Review: Old & New Shanghai Private City Tour – Is it Worth It?

Thinking about seeing Shanghai but kind of stressed about doing it all on your own? A private city tour sounds like something right up your alley. I mean, look, finding a tour that actually delivers on its promises can be a little tough. You know, I’ve been there, looking through all of them to find something worthwhile. Now, the “Discovering Old and New Shanghai Private City Tour” seemed just a little different, so that, for me, was worth looking at closer. Was it all smooth sailing? Very, very far from it, though some awesome moments certainly came to light. Is it a great fit for just about everyone? More or less, so you should hear the story.

First Impressions: What Did the Tour Promise?

Okay, let’s just say that the sales page gives off pretty vibes, telling you about a close-up adventure of Shanghai’s top spots. It shouts about this blend of old and something entirely different – Shanghai’s history and its totally current culture – and it is sold like it’s no big deal. So, of course, anyone is getting hyped for, well, a tour that’s meant for the top dog. Think strolling through old streets with a knowledgeable guide at your side and getting personal time at super cool skyscrapers. Now, the hook? They promise a feel that can’t quite get any better. That it will feel custom-made for how you travel.

A Walk Through Old Shanghai: Yu Garden and the Old French Concession

First up, we hit Yu Garden, yet it can almost get overly packed, particularly with other folks touring. As I was saying, it’s super charming, but prepare to, kind of, battle just a little to soak in the beauty. Then, the Old French Concession – quite a contrast. Shady streets, structures that really throw you back. Our guide told stories that made the history pop; that part’s true. So, in a way, even if the spots can be packed, the guide brings just a little peace to everything, yet sometimes you need your own area to, like, take pictures or be.

Sky-High Views: Shanghai Tower Observation Deck

Okay, now for something great. Going up Shanghai Tower, so the view is kind of mind-blowing. You literally are above all of Shanghai, just like you imagine. Our guide knew all the spots, though I, very really, like exploring a bit by myself, and maybe you will too, right? What you pay lets you have the views, but you will need patience. Still, in short, being up there, watching everything that moves under you, tends to be something that sits with you for a bit.

Food and Drink: Local Tastes

Shanghai has street food so that they are quite heaven for anyone who really likes food. And I just have to let you know that our guide, he knew his stuff, and he did have, as a matter of fact, great recommendations that were right on. As I was saying, from tasty dumplings to those great, warm soups, trying the local grub turned into some adventure. Anyway, some vendors could really only take AliPay, that kind of threw me, but you need to make do somehow. The tour did allow you to sample stuff, but, yeah, carrying money is necessary so that it can go around.

The Guide: Making or Breaking the Experience

Guides make a huge impact. No matter what, and really, the guide kind of knows that he has control over, alright, everything. It turns out ours was really friendly, spoke English rather well, and seemed to enjoy Shanghai just so much. Anyhow, this person knew the history by the pound. Still, I sort of wish the guide would, like, step back, I mean, give you a sec to soak in something so that things feel good. As a matter of fact, for some, I figure having someone all up in you will turn very old quickly. However, on the other hand, I was good; the guide did improve the trip, alright?

The Private Tour Advantage: Is It Worth the Extra Cost?

Here we are, it’s the point about whether springing for a private trip is worth it, so this could really affect where your head is. To put it simply, getting to do your thing without people rushing around felt totally good. And also, Shanghai has way more people, so peace will feel great. This part of a private trip costs more than others; that, of course, turns some off, so it depends, anyway, on what you’re looking for to feel satisfied with. I liked not being pushed around a ton, anyway.

Unexpected Hiccups and How They Were Handled

Guess what, even with tons of planning, stuff goes wacky on you – naturally. For example, in this case, our car hit something that made it need, more or less, repairs. Anyway, that added time, as a matter of fact. Anyway, the tour people took care of all that rather smoothly, changed up the schedule, so the damage sort of stayed small, anyway. I took it as a real world sample, so whatever – still, expect little things.

Value for Money: Did the Tour Deliver?

Alright, was it the real deal? Considering all that stuff the tour included, I could feel what they try to put together. Though not super low-priced, when things are said and done, it kind of felt it justified. Is that something everybody agrees on? That tends to be kind of on the person.

Final Verdict: Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

So, wrapping things up, I can say it would be perfect for very specific people, or, in other words, tourists looking for personal tours of old spots, too, or also that they need someone to take control, in a manner of speaking. Just about anything has to go alright with, alright, a schedule and really be prepared to work things out and go from there.

Okay, that said, if you can have realistic expectations, it can really become an incredible method of taking everything in. All those moments, like I touched on before, make, frankly, the things I went on well worth all the hype. Yet a few of those bad spots, in my mind, deserve thinking over before you make up your own head.