Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Hop On Hop Off City Tour

If you’re planning your first visit to Shanghai, chances are you want to see the highlights without wasting time figuring out public transportation or rushing between attractions. This hop-on-hop-off bus offers a straightforward way to explore the city’s most iconic sights at your own pace, with tickets costing around $17.68 per person for a 24- or 48-hour pass. The total ride lasts about an hour per circuit, but the real value lies in how many stops you can hop on and off at leisure.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its enormous flexibility—you can choose from five different routes that cover key landmarks like The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, and the Shanghai Museum. Plus, the multilingual audio guides make it easier for international travelers to understand what they’re seeing—an often overlooked but vital feature.

One thing to keep in mind, however, is that admission tickets to attractions are not included—so you’ll need to buy those separately if you want to go inside. Also, the QR code access via Viator has been a point of frustration for some travelers, requiring patience or a bit of troubleshooting. Still, for the price, it’s an accessible way to get your bearings and see a good chunk of the city quickly.

This experience is best suited for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of Shanghai’s top sites, or for those who prefer a self-paced, flexible sightseeing option. If you’re keen on a guided tour with in-depth commentary, this might feel a little light on detail, but if your goal is quick, comfortable transportation between key spots, it’s a solid choice.

Key Points

• Flexible routes and hop-on-hop-off convenience allow you to customize your sightseeing.
• Affordable price point makes it accessible for most travelers.
• Multilingual audio guides enhance understanding of the sights.
• Stops include iconic landmarks like The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yuyuan Garden.
• No attraction tickets included, so plan additional purchases for inside visits.
• QR code access issue has been a common complaint, so prepare accordingly.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

The Top Stops and What to Expect

Stop 1: Shanghai Museum – Starting your journey here, you’ll find a comprehensive collection of Chinese art and artifacts. While the museum itself isn’t included in the ticket, the bus offers a great starting point for orientation. We loved how accessible this stop is, especially if you’re interested in history and culture.

Stop 2: Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center – A fascinating glimpse into the city’s development, with models and exhibits that show how Shanghai has grown into the global hub it is today. We appreciated the visual storytelling here—perfect for understanding the city’s rapid transformation.

Stop 3: Shanghai Historical Museum – Another cultural highlight, this museum offers context about Shanghai’s past, from traditional life to modern skyscrapers. It’s a practical stop if you want to connect the dots between different parts of the city’s story.

Stop 4: — Not specified, but likely an area of interest or a transfer point.

Stop 5: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street – A shopper’s paradise, bustling with shops, cafes, and street performers. We found this area ideal for grabbing a quick snack or doing some window shopping.

Stop 6: Century Square Parking Lot – A less touristy stop, mainly for local transit connections, but useful if you want to explore nearby neighborhoods.

Stop 7: The Bund (Garden Bridge) – The iconic waterfront promenade offers stunning views of the skyline, especially at sunset. We loved the classic colonial architecture and the vibrant atmosphere along the river.

Stop 8: Custom House, Shanghai – An impressive historic building, perfect for photos and a taste of Shanghai’s colonial past.

Stops 9-11: Cover Yuyuan Garden, site of the First National Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, and Huaihai Road—each offering a mix of traditional gardens, political history, and upscale shopping.

Additional routes include stops at Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center—great for skyline enthusiasts and those interested in modern architecture.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer noted, “Goes to all important sites,” highlighting how complete the routes are for key landmarks. Conversely, a user warned, “DO NOT BUY FROM VIATOR,” citing difficulties with QR code access—something to keep in mind if you’re booking online.

Transportation & Logistics

The buses are air-conditioned and clean, making for a comfortable ride, especially in summer. The bus stops are conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to switch between metro and bus. With most travelers able to participate, it’s suitable for a wide range of ages, and children under 130cm can ride for free on a lap, which is a nice perk.

Practical Tips

Since the ticket is only valid for 24 or 48 hours from first use, plan your days so you don’t miss key sights due to timing. Remember, the QR code scanning process has been a sticking point for some; having a printed voucher or double-checking your access method can save frustration.

Who Is This Tour For?

This tour suits travelers looking for an easy, economical way to see Shanghai’s highlights without the commitment of a guided tour. It’s perfect if you’re on a tight schedule, want to get your bearings, or prefer exploring at your own pace. If you’re traveling with family or a group, the comfortable buses and flexible stops make logistics simpler. However, if you want detailed historical commentary, you might find the audio guides somewhat limited.

Final Thoughts

For around $17, this city sightseeing bus delivers a decent overview of Shanghai’s most photogenic and culturally rich spots. It’s an affordable, flexible, and practical way to orient yourself in this sprawling metropolis. While not perfect—thanks largely to the QR code access hiccup—it offers a solid foundation for your exploration.

The key benefit is the ability to hop on and off at your own pace, making it a good choice for first-timers or casual visitors. The extensive route options ensure you won’t miss the must-see sights, and the multilingual audio guides help make the experience more engaging.

If you’re after convenient, inexpensive transportation combined with sightseeing, this bus tour can fit the bill nicely. Just be prepared for some possible technical issues and plan your attraction visits accordingly. Overall, it’s a good starting point to get to know the vibrant streets and sights of Shanghai.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 130cm can ride for free if sitting on a parent’s lap. For a seat, a ticket must be purchased.

How long is each ride on the bus?
Each circuit lasts about one hour, but you can hop on and off as many times as you like within your ticket’s validity.

Can I visit attractions inside the stops?
No, admission tickets to attractions are not included, so you will need to purchase those separately if you want to go inside.

Are the buses accessible and comfortable?
Yes, the buses are air-conditioned, clean, and suitable for most travelers.

What stops are the most popular?
The Bund, Nanjing Road, and Yuyuan Garden are among the most visited stops, appreciated for their scenic and cultural significance.

Do I need to book in advance?
Booking online is recommended, especially since some reviews mention issues with QR code access. Be sure to prepare your voucher.

What’s the best route to maximize sightseeing?
Many travelers recommend combining line 1 and 2, as they cover all the important sites efficiently.

What are the main drawbacks?
The primary concern is the QR code access issue with Viator, which can delay boarding or cause frustration.

This bus tour offers a good starting point for exploring Shanghai in a relaxed, flexible way, especially if you’re new to the city and want to see the highlights without complex planning. While it’s not a comprehensive guided experience, its value for money and convenience make it a worthwhile option for many travelers.