Shanghai Afternoon Sightseeing Tour including Huangpu River Cruise & OTV Tower

Experience Shanghai in just a few hours with this afternoon sightseeing tour that covers iconic sights like the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the bustling Nanjing Road. For $137 per person, you’ll enjoy hotel pickup, a knowledgeable guide, and several photo opportunities—all packed into roughly four hours. We appreciate that this tour offers a convenient way to get an overview of the city’s modern skyline and historic waterfront, especially if your time is limited.

What we particularly like about this experience is its blend of land and water exploration—cruising along the Huangpu River provides a different perspective of the city’s impressive skyline. Plus, riding up the Oriental TV Tower for sweeping city views is a real highlight. The tour also includes an introduction to Shanghai’s ambitious future at the Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, giving you a glimpse of what’s coming next for this rapidly changing city.

However, a consideration is that the tour can feel somewhat rushed, especially if you want a more in-depth experience at each stop. Several reviews mention that the tour might seem a bit commercial or superficial, with some stops at shops that feel more like sales pitches. If you’re hoping for a deep dive into Shanghai’s culture or history, this might not be the ideal tour for you.

This tour suits travelers who want a quick, well-organized overview of Shanghai’s key sights, particularly those new to the city or on a tight schedule. It’s good for those who enjoy panoramic views, lively city scenes, and the fun of a river cruise. For anyone looking for a relaxed, leisurely experience or a deep culture, you might want to supplement this with other, more focused activities.

Key Points

• Convenient and quick way to see major sights in about 4 hours
• Includes hotel pickup and drop-off, simplifying logistics
• Offers multiple viewpoints: river, tower, and city streets
• Some reviews mention feeling rushed or commercialized
• Highlights like the Huangpu River cruise and Nanjing Road shopping are crowd-pleasers
• View from the Oriental Tower is spectacular and provides great photo ops

A Close Look at the Shanghai Afternoon Sightseeing Tour

Traveling through Shanghai in a half-day, guided tour offers a snapshot of this lively metropolis, blending moments of awe with practical sightseeing. At $137, it’s priced as an accessible introduction to what many call the “Paris of the Orient,” and it’s especially appealing if you want to maximize a short visit.

Starting at the Oriental Pearl Tower

The tour kicks off with a visit to the Oriental TV Tower in Pudong. Standing at 468 meters, this tower is an unmistakable symbol of Shanghai’s sky-high ambitions. Inside, you’ll take a swift elevator ride to the observation deck, where you’ll be greeted with astonishing panoramic views. You’ll see the city’s modern skyscrapers, the Huangpu River, and the sprawling Pudong district—a true showcase of China’s rapid development.

Several reviews praise this part of the tour. One traveler called the view “amazing,” and noted that the sky deck experience was “unforgettably” worth it. From the top, the city looks like a web of glass and steel, and you’ll understand why Shanghai often earns comparisons to other global financial hubs. If you’re a fan of skyscraper vistas, this is the highlight.

Alternative option: Some tours suggest replacing the Tower visit with a trip to the Shanghai Tower, which is China’s tallest building. While not included here, it’s worth considering if you’re interested in even higher vantage points.

Cruising along the Huangpu River

Next, your guide will escort you to the Pujiang Cruise Ship for an hour-long boat cruise along the Huangpu River. This is perhaps the most relaxing part of the tour, offering a different perspective on Shanghai’s iconic waterfront. You’ll pass by the historic Bund—an area lined with colonial-era buildings that display a variety of architectural styles, from Gothic to Baroque.

This cruise is highly praised by travelers like Uki Kustaman, who said, “the river cruise was good,” and it offers a great chance to see the city from the water. The view in the evening can be particularly striking, with the city lights reflecting off the water, but even in the afternoon, it’s a worthwhile experience.

A word of caution: Several reviewers mention that river cruises are often best in the evening for the lights and ambiance, and some find the cost a bit high for a daytime trip. Still, it’s a popular way to relax after the tower visit.

Exploring the City: People’s Square and Urban Planning Hall

Post-cruise, the tour moves to People’s Square, a pleasant green oasis in the heart of the city, perfect for a quick photo or feeding doves. It’s surrounded by important buildings, including the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall, which offers a fascinating look at the city’s future.

The hall features a detailed scale model showing Shanghai’s ambitious plans for urban development, which appeals to those interested in architecture or urban growth. The reviews note that this stop can feel a little rushed, but it’s a good way to contextualize the city’s rapid expansion.

End at Nanjing Road

The tour rounds off with a walk along Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping street. It’s a lively pedestrian zone filled with shops, malls, and street vendors. While you can browse or simply soak in the bustling atmosphere, this stop is mostly about observing everyday life in Shanghai’s commercial heart.

Practicalities and Value

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, which is a significant convenience, especially if you’re staying in the city center. Admission tickets for the tower, urban planning hall, and river cruise are all covered, making this a straightforward, all-in-one experience.

However, the reviews suggest that some travelers found the tour a bit “trite” or overly commercial, with unnecessary stops at shops or demonstrations that didn’t add much value. If you prefer authentic, immersive experiences, you might want to visit some sites on your own or in a different tour.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This tour works well for first-time visitors who want a broad overview of Shanghai’s skyline, waterfront, and modern development. It’s also suited for travelers with limited time who prefer a guided experience that handles logistics. Those who enjoy panoramic views, river scenes, and lively city streets will find plenty to love here.

On the flip side, if you’re after a more in-depth cultural experience or want to avoid commercialized stops, it’s worth considering other options or customizing your day.

Final Thoughts

For a quick introduction to Shanghai’s skyline and waterfront, this afternoon tour offers a lot of bang for your buck. The stunning views from the Oriental Tower and the relaxed cruise along the Huangpu River are definite highlights. The inclusion of hotel pickup simplifies the logistics, and the guide can help you orient yourself amidst the urban sprawl.

That said, the tour’s rushed pace and some commercial stops may be less appealing if you’re after a more authentic or leisurely experience. Still, it’s a solid option for getting a taste of Shanghai’s modern grandeur, especially if you’re new to the city or short on time.

This tour provides a practical, well-organized way to see some of Shanghai’s most famous sights, making it a good starting point before exploring further on your own. Whether you’re marveling at the city’s towering skyline or cruising its historic river, you’ll come away with plenty of memorable images and a better sense of what makes Shanghai tick.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within the city center, making it very convenient for travelers.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately four hours, which is enough to see key sights without feeling rushed.

Are tickets to the tower and cruise included?
Yes, all admission tickets for the Oriental Pearl Tower, Huangpu River cruise, and Urban Planning Exhibition Hall are included in the price.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a fixed tour, so customization is limited. However, you can choose to explore some stops more on your own afterward.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers find it family-friendly, especially with the panoramic views and engaging boat cruise. It’s best to check with the operator if you have specific needs.

What if I don’t want to visit the Pearl Tower?
Some tours offer alternatives like the Shanghai Tower, but this particular experience includes the Pearl Tower, which is a major Shanghai icon.

How do reviews describe the guide?
Reviews typically describe guides as friendly and knowledgeable, which enhances the experience despite some criticisms of the overall tour’s commercial feel.

Is there free time at Nanjing Road?
The tour concludes there with about 30 minutes to browse shops or just soak in the lively atmosphere.

To sum it up, whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see Shanghai’s signature sights or someone with limited time, this tour offers a practical overview that combines iconic views, a scenic river cruise, and lively city scenes. Just be prepared for a fairly quick pace and some commercial stops that might not appeal to everyone. It’s a good choice for those wanting a straightforward, guided introduction to one of Asia’s most exciting cities.