For a first look at Shanghai, few rides are as simple as sitting on the top deck of a sightseeing bus and watching the city unfold around you. From the old streets of Puxi to the futuristic skyline of Pudong, Hop On Hop Off Shanghai gives you the freedom to see the city at your own pace — stay on for the ride or get off whenever you find a place worth exploring.
The catch is that Shanghai has several sightseeing bus services rather than one single system. Their routes, stops, operating hours and ticket prices are different, so we'll compare the main options below and show you how to make the most of each one.
Shanghai Hop On Hop Off Bus at a Glance
Service | Main Routes / Coverage | Ticket Price | Best For |
City Sightseeing Bus | Puxi highlights, Pudong, The Bund, Yu Garden, North Bund and themed routes | From CNY 60 / 24h | Classic Shanghai sights |
Bus Tour | Red, Blue and Green routes covering The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Xintiandi, Lujiazui and Jing'an | CNY 100 / 24h | First-time visitors and great open-top photos |
Shencheng Sightseeing | The Bund, Yu Garden, Nanjing Road, Xintiandi, Lujiazui and Shanghai Tower | From CNY 50 / 24h | Budget-conscious travelers |
Each service has its own edge: City Sightseeing covers the most sights and runs later, BUS TOUR keeps things simple with plenty of open-top buses, while Shencheng Sightseeing is the budget-friendly pick, especially on rainy days.
Why Take a Hop On Hop Off Bus in Shanghai?
See Shanghai's Highlights in One Ride
Shanghai's main sights are spread across Puxi and Pudong, from the Bund and Nanjing Road to Yu Garden and Lujiazui. A sightseeing bus brings many of these landmarks into one easy route, so you can see more of the city without constantly changing between different forms of transport.
Hop Off When You Want to Explore
The biggest advantage is the freedom to get off when a stop catches your eye. Spend some time walking around the Bund, exploring Yu Garden, or wandering through Xintiandi, then return to the route and continue your sightseeing without buying another ticket.
Enjoy Shanghai's Skyline from the Upper Deck
The open-top upper deck gives you a much better view of Shanghai's streets and skyline than a regular bus. It's especially nice in the late afternoon, when the light is softer and the city starts to take on its evening glow. On hot or sunny days, though, the enclosed lower deck can be a more comfortable choice.
Save Planning Time
For a first visit, a sightseeing bus can make the day easier to organize. Instead of working out every metro transfer or taxi ride between major sights, you can follow a set sightseeing route and simply decide where you want to get off along the way.
Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus: The Top Way to See Shanghai's Biggest Landmarks
Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Routes
Route 1 – Puxi Highlights
Route: Shanghai Museum → People's Square → May Thirtieth Movement Monument → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Waibaidu Bridge → Shanghai Customs House → Huangpu River Cruise Terminal → Yu Garden & City God Temple → Former Site of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea → Site of the First CPC National Congress & Xintiandi → Huaihai Middle Road → Shanghai Museum.
Operating Hours: Around 9:00–21:30
Interval: About 20–30 minutes
Best For: First-time visitors who want to cover Shanghai's classic Puxi sights.
Best stops to explore:
· People's Square: A central area close to Shanghai Museum and several major city attractions.
· Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: Shanghai's famous shopping street, with department stores, local shops and plenty of places to eat.
· The Bund: Get off around the Bund stops for historic buildings and views across the Huangpu River.
· Yu Garden & City God Temple: A great combination of traditional gardens, old streets, local snacks and Shanghai-style architecture.
· Xintiandi: A lively area of restored Shikumen buildings, restaurants, cafés and shops.
· Middle Huaihai Road: A good stop for shopping, cafés and a more modern side of central Shanghai.
Route 2 – Architectural Highlights
Route: May Thirtieth Movement Monument → Oriental Pearl Tower → Jin Mao Tower & Shanghai Tower → Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal → North Bund White Magnolia Plaza → Waibaidu Bridge → Shanghai Customs House → East Jinling Road Ferry Terminal → Yu Garden & City God Temple → May Thirtieth Movement Monument.
Operating Hours: Around 9:00 – 20:30
Interval: About 30-40 minutes
Best For: Travelers who want to combine Shanghai's historic architecture with its modern Pudong skyline.
Best stops to explore:
· Oriental Pearl Tower: One of Shanghai's most recognizable landmarks and a convenient base for exploring Lujiazui.
· Jin Mao Tower & Shanghai Tower: Get off here to experience the heart of Pudong's futuristic skyline.
· Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal: A useful riverside stop with views toward the Bund and an alternative way to cross the Huangpu River.
· North Bund White Magnolia Plaza: A quieter waterfront area with impressive views of Lujiazui and the Huangpu River.
· Waibaidu Bridge: A historic bridge and popular photo spot between the Bund and North Bund.
Route 3 — Huangpu River Scenic Route
Route: Waibaidu Bridge → Huangpu River Cruise Terminal → Yu Garden & City God Temple → Oriental Pearl Tower → East Fuxing Road Ferry Terminal → Bund Jinniu Square → Waibaidu Bridge.
Operating Hours: Around 9:00–16:00
Interval: About 30 minutes
Best For: A shorter sightseeing ride focused on Shanghai's riverfront and skyline views.
Best stops to explore:
· Waibaidu Bridge: A classic starting point for views of the Bund, Huangpu River and Pudong skyline.
· Huangpu River Cruise Terminal: Convenient for combining the sightseeing bus with a Huangpu River cruise.
· Yu Garden & City God Temple: Explore traditional Shanghai architecture, gardens and local snacks.
· Oriental Pearl Tower: A convenient stop for Shanghai's iconic Pudong skyline.
· Bund Jinniu Square: A good riverside viewpoint for photographing the Bund and modern skyline across the river.
Route 9 — Historical & Red Culture Route
Route: May Thirtieth Movement Monument → Memorial Hall of the First CPC National Congress → Site of the Second CPC National Congress → Mao Zedong's Former Residence on Maoming North Road → Monument to the People's Heroes → Shanghai Postal Museum → Memorial Hall of the Fourth CPC National Congress → Memorial Hall of the Third CPC Central Bureau → Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center → Shanghai History Museum → May Thirtieth Movement Monument.
Operating Hours: Fixed departures, generally around 9:00, 11:00, 13:00 and 16:00
Interval: No regular interval; fixed departures
Best For: Travelers interested in Shanghai's modern history and historical landmarks.
Best stops to explore:
· Memorial Hall of the First CPC National Congress: One of Shanghai's major historical museums and memorial sites.
· Site of the Second CPC National Congress: A smaller historical site offering more context on the city's revolutionary history.
· Shanghai Postal Museum: A historic building with exhibits on Shanghai's postal and communication history.
· Memorial Hall of the Fourth CPC National Congress: Another important stop for visitors interested in modern Chinese history.
· Shanghai History Museum: A useful stop for getting a broader picture of Shanghai's development and local history.
Tip: Route 9 is a themed service rather than a typical hop-on hop-off sightseeing loop, and it is generally closed on Mondays.
Route 10 — Pudong & Riverside Highlights
Route: Ancient City Park (Yu Garden) → Shiliupu Wharf → Bund Jinniu Square → Monument to the People's Heroes → Astor House Hotel Site → North Bund White Magnolia Plaza → Oriental Pearl Tower → Pudong Development Exhibition Hall → Jin Mao Tower → Ancient City Park.
Operating Hours: Around 9:00–20:30
Interval: About 40–50 minutes
Best For: Late-afternoon and evening sightseeing, especially for Bund, North Bund and Pudong skyline views.
Best stops to explore:
· Ancient City Park: A convenient starting point near Yu Garden and the historic old city.
· Bund Jinniu Square: A good riverside viewpoint for the Bund and Pudong skyline.
· Pudong Development Exhibition Hall: A useful stop for understanding how Pudong has developed into Shanghai's modern financial district.
Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Ticket Price
Ticket options:
· 24-hour pass: CNY 60
· 48-hour pass: CNY 80
· Validity: Starts from the first activation
· Rides: Unlimited hop-on hop-off during the validity period
How to Buy Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus Tickets
You can buy tickets through the City Sightseeing mini-program or major travel-booking platforms. Some physical ticket and redemption points are also available around People's Square, Lujiazui and Yu Garden. Current booking platforms may show promotional fares, so check the price and redemption instructions when booking.
