Sisters' Family Trip to Shanghai: Nanjing Road, The Bund and the Science and Technology Museum

Everyone says traveling with kids is exhausting, but my best friend and I didn't buy it. Two moms, four kids—we booked a small private group tour to Shanghai on a whim to broaden the kids' horizons and fulfill our own long-delayed Shanghai dream. Over two days we squeezed onto Nanjing Road for photos of the Oriental Pearl Tower, posed at the City God Temple, strolled The Bund, snacked on street food, and explored the Science and Technology Museum. It was tiring, sure, but we laughed so much.

Independent travel means too much hassle finding your way and booking hotels, while regular large groups are too rushed. This guide follows our mom-and-kids pace—station pickup & hotel check-in → Nanjing Road → Oriental Pearl Tower & The Bund → City God Temple & Yu Garden → Science and Technology Museum—and covers dining, routes, and service options all at once. If you're stepping off the high-speed train with lots of luggage, book door-to-door station transfers first. Need to adjust the route or add naps based on how the kids are doing? Line up customized travel. Hitting multiple spots in one day? Add a private car. Want the full backstory at each site? Hire a private guide. Or just pick a Shanghai day group tour for an easy, stress-free framework.

Why we chose a small private group tour to Shanghai

The day we decided on Shanghai, we chatted on WeChat until midnight: she has two boys, I have a boy and a girl, and four kids close in age were bound to be a lively bunch. She suggested booking a small private group tour—no scrambling for tickets or hotels, and a guide to help out along the way. We knew that two adults handling four kids on independent travel would wear us out just navigating, planning meals, and finding rest stops. A well-tested group tour is far less stressful, and if all you need is door-to-door transport, just add station transfers.

The photo above shows ads along the aisle and seats of a high-speed train. Families with kids usually take the high-speed train to Shanghai; if you have lots of luggage, book a door-to-door transfer in advance.

Station pickup & family-friendly hotel

When you exit the station, your guide will be waiting at the arrivals hall to drive you straight to a family-friendly hotel right next to Nanjing Road, within walking distance of The Bund and City God Temple. If you're traveling with kids and heavy luggage or arriving on a red-eye flight, book a station transfer first. To change the hotel location or room type, use our custom travel planning service to adjust your stay.

The photo above shows travelers pulling suitcases at the arrivals hall. After your guide picks you up, you'll head straight to the family-friendly hotel—fewer transfers, less hassle.

Hotel environment

The lobby is clean and cozy, with family-friendly decor visible at a glance. We stayed in an extra-large family room where two widened double beds were pushed together, enough for two parents and four kids to sleep. Children's toiletries and non-slip slippers were all prepared—the details really cater to families. Room availability and extra bed policies are subject to hotel confirmation.

The photo above shows the cartoon bedding in the family-themed room. The twin beds and kids' toiletries make naps and outfit changes easy.

Benbang lunch: mild flavors to keep the kids happy

After a half-hour break, our guide took us to a nearby Benbang restaurant for braised pork belly, seasonal vegetables, and shrimp scrambled eggs—mild, not spicy or heavy. All four kids ate well and got their energy back fast. After lunch we looked out the floor-to-ceiling windows at the skyscrapers again, and the kids shouted, "Shanghai's buildings are so tall!" If you'd prefer a private dining route, try custom travel; for historical commentary, add a private guide.

The photo above shows a round table full of Benbang dishes. The flavors are mild, so kids can dig right in.

The video above covers the seven stops along The Bund. With kids, shorten the walking sections and head to the riverside promenade at dusk for the lights.

Nanjing Road: century-old streetscapes, vintage trams and snacks

First stop: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai — known as "China's No. 1 Street." Your guide shares stories of this century-old shopping street as you walk, with red brick facades and carved doors and windows preserving the flavor of old Shanghai. Slow down with your kids and step into a few time-honored shops to browse silk, qipao dresses and vanishing cream. With heavy crowds, be sure to set a meeting point. If you'd prefer to explore The Bund section at your own pace, check out our Shanghai private customized tour or request a customized trip on this page.

The photo above shows sisters and their kids posing on Nanjing Road, with the Oriental Pearl Tower visible in the distance. It gets crowded here, so keep a firm grip on your children.

