Big Bus Shanghai Sightseeing Tour
Complete Visitor Guide

Quick Overview

Classic 24-hour ticket	¥200 / Klook from ¥150
48-hour ticket	¥280 / Klook ¥220
Premium package	¥350 / Klook ¥280 (includes Pudong evening)
Operating hours	Daily 09:00–18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer)
Routes covered	City Route + Pudong Route, 20+ stops
Audio guide	8 languages: Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, Russian
Best for	First-time visitors wanting to see all landmarks in 1 day

1. Why Choose Big Bus Shanghai

Shanghai has an extensive subway network, but for first-time visitors with limited time who want to see the maximum number of attractions in one day, an open-top sightseeing bus remains the most efficient option. Sitting on the open upper deck of a double-decker bus, watching the Bund's historic architecture and the skyline of Lujiazui's modern skyscrapers across the Huangpu River — this "two shores" experience is something the subway can never give you.

Big Bus Shanghai offers two expertly designed routes that perfectly combine the historic culture of Puxi with the modern urban energy of Pudong. The core advantages are:

• Elevated perspective: the open upper deck offers 360-degree unobstructed views — photographing the Bund skyline and Oriental Pearl Tower from above is far superior to street level.
• Hop-on hop-off freedom: when you spot a landmark you like, get off whenever you want. Explore at your own pace, then hop on the next bus.
• 8-language audio guide: multilingual narration systems at every seat let you learn Shanghai's history and stories as you ride.
• Time-efficient: no need to study subway transfers or walk to stations — ideal for families, seniors, and travelers with luggage.
• Instagram-worthy: The Bund, French Concession's tree-lined avenues, and Lujiazui's "Big Three" towers are Shanghai's most photogenic landmarks, all in one journey.

2. Two Routes Explained in Detail

City Route (Must-do)

This is the heart of Big Bus Shanghai, covering all classic Puxi landmarks. Starting from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the route passes:

1. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (starting point) — Shanghai's most bustling shopping street with century-old Chinese brands
2. The Bund — rows of historic colonial architecture with Lujiazui's skyline directly across the river; Shanghai's #1 photo spot
3. Yu Garden & City Temple — Ming Dynasty classical garden plus food street famous for xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) and crab-flavored buns
4. Xintiandi — stylish dining and entertainment district built from restored shikumen (stone-frame lane houses); near the Communist Party's First Congress Site
5. French Concession — tree-lined avenues with European-style villas, art cafes, and upscale boutiques
6. People's Square — home to Shanghai Museum, Grand Theatre, and Urban Planning Hall, the city's three cultural landmarks
7. Jing'an Temple — ancient thousand-year-old Buddhist temple amid soaring skyscrapers, gold and splendor framed by modern towers

One complete loop takes about 90 minutes. Buses depart every 20–30 minutes. We recommend getting off at the Bund, Yu Garden, and French Concession for deeper exploration.

Pudong Route (Highly Recommended)

Cross the Huangpu River into Shanghai's "City of the Future." Starting from Lujiazui, the route covers:

1. Lujiazui Island (starting point) — at the foot of the "Big Three" (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower)
2. Oriental Pearl Tower — Shanghai's #1 landmark, 263-meter transparent sky-walk experience
3. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium — Asia's largest underwater tunnel
4. Shanghai Science & Technology Museum — must-visit for families with interactive exhibits and IMAX cinema
5. Century Park — Shanghai's largest urban park, perfect for relaxation
6. Shanghai Tower — China's tallest building at 632 meters, 118-floor observation deck

One complete loop takes about 75 minutes. Buses depart every 30–45 minutes. Must-visit: Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower for the views.

3. Ticket Options Comparison

Package	What's included	Standard price	Klook price
Classic 24-hour	Both routes, 24-hour hop-on hop-off	¥200	¥150
48-hour ticket	Both routes, 48 hours + audio guide	¥280	¥220
Premium package	48 hours + Pudong evening route	¥350	¥280
Children (4–11 years)	50% of ticket price for any package	—	50% off

We recommend the 48-hour ticket — only ¥70 more than the 24-hour, it lets you explore each route over two relaxed days without rushing. If you only have one day, the Classic 24-hour covers the highlights of both routes.

4. Audio Guide Experience

A standout feature of Big Bus Shanghai is the 8-language onboard audio system. Every seat has an earphone jack and language selector supporting Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and Russian.

The narration isn't just dry landmark facts — it weaves in Shanghai's rich history: the Bund's century of foreign concessions, famous residents of the French Concession, and Lujiazui's transformation from farmland to global financial hub. Over 40 audio segments, each 2–3 minutes, perfectly timed between stops.

Pro tip: plug in your headphones immediately and test the Chinese channel to ensure good reception. Occasionally a seat's jack may have loose contact — simply move to another seat.

5. Operating Hours & Frequency

City Route first bus	09:00 (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street)
City Route last bus	18:00 (extended to 19:00 in summer)
City Route frequency	Every 20–30 minutes
Pudong Route first bus	09:30 (Lujiazui)
Pudong Route last bus	17:30
Pudong Route frequency	Every 30–45 minutes

Tip: start your first route at 09:00 — upper-deck seats are plentiful and the light is perfect for photos. After 14:00, crowds build and peak-time stops may require waiting for the next bus to get an upper-deck seat.

