Lifelong Friends Visit Shanghai: Strolling Yu Garden's Lanes, a Wish Come True

Lifelong best friends, finally off to Shanghai together

The rarest thing in life is having a group of old friends who can go wild and laugh together. From working and raising kids together when we were young, to watching our children start families of their own, we finally have the free time to set our sights on Shanghai: we've always wanted to stroll through Yu Garden and City God Temple, see the ancient opera stage, and taste authentic snacks—fulfilling the little wishes we never got around to when we were young.

If you're also planning a Shanghai sisters' trip with lifelong besties or girlfriends—leisurely strolls through Yu Garden, snacks at City God Temple, and dusk on Nanjing Road and The Bund—you can first check out the group tours on our site. If you'd prefer to adjust the pace to your energy level, try a private customized trip. Use station/airport transfers for high-speed rail and airport arrivals and departures, book a private car for intercity travel, or hire a guide for commentary inside the gardens. Just send your dates, group size, departure city, and interests to our travel consultant.

Taking a group photo in front of the City God Temple is a must-do ritual for many girls' trips. Crowd levels and opening hours are subject to on-site announcements.

A lifelong promise finally fulfilled

We've known each other for almost 40 years. We worked at the same factory, then got married, had kids, and were constantly on our feet. Back then, we always said that once we retired, we'd go to Shanghai together to see the old opera stage and try the Nanxiang xiaolongbao at the City God Temple. We put off the plan year after year, but this time we finally got everyone together and decided to just go.

The Oriental Pearl Tower and skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river form the backdrop for dusk at The Bund. For a hassle-free trip based on proven routes, check out our group tour; if you want an itinerary tailored entirely to your energy level, try our private custom tours.

A few days before departure, we set up a small group chat to remind everyone to bring umbrellas, wear soft-soled shoes, and agree on a photo spot at the old opera stage. Not too much luggage, not too little—we put comfort and looking out for each other first.

Staying deep in the old town

When we arrived in Shanghai, our travel consultant/guide dropped us at a hotel near Yu Garden and the City God Temple, within walking distance. The area is full of old Shanghai alleyways—quiet yet lively. The room was clean, and at night we could chat just like we did in the shared dorms when we were young.

Drop off your bags and get familiar with the neighborhood first—no need to rush out. If you'd rather avoid transfers on arrival or departure, book station transfers in advance; for cross-city trips, add a private car.

The sight of hauling luggage through an airport terminal or high-speed rail station reminds us: on a girls' trip, tiring out your legs is the last thing you want. Share your flight or train details with your travel consultant, and station transfers will save you a lot of unnecessary walking.

Dinner was Benbang cuisine: rich, soy-braised pork belly, savory ham and bamboo shoot soup, and stir-fried seasonal greens—all perfectly to our taste. Hearing about the next day's plan—Yu Garden, the opera stage, and the snack street—made our eyes light up.

Yu Garden: Jiangnan at every step

Yu Garden sits right next to the City God Temple. It's a classic Jiangnan classical garden with over 400 years of history. Pavilions, terraces, small bridges, flowing water, rockeries and ponds—a new view at every step. The paths are mostly flat and the occasional bridge isn't steep, perfect for friends to stroll slowly and rest.

The flying eaves reflected in the lake are the most captivating sight in Yu Garden. While our guide shared the stories behind Dianchun Hall and the Grand Rockery, we sat in the pavilion corridor listening to the breeze and watching the koi—this is exactly the pace a girls' trip should have. For a more detailed tour, you can hire a private guide.

Looking at the pavilion through the rockery cave frames your photo naturally. When it's crowded, visiting off-peak and leaving plenty of time to hydrate and rest matters more than rushing to check off spots.

If you need to adjust the pace mid-trip: rearrange the whole itinerary with a custom private tour; for station transfers only, book a station transfer; for cross-city trips, use a private car; to add commentary on the fly, hire a private guide; or compare with ready-made routes on a group tour.

A group photo capturing a lifetime of sisterhood

After exploring Yu Garden, we headed to the Ancient Stage of the City God Temple: upturned eaves, carved beams and painted pillars. According to our guide, this is one of the best-preserved ancient stages in Shanghai, where operas were often performed during festivals in the old days.

The square in front of the stage is perfect for group photos. We linked arms and stood in a row, freezing decades of friendship beneath the upturned eaves — we agreed to print copies so each of us could take one home.

The smiles of the four sisters in front of the ancient stage are the image this travel guide most wants to leave with readers. If you also want someone to lead the way and explain the sights, you can combine a group tour with hiring a private guide, or book a fully customized private trip.

Eating our way through the City God Temple snack street

The moment we stepped onto the snack street, we were surrounded by its lively buzz: Nanxiang xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, crab-shell pastries, pear syrup candy, spiced beans... Tasting as you stroll is perfect for a girls' trip.

The "Shanghai Old Restaurant" sign and the crowds at the Yu Garden Road intersection are a reminder to avoid peak hours during holidays. When tables are tight, it's safer to include your group size and dietary restrictions in your custom request.

Nanxiang xiaolongbao in bamboo steamers have thin skins and savory broth. Dip them in vinegar for an introduction to Shanghai flavors. If you have a sensitive stomach, eat small portions often rather than overindulging on an empty stomach.

Grabbing two xiekehuan pastries from a paper bag to nibble as you walk is part of the lively charm of City God Temple. To arrange meals and your itinerary all at once, private custom travel is the most hassle-free option.

Stroll along Nanjing Road and relive old Shanghai

Head to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in the afternoon: a century-old commercial street where heritage brands and new shops coexist. The clanging vintage trolley feels like stepping back into the sights and sounds of old Shanghai.

