Experience the Best of Shanghai’s Nightlife on a Private Evening Tour
If you’re looking to see Shanghai after dark, this private night tour offers a flexible and personalized way to explore the city’s glowing skyline, historic neighborhoods, and lively bars. For around $145 per person, you’ll enjoy a tailored 3-4 hour evening adventure that includes visits to the classic Bund, the chic Xintiandi, and the charming Old French Concession. With hotel pickup and drop-off, a delicious dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road, and a drink at a rooftop bar, it’s a well-rounded way to dive into the city’s after-hours scene.
What we love about this tour is how it balances stunning city views with authentic neighborhoods, all guided by a knowledgeable local who can tailor the experience to your pace. The chance to enjoy a carefully curated dinner with options for halal and vegetarian diets makes it accessible for many travelers. And the door-to-door private transport provides comfort and convenience, especially in a city as sprawling as Shanghai.
A possible consideration is that the tour lasts only a few hours, so if you’re craving an in-depth exploration of Shanghai’s nightlife, you may want to extend your evening independently. But if your goal is to get a snapshot of the city’s illuminated landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods comfortably and efficiently, this tour hits the mark.
This experience is perfect for travelers who appreciate a personalized approach, want to see key sights illuminated at night, and enjoy good food and drinks in stylish settings. It’s especially suited for those who want a balanced mix of sightseeing and leisure—and who value the comfort of private transportation.
Key Points
- Flexible, private experience tailored to your preferred timing and pace
- Includes dinner and a drink at a highly-rated restaurant, Lost Heaven Silk Road
- See iconic sights like the Bund, Xintiandi, and the French Concession illuminated at night
- Door-to-door transfer offers convenience and comfort
- Authentic neighborhoods for wandering and photo opportunities
- Highly rated guides with local insight enhance the experience
A Close Look at the Shanghai Night Tour Experience

If you’re wondering what exactly makes this tour stand out, let’s start with the itinerary. It’s designed to maximize your evening with visits to some of the most photogenic and historically significant parts of Shanghai, all while keeping the experience relaxed and flexible.
Prefer personalized experiences? Here are other private options we've covered in Shanghai
Starting Point: Xintiandi – The Trendy Heart of Shanghai’s Nightlife
Your evening begins with a pickup at your hotel, which is a real plus—no need to navigate public transportation or taxis after a long day. From there, your private guide and driver will take you directly to Xintiandi, often called the most fashionable and lively district in Shanghai. Here, you’ll stroll along pedestrian-friendly streets lined with renovated Shikumen houses, which blend traditional architecture with contemporary boutiques and cafés.
People often rave about the vibe here; “strolling along the fashionable pedestrian street while enjoying the blended eastern and western glamour” is a common way visitors describe it. It’s a perfect introduction to the city’s fusion of old and new, with plenty of opportunity for photos in front of the iconic architecture.
French Concession: A Charming Ride Through History
Next, you’ll drive through the Former French Concession, a leafy, tranquil neighborhood with tree-lined avenues and European-style buildings. This part of the tour is about soaking in the ambiance—calm streets that look like a slice of Paris tucked into Shanghai. The highlight here is your dinner reservation at Lost Heaven Silk Road, a stylish restaurant that offers a taste of Western China’s flavors.
The restaurant is highly praised for its décor and cuisine, with options suitable for halal and vegetarians. Expect a variety of meat, vegetable, and dumpling dishes, all served in an environment that feels both elegant and welcoming. It’s a chance to savor authentic flavors in a setting that’s both modern and culturally rich.
The Bund: Shanghai’s Iconic Nighttime Panorama
Post-dinner, you’ll transfer to the Bund, the waterfront area famous for its stunning skyline views. As night falls, the buildings along the Huangpu River light up spectacularly, with landmarks like the Peace Hotel, Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jinmao Tower glowing in the dark.
The views here are truly breathtaking—the skyline is a shimmering mirror of Shanghai’s rapid growth and wealth. Your guide will point out the landmarks, and you’ll have plenty of photo opportunities. This is a highlight for many travelers, especially because the illuminated skyline shifts the city’s face into a dazzling display.
Bar Hopping and Nightcap
After soaking in the views, you’ll visit one of Shanghai’s trendiest rooftop bars. Here, you can unwind with your included drink—whether it’s wine, a cocktail, beer, or soft drink—while enjoying the skyline from above. It’s a perfect way to end the night in style, with a drink in hand and the city’s lights flickering around you.
Planning evening activities? Here are other after-dark options we've examined in Shanghai
- Evening Food & Drink Tour in Former French Concession
- Shanghai: Afternoon and Evening Highlights Tour
- Zhujiajiao with Amazing Night Lights and Bar Experience
- Shanghai Essentials: Culture, Cuisine, Garden & Night Views
- Shanghai Night Wonder:Choose Your Perfect Evening Experience
- Shanghai Small-Group Night Tour by Bike
Return and Reflection
Once your bar experience concludes, your guide and driver will take you back to your hotel, completing a well-rounded evening. Throughout the tour, you’ll benefit from private, door-to-door service, removing the hassle of navigating busy streets or trying to find your way back.
What Travelers Say

The reviews are glowing—both reviewers mention how knowledgeable guides made a real difference. One says, “Super Annie was a super host and excellent local knowledge,” highlighting the value of a guide who can share insights and make the experience more personal. Another appreciated how “the rhythm was perfect,” emphasizing how well-timed and smoothly run the tour is.
Many travelers also love the stunning views during the evening, describing the skyline as “beautiful” and “illuminated,” which makes the experience memorable. The inclusion of wine and cocktails at Lost Heaven Silk Road receives praise, too, with visitors noting it as a highlight and a chance to relax in style.
Practical Details: What You Need to Know

This tour is designed for most travelers, as it operates in all weather conditions, and children can join if accompanied by an adult. The price reflects the convenience and comfort of private transport, a guided experience, dinner, and a drink—all in just a few hours. The flexibility allows you to start at your preferred time, making it easy to coordinate with your travel plans.
The tour is fully refundable if canceled more than 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind. Keep in mind the tour lasts roughly 3-4 hours, so if you’re a night owl or want an extended night out, you might want to plan for extra time on your own afterward.
Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for visitors seeking a luxurious and hassle-free way to see Shanghai’s skyline and historic neighborhoods at night. It’s particularly suitable for those who value guidance and personalized service, want to enjoy a quality dinner and drinks, and prefer to avoid the stress of navigating unfamiliar streets after dark.
Travelers who love stunning city views, authentic neighborhood atmospheres, and trendy bar scenes will find this tour a perfect fit. It’s also well-suited for those with limited time but wanting a comprehensive, memorable evening experience.
The Sum Up
This private Shanghai night tour offers a balanced mixture of sightseeing, dining, and nightlife, all delivered in a comfortable, personalized manner. The focus on iconic illuminated landmarks, combined with a delicious dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road and a chic rooftop bar, makes it a standout option for those who want to see the city’s highlights without the chaos of a large group or self-guided wandering.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to get a snapshot of Shanghai’s vibrant nights or a seasoned traveler wanting a relaxed yet engaging evening, this tour delivers. The knowledgeable guides, stunning views, and quality food and drinks combine to create an experience that’s both memorable and good value when you consider the convenience and personalized attention.
For travelers who appreciate authentic neighborhoods, beautiful cityscapes, and stylish dining in one evening, this tour ticks all the boxes. It’s a smart choice for anyone looking to make the most of their night in Shanghai with comfort and style.
FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in the downtown Shanghai area, making it a seamless experience.
How long does the tour last?
The tour runs approximately 3 to 4 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy each stop without feeling rushed.
Can I choose my starting time?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be scheduled at your preferred time, making it easy to fit into your travel plans.
Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, you’ll enjoy a dinner at Lost Heaven Silk Road and one drink at a rooftop bar, included in the price.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, making it family-friendly.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind for your booking.
This private evening tour of Shanghai combines comfort, authentic culture, and stunning vistas—perfect for travelers eager to see the city’s iconic sights with style and ease.
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- Delve into Wuzhen Water Town: Private Tour from Shanghai
- Flexible Layover Tour: Experience Shanghai on Your Schedule
- 8-hour Shanghai City Private Tour by German-Speaking Guide
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- Suzhou Private Customized Day Trip from Shanghai by Bullet Train
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- All-inclusive Customized Shanghai Layover Tour
- Suzhou and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Customized Day Tour from Shanghai
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