The Huangpu River Cruise
About this experience
<p>The Huangpu River Cruise is the definitive way to experience Shanghai’s soul, offering a front-row seat to the city’s dramatic evolution. By sailing between the Puxi and Pudong banks, you witness a stunning visual dialogue between the 19th-century colonial elegance of The Bund and the neon-lit, futuristic skyscrapers of Lujiazui. Whether viewed under the morning sun or during the spectacular nightly light show, the cruise provides a panoramic perspective of the "Museum of Buildings" and the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower that simply cannot be matched from the shore</p>
What to expect
<p>Taking a tour of the Huangpu River aboard the “Huangpu River cruise” is one of the ways to enjoy the city’s bustling scenery. The west bank of the Huangpu River is home to the famous cosmopolitan buildings of the Bund, while the east bank is the modern Lujiazui financial district. When night falls, lights on both sides of the river shine bright and the scenery is stunning.</p>
Highlights
- See the "Museum of Buildings" on the west bank. This row of 52 colonial-era structures showcases stunning Art Deco and Gothic architecture from Shanghai’s earl
- Witness the world’s most futuristic skyline on the east bank. You’ll get a clear view of the Shanghai Tower and the World Financial Center towering over the riv
- Get an up-close look at this iconic landmark. Its unique "pearl" design and colorful LED displays make it the most recognizable silhouette in the city.
- The best part is the nighttime illumination. At 7:00 PM, the buildings light up, turning the river into a glowing reflection of gold and neon
- The cruise shows you "old" and "new" Shanghai at once. It’s the only spot where you can see the 19th-century history and 21st-century future side-by-side.
Things to note
- Best Timing: Aim for a departure between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM. This is when the city’s lights are fully illuminated, offering the most dramatic views.
- The river breeze can be surprisingly chilly, even in warmer months. Bring a light jacket or windbreaker if you plan to stay on the outdoor observation deck.
- Arrive at the pier at least 30 to 45 minutes early. Security checks and boarding queues can be long, especially during weekends or public holidays.
- There are various boat types, from standard sightseeing vessels to luxury "VIP" cruises that include dinner. Choose based on your budget and preference.
- Don’t forget to bring your passport or official ID. You will often need it to purchase tickets or clear security at the terminal.
- For the best photos, head to the rear of the top deck as the boat turns; this often provides the widest angle of both the Bund and the Lujiazui skyline
Location
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355 reviews
jay mastagi
this was one of the most unforgettable experiences on our trip. everything went incredibly smoothly and i couldn’t recommend this tour agency enough. the cruise departed and returned exactly on time. we boarded the cruise however quickly noticed the smell of fuel and smoke coming from the lower deck. due to this, and the obstructed views, we then opted for the vip section which was one of the best decisions ever. by paying 100 yuan extra, you gain access to the vip section which has the most spectacular and unobstructed views of shanghai’s skyline. there is also no smell as the vip is towards the front of the cruise. the staff were also very friendly and helpful throughout the cruise. while i wouldn’t recommend the standard section of this cruise, i would HIGHLY recommend the vip section.
Eduardo Villegas
Nice 1-hour cruise with great Shanghai skyline views, especially at night. Good price and on time, but the meeting point is a bit tricky to find. Worth it for the lights and atmosphere!. You can buy drinks but I didn’t do this time
A D
Great way to see the evening lights of Shanghai skyline. Its a 45 minute cruise around the Bund area. There is extra charge for the top deck access but its worth the price.
Cornelius O'connell
The most famous little trip along the river in the evening and seeing the beautiful landscape and lights . Plenty of people on the boat and food if you want it. Not expensive and fascinating,
Pasindu Ranasinghe
It was a nice one-hour cruise ride where we could see Shanghai skyscrapers. I would recommend buying tickets in advance, but it can depend on the day.
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