Private Tour
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.
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
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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)
Select a pickup point
Yu Garden (Yuyuan)
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.
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
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
13 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
204minac,
Aug 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
Sunny 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!



Daniel F,
Jun 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
This 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
Angela D,
May 17, 2025
- Review from Viator
Annie 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.
Bennett R,
Apr 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
Beautiful gardens, excellent guide. We could not have enjoyed the gardens with out her assistance and expertise
131clinicae,
Jan 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
I requested a Tea Ceremony and Sunny took me to old town, around Yu Garden, on the holiday of Jan 1st. Shanghai was very crowded and Sunny expertly navigated us through, to have our appointment with a great Tea Specialist, who explained, taught about and prepared different teas, their use and history. Enlightening experience
Arthur K,
Sep 19, 2024
- Review from Viator
This was an excellent tour. The guide was pleasant and very knowledged. One of the best tours ever. I would highly recommend this tour.
theodoregonedes,
Jun 30, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
The guide was exceptional as she has long history of China to share. Knew all the local spots, arranged amazing tea ceremony and improvised by taking us to the Shanghai Tower super quickly. Having a local guide gave us such insight into the history
kedma C,
May 4, 2024
- Review from Viator
I had a wonderful trip going to Yu Yuan. May was an excellent tour guide anc very knowledgeable. she was wonderful about explaining elements of the Chinese garden and architecture, which I find fascinating. . She gave me a very good tour of the entire area and answered all my questions. We went to a restaurant with a little tea shop on the second floor and were able to have a lovely tea ceremony in a private room. I was able to choose five different kinds of tea and we were able to have a lovely tea ceremony in a private room. I was able to choose five different kinds of teas for tasting. Each of them was prepared in a different kind of teapot. It was really an amazing experience and it made my trip to Shanghai special. I only I bought a couple kinds of tea, but there was definitely hope by the owner that I would buy more.
w88zkjbdbf,
Jun 24, 2023
- Review from Viator
Brilliant tour. Annie and the team went above and beyond to ensure great memories were made. Very knowledgable and very flexible to accommodate our needs. Highly recommend booking this tour to see Yu Gardens if you want to have a professional and great experience.
W977RTjenns,
Apr 1, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
I had a wonderful morning with tour guide Annie It was great to get out and see the old city on foot. Yu Garden is beautiful! Annie had lots of stories and was very knowledgeable about the history as well as the cultural meaning of the architecture and landscape in the garden. She was a good companion and I had a great time. I would highly recommend this to anyone especially a solo traveller like me.
Operated by Sunny Private Tours