Shanghai Small Group Tours & Trip Packages

Shanghai Small Group Tours & Trips

28 Shanghai trips. Tours from 13 tour companies. 207 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

9 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
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Small Group Tour
Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Three Gorges, Yangshuo

Highlights

  • See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
  • Visit a quieter section of The Great Wall
  • Cruise down the Yangtze River past the Three Gorges Dam
  • Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base near Chengdu
  • Discover rural Yangshuo and its limestone karst scenery

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
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North China Getaway
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Huangshan, Shanghai

Highlights

  • China is a land of contrasts. From soaking up the bright city lights of Shanghai’s waterfront to exploring the unearthed Terracotta Warriors outside of Xi’an, you’ll get to see it all for yourself!
  • Spend two nights at the base of the Great Wall in a locally run guesthouse, and follow in the footsteps of soldiers from hundreds of years ago when you trek the lesser-visited Gubeikou to Jinshanling section.
  • This adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get active among the wonders of China. Explore city laneways on walking tours, climb the steps of the Yellow Mountain, trek the Great Wall and cycle countryside lanes in Hongcun.
  • Two overnight trains means you'll maximise your time in each destination, get to know your fellow travellers over a game of mahjong, and have a real sense of the vast size of the country.
  • We’re all about authentic experiences, so go local every step of the way with an experienced local leader, public transport, and family-run guesthouses and lodgings wherever possible.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
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China Highlights
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Take on one of the most popular trips in China, packed full of experiences that will give you a great insight into China in just a short time.
  • Be dazzled by Shanghai’s neon lights and the stunning night skyline. Then, get a peek into what life was like in ancient times with a visit to the incredibly scenic Huishan Ancient Town and one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens – Jichang Garden.
  • Spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall of China – a great opportunity to experience local life – and take the chance for a short sunset hike over one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing with a local leader who knows all the history, tips and tricks for this fascinating and historic area.
  • Witness the incredible sight of the Terracotta Army – buried for over 2000 years, this fantastic historical wonder is an excellent example of the genius and artistic prowess of man.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Essential China
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park in Beijing
  • See giant pandas at Chengdu Breeding & Research Centre
  • Marvel at one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
  • Admire the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin
  • Discover the Bund waterfront area and French Concession of Shanghai

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium China
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Shanghai, Yangshuo

Highlights

  • Feast on authentic Chinese cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a homecooked lunch with a local family in Huizhou and a delicious duck dinner in a Beijing courtyard.
  • Take in the scenery of Yangshuo – with karst hills dotted along Li River, you’ll be surrounded by mountain views, sip on perfectly brewed green tea and take part in a traditional countryside cooking class.
  • Get a sense of the scale of China’s epic history when you come face to face with the Terracotta warriors and visit a lesser-known section of the Great Wall during an Exclusive Experience – this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all!
  • Journey to the peaceful Huizhou villages, home to the quintessential image of white walled, black tiled traditional houses, and enjoy a Feature Stay in a heritage hotel converted from the mansion home of a famous Ming Dynasty poet.
  • Discover the bright lights of modern China in Shanghai and uncover a different side of Beijing as you wander through the city’s hutongs, followed by a homecooked lunch in an authentic hutong house.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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Explore China
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Luoyang, Shanghai, Tibet

Highlights

  • Explore the Longmen Grottoes and wonder at the thousands of Buddha statues carved directly from the limestone cliffs, including the 17m high Vairocana.
  • Take a walk along the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall and see towers that date back to the Ming dynasty about 600 years ago – and perhaps opt for a toboggan ride back down.
  • Fall in love with Chinese food during a vegetarian feast at a Buddhist temple, a home-cooked lunch with a family in rural Xi’an and a Peking duck dinner in Beijing.
  • Check out the mind-blowing Terracotta Army, then head to a local’s house for lunch and some insight into how life has changed since farmers discovered the vast mausoleum.
  • Experience the art of tea in Hangzhou by visiting a local tea farmer’s home, where you can learn about the tea growing process and enjoy a hands-on demonstration during harvest season.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
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China Family Adventure
3.5/5 Great
30 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Visit the Terracotta Warriors Museum, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and create your own Terracotta Warrior under the guidance of a local expert.
  • Take a bicycle ride along Xi’an’s old city walls.
  • Climb watchtowers on a less-visited part of the Great Wall and have lunch on the observation deck of Shanghai’s iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
  • Join local masters to learn Chinese cooking or tai chi, kung fu, or traditional kite-making.

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Family Friendly

What travelers are saying

"We booked a National Geographic expedition Holland and Belgium by River. The promotional literature promised a 14-day deposit refund window. The “invoice” was marked “non-refundable” deposit. We completed the National Geographic Traveler Information. About 8 days later we received the “Travel Agreement” to be signed. We both approved and signed the National Geographic documents. A Cruise Line Travel agreement was enclosed but had no signature line. This document contained language which was unacceptable. We submitted the signed NatGeo documents. The following day we canceled the trip due to the unacceptable Cruise Line language. Cancellation was made 12 days after booking and no deposit was returned. We were told on the phone that the refund deadline was triggered by the 14 day window OR signatures on the Travel Agreement which ever came first. This was NEW information. To date, we have received NO refund of our $1000. We cancelled our trip within the advertised 14 day window."

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Highlights Of China
5/5 Excellent
7 reviews
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Explore Terracotta Warriors
  • Explore the exotic streets of the Muslim Quarter
  • Discover Tiananmen Square
  • Visit to Forbidden City

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"We have just returned from a 10 night Cambodian Experience tour with Insider Journeys from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. The tour provided an excellent overview of the country, people and culture as well as a range of experiences including tuk tuks, boat trips, cyclos, temples, pagodas and of course outstanding food experiences and tasting. Accommodation was always comfortable and clean and transport well maintained. Each day was different from the last, covering from the stark reality of the killing fields to the magnificent Angkor Wat. Free time was available for exploring as well. Our guide Virak was knowlegeable, friendly, accommodating and passionate about his country and contributed greatly to our overall positive experience. The highlights of course were Angkor Wat and the nearby temples, the home stay experience, the Cambodian people and of course the delicious food. If you want to see a broad cross section of Cambodia this tour is a great choice."

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Other trips you may like [sponsored]
Imperial China & Yangtze River Cruise
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai, Three Gorges, Yangshuo

Highlights

  • See the Terracotta Warriors in Xi'an
  • Visit a quieter section of The Great Wall
  • Cruise down the Yangtze River past the Three Gorges Dam
  • Visit the Giant Panda Breeding Research Base near Chengdu
  • Discover rural Yangshuo and its limestone karst scenery

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
North China Getaway
5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Huangshan, Shanghai

Highlights

  • China is a land of contrasts. From soaking up the bright city lights of Shanghai’s waterfront to exploring the unearthed Terracotta Warriors outside of Xi’an, you’ll get to see it all for yourself!
  • Spend two nights at the base of the Great Wall in a locally run guesthouse, and follow in the footsteps of soldiers from hundreds of years ago when you trek the lesser-visited Gubeikou to Jinshanling section.
  • This adventure offers plenty of opportunity to get active among the wonders of China. Explore city laneways on walking tours, climb the steps of the Yellow Mountain, trek the Great Wall and cycle countryside lanes in Hongcun.
  • Two overnight trains means you'll maximise your time in each destination, get to know your fellow travellers over a game of mahjong, and have a real sense of the vast size of the country.
  • We’re all about authentic experiences, so go local every step of the way with an experienced local leader, public transport, and family-run guesthouses and lodgings wherever possible.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
China Highlights
4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Visits

Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Take on one of the most popular trips in China, packed full of experiences that will give you a great insight into China in just a short time.
  • Be dazzled by Shanghai’s neon lights and the stunning night skyline. Then, get a peek into what life was like in ancient times with a visit to the incredibly scenic Huishan Ancient Town and one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese gardens – Jichang Garden.
  • Spend the night in a charming, family-run guesthouse near the Great Wall of China – a great opportunity to experience local life – and take the chance for a short sunset hike over one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
  • Explore Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City in Beijing with a local leader who knows all the history, tips and tricks for this fascinating and historic area.
  • Witness the incredible sight of the Terracotta Army – buried for over 2000 years, this fantastic historical wonder is an excellent example of the genius and artistic prowess of man.

Themes

Cultural, High Adventure, Local Immersion & Homestays, Transformative

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Essential China
4.7/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
With a wide range of trip styles, Exodus caters to every type of traveler out there- even those with specific interests from cycling to winter hiking.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate

Visits

Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai

Highlights

  • Visit Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City and Jingshan Park in Beijing
  • See giant pandas at Chengdu Breeding & Research Centre
  • Marvel at one of the best-preserved parts of the Great Wall of China at Mutianyu
  • Admire the Terracotta Warriors of Emperor Qin
  • Discover the Bund waterfront area and French Concession of Shanghai

Themes

Cultural

What travelers are saying

"Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident that Rick understood what I wanted from the trip and reassured me."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
Premium China
4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Group Tour
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Beijing, Shanghai, Yangshuo

Highlights

  • Feast on authentic Chinese cuisine during Exclusive Experiences, including a homecooked lunch with a local family in Huizhou and a delicious duck dinner in a Beijing courtyard.
  • Take in the scenery of Yangshuo – with karst hills dotted along Li River, you’ll be surrounded by mountain views, sip on perfectly brewed green tea and take part in a traditional countryside cooking class.
  • Get a sense of the scale of China’s epic history when you come face to face with the Terracotta warriors and visit a lesser-known section of the Great Wall during an Exclusive Experience – this is one of the Seven Wonders of the World, after all!
  • Journey to the peaceful Huizhou villages, home to the quintessential image of white walled, black tiled traditional houses, and enjoy a Feature Stay in a heritage hotel converted from the mansion home of a famous Ming Dynasty poet.
  • Discover the bright lights of modern China in Shanghai and uncover a different side of Beijing as you wander through the city’s hutongs, followed by a homecooked lunch in an authentic hutong house.

