Shanghai Night River Cruise on Huangpu River

Travelers looking to capture the shimmering lights of Shanghai’s skyline will find this night river cruise on the Huangpu River to be a captivating experience. With its combination of modern skyscrapers, historic landmarks, and optional local dining, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of Shanghai’s vibrant cityscape in a compact timeframe.

What makes this tour particularly appealing? First, the expert guides like Jenny and Jessie bring the city’s sights to life with engaging commentary and thoughtful tips. Second, the upgraded VIP seating ensures unobstructed, panoramic views—worth the small extra fee. Third, the dinner option in a local restaurant adds a delicious cultural touch that rounds out the evening.

A potential consideration is that the cruise’s timing may vary depending on the season, especially during busy summer months, so planning ahead is a good idea. This tour suits those with limited time in Shanghai eager to see iconic sights, or travelers who simply want a relaxing evening with stunning photo opportunities and great food.

Good To Know

• Short and sweet: The cruise lasts around 45 minutes, perfect for a quick yet memorable experience.
• Spectacular vistas: Expect to see modern skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, plus historic landmarks such as the Customs House and Peace Hotel.
• Flexible options: Upgrade to VIP seating or add a local dinner for a more personalized or indulgent experience.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable hosts like Jenny and Jessie make the tour engaging and smooth.
• Convenient logistics: Hotel pickup and drop-off simplify the trip, especially for travelers staying downtown.
• Great value: At $90 per person, the tour combines scenic views, expert commentary, and optional dining, making it a worthwhile splurge.

An In-Depth Look at the Shanghai Night River Cruise

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The tour begins with a hotel pickup, ensuring a hassle-free start. The tour guide will confirm your details in advance, so leaving accurate contