong’s skyline, home to the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the World Financial Center. The view from the Jin Mao Observation Deck is often praised, providing sweeping vistas of the city. Also, this route includes stops at Cool Docks, an area with trendy shops and cafes, perfect for a quick break.

Green Route (Temple Tour):
Focused on the more traditional and spiritual side, this route visits Jingan Temple, Shanghai Museum, and the Portman Ritz Carlton Hotel, along with the earlier sites like Nanjing Road and People’s Square. This route appeals to travelers interested in Shanghai’s spiritual and cultural roots.

The Buses and Commentary

Each bus departs every 30 minutes, making it easy to plan your day around their schedule. The audio commentary, available in eight languages, is informative without being dry, and we appreciated the free headphones provided. The guides manage to include enough interesting facts to make the quick stops worthwhile.

Multiple reviews praise the service: “Good service I would have liked buses a bit more frequently,” notes Allison, highlighting that while the service is generally good, waiting times can sometimes feel long. The top deck of the buses is the best spot for sightseeing, especially if you want to capture photos of Shanghai’s high-rises and historic architecture.

Optional Attractions and Extra Value

One of the biggest draws of this tour is the extra tickets included with certain packages. For around $13, you get the Jin Mao Observation Deck, a River Cruise, and Bund Sightseeing Tunnel tickets, depending on what you select. These add depth to your experience—seeing Shanghai from the river or from above the city’s skyscrapers makes for memorable moments.

Reviewers like Diane appreciated this, saying, “It was the best way to initially see Shanghai so we knew where to go to locate some of the places we saw on the bus.” Others mentioned that the combined tickets offered “good value” and allowed them to maximize their short stay.

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Practical Tips for Travelers

To make the most of this tour, plan to start early—the buses begin running at 9 AM, and if you opt for the 48-hour ticket, you get extra flexibility. You need to redeem your voucher at one of three main stops—People’s Square, The Bund, or the Oriental Pearl Tower—which can be slightly confusing if you don’t know where to look. The route map and route info provided help clarify this.

Keep in mind, food and drinks are not included—so bring water or snacks if you plan to be on the bus for a long stretch. Also, if you’re interested in detailed historical insights or a more personalized tour, this may feel a bit surface-level, but for a quick overview, it’s highly effective.

What the Reviews Say

Most reviews are positive, with five-star comments like “Great way to get an overview of the city,” and praise for the helpful staff. Some highlight longer wait times, but overall, the consensus is that this tour offers good value and convenience.

One reviewer mentioned that routes in Chinese can be confusing, but a quick call or email helped them understand the system better. This shows that the customer service is responsive, which is reassuring.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to Shanghai without the hassle of navigating public transportation alone. It’s also ideal for travelers on a tight schedule who want to maximize sightseeing within a limited time frame. Those looking for more in-depth historical or cultural tours might want to supplement this with guided excursions.

If you’re interested in adding attractions like the Observation Deck or river cruise to your day, the bundled tickets offer good value and convenience. It’s also a good choice for families or groups who prefer a flexible, no-pressure way to explore.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai hop-on hop-off bus tour offers a cost-effective, flexible, and scenic way to take in the city’s main sights. While the frequency of buses and quick stops may not satisfy those craving deep dives or very detailed tours, it succeeds in giving a rundown and a taste of Shanghai’s diverse neighborhoods. The multi-language commentary and optional attractions add value, especially for first-timers eager to orient themselves.

This experience shines brightest for those who value convenience, want a broad city snapshot, and enjoy easy access to key landmarks. It’s well-suited for first-time visitors or travelers with limited time who want a fun, practical introduction to this dazzling city.

FAQ

How long can I use the ticket?
Your ticket is valid for either 24 or 48 hours from the moment you first activate it, giving you plenty of flexibility to explore at your own pace.

Where do I redeem my voucher?
You need to redeem your voucher at one of the three main stops: People’s Square, The Bund, or the Oriental Pearl Tower. This is necessary before boarding and obtaining your attraction tickets.

Are the buses comfortable?
Yes, the buses are double-deckers, with the top deck providing excellent panoramic views. Some reviews mention air conditioning being hit or miss, so it’s wise to dress comfortably and be prepared for varying temperatures.

Can I hop on and off at any stop?
Absolutely. You can board or disembark at any designated stop along the route, giving you the freedom to explore specific sights more closely.

What attractions are included?
Depending on your ticket, you might access Jin Mao Tower Observation Deck, enjoy a river cruise, or ride the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel. Check your specific package for details.

How frequent are the buses?
Buses depart approximately every 30 minutes on each route, but during busy times, there could be some waiting.

Is there audio commentary?
Yes, available in eight languages, with free headphones provided. The commentary helps make each stop more informative.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most likely yes, especially since it’s a relaxed way to see the city with minimal walking. Just keep in mind the bus environment and the length of the tour.

In sum, this hop-on hop-off tour balances value, convenience, and scenic views—a perfect starter experience for those new to Shanghai. With a little planning, you’ll enjoy a broad, memorable glimpse of China’s most modern and historic city.

You can check availability for your dates here: