Shanghai Cruise Port Layover Tour Guide

China offers 24/144-hour visa-free transit policy for Shanghai-Jiangsu-Zhejiang province, which is a great opportunity for travelers to experience modern Shanghai. Travelers can stay in Shanghai, any cities in Jiangsu and Zhejiang province within the time limit, and not allowed for visiting other cities in mainland China. Please check the detailed information here.

Shanghai has three major cruise ports now, Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Shanghai Waigaoqiao Port Zone Wharf. In general, most of the international cruises will board at Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal.

Distance from Shanghai Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal

To Shanghai downtown: 25 km, 1 hour for one way

To Zhujiajiao Water Town: 80 km, 1.5 h for one way

To Suzhou: 110 km, 2.5 h for one way

To Hangzhou: 210 km, 3.5 h for one way

How to plan your Shanghai cruise port layover tour?

In general, traveler has 1-2 days layover time according to ship information. For 1 day trip, you can explore the essence of Shanghai, or enjoy beautiful views at one of the ancient water town. For city highlights in one day from Shanghai port, don’t miss Yu Garden, Bund and one of towering buildings at Pudong New area. Travel to one of water town to experience the traditional and tranquil Chinese small town for waterways, bridges and ancient buildings, like Zhujiajiao, Zhouzhuang, Tongli and Xitang Water Town. Check these top things to do for the Shanghai port layover tour.   

Classic Shanghai Cruise Port Day Tour

Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai Port

Zhouzhuang Water Town Day Tour from Shanghai Cruise Port

1 Day Tongli Water Town Tour from Shanghai Cruise Port

1 Day Shanghai Cruise Port Tour Enjoy Charming Xitang Water Town

If you have 2 days, you can take an in-depth exploration in Shanghai city, or spare 1 day to Suzhou, Hangzhou or water town. In Suzhou, enjoy the classic and charming garden and Zhouzhuang Water Town. In Hangzhou, take a scenic boat on the West Lake and marvel at the historic Lingyin Temple, wonderful travel experience that will last for a long time!

2 Days Shanghai Layover Tour from Port

2 Days Shanghai Shore Excursions Exploring City Essence & Zhujiajiao Water Town

2 Days Suzhou Shanghai Tour from Shanghai Cruise Port

2 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Tour from Shanghai Cruise Port

Food to try during Shanghai port layover tour

Besides, there are lots of snacks in Shanghai to savor, such as famous Xiaolongbao, fried bun, Yangchun noodles, traditional Shanghai meal like wined chicken, eight-treasure delicious duck, goose liver sauce, steamed Dazha crabs etc.

Night show and night view

In the evening, you can take incredible acrobatics show or Shanghai circus world for relaxing. Or you can enjoy the amazing city view in the evening, you will understand why Shanghai also called the city that never sleeps. Stroll along the Bund, enjoy credible light show casting on the towering modern buildings and European-style mansions. Or you can ascend to one of the skyscrapers and have a birds view of whole city, such as Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl Tower. Or take a night cruise on the Huangpu River and enjoy a romantic dinner here!

Shopping

There are plenty of shopping and relaxing spots in Shanghai, you will be surprised like modern Nanjing Road with lots of famous brands attracting million of visitor every day, while Xintiandi combines the ancient Shikumen buildings and modern bars here, a lively place for international travelers. If some of you prefer to artist shop, highly recommend Tianzifang, it’s an amazing place full of galleries, boutique shops and bars along the narrow street.

If you are not sure whether you are qualified to apply for free visa or want to customize your Shanghai port layover tour, don’t hesitate to contact us!