Ride the vintage tram

With a jingle-jangle, the vintage sightseeing tram rolls slowly into view, and the kids will beg for a ride. A short trip is plenty — skip the longer route to avoid motion sickness. If you're also visiting the Oriental Pearl Tower and The Bund the same day and the schedule feels tight, book a private car to cut down on transfers.

The photo above shows the red sightseeing tram on Nanjing Road. Kids love this vintage trolley experience, and even a short ride is enough to make them happy.

Try authentic snacks

When you get hungry, head straight to the snack area: Nanxiang xiaolongbao, shengjian buns, crab-shell pastries and pear syrup candy all smell amazing. Pick a well-reviewed heritage brand for a few baskets of xiaolongbao and shengjian, then grab some pear syrup candy and spiced beans to eat as you walk. Trendy shops in scenic areas can be tourist traps, but local guides know the good spots. If you want a dedicated food tour, book a half-day private guide.

The photo above shows a close-up of an Old City God Temple pear syrup candy gift box—a classic Shanghai street snack from a heritage brand that's easy to enjoy on the go.

Gaze up at the Oriental Pearl Tower

After finishing Nanjing Road, walk to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Its giant spheres stand out against the blue sky, and kids will look up in awe and run around the plaza. Your guide explains the construction and design while the kids ask endless questions. If the main entrance is crowded, frame your photos through the archway instead. If you just want landmark commentary rather than a full group tour, a half-day private guide gives you more flexibility.

The photo above shows the Oriental Pearl Tower at sunset framed by an archway—try a different angle for your photos of this Shanghai landmark and skip the crowded main plaza.

The photo above shows the welcome sign at Oriental Pearl Tower Plaza where kids run around the landmark while the guide handles the history.

Walking to The Bund at sunset with the river breeze

Head to The Bund riverside promenade at dusk: Huangpu River cruise boats glide by as the sunset turns the water warm orange. A private group can add a cruise (subject to itinerary confirmation); we took the walking route that day, which worked out great. For multiple stops like Nanjing Road ↔ Oriental Pearl Tower ↔ The Bund on the same day, prioritize private car only; to switch to a night tour or add a boat, use custom travel.

River breeze and views

Holding hands with four kids, we strolled along the promenade as the river breeze cooled off the day's heat. The children leaned on the railing watching the boats, debating their shapes and directions. The sunset silhouettes are stunning—just keep a close eye on everyone so no one wanders off.

The photo above shows the Pudong skyline silhouette at sunset from The Bund promenade—a breezy way to wrap up the day. Evening is much easier to walk than midday.

International-style architecture and The Bund at night

The waterfront's historic architecture showcase: Gothic, Baroque, and Romanesque styles stand side by side. Guides use the old buildings to tell the story of Shanghai's development, and kids listen intently. When the lights come on, Lujiazui across the river glows brightly, making Waibaidu Bridge and the cruise ships perfect for an end-of-day family photo. To hear the stories in depth, hire a private guide; if your luggage is heavy on the way back to the hotel, book a station transfer.

The photo above shows the night view of Waibaidu Bridge and the river cruises. With the lights on both banks glowing, it's a great spot for an end-of-day family photo.

Day 2: City God Temple and Yu Garden

Head to the Shanghai City God Temple early in the morning. The Old Town gets crowded, so take a photo at the entrance and head into the garden quickly—don't linger too long at the main gate. After exploring the temple, you'll be right next to the outer area of Yu Garden: the paths are flat with few steps, ideal for holding a child's hand or pushing a lightweight stroller; kids love crouching by the koi pond to watch the fish. If you need a barrier-free route, ask a private guide first.

The photo above shows a family posing at the City God Temple entrance. It gets crowded in front of the Old Town archway, so take your photo and head inside quickly.

The photo above shows the waterside pavilions and corridors of Yu Garden with visitors by the pond. The paths are flat, perfect for strolling slowly with a stroller or holding your child's hand.

City God Temple Snack Street: Eat from one end to the other

After exploring the classical gardens, head straight to the snack street for Nanxiang xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, haitang cakes, qingtuan, spiced beans, pear syrup candy and more. Kids love the crispy bottoms of the pan-fried buns; pick up a few handmade souvenirs too. Don't order too many of the same snacks you had on Nanjing Road in the morning—save room for treats after the science museum.

The photo above shows pan-fried buns fresh out of the pan with crispy, fragrant bottoms—a favorite for kids on City God Temple Snack Street.

