Shanghai is a city that offers much more than just towering skyscrapers and bustling streets. Its lunch experiences are an exciting way to dive into authentic local flavors, explore historic water towns, or enjoy stunning city views—all packed into half or full-day tours. We particularly love the Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch for its perfect blend of ancient water town charm and top city sights. Imagine cruising along canals, then strolling through the Yu Garden, or taking in the skyline from the Shanghai Tower. These tours give you a real taste of Shanghai’s diverse charm, with plenty of chances to enjoy authentic food along the way.
Whether you’re after a personalized private tour, a scenic water town cruise, or a city highlights experience with included meals, Shanghai has something to satisfy every appetite—both gourmet and cultural. Below, we’ve rounded up the 11 best lunch experiences, each offering a different slice of what makes Shanghai special.
1. Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch
This private tour is perfect if you want maximum flexibility and comfort. Over 8 hours, you’ll explore the charming water town of Zhujiajiao on a boat—and visit iconic Shanghai sites like Yu Garden, the Bund, and the Shanghai Tower. The tour includes a delicious lunch in a local restaurant, making it a comprehensive day of sightseeing and tasting. Guests praise guides like Snow and Lin for their knowledge and helpfulness, which makes the experience both informative and enjoyable. The tour’s private nature means no waiting or crowded groups, ideal for families or small groups wanting a tailored day. At $229 per person, the value lies in personalized service and access to both city highlights and a peaceful water village.
Bottom line: Best for travelers seeking a balanced mix of water town charm, city highlights, and local cuisine with the comfort of a private guide.
2. Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner
This full-day adventure covers two of China’s most beautiful ancient water towns—Wuzhen and Xitang. Starting with a 9-10 hour round trip, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise in Wuzhen, explore cobbled streets, and cross picturesque bridges. Later, Xitang offers a spectacular sunset and riverside dinner, with opportunities to see filming locations from Mission Impossible III. The tour includes lunch in Wuzhen and a riverside dinner, making it a full sensory experience. Guests rave about the knowledgeable guides and tasty local food, including the opportunity to photograph stunning views at sunset.
Bottom line: Excellent for those wanting a deep dive into traditional water town life, with a full meal experience in both towns. Perfect for history and photography lovers.
3. Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner
This customizable private tour offers a flexible 5-hour exploration of Shanghai’s highlights. It includes a river cruise, a visit to the Shanghai Tower’s observatory, and a meal—either lunch or dinner. The tour is ideal if you want to see the city from different angles, with some of the best views from the Shanghai Tower and the river. Guests mention the guide’s helpful insights and the comfort of the private vehicle. It’s a shorter option but packed with iconic sights and a chance to indulge in local cuisine.
Bottom line: Great for travelers with limited time who want a personalized experience combining city views, river scenery, and good food.
4. Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo Tour with Boating, Tea Tasting, Lunch
This combo tour offers a full-day experience blending city life with water town serenity for about 8 hours. You start with Zhujiajiao, enjoying a boat ride and tea tasting, then explore Shanghai’s lesser-known spots like Nanshi Old Town and Yuyuan Bazaar. It’s perfect for travelers who want an intimate, private experience that combines off-the-beaten-path attractions with classic water town charm. The tour includes lunch and the chance to experience traditional Chinese tea, making it a cultural feast as well.
Bottom line: Ideal for those who prefer a personalized, immersive day that combines the best of old water towns and authentic local life, all with a private guide.
5. Private Customized Shanghai Shore Excursion Tour of City Highlights with Lunch
This shore excursion is designed for cruise travelers wanting flexibility. It’s a private tour that can be tailored to your interests, whether that’s The Bund, the French Concession, or Shanghai Museum. The tour includes lunch, a private car, and hotel or port pickup. Travelers love the personalized approach, with guides offering insider tips and customized itineraries based on your preferences. This is perfect if you want to focus on specific sights or neighborhoods.
Bottom line: Best for cruise passengers or short-stay visitors who want a flexible, private introduction to Shanghai with local food included.
6. HuangPu River Ferry Boat & Highlights Bike Tour With Local Lunch
For those who like active days, this bike tour combines city sights with a bit of exercise. You’ll explore less-traveled streets and landmarks like the Bund, Nanjing Road, and Lujiazui, using a bike and helmet included in the price. The route includes a ferry ride across the Huangpu River, offering spectacular skyline views, and ends with a local lunch. The tour is suitable for first-timers and those comfortable on a bike, with rave reviews for the fun and informative guide.