One small extra: the standard ticket can include a tourist map and headphones, with audio commentary available on the buses. Current booking information lists eight language options, which is handy when you want some background on the sights without joining a guided tour.
BUS TOUR Shanghai: Three Best Routes for First-Time Visitors
BUS TOUR is easy to recognize by the large “BUS TOUR” lettering on its double-decker buses.
BUS TOUR Routes
Red Line – Shanghai City Tour
Route: Nanjing Road (New World City) → People's Square → People's Park → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund → Shiliupu Pier → Yu Garden → Xintiandi → Nanjing Road.
Operating Hours: Regular service: 09:00–17:00. Summer evening service (May 1–October 31): 17:00–21:00.
Interval: About every 30 minutes.
Best For: First-time visitors who want to cover Shanghai's classic Puxi landmarks in one easy loop.
Blue Line – Shanghai Pudong Tour
Route: The Bund → Oriental Pearl Tower → Shanghai Tower → Jin Mao Tower → Old Wharf → Shiliupu Pier → The Bund.
Operating Hours: 9:30–17:30.
Interval: About every 30 minutes.
Best For: Travelers who want to focus on Pudong's skyscrapers, the Huangpu River and Shanghai's modern skyline.
Green Line – Shanghai Ancient City Tour
Route: Nanjing Road (New World City) → Shanghai Museum → Huaihai Road → Jing'an Temple → Shanghai Exhibition Center → Portman Hotel → Shanghai TV Station → People's Park → Nanjing Road.
Operating Hours: 9:15–16:45.
Interval: About every 30-45 minutes.
Best For: Travelers who want a quieter look at central Shanghai, with shopping streets, historic buildings, cultural sights and Jing'an Temple.
BUS TOUR Ticket Price
Ticket options:
· 24-hour pass: CNY 100
· 48-hour pass: CNY 180
How to BUS TOUR Tickets
You can buy BUS TOUR tickets through its WeChat Mini Program, as well as platforms such as Ctrip and Meituan. Tickets are also sold at designated BUS TOUR outlets around major stops including Nanjing Road, the Bund and Oriental Pearl Tower.
Shencheng Sightseeing Bus: A Budget-Friendly Way to See Shanghai
Shencheng Sightseeing Bus Routes
Sightseeing Line 1
Route: Gucheng Park → Fuxing East Road Ferry → Shiliupu Pier → The Bund → Jiu Shi Art Museum → Yu Garden (City God Temple) → Xintiandi → People's Square → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Gucheng Park.
Operating Hours: 10:00–18:00.
Interval: About every 15–20 minutes.
Best For: Travelers who want to explore Shanghai's historic Puxi side. It works especially well for a daytime sightseeing route, with plenty of opportunities to hop off for walking, food and photography.
Sightseeing Line 2
Route: Gucheng Park → Fuxing East Road Ferry → Shiliupu Pier → The Bund → North Bund International Cruise Terminal → Oriental Pearl Tower → Dongchang Road Ferry → Shanghai Tower → Gucheng Park.
Operating Hours: 10:00–20:00.
Interval: About every 15–20 minutes.
Best For: Travelers who want to combine the Bund, North Bund and Lujiazui in one sightseeing route. This is also the better choice for an afternoon-to-evening ride, when you can see the skyline change from daylight to the illuminated Pudong towers and Bund waterfront.
Shencheng Ticket Price
Ticket options:
· 24-hour pass: CNY 50
· 48-hour pass: CNY 60
How to Buy Shencheng Sightseeing Bus Tickets
Online: Official WeChat Mini Program "申城观光", Ctrip, Meituan, Klook, KKday, GetYourGuide.
Offline: Main service kiosk at Ancient City Park; buy tickets directly from bus drivers or on-site sales staff at all stops.
Note: Tickets for Red & Blue lines are interchangeable. Children under 1.3m ride free with no separate seat. Pass becomes valid after first scan.
Which Is the Best?
For most first-time visitors to Shanghai, we recommend BUS TOUR because its internationally recognizable open-top buses, simple color-coded routes and concentrated stops make sightseeing easy and great for photos.
However, Shencheng Sightseeing offers the best value for money, especially if you want to see Shanghai's main highlights without spending much on transportation.
How to Board & Hop On / Hop Off Correctly
Taking a hop-on hop-off bus in Shanghai is easy. Once you have your ticket, you can board at a designated sightseeing bus stop, get off whenever you want to explore, and catch the next bus when you are ready to continue.
1. Buy Your Ticket
You can usually buy tickets online or at designated sightseeing bus stops. Online booking is convenient because you can check the latest ticket options and route information before heading out.
2. Find a Designated Bus Stop
Look for the official sightseeing bus stop rather than a regular public bus stop. Major tourist areas such as The Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden and People's Square are common places to board or change routes.
3. Choose Your Seat
The open-top upper deck is the best choice for photos and views of Shanghai's streets and skyline, especially in the afternoon when the light is softer.
On hot, sunny or rainy days, the lower deck is more comfortable and gives you some protection from the weather.
4. Hop Off to Explore
You do not have to stay on the bus for the entire route. Get off whenever you reach an attraction you want to explore, spend as much time as you need, then return to the designated stop and wait for the next sightseeing bus.
5. Check the Last Bus
Before getting off, check the operating hours and frequency of the next bus on your route. This is especially important in the late afternoon, as different routes may finish at different times.
If you get off close to the end of the service period, you may need to use the metro or a taxi for the rest of your journey.
6. Enjoy the Audio Guide
Many Shanghai sightseeing buses provide multilingual audio commentary, allowing you to learn more about the landmarks as you ride. It is almost like having a free guide while taking in the city views.
A Simple Way to Plan Your Ride
You do not need to ride every route from beginning to end. For a first visit, choose a few key areas and use the sightseeing bus to connect them.
Morning: Nanjing Road → People's Square → The Bund
Afternoon: Yu Garden → Xintiandi
Late afternoon: The Bund → Pudong skyline
Tip: Check the latest route, operating hours and service information on the day of your trip, as sightseeing bus services may change because of weather, holidays or special events.
Travel Tips to Take Hop On Hop Off
A hop-on hop-off bus is one of the easiest ways to see Shanghai, but a few simple tips can make your ride much more comfortable and enjoyable.
Choose the Right Season and Dress for the Weather
Shanghai can be very hot and humid in summer, while winter can feel cold and windy on the open deck. Spring and autumn are generally more comfortable for sightseeing by bus.
Bring sunscreen, a hat and water on sunny days, and take a light jacket or umbrella when the weather is changeable.
Use the Multilingual Audio Guide Like a Free Tour Guide
Many sightseeing buses provide multilingual audio commentary along the route. Put on the headphones and listen as you pass the main landmarks — it is almost like having a free guide while you explore the city.
Check the Last Bus Before You Hop Off
One of the easiest mistakes is getting off at an attraction without checking when the next bus arrives. Operating hours and intervals vary between routes, so check the timetable before leaving the bus, especially in the late afternoon.
Choose Between the Upper and Lower Deck
The open-top upper deck is the best choice for sightseeing and taking photos, especially from around 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, when the afternoon light is softer and less harsh. It gives you a much better view of Shanghai's skyline and streets. However, it can feel hot under strong sunlight, so the lower deck is a better option around midday or on very sunny days. On rainy or cooler days, the enclosed lower deck is also more comfortable.
Don't Try to Visit Every Stop in One Day
A hop-on hop-off bus is designed to give you flexibility, not to make you rush through every attraction. Pick three or four places that interest you most and spend more time exploring them instead of trying to complete every stop.
Keep Your Ticket and Know When Its Validity Starts
Keep your electronic ticket or QR code handy throughout the ride, as you may need it when boarding or changing buses. More importantly, check when your ticket validity begins. For many sightseeing bus services, the ticket period starts from the first time you activate or use the ticket, rather than from the time you purchase it. Since different operators have different ticket rules, check the specific validity period before your first ride and avoid activating your ticket too early.
