Language and currency
Private route · 5 days
Shanghai: 5-Day Private Tour (2027)
A gentle family stay in Shanghai balancing Disneyland and marine life with quiet water-town lanes and daily rest time.
- Duration
- 5 days · 4 nights
- Pace
- Easy-going (1 of 4)
- Cities
- Shanghai
- Best for
- Families with children aged three to twelve
- Best months
- Mar–May, Sep–Nov
Who it's for
Designed for families travelling with young children, this stay balances Disneyland, the aquarium and historic canal lanes with time to rest. Staying in one hotel avoids repacking and leaves room for naps and unhurried meals. Children under 2 travel free; ages 2-11 pay 70% of the adult price; ages 12 and over pay the adult price.
The route
- 1. Shanghai4 nights
Highlights
- Shanghai Disneyland at a family pace, with dated park tickets booked in advance
- Marine life and walk-through underwater tunnels at Shanghai Ocean Aquarium
- Canal lanes and historic stone bridges in Zhujiajiao water town
- An unhurried evening stroll along the Bund promenade overlooking the river
Day by day
- Morning
Arrive at Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport and transfer to your hotel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included.
AfternoonUnpack and rest at the hotel so children can nap or recover comfortably after the flight.
EveningTake an easy stroll on the Bund promenade to see the evening skyline across the river, followed by dinner nearby.
- Morning
Visit Shanghai Ocean Aquarium in Lujiazui to explore the underwater tunnels, an indoor visit for a calm first full day.
AfternoonReturn to the hotel for a quiet rest and some downtime.
EveningEnjoy a short walk in the Lujiazui riverside green space before an early dinner near your hotel.
- Morning
Travel to Shanghai Disneyland by private car with age-appropriate child seats included. Explore at the children's pace, with dated park tickets booked in advance.
AfternoonTake a quiet break mid-afternoon for a relaxed sit-down meal or rest in shaded park areas.
EveningReturn to the hotel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included for an early dinner and an early night.
- Morning
Take a slow morning and rest at the hotel after the park day, keeping breakfast unhurried.
AfternoonTravel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included for a half day in Zhujiajiao water town in Shanghai's Qingpu district, exploring stone bridges and canal lanes with an optional short boat ride.
EveningHead back to the hotel by private car with age-appropriate child seats included for an early dinner.
- Morning
Spend an easy morning close to your hotel with a relaxed walk through People's Square park or Fuxing Park.
AfternoonTransfer to Shanghai Pudong or Hongqiao airport by private car with age-appropriate child seats included, timed to your flight.
EveningFly home or onward, depending on your flight time.
When to go
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November bring comfortable temperatures for walking outdoors with children.
“I always schedule a quiet break during Disneyland and keep the following morning clear. Children usually cope better when the water-town walk starts after lunch.”
Two ways to take this route
Same route. Travel on your own, or with a guide every day.
Independent
From $1,300 per person
We book hotels, high-speed trains and tickets, and you travel on your own with the LocalKey app. Add a private guide for the days you choose.
- Guide
- No full-time guide; add a guide for set times or sights
- Car
- On request
Private Guided
From $2,000 per person
Your own guide and private car throughout, so sights, meals and transfers are handled with you.
- Guide
- English-speaking private guide throughout
- Car
- Private car throughout
Included on both
- Hotels selected by us, confirmed by you, usually with breakfast
- Transport inside China: high-speed rail, domestic flights and transfers, including 12306 handling
- Entrance tickets for the sights in your itinerary
- Restaurant bookings made ahead where China requires it
- 24h WhatsApp / WeChat support while you travel, plus the LocalKey app
Not included
- International flights — we can book them on request, quoted separately
- Visa fees — many passports can enter China visa-free. Check your passport
- Personal spending and shopping
- Travel insurance
Make it yours
Keep the shape. Change the details.
Shorter or longer
Drop a stop for a shorter trip, or add a city or extra nights where you want more time.
Different hotels
Boutique, international brand or family rooms, in the area that suits your days.
Slower pace
An extra night in a city and fewer early starts.
Your interests
Food, photography, museums or kung fu, swapped into the free time.
Related itineraries
A few more starting points.
5 daysShanghai · SuzhouShanghai + Suzhou: 5 Days, Soft Landing
- Independent
- from $1,400 per person
- Private Guided
- from $2,200 per person
9 daysBeijing · Xi'an · ShanghaiFirst Time China: 9 Days, Beijing + Xi'an + Shanghai
- Independent
- from $2,400 per person
- Private Guided
- from $3,800 per person
7 daysShanghai · Hangzhou · SuzhouModern + Poetic: 7 Days, Shanghai + Hangzhou + Suzhou
- Independent
- from $1,800 per person
- Private Guided
- from $2,900 per person
Per person · reference price for 2 travelers sharing · international flights not included. Upgraded hotels, extra car or guide time and special requests can raise the price. Your consultant sends a written quote before you pay anything. Reference prices for 2027 trips.
Start planning
Where would you like to begin in China?
Tell us your dates and who is travelling. A specialist replies within 24 hours with questions, then a written proposal; nothing is booked until you approve it.