6. Recommended 1-Day Itinerary

1. 09:00 City Route from Nanjing Road — ride to the Bund, get off and photograph the historic architecture and Lujiazui skyline in morning light (40 minutes);
2. 10:00 City Route to Yu Garden — explore City Temple, eat xiaolongbao at a restaurant (1 hour);
3. 11:30 City Route to French Concession — walk Wukang Road and Anfu Road, browse cafes and boutiques (1 hour);
4. 12:30–13:30 — lunch in the French Concession (Western restaurants and cafes recommended around Wukang Road);
5. 13:30 City Route back to Nanjing Road, then transfer to Lujiazui;
6. 14:30 Pudong Route from Lujiazui — ride to Oriental Pearl Tower, climb the observation deck (1.5 hours);
7. 16:30 Pudong Route to Shanghai Tower — ride to Shanghai Tower, visit the 118-floor observation deck, watch the sunset (1 hour);
8. 18:00 — return to Lujiazui, walk to the Riverside Avenue to see the Bund light show.

7. Big Bus Shanghai vs Hong Kong Big Bus: Comparison

If you've been on Hong Kong's Big Bus, you may wonder how Shanghai's version compares. Both are genuine Big Bus brand open-top double-deckers, but each has distinct character:

Factor	Shanghai	Hong Kong
Number of routes	2	3
Starting price	¥150 (roughly HK$165)	HK$320
Signature experience	Pudong skyline + Bund's historic buildings	Victoria Harbour cruises + Peak Tram
Languages	8	9
City character	Blend of old and new, sprawling area	Dense, compact, Victoria Harbour is unique
Value for money	Superior (roughly half Hong Kong's price)	Premium packages include additional activities

In short: Big Bus Shanghai offers better value, with tickets at roughly half Hong Kong prices. Shanghai's larger geography makes buses especially convenient versus subway transfers. Hong Kong excels in activity bundles (harbor cruise, tram) and the unmatched Victoria Harbour views. Both cities are worth experiencing at least once.

8. Practical Tips & Tricks

• Sun protection essential: Shanghai's summer (June–September) has intense UV rays. The upper deck has zero shade — bring hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses without fail.
• Portable charger: non-stop photography + audio guide drains your phone battery fast — a power bank is essential.
• Light jacket: spring, autumn, and winter upper decks are windy; even warm ground temperatures feel cool at speed.
• Rainy days: the bus provides disposable rain ponchos, but the open-air experience is significantly compromised. Consider rescheduling.
• Folding stroller: fits on the lower deck when folded down.
• E-ticket: Klook sends a QR code after booking; scan it on the bus to activate — no ticket booth lines.
• 24-hour countdown: timing starts from your first scan aboard, not by calendar day.
• Free Wi-Fi: some vehicles offer complimentary Wi-Fi for live social media updates.

9. Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much are Big Bus Shanghai tickets?

Classic 24-hour tickets start at ¥150 on Klook. 48-hour tickets are around ¥220. Premium packages with Pudong evening route are about ¥280. Children aged 4–11 get 50% off; under 3 is free.

Q: Which route should I choose?

The City Route (covering The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, French Concession) is essential — Shanghai's most iconic landmarks are all here. The Pudong Route is great for visitors interested in modern architecture and observation towers. With limited time? Do the City Route only. With 48 hours? Enjoy both routes at a relaxed pace.

Q: Is there a Chinese-language audio guide?

Yes — supports Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, French, German, Spanish, and Russian (8 languages). Headphone jacks and language switchers at every seat.

Q: How often do buses come?

City Route: every 20–30 minutes. Pudong Route: every 30–45 minutes. Holiday and peak seasons may increase frequency.

Q: Can I ride in the rain?

Possible — disposable rain ponchos provided. However, the open-air experience is greatly diminished. Check the forecast and consider rescheduling. E-tickets are typically valid for 6 months, giving flexibility to reschedule.

Q: How does it compare to Hong Kong Big Bus?

Shanghai tickets are significantly cheaper (roughly half of Hong Kong prices) with fewer routes (2 vs 3). Shanghai's strength is the Pudong skyline; Hong Kong's strength is harbor cruises and trams. Both are excellent; Shanghai offers superior value.

10. Money-Saving Tips

• Book on Klook in advance: saves ¥50–70 on 24-hour tickets and ¥60 on 48-hour tickets;
• 48-hour beats 24-hour value: only ¥70 more, lets you savor each route across two days;
• Children 4–11 get 50% off; under 3 is free;
• Combo deals: book Oriental Pearl Tower or Shanghai Tower observation deck together for periodic discounts;
• Avoid peak holidays: National Day and Lunar New Year bring massive crowds and long waits at popular stops. Weekday visits offer better value and comfort.

11. Who Should Book This

• First-time visitors wanting to see all major Shanghai landmarks in 1–2 days;
• Travelers who don't want to figure out complex subway connections;
• Families (kids love the upper deck views);
• Seniors and visitors with mobility concerns (minimal walking required);
• Photography enthusiasts (upper-deck angles are perfect for the Bund and Lujiazui);
• Business travelers with limited time (half a day covers the highlights).

Not ideal for: budget backpackers (subway ¥15/day is cheaper) or visitors seeking deep neighborhood experiences.

12. Why Book Through Us

• Save ¥50–70 compared to on-site ticket purchase;
• Scan QR code on board — no ticket booth queues;
• E-ticket valid for 6 months — flexible scheduling;
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure;
• Support in Chinese, English, and Japanese;
• Instant confirmation with QR code within minutes of booking.

From ¥150 · Book on Klook Now →