Shanghai: Self-Guided Walking Audio Tour of Architecture & Waterfront incl. the Bund, Yu Garden & Nanjing Road
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.
Top landmarks and attractions included in this English self-guided 1h:45m walking tour in Shanghai
How to take a UCPlaces tour
Taking a UCPlaces tour is fun and easy.
Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
That's it, you're ready to go!
When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
* After purchasing a tour you will receive a purchase confirmation email including the tour link and instructions on how to take the tour, so you don't have to remember anything now.
How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
- No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
- Walk at your own pace.
- No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
- Take the tour in your preferred language.
- Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
- Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
- Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
- A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay / Android / Android Auto].
- Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
- Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
- Apple CarPlay connection (iOS users) and Android Auto connection (Android users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
- Earphones (highly recommended).
- Smartphone.
- Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
- Tickets to the attractions on your tour.
- Food and drinks
- Physical tour guide.
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.
What known landmarks and main sites does this tour have?
The top landmarks and main sites on this tour include The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Shanghai Tower, Yuyuan Old Street and City God Temple. In total, the tour has 18 points of interest along the route.
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!
Walking (OffRoad) tour
) to use Force Play, Skip, and Back, for full flexibility.