Afternoon at Shanghai Science and Technology Museum: what the kids looked forward to most

Spend the afternoon at the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, which combines space, nature, science and interactive exhibits in a family-friendly setting. The planets and spacecraft models in the Space Exploration zone are eye-catching, while the robot piano performance area draws the most laughs. With both an interpreter and a guide, kids never stop asking questions. To shorten the museum visit or add a nature-themed venue, use custom travel planning to adjust the afternoon itinerary; if you only need commentary, you can hire a guide for half a day.

The photo above shows the blue entrance sign of the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. The afternoon science activities were the stop the four kids looked forward to most.

Space exploration and interactive exhibits

In front of the transparent solar system model, kids watch the planets spin; the interactive zones with smart robot shows and virtual racing are the most popular. Exhibits like life sciences depend on what's open that day. Set a meeting point when it's crowded so no one gets separated.

The photo above shows the transparent solar system model at the Science and Technology Museum. The kids kept asking questions about the planets, learning while they played.

Souvenirs and heading home

To wrap up, stop by a specialty shop for White Rabbit candy, butterfly pastries, spiced beans, pear syrup candy or small silk items. Your luggage will get heavy fast — for door-to-door service back to the high-speed rail station or airport, book another station transfer for peace of mind. If you need to rearrange meals, hotels and transport for the whole trip, go with a private custom tour.

Group tour, private car, guide or custom tour: which should you choose?

Want a hassle-free, proven Shanghai day tour: choose the group tour "Shanghai Shanghai Day Tour" framework (Oriental Pearl Tower / Yu Garden, etc.; see itinerary card for details); just need station/airport ↔ hotel/attractions: transfers; just want commentary at The Bund / Yu Garden / Science and Technology Museum: hire a guide only; hitting Nanjing Road ↔ Oriental Pearl Tower ↔ The Bund ↔ City God Temple in one day: private car; need to adjust days, nap times, or kids' moods: align it all with one custom trip.

The "Shanghai Shanghai Day Tour" card above links to an on-site group tour; request a quote by date and group size. If you just want a flexible girls' trip or family outing, or a half-day deep dive, hiring a private guide or using custom travel works better.

FAQs

Two moms traveling with four kids: group tour or small private group?

Larger group and want hassle-free hotel/car booking: prioritize a small private group or a proven group tour framework; just need transfers, not a full group: transfers; need to adjust the route around kids' naps: custom trip.

What's the easiest transfer from the high-speed rail station?

Meeting at the arrivals hall and taking a dedicated car straight to your hotel is the safest bet; if you have lots of luggage or arrive at night, prioritize door-to-door transfers. For multi-stop routes the next day, add a private car so you haul fewer suitcases and transfer less.

What to watch out for when visiting Nanjing Road and The Bund with kids?

Crowds are dense and there are many intersections—set a meeting point and hold your kids tight; a short ride on the sightseeing tram is enough. The Bund is easier to walk in the evening than at noon; for historical commentary, you can hire a guide only, and for major route changes, go with a custom trip.

Are City God Temple and Yu Garden stroller-friendly?

The main roads around Yu Garden are relatively flat, but there are still some cobblestone sections and crowded spots. For young kids, a carrier is best, with a lightweight stroller as backup. If you're unsure, ask a private guide first, or let custom travel planning arrange a route that prioritizes flat paths.

How long should we spend at the Science and Technology Museum? How do we plan it?

We recommend setting aside an afternoon: prioritize the universe exhibits and interactive zones, and skip the rest based on your energy. Exhibit availability depends on the day's announcements. To swap this with another venue, use custom travel; for a half-day guided tour only, hire a guide.

How do I combine transfers, private cars, private guides, and custom trips?

Just need arrival and departure help: station transfers; just need a car: private car only; just need commentary: private guide; want the whole trip adjusted to your kids' pace: custom travel planning; want a hassle-free, proven itinerary: group tour. Check the service cards and itinerary cards on this page for quotes.

This Shanghai family tour organized by a group of girlfriends proves that being tired can still be fun—lock in your food, lodging, and routes first, then add station transfers, a private guide, a private car, or a group tour as needed. If you want the whole itinerary rearranged, go with custom travel planning, and slowly fill both families' photo albums with smiles from Nanjing Road, The Bund, and the Science and Technology Museum.