We stroll through department stores and time-honored brands, pick up local specialties for our kids and grandkids, and when we get tired, sit on a street bench to chat about funny stories from our younger days — half the joy of a girlfriends' trip is the scenery, and the other half is the company.

A dusk date at The Bund

Viewing the Huangpu River from The Bund

Standing on The Bund at dusk: the Huangpu River flows gently by, Lujiazui's skyscrapers rise across the water, and behind you stands the historic international architecture — century-old buildings on one side, modern skyscrapers on the other. It's too beautiful to look away.

The street scenes around The Bund are great for leisurely photos. If anyone in your group has trouble walking, you can shorten the walk and use a private car for pick-up and drop-off nearby.

A stroll along the riverside promenade

With the river breeze blowing, we walked arm in arm along the embankment, watching the sunset turn the glass curtain walls gold. This is our "Shanghai moment" as lifelong best friends.

The sunset over Lujiazui from The Bund deserves to be your album cover. If you also want to add Disneyland or the Oriental Pearl Tower to your itinerary, check out the product cards below, or switch to a custom private tour.

Dive into Shanghai's old longtang

Leave the major sights behind and duck into the shikumen / old longtang to truly understand everyday life in Shanghai: brick archways, clotheslines, and neighbors sitting out fanning themselves.

A brick-arched longtang lit by warm lights is perfect for an evening stroll and photos. The lanes are narrow with few people, so watch your step and respect residents' privacy.

Laundry hanging in red-brick alleyways and the daily routines of the neighbors are the "Shanghai flavor" that guides never tire of sharing. If you want to hear the stories, hire a private guide; if you'd prefer the whole experience to yourself, go with a custom private tour.

Strolling around City God Temple

Yuyuan Bazaar

The golden plaque on the gate tower of Yuyuan Bazaar is hard to miss—perfect for picking up souvenirs and browsing time-honored shops. Visit during off-peak hours when it gets crowded, and keep your bag close.

Chenxiang Pavilion

With its upturned eaves and red lanterns, Chenxiang Pavilion has a peaceful atmosphere perfect for resting and taking photos. Opening hours and etiquette rules are subject to on-site notices.

Nine-Turn Bridge and Mid-Lake Pavilion

The Nine-Turn Bridge leads to a pavilion hung with red lanterns, a classic photo spot around the City God Temple. Watch your step on the bridge surface, and move slowly sideways when it's crowded.

Shanghai Old Street

The "Shanghai Old Street" archway looks cinematic in the sunset. After taking our photos, we promised to come back again—next time, maybe with our daughters.

A deep dive into Shanghai cuisine

Besides street snacks, plan at least one proper Shanghai cuisine meal: the sweet-and-sour pork ribs come out glossy, and a table of hot dishes is perfect for sharing with your girlfriends. It's safer to mention any dietary restrictions and seating preferences in advance.

Add your dining preferences to your custom private tour—it saves the hassle of hunting for restaurants on the spot. If you join a group, just check the meal standard of the group tour.

An unforgettable Shanghai trip with old friends

On the way home we flipped through our photos: posing together by the opera stage, steaming xiaolongbao, the sunset over The Bund, warm lights in the longtang alleys—lifelong girlfriends finally turning a wish into a journey.

If you'd like to plan a Shanghai girls' trip too: start by browsing a group tour, or go straight to a custom private tour. Use station transfers for arrivals and departures, a private car between cities, and hire a guide for commentary.

FAQs

A Shanghai trip with lifelong girlfriends: group tour or custom tour?

If everyone's ready and you want fewer decisions, start with a group tour on our site. If fitness levels vary, you prefer a slower pace, or want to skip shopping stops, a custom private tour works better. You can also hire a guide separately for park commentary.

How do I arrange high-speed rail or airport transfers for a girls' trip to Shanghai?

The last thing you want after landing is the hassle of transfers. Share your train/flight details, group size and luggage with a travel consultant to book point-to-point station transfers to your hotel; if you're also heading to Suzhou or Hangzhou, add a private car.

Are Yu Garden and the City God Temple suitable for seniors at a leisurely pace?

Yu Garden has mostly flat paths and plenty of pavilions to rest in, making it perfect for a relaxed girls' stroll; summer heat and holiday crowds can be intense, so visit off-peak and schedule breaks. If the commentary isn't clear, you can hire a private guide; the whole route can be arranged through a custom private tour tailored to your energy level.

What's the easiest way to plan City God Temple snacks and local Shanghai cuisine?

The snack street is great for grazing as you walk (xiaolongbao, pan-fried buns, crab-shell pastries, etc.), while sit-down meals can be booked at local Shanghai restaurants. Note any dietary restrictions and seating needs in your custom private tour; if you prefer a set itinerary, just check the meal standards on a group tour.

What info should I prepare when asking about a Shanghai girls' trip?

Provide your travel dates, group size and ages, departure city, must-sees (Yu Garden, The Bund, etc.) and places to avoid. The more details you share, the more accurate your custom private tour draft will be; use station transfers for arrivals and departures, and a private car for intercity travel.

How to get in touch next

Planning your trip: prioritize custom private tours for the main route, station transfers for arrivals and departures, private car for intercity travel, and a private guide for commentary. You can also compare our site's group tour options first before deciding whether to switch to a custom itinerary. Just tell your travel consultant your dates, group size, departure city, and accommodation preferences to get a free draft plan.

It's fine if your dates and group size aren't set yet. We can first discuss the city framework and pace, then decide whether you need a private guide, vehicle, or ticket booking.