Bottom line: Ideal for active travelers who want to see Shanghai from a different perspective and enjoy a hearty local meal afterward.
7. Half Day Private Tour to Zhaojialou Ancient Town with Lunch and Boat Ride
This half-day private tour takes you to Zhaojialou, an ancient water town about 5 hours long. You’ll explore old streets, take a boat ride along canals, and enjoy a local lunch or early dinner. The tour emphasizes history and culture, with the guide sharing stories of the town’s agricultural roots. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed pace and an authentic experience outside Shanghai’s busy city center.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers interested in history and culture, wanting a shorter but rich water town experience.
8. Private Shanghai Layover Tour to Zhaojialou Water Town with Lunch or Dinner
Designed for short layovers, this private tour takes about 5-6 hours. You’ll visit Zhaojialou, explore Ming and Qing architecture, enjoy a gondola ride, and have a tasty local meal. The guide handles all logistics, making it a smooth way to see a water town without missing your connection. The reviews highlight the helpfulness and personal touch of guides like Sunny and Ella, making this a practical option for tight schedules.
Bottom line: Best for travelers with limited time who want a quick yet immersive visit to a traditional water town.
9. 8-Hr Shanghai City Tour Opt for Homemade Lunch
This full-day city tour offers a chance to experience local family life with a homemade lunch. It combines visits to Fuxing Park, with its lively local activities, and other key sights like the Bund and Yuyuan Garden. The highlight is the authentic home-cooked meal with local hosts, giving you insight into everyday Shanghai life. Reviews mention the warmth of the experience and the opportunity to learn about health benefits of tea and local customs.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want an authentic, cultural meal combined with sightseeing in a friendly, informal setting.
10. Coach Day Tour: Classic and Modern Shanghai with Lunch
This coach tour covers 10 hours of Shanghai’s contrasts—from the historic Old Street and Yuyuan Garden to the ultra-modern Lujiazui skyline. It includes visits to the Shanghai History Museum and shopping at Pearl City Market. A Chinese lunch is included, making it a budget-friendly way to see many highlights efficiently. Reviewers appreciate the guides’ knowledge and the mix of old and new.
Bottom line: Suitable for travelers wanting a rundown of Shanghai’s diverse neighborhoods without the hassle of planning.
11. Shanghai: Chongming Island Private Tour with Lunch
This private tour takes you to Chongming Island, about 9 hours of exploring parks, lakes, and forests. You’ll enjoy a farmhouse lunch and visit sites like Xisha Pearl Lake and Dongping National Forest Park. It’s a quieter, nature-focused option, ideal for travelers craving a break from urban sights. The tour is flexible, with a professional guide to tailor the day.
Bottom line: Best suited for nature lovers or those seeking a more relaxed, scenic day outside Shanghai’s city buzz.
$1,036 per group up to 3
How to Choose Your Perfect Lunch Experience in Shanghai
When choosing among these options, consider your budget, time, and what kind of experience you’re craving. Want a personalized day with a private guide and authentic meals? Tours like Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch or the Private Shanghai City and Zhujiajiao Combo are excellent. If you’re short on time but want a quick taste of water town charm, the Layover Tour to Zhaojialou will work well.
For active travelers, the HuangPu River Ferry and Bike Tour combines exercise with sightseeing. Budget-conscious visitors may prefer the Coach Day Tour, which covers many highlights at a lower price point.
Timing is key—many tours operate year-round, but spring and fall offer more comfortable weather for outdoor activities. Book early, especially for private and popular day trips, to secure your preferred dates.
Final Thoughts
Shanghai’s lunch experiences go beyond just eating; they’re about enjoying local culture, history, and stunning scenery. For those seeking a balanced mix of water town serenity and city sophistication, the Shanghai: Private Shanghai & Zhujiajiao Tour with Lunch stands out. History buffs and culture lovers might prefer the Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Tour, while active explorers can enjoy the Bike and Ferry Tour.
No matter your style, early booking is wise—these tours fill up quickly. Use this guide to pick the right experience for your taste and schedule, then get ready for a delicious, memorable day in Shanghai.