Themes

High Adventure

What travelers are saying

"I did the EBC trek with Intrepid in September and October. Our group missed the first 3 days of the planned 12 day trek due to bad weather. There was a real fear we would not be able to do the trek at all. Intrepid sorted out additional accommodation and flights once we were able to fly. Our group made it to EBC by missing the 2 acclimation days on the accent and descending in 3 days instead of 4. This was only possible because of the awesome staff (guides and porters) employed by Intrepid and by Intrepid's backroom staff making alternative accommodation and flight arrangements for us."

Trip dates & details
Save this trip to your favorites or other list
More
9 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected. We are displaying some similar trips.
My selections:
Small Group Tour

Shanghai Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
207  Reviews
See all Shanghai tour reviews
Excellent
85
Great
23
Average
1
Disappointing
0
Terrible
0
A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

imperial china and yangsie river cruise

Peter Wong was a very good guide. He explained in detail the history of China from the early ages until the present day. I found the trip very educational. The fas...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Captivating China

Superb trip with plenty to see and do. The Great Wall is amazing, the Terracotta Warriors fascinating as was the Han Yangling Mausoleum. The Shanghai Museum should...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

So much included

This was my first trip outside of Europe, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to step outside their travel comfort-zone and immerse themselves in a completely d...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

Hints and tips

This is not a restful trip. It is full on from the start but it gave us everything we wanted to see in China and our guide Kris made it very easy for us. She had a...

A

Anonymous

Jan 2018

Provided byExodus Travels

A great way to see all the great things in China

Have low expectations and be positive was the motto of our guide. My own expectations were exceeded! We got to see so many great things Pandas! I booked this trip ...

Write a Review

Shanghai Tour Selection Trips

  • Shanghai is usually a single stop on an extended tour of China, and it usually falls at the start or the end of the tour. If you want a tour exclusively of Shanghai, you may want to consider booking a private tour of just the city, or pick a tour which ends in the city so you can spend a couple of extra days there on your own.
  • Tours in Shanghai are primarily cultural and historical, and one way to capitalize on this experience is to go on a tour with a homestay or cultural immersion element to it.
  • Because of the language barrier, may solo travellers prefer to travel to China (and even it’s big cities) with a tour. It is easy to compare solo traveler friendly tours here on Stride.

Additional details

Best Time to Visit Shanghai

One generally touted piece of advice when traveling to Shanghai is to visit in the autumn. Temperatures are still comfortably warm between September and October (with highs on average 81F in September and a still pleasant 72F in October), and you will be avoiding the high prices and crowds of the summer.

The spring weather is also a good option, temperatures are in April around 65F, and May 74F. Shanghai tour packages at this time of year are also the best time to catch the city’s gorgeous cherry and peach blossoms.

The best time to visit certain tourist attractions can also vary. If you are a multi day tour of the city, your tour guide will likely make sure that certain attractions are experienced during the week. For example, the gorgeous and historic water town of Zhujiajiao is usually quite crowded with tourists during the weekend, so it’s recommended that you visit during the week.

What to wear in Shanghai

If you do decide to travel during Shanghai’s winter, bring a good jacket and warm clothing. Otherwise, you can feel free to dress as you might at home, though perhaps a bit more formally -- much of Shanghai dresses in Western fashions, and is very trendy.

You are expected to wear more formal clothing when eating out to dinner at night, and you may be looked down upon if you wear anything too revealing.

Also, it is important to note that Chinese clothing sizes are smaller than typical Western ones -- so if you need to replace an article of clothing, buy a couple of sizes up!

If you are a man, do not wear any green hat! In China, this is associated with being a cheat or adulterer, due to how linguistically similar the words sound in Chinese.

Is air pollution a problem in Shanghai?

Although air pollution is a more well known problem in Beijing, it is also a problem (on a lesser scale) in Shanghai. For this reason, you will still see many Chinese wearing face masks. It is not necessary for you to wear these since you are only spending a short portion of time in the city. If you are very asthmatic, it is recommended you avoid intense, outdoor exercise.

Shanghai Travel Tips

  • Despite the very modern appearance of Shanghai, you will soon find that most bathroom are still squat-toilets. Bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
  • You will have to purchase a step down converter and travel adapter plug -- most Western devices aren’t designed for the shape and voltage of Chinese plugs.
  • Don’t drink the tap water, although it is safe to brush your teeth with.
  • In Shanghai, taxi drivers prefer to be given coins over small bills anyday.
  • If you are dining outside of tourist areas, you may have to ask for rice immediately. The Chinese consider rice a cheap way to get full at the end of your meal, so asking for mifan mashang (rice immediately) is your best way to get some.

Always Find the Best

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