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Offered languages
- English
Discover ancient Shanghai away from downtown crowds, travel to Shanghai’s cultural root in Songjiang, about one hour drive from downtown Shanghai. Visit Guangfulin’s iconic floating “swimming houses”, the Root of Shanghai. Then head to Tianma Mountain to see Huzhu Leaning Pagoda, constructed nearly 100 years before the Leaning Tower of Pisa with a greater tilt. Private one day cultural tour with professional English guide and flexible transport choices.
Highlights:
Admire Guangfulin’s famous floating roof buildings, the landmark known as “houses swimming on water”
Visit Zhiye Buddhist Temple and Sanyuan Taoist Palace, feel harmonious Chinese Buddhist and Taoist culture. In particular, the Welcome Fish" at Zhiye Temple offers a refreshing surprise
Explore Huzhu Leaning Pagoda on Tianma Mountain - older and leans more steeply than Pisa
See the Bronze Guanyin Statue and Three Scholars Memorial Garden amid quiet mountain scenery
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
We will pick you up at the lobby of the hotel where you are staying. The tour guide will be waiting for you with a sign with the lead traveler's name.
Itinerary
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1Guangfulin Ancient Relics Park
Escape Shanghai’s busy city centre and trace the origin of Shanghai civilization on this private one-day heritage tour. Guangfulin Cultural Site is hailed as The Root of Shanghai, witnessing more than 4,000 years of continuous human settlement. You will see its eye-catching floating roof structures above the lake, widely described as “houses swimming in water”. Step into the serene Zhiye Chan Temple and Sanyuan Palace, experiencing the coexistence of Buddhism and Taoism in traditional Chinese culture. In particular, the lovely "Welcome Fish" at Zhiye Temple are said to have spirits. When visitors come, they rush over to welcome you.
2 hours 30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2Songjiang Tianma Mountain
After a leisurely lunch break, travel to Tianma Mountain, the climax of this tour. Here stands the Huzhu Pagoda, often nicknamed China’s Leaning Tower. Built in 1079 during the Northern Song Dynasty, it predates the Leaning Tower of Pisa by almost a century, and its 7-degree tilt is more dramatic than Pisa’s. Your tour also includes visits to the Bronze Guanyin statue and the Three Scholars Memorial Garden, to learn about ancient Chinese literati culture. Please note: This tour is located in Shanghai’s southwest suburbs. Private car ride from downtown takes around 1 hour one way; public transit takes 1.5–2 hours one way. We recommend an early departure to make the most of your day.
2 hours • Admission ticket not included
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour for your party only, no strangers will join your group
Additional info
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This is a private tour for your party only, no strangers will join your group
- Comfortable walking required: gentle hiking at Tianma Mountain
- Please wear comfortable walking shoes
- Guangfulin outdoor visiting area is free of charge; we only visit the free exterior zone, no entry into the underground exhibition museum
- The nickname “China’s Leaning Tower” and “houses swimming in water” are vivid descriptive metaphors for sightseeing, not official names
- Flexible transport: pick between budget metro + ride-hailing or convenient door-to-door private ride
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Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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