The Bund Shanghai Culture Walking Tour Price You Won't Believe

China Explorer Tour

·October 17, 2025

·9 min read

A cultural walking tour on Shanghai's Bund can cost anywhere from a few dollars to over $150 USD per person. This huge price difference often surprises visitors. The final cost depends on the tour type, its length, and what it includes.

Note: This guide is your key to understanding the bund shanghai culture walking tour price. You will learn how to find the perfect tour that fits your budget and travel style. Let's help you get the best value for your money.

Key Takeaways

Bund walking tours have different prices. Some tours are cheap, and some are expensive.
The tour price changes based on what it includes. Longer tours with more activities cost more money.
You can choose a group tour or a private tour. Private tours cost more but give you a special experience.
Good guides with special skills make tours better. Their knowledge adds to the tour's value and price.

The Bund Shanghai Culture Walking Tour Price: A Full Breakdown

The price of a walking tour on The Bund changes based on what you get. You can find options for every budget. Let's explore what your money can buy, from free explorations to all-inclusive private journeys.

Budget-Friendly Options

You can explore The Bund's history without spending much money. Many travelers choose budget-friendly options to see the sights.

Self-Guided Tours: You can be your own guide. Apps like GPSmyCity offer self-guided walking tours for The Bund. You can download a map to your phone and explore at your own pace. This option gives you complete freedom.
"Pay-What-You-Wish" Tours: These tours are technically free to book. You might pay a small booking fee, sometimes as low as $5, to reserve your spot. At the end of the tour, you tip your guide based on your experience.
A Friendly Tip: Guides on these tours work hard. A suggested contribution is often around $25–$30 per person. This amount reflects the value and length of the tour.
Ultra-Low-Cost Tours: You can find some group tours advertised for incredibly low prices, with some starting from just $2.33. These are basic tours. They will guide you along The Bund but may not offer deep cultural insights.

Mid-Range Group Tours

Mid-range tours offer a great balance of price and value. These tours often include extra perks that make your experience more memorable. You can expect to pay between $50 and $100 per person.

A great example is a private tour that costs around $62. It often includes a delicious local dumpling tasting. These tours provide more than just a walk. They add a taste of Shanghai's culinary culture. Other mid-range tours might include:

A guided walk through Old Shanghai.
Tastings of local foods like xiaolongbao (soup dumplings).
Entry into the Shanghai History Museum.

The price for these tours can also depend on your group size. A tour operator might charge per person, with the total cost increasing with more people.

Number of People	Price (CNY)
1 Person	¥220.00
2 People	¥440.00
3 People	¥660.00
4 People	¥880.00
5 People	¥1,100.00

This pricing model is common for small private or group tours. It shows how the cost adjusts for different group sizes.

Premium and Private Tours

For the most comfortable and in-depth experience, you should consider a premium or private tour. These tours cost over $100, but they offer unparalleled service and convenience. The higher the bund shanghai culture walking tour price here reflects a fully managed, stress-free day.

You will find options like a $120 small group tour or a $138 flexible full-day tour. However, for the best all-inclusive value, especially for families, the 1 Day Shanghai Tour by China Explorer Tour is an excellent choice. At $150 per adult, this private tour provides a complete Shanghai experience.

What does a premium tour include? This tour is more than just a walk along The Bund. It is a full-day adventure that covers:
A professional, private English-speaking guide.
Visits to Yu Garden and the historic Old Town.
A delicious local Xiaolongbao lunch.
Stunning city views from the Oriental Pearl Tower.
All entrance fees and in-city transportation.

Choosing a private tour like this means you get a flexible schedule and personal attention from your guide. It removes all the stress of planning. If you want even more control, brands like China Explorer Tour also offer fully tailor-made itineraries. You can build your perfect day from scratch. This option ensures the bund shanghai culture walking tour price perfectly matches the unique experience you desire.

Key Factors That Influence Cost

You now know the price range for a Bund walking tour. But what exactly are you paying for? Several key factors determine the final cost. Understanding these elements helps you see why one tour is $10 while another is $150.

Tour Duration and Inclusions

The length of a tour and what it includes are major price drivers. A longer tour usually costs more, but the details matter.

A four-hour walking tour of Old Shanghai might cost around $65. In contrast, a shorter 2.5-hour private tour with a local dumpling tasting can be priced at US$102.03. This shows that special inclusions, like food, add significant value and cost. Some food tours, priced around $69, build the cost of all tastings directly into the ticket. You pay one price for the full culinary experience.

Entrance fees also affect the total price. If your tour includes visits to famous sites, the ticket costs are part of the package.

Yu Garden tickets start at $28 per person.
Oriental Pearl Tower tickets range from $27.95 to over $51.68, depending on what you want to see and do.

