Enjoy China

Shanghai’s Huangpu River is the city’s lifeblood, dividing the historic Bund from the futuristic Lujiazui financial district. While a quick, inexpensive ferry offers a glimpse, a dedicated Huangpu River sightseeing cruise provides an unparalleled experience, allowing you to comfortably soak in the city’s iconic skyline and vibrant atmosphere, especially at night.

Why Choose a Sightseeing Cruise?

Compared to the public ferry, a sightseeing cruise, typically starting from 150 RMB and lasting 45-120 minutes, offers a significantly enhanced experience:

Comprehensive Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of both sides of the Huangpu River, providing a full perspective of Shanghai’s unique blend of old and new.

Comfort and Ambiance: Cruise ships are generally well-appointed, with comfortable seating, viewing decks, and often air-conditioned cabins. Some even offer buffet dining, allowing you to savor a meal while admiring the scenery without the hustle and bustle.

Extended Exploration: With longer durations, you’ll have ample time to relax, take stunning photographs, and truly appreciate the architectural marvels.

Informative Experience: Many cruises provide commentary, enriching your journey with insights into Shanghai’s history and landmarks.

What You’ll See

As your cruise glides along the Huangpu River, prepare to be mesmerized by a succession of iconic landmarks:

The Bund: On the west bank, marvel at the “Exotic Buildings Cluster,” a living museum of colonial-era architecture, showcasing diverse styles from Gothic to Baroque.

Lujiazui Skyline: On the east bank, witness the breathtaking modern skyscrapers of Pudong, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC), Jin Mao Tower, and the colossal Shanghai Tower.

Impressive Bridges: Pass under architectural feats like the Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge, and catch a glimpse of the historic Waibaidu Bridge.

Other Sights: Depending on your route, you might also see the Shanghai International Convention Center, Binjiang Avenue, Expo Source, and the Monument to the People’s Heroes.

Cruise Options, Pricing, and Boarding

in advance through various platforms.

Popular boarding points include:

• Shiliupu Wharf (十六铺码头): Located near the Bund, this is one of the most popular and historic wharves, offering routes that encompass many key landmarks. (Addresses: No. 481 and No. 551 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District).
• Oriental Pearl Cruise Terminal (东方明珠游轮码头): Conveniently located in Lujiazui.
• Dongchang Road Cruise Terminal (东昌路游轮码头): Another option in Pudong.
• Jinling East Road Cruise Terminal (金陵东路游轮码头): Offers routes that may include sights like Expo Source and Nanpu Bridge.
• Qinhuangdao Road Quay (秦皇岛路码头): An alternative boarding point.

The most popular cruises, like the 50-minute classic route from Shiliupu Wharf, typically cover the major highlights of both the Bund and Lujiazui.

Best Time to Cruise

While cruises are available throughout the day, the night cruise is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience. As dusk falls, the city transforms into a dazzling spectacle of lights, illuminating the skyscrapers and historic buildings, creating a truly magical ambiance.

The best seasons for a comfortable open-deck experience are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), when the weather is pleasant. If traveling in summer or winter, rest assured that cruise ships are equipped with air conditioning and heating for indoor comfort.

Tips for a Great Experience

• Book in Advance: Especially during weekends or holidays, consider purchasing your tickets online beforehand to avoid long queues.
• Arrive Early: Aim to arrive at the wharf at least 15-30 minutes before your scheduled departure time for smooth boarding.
• Choose a Deck: For the best photo opportunities and to fully enjoy the river breeze, opt for a three-story cruise ship and head to the open-air deck.
• Dress Appropriately: Even on mild evenings, it can get breezy on the river, so bring a light jacket or coat.
• Bring Your Camera: You’ll want to capture the stunning panoramic views of Shanghai’s illuminated skyline.

A Huangpu River cruise offers a unique perspective of Shanghai’s charm, allowing you to witness its dynamic blend of history and modernity unfold right before your eyes. It’s an essential experience for any visitor to this vibrant metropolis.