Shanghai: Wukang Road, Bund, & Circus Day Tour

Imagine a day immersed in Shanghai’s vibrant history, striking architecture, and lively arts scene—all packed into a well-organized tour for about $437 per person. With a friendly bilingual guide leading the way, you’ll visit the charming Wukang Road, cruise along the Huangpu River, enjoy a themed lunch, and finish with a dazzling circus show. The itinerary balances cultural discovery, eye-catching sights, and entertainment, making it a well-rounded introduction to this dynamic city.

What we really love about this experience are two things: First, the detailed architectural tour of Wukang Road, where you get to decode Art Deco details and uncover hidden stories within the buildings. Second, the evening circus at Shanghai Circus World, which offers a high-energy performance with spectacular acts like “Time Loop” and “Extreme Dreams”—truly memorable moments that aren’t just for kids.

A possible consideration is the full day’s schedule, which can be quite packed for some travelers, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace or have mobility constraints. The tour involves a fair amount of walking and multiple transitions, but it’s all designed to maximize your exposure to key sights without feeling rushed.

This tour suits travelers who want a comprehensive yet authentic taste of Shanghai—those eager to explore iconic neighborhoods, see jaw-dropping performances, and learn about the city’s history through engaging stories and visual cues. It’s ideal for first-time visitors who want a balanced mix of culture, architecture, and entertainment.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Insights: The guided architectural tour of Wukang Road reveals Art Deco details and hidden stories.
• Iconic Landmarks: Highlights include the Bund’s historic buildings and the Huangpu River cruise with sunset views.
• Dynamic Shows: Enjoy a spectacular Shanghai Circus performance with backstage access and engaging acts.
• Local Cuisine: A themed lunch at Paramount Restaurant offers familiar flavors like braised pork and noodles.
• Engaging Activities: Unique extras like a Republic-era escape room and a Qipao flash mob enrich the experience.
• Comprehensive Schedule: The full day covers history, architecture, river views, and entertainment, providing great value.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Shanghai: Wukang Road, Bund, & Circus Day Tour

Starting with Wukang Road: A Slice of Art Deco Elegance

Our day begins in the historic Wukang Road, an area often overlooked by travelers but packed with charm. Our guide, whose name I wish I remembered, quickly points out the Wukang Building, a 1920s masterpiece that combines international Art Deco and Chinese architectural elements. The ship-shaped facade and geometric lines tell stories of Shanghai’s cosmopolitan past. The guide explains how decoding Morse messages hidden in the corridors is a fun way to see architecture as a kind of secret language—something few travelers get to do on their own.

Walking along Wukang Road, we stop at Ba Jin’s former residence. His original manuscripts are displayed, giving us a glimpse into the literary scene of old Shanghai. We also sip “Eileen Chang’s favorite” Viennese coffee at a cozy retro café—an unexpected treat that adds a personal touch to the experience. As one reviewer put it, “It’s like walking through a living museum, with stories at every turn.”

The Shanghai Eternal Love Show at Pudong’s Expo Park

Next, we head to Pudong’s Expo Park to catch the Shanghai Eternal Love Show. The venue’s golden-seat viewing enhances the spectacle, which includes three acts: “Origin of Shanghai,” “Concession Era,” and “Modern Age.” Each segment is beautifully crafted, blending visuals, music, and storytelling to illustrate Shanghai’s evolution.

The show’s highlight is the chance to take photos with an actor portraying Xu Wenqiang from the famous “The Bund” series—a fun nod to pop culture. The show feels well-produced, mixing historical narrative with entertainment, making it accessible even for those with limited knowledge of Chinese history.

Lunch at Paramount Restaurant: A Taste of Local Flavors

Refueling with a themed lunch at the historic Paramount Restaurant, we enjoy braised pork and yellow croaker noodles—comfort food that’s both hearty and authentic. The meal is included in the tour price, which, for the experience and convenience, offers significant value.

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Exploring Shanghai’s Architectural Heritage & River Views

Post-lunch, we transfer to the Bund for a guided architecture tour. Our guide explains the significance of the Customs Building and why the clock plays “The East Is Red”—a detail that surprises many first-timers. The footage from the 1920s displayed in the area really brings history alive.

The Huangpu River cruise follows, offering an excellent opportunity to see Lujiazui’s skyscrapers and the city skyline during sunset. The views are impressive, and the gentle boat ride provides a relaxing break from walking.

Evening Entertainment at Shanghai Circus World

As evening falls, we head to Shanghai Circus World for the ERA Intersection of Time show. This high-energy spectacle features acts like “Time Loop” and “Extreme Dreams,” with impressive acrobatics, costumes, and stage technology. The show is suitable for all ages and offers a “time-bending” experience that’s both fun and awe-inspiring.

The backstage access included in the ticket adds an extra layer of insight, allowing us to see how the performers prepare for their acts. Multiple reviews mention how “the acts are breathtaking,” and it’s clear that this is a highlight of the tour.

Practical Details & Value

The tour’s price includes all attraction tickets, a bilingual guide, air-conditioned transport, hotel pickup, and a Bund cruise. These inclusions make it a convenient and cost-effective option, especially considering the number of sights covered. You won’t need to worry about tickets or logistics—everything is handled for you.

The schedule is designed to avoid 90% of crowds, making for a more relaxed experience. However, it still involves a fair amount of walking and moving between sites, so comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended. The tour is not suited for children under 6 or those with mobility issues due to the physical nature of some activities.

The tour operates in multiple languages, including English, French, Spanish, and more, making it accessible to a diverse group.

What about the value?

Given the full day of activities—covering history, architecture, river views, and entertainment—the $437 price tag offers strong value, especially since meals and tickets are included. Compared to booking each activity separately, this package saves you both time and money.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is best for travelers eager to see a broad spectrum of Shanghai’s highlights without the hassle of planning each detail. It’s ideal for first-timers who want a structured day packed with memorable sights and performances. If you’re interested in architecture and history but also crave lively entertainment, this tour hits that sweet spot. However, if you prefer a slow pace or are sensitive to busy schedules, you might find it a bit rushed.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded, engaging look at Shanghai’s architecture, history, and modern entertainment, making it perfect for those wanting to get a true sense of the city’s soul. The combination of architectural exploration, river views, cultural shows, and lively performances means you’ll leave with a richer understanding and plenty of photos.

It’s especially useful for travelers who want to make the most of a single day—covering iconic sites and local flavors—without feeling overwhelmed or lost. The inclusions and planned itinerary ensure you experience the city’s best, while the variety of activities keeps the day lively and memorable.

Overall, if you’re after an authentic, fun, and insightful introduction to Shanghai, this tour is a strong choice—and a great way to see the city’s contrasts and characters in a single day.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup, making it easy to start your day without logistical worries.

How long does the tour last?
While the exact duration isn’t specified, it’s a full-day experience, likely around 8-10 hours, depending on traffic and group pace.

Are all attraction tickets included?
Yes, all attraction tickets, including the Wukang Road tour, the Shanghai Eternal Love Show, and the circus show, are covered.

Can I book the tour in my preferred language?
The tour is offered in several languages, including English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, and more, to suit diverse travelers.

Is there a meal included?
Yes, a themed lunch at Paramount Restaurant with local dishes is included in the price.

Are children allowed on this tour?
It’s not suitable for children under 6 years old, mainly due to the schedule and physical activities.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes and sunscreen are recommended, as the tour involves walking and outdoor exposure.

What if it rains?
Complementary rain gear is provided, and the schedule is optimized to avoid most crowds and bad weather.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

This comprehensive tour provides a thoughtfully curated day through Shanghai’s past and present, blending cultural insights with lively entertainment. It’s a fantastic choice for those wanting to dive into the city’s character without the stress of planning every detail themselves.

You can check availability for your dates here: