Shanghai Self-guided GPS Audio Walking Tour, China - Pearl of the Orient, Architecture, Waterfront views & rich heritage
Places: 18 POIs
Distance: 3.48 mi
Duration: 1h:45m
GPS-guided narration through
Your Smartphone
Tour #1917
About this English self-guided 1h:45m walking tour in Shanghai
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces self-guided GPS walking tour of the vibrant city of Shanghai, where past and present seamlessly intertwine, creating a captivating tapestry of history and modernity.
All you need is your phone! Start, stop, continue on your own schedule, at your own pace.
My name is Dave, and I am pleased to be your guide today. As we embark on this walking tour, we will greet you with the stunning architecture, including the towering skyscrapers of Pudong's Lujiazui district, a testament to Shanghai's rapid economic growth, and we’ll immerse ourselves in the city's cosmopolitan atmosphere. Marvel at the iconic Bund, where the historic waterfront meets a dazzling display of contemporary structures across the Huangpu River. Explore the bustling markets of Yuyuan Garden, where traditional Chinese architecture and serene ponds offer a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. Each step in Shanghai unveils a new layer of its rich heritage and dynamic spirit, making it a city of contrasts and cultural convergence that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.
We begin today on Xinchang Road next to the Chong Hing Finance Center. There is a large parking lot if you drove in today, and there is public transportation nearby, including subway trains and bus stops. Follow your navigation and we will begin shortly.
- 1For the best experience, begin at the tour's recommended starting point and follow the stops in order.
- 2Want to start somewhere else? Simply use Start At on the tour screen, before tapping Start Tour, to begin from any stop.
- 3Need to detour or skip a stop along the way? Tap Tour Assistant (
![UCPlaces AI Bot Icon]()
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
Route Preview
- Category
- Language
- Mode
Places (POIs) visited during this tour
Place #1
![Map Pin]()
Recommended Starting Point
Distance: 0.30mi
, Attraction : Famous Building
China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, People's Square, 南京西路288号 邮政编码: 200003
Tomorrow Square
Our tour opens up with a stunning view of Tomorrow Square, a prominent skyscraper located here in the heart of Shanghai. Standing at 285 meters (932 feet) tall, this distinctive building is known for its unique design, featuring a cylindrical shape at the base that gradually transforms into a square as it ascends, symbolizing the harmonious blend of traditional and modern elements in Shanghai's urban landscape. Completed in 2003, Tomorrow Square houses a mix of commercial and residential spaces, including a luxury hotel, offices, and apartments.
The building's most distinctive feature is the crown-like structure at its pinnacle, which is illuminated at night, adding a striking element to Shanghai's skyline. Tomorrow Square is strategically situated in close proximity to People's Square, making it a central landmark in the city. The building not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a symbol of Shanghai's rapid development and forward-looking aspirations. Visitors to Tomorrow Square can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape from its observation deck, providing a unique perspective on the dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis of Shanghai.
Let’s continue on and into the grounds of People’s Park, as we explore the next Place on our tour today, The Shanghai Museum of Natural History.
The building's most distinctive feature is the crown-like structure at its pinnacle, which is illuminated at night, adding a striking element to Shanghai's skyline. Tomorrow Square is strategically situated in close proximity to People's Square, making it a central landmark in the city. The building not only serves a functional purpose but also stands as a symbol of Shanghai's rapid development and forward-looking aspirations. Visitors to Tomorrow Square can enjoy panoramic views of the cityscape from its observation deck, providing a unique perspective on the dynamic and ever-evolving metropolis of Shanghai.
Let’s continue on and into the grounds of People’s Park, as we explore the next Place on our tour today, The Shanghai Museum of Natural History.
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Place #2
![Map Pin]()
Distance: 0.01mi
, Attraction : Museum
231 Nanjing Rd (W), People's Square, Huang Pu Qu, Shang Hai Shi, China, 200003
Shanghai Natural History Museum
The museum was established in 1956 and was initially housed in the Shanghai Cotton Exchange Building, a classical British structure built in 1923. However, due to urban development, the museum found a new home in the Jing’an Sculpture Park in 2015. The new building, covering 44,517 square meters, is a purpose-built space designed to resemble a nautilus shell. The original location near the intersection of South Henan Road and East Yan’an Road was designated a Heritage Building by the Shanghai Municipal Government in 19941.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 240,000 samples, including 62,000 animal
specimens, 135,000 plant specimens, 700 Stone Age artifacts and 1,700 mineral specimens. The museum features a wide range of exhibits covering various aspects of natural history, including paleontology, anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Visitors can explore displays of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, taxidermy animals, and interactive exhibits.
The star attraction is a 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton of Mamenchisaurus, hochuanensis, (say that 3 times fast), Young et Zhao from Sichuan Province. This colossal dinosaur stands over four stories high! Additionally, the museum houses two mummies and several human embryos.
Visitors can explore a world of natural wonders, from dino-bots and taxidermy to live bugs, amphibians, and fossils. Don’t miss the 4D cinema, where short nature documentaries and children’s films come to life.
The museum boasts an impressive collection of over 240,000 samples, including 62,000 animal
specimens, 135,000 plant specimens, 700 Stone Age artifacts and 1,700 mineral specimens. The museum features a wide range of exhibits covering various aspects of natural history, including paleontology, anthropology, geology, botany, and zoology. Visitors can explore displays of fossils, dinosaur skeletons, taxidermy animals, and interactive exhibits.
The star attraction is a 140-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton of Mamenchisaurus, hochuanensis, (say that 3 times fast), Young et Zhao from Sichuan Province. This colossal dinosaur stands over four stories high! Additionally, the museum houses two mummies and several human embryos.
Visitors can explore a world of natural wonders, from dino-bots and taxidermy to live bugs, amphibians, and fossils. Don’t miss the 4D cinema, where short nature documentaries and children’s films come to life.
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Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1
Tomorrow Square
Place 2
Shanghai Natural History Museum
Place 3
Shanghai Grand Theater
Place 4
Shanghai Center
Place 5
Shanghai Museum
Place 6
People's Square
Place 7
People's Park
Place 8
Shimao International Plaza
Place 9
Nanjing Road
Place 10
Chen Yi Square
Place 11
The Bund
Place 12
Shanghai Grandmother and Cuisine
Place 13
Shanghai Tower
Place 14
Shopping Malls
Place 15
Yuyuan Old Street
Place 16
Yu Garden
Place 17
City God Temple
Place 18
Shanghai Old Street
Click below for full access to this tour
Have any questions about this tour? Or a general travel / self-guided tours question? That's completely natural
+ How long does this tour take?
Most travelers complete this tour in approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on pace, time spent at each stop, and optional detours. Having said that, please remember that self-guided tours are extremly flexible (you can start, pause, continue anytime) and everyone has their own pace.
+ What does this tour include?
This self-guided walking tour includes 18 stops, covering top attractions such as Tomorrow Square, Shanghai Natural History Museum, Shanghai Grand Theater, Shanghai Center, Shanghai Museum.
+ Where does the tour start?
The tour starts at Tomorrow Square (Address: China, Shang Hai Shi, Huang Pu Qu, People's Square, 南京西路288号 邮政编码: 200003). You can begin the tour there or join from any stop along the route.
+ What type of tour is this?
This is a self-guided walking tour designed to be completed on foot through walkable areas and city highlights.
+ Can I do this tour at my own pace?
Yes, this is a self-guided walking tour, so you can start anytime and explore at your own pace. You can pause, skip stops, or spend more time at places that interest you. You can even split it into multiple days. Explore however feels right for you.
+ Is this a walkable tour?
Yes, this tour is fully walkable and designed to follow a comfortable route through pedestrian-friendly areas.
+ Do I need anything in order to take the tour?
There is one thing that you need - A mobile phone (with the UCPlaces app installed and active location services, and a cellular data plan with a decent signal for downloading the tour) and comfortable walking shoes! But here are some recommendations for a great experience: 1. Make sure your phone is fully charged and bring a mobile charger/battery. 2. Bring earphones for the best experience. 3. Bring a bottle of water and dress appropriately according to the weather forecast.
+ How will I navigate from point to point during the tour?
The tour uses GPS-based navigation through the UCPlaces app, with automatic audio playback and step-by-step directions between stops. Just follow the route (cross streets carefully using crosswalks) and listen to the audio guide. Use the resume feature to continue the from where you recently stopped (or closed the app). Easily skip or go back to stops.
+ Is this tour suitable for families or groups?
Yes, self-guided tours are ideal for families and small groups, allowing everyone to explore comfortably without being tied to a fixed schedule.
+ What makes a self-guided tour better than a guided tour?
Self-guided tours are more flexible, affordable, and personalized. You can avoid crowds, choose your pace, and focus on the stops that interest you most.
+ I installed the app and it's now asking for GPS and media access permissions, why?
The app is your tour-guide, it needs to know where you are located on the map to be able to trigger the points of interest. It also needs access to audio and media files to provide you with this experience.
+ What happens if there are unexpected roadblocks or navigation issues?
We have been working hard to deliver a great experience. Though you may run into unexpected obstacles (the world is constantly changing), our app has multiple features and mechanisms in place to help you overcome them, including: AI assistance, force play an audio if you can't reach the stop, skip or return to stops, automatic rerouting and more.
+ Can I take the tour in my language?
Though all of our tours are primarily in English, many tours are muyltilingual (including: Spanish, German, Portuguese, French, Japanese, Hebrew, French, Arabic and more...). The tour language options depend on the specific tour - You can easily check which languages are available in the tour screen!