Private Tour
3-Hour Shanghai Yu Garden &Old Town Private Tour with Tea Tasting
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Visiting Shanghai without seeing the Old Town is not a complete trip. This private 2-hour walking tour takes you to explore the famous Yu Garden and old street where you can appreciate the 5-century old private garden as well as to have a glimpse of charming Qing-Dynasty architecture in the old town bazaar. Enjoy a more personalized and fun experience navigating the colorful old neighborhood with your local knowledgeable guide and gain a great insight into the local culture plus the life in the old and new city.
Additional Info
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult
If your hotel is not located in downtown Shanghai, an arrangement can be made to meet near the downtown area
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Yu Garden
Your local friendly guide will meet you at your downtown Shanghai hotel lobby, then head up to the old town area. Pay a visit to the 5-century old elegant garden once built by the government officer to please his parents, delve yourself in the poetic and tranquil scenery with beautiful rockeries, steams, ponds and pavilions, listening to the local old customs, history and culture from your knowledgeable guide; marvel at the charming Qing Dynasty architectures and amazing 21st century artistic skyscrapers while walking through lucky nine-turning zigzag bridge and the oldest Hu Xin Ting Tea house.
Old Town (Nanshi)
Continue your tour to old town bazaar in the small streets to explore the local market and vendors. There are tea, antiques, local folks, souvenirs and toys to everyday items and clothing, and random weirdness. Here take a sit and enjoy a nice /cutural tea ceremony and taste high quality tea. In addition , you may also enjoy explore the fun shopping wonderland and to select some local souvenirs with the assistance of your expert guide.
What‘s Included
Private tour services
Tea tasting/ceremony
Hotel pick up (Only for hotels located in downtown area. Pick up does not include hotels in the outskirts such as Jiading, Songjiang ,Qingpu ,Jinqiao, Chuansha in Pudong areas etc. If your hotel is not in the downtown area your guide will give you instructions to the meeting point downtown)
Entrance fees to Yu garden
Local transportation ( For a party of 1-4 pax , you will be traveled in the local premieum uber, for a party of more than 4 pax , private air-conditioned mini van will be provided)
Professional and knowledgeable English-speaking guide
Gratuities
Personal expenses
Outskit hotel pick up & drop off(Airport/Disneyland Songjiang etc,can be arranged at surcharge)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
Morning Departure
2-Hour Private Tour of Yu garden and Old Town ,local great guide, hotel pick up and entrance fees to Yu garden are all inclusive
Pickup included
Afternoon Departure
2-Hour Private Tour of Yu garden and Old Town ,local great guide, hotel pick up and entrance fees to Yu garden are all inclusive
Pickup included
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Lovely Gardens
Robert P,Mar 17, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Michael was excellent. Knowledgeable, respectful and attentive. The tour itself was lovely and definitely worth the visit.
Highly recommended
aleejandrat,Feb 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a very fun experience, Feifei was our guide, showed us the garden perfectly and told us about the history of the place. They were just the decorations for the new year and we loved it! gave us many tips in general about the city too and was very helpful. The experience in the teahouse was nice, we bought several teas there, although later we found other stores with more variety and better price, maybe we should only have bought 1 or 2 but in the end the experience was generally good.
Yu Garden and Tea
Mark W,Nov 23, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00My guide Sunni met me at the hotel and we headed off to Old Town to see the shops and visit Yu Garden. The Qing dynasty garden is an amazing collection of pond, pavilions and bonsai, I spent a short time there but you easily spend hours, it does get crowded. We went and had a tea tasting in old town, Sunni’s family has a tea plantation and she was in the know on types and preparation. Highly recommend this tour.
An interesting tour with a great host
Gmjones1958,Nov 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were met at our hotel by our host Annie. As it was such a lovely day and the gardens not too far away, Annie suggested that stroll along the Bund. A great option as we popped into the HSBC bank to view its lovely interior. The garden and mansion wax very interesting, even if a bit crowded. Annie was extremely helpful as she showed us how to use the metro and we bought tickets for our evening food tour.
Yu Garden and Tea Ceremony
Sue J,Nov 19, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00A great tour of the Yu garden and tea ceremony. Annie was an excellent guide and provided lots of useful information.
Amazing!
stormyleet,Nov 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Melinda was amazing! She was extremely thorough and informative and made sure to look after me. I learnt so much about China and Shanghai's culture. The Yu Garden and Old Town is so stunning and such a vibe. The tea tasting was great and also informative. I'm not the biggest tea fanatic but I've definitely found my tea. The tea culture is alot different I've found. You get a break down on what effect each tea has on your body! Overall, amazing scenery, culture and guide.
Meaningful and educational
204minac,Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Sunny was just that. Sunny positive disposition, open to cultural discussions and smart. She was able to narrow down my wants and create an experience just for me. The silk tour was very interesting and the tea stop was authentic. I will save Sunny’s information for the next trip!
This 3-hour tour was the...
Daniel F,Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00This 3-hour tour was the perfect way to explore Shanghai’s rich history. Yu Garden was beautiful and peaceful, and our guide shared great insights about its architecture and cultural significance. The tea tasting was a real highlight – we sampled several traditional Chinese teas and learned about their origins and health benefits. The tea host was friendly and made the experience feel authentic. Highly recommended if you want a short but meaningful cultural experience in Shanghai
Great tour!
Angela D,May 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Annie was the perfect guide for us. She showed us around old Shanghai and told us the history of the Yu Gardens. We definitely felt comfortable and like we learned a lot. She also took some great photos of us! Highly recommend.
Beautiful gardens,...
Bennett R,Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful gardens, excellent guide. We could not have enjoyed the gardens with out her assistance and expertise
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Operated by Sunny Private Tours