A Quick Note on Customization: Customizing your tour can also change the price. Basic changes to a private tour itinerary often do not add extra costs. However, requesting pickup or drop-off outside central Shanghai, such as at the airport or cruise terminals, will incur extra fees.

Group Size: Private vs. Group

The number of people on your tour greatly influences the price you pay. You have two main choices: a group tour or a private tour.

Group Tours are more affordable because you share the guide's cost with other travelers. These tours can range from "pay-what-you-wish" options with large crowds to more intimate small-group experiences. For example, some specialized walking tours limit the size to a maximum of 8 people. This ensures you get more personal attention from the guide.

Private Tours are more expensive but offer the best experience. You get a dedicated guide just for you and your family or friends. This provides several key benefits:

Flexibility: You can move at your own pace.
Personalization: You can ask as many questions as you want.
Custom Itinerary: The tour can be tailored to your specific interests.

The higher the bund shanghai culture walking tour price for a private option reflects this exclusive, personalized service.

Guide Expertise and Specialization

The quality of your guide is one of the most important factors in any tour. The price often reflects the guide's knowledge, experience, and qualifications.

Guides on budget tours may offer basic information. Guides on premium tours, however, are often highly qualified professionals. Their expertise justifies the higher cost. These guides may possess:

Qualification Type	Examples
Official Licenses	Professional tour guiding certificates from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
University Degrees	Degrees in Tourism Management, Art History, or English.
Professional Training	Experience in 5-star hotels or other roles in the hospitality industry.

Some tours also focus on a special interest, like architecture or photography. A China landscape photography tour, for instance, might include a stop at The Bund specifically to capture its unique buildings. These specialized tours often come with a personal photography guide, private transfers, and all entrance fees included. You typically need to inquire for a price, as they are custom-built around your interests. This level of specialization and expertise is a key part of what you are paying for in a premium tour.

Value for Money: Is It Worth It?

Deciding if a tour is "worth it" means looking beyond the price tag. You need to compare the cost to the value you receive. A higher price often buys you convenience, comfort, and a richer experience.

Price vs. Value Comparison

A low-cost tour gets you from point A to point B. A premium tour, however, offers significant value that transforms your trip. The higher the bund shanghai culture walking tour price often includes benefits that create a seamless and memorable day.

What does extra value look like?
Private Transport: You travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle. This allows you to rest between stops.
Control Over Your Schedule: You decide how long to stay at each location. You never have to wait for a large group.
Authentic Food Choices: You can explore a wide variety of local dishes. Your guide can help you find restaurants that match your taste.

These perks save you time and energy. They allow you to focus on enjoying Shanghai's culture instead of worrying about logistics.

Best Value for Different Travelers

The best tour for you depends on your travel style and schedule.

For Travelers with Limited Time: A comprehensive half-day tour offers incredible value. In about four hours, you can experience the Bund's historic legacy, see Lujiazui's modern skyline, and explore the culinary delights of Yuyuan Bazaar. This option lets you see the highlights without committing to a full day.
For Families and First-Time Visitors: A hassle-free, all-inclusive package is often the best choice. For a comprehensive experience, the 1 Day Shanghai Tour from China Explorer Tour provides the best value. It covers all major sights with a private guide, ensuring a stress-free day for everyone.

The China Explorer Tour Advantage

For travelers who want ultimate flexibility, building a tour from scratch is the perfect solution. China Explorer Tour specializes in tailor-made itineraries that give you complete control.

You can work with their experts to design your ideal day. You choose the sights, the schedule, and even your meals. This process ensures your tour perfectly matches your interests and needs. You can make unlimited changes to create your dream trip. This is the best way to get a tour where the value perfectly matches the price.

You now know a Bund tour can cost from a few dollars to over $150. The price you pay directly reflects the depth, exclusivity, and convenience you receive. Your choice depends on your travel needs.

For a comprehensive cultural overview, a mid-range tour offers great value. However, for a truly seamless and memorable family day, an all-inclusive private package like the China Explorer Tour provides unparalleled convenience and depth.

Now you can choose the right tour to explore The Bund's classic stops and hidden gems. ✨

FAQ

How do I book a tour?

You can book your tour easily. Contact us through the email on our website. We accept payments by credit card or bank transfer. Our team will help you finalize all the details for your trip.

Is a private tour good for families?

Yes, a private tour is perfect for families. The pace is relaxed and suitable for all ages, from children to seniors. You get a dedicated guide. This ensures a comfortable and personal experience for everyone.

Can I change the tour itinerary?

You can absolutely customize your tour. Our private tours offer a flexible schedule. You can adjust the itinerary to fit your interests or time. For full control, our tailor-made service lets you build your perfect trip from scratch.

What language do the guides speak?

Our professional guides speak fluent English. They provide clear explanations and local stories. We can also arrange guides who speak other languages if you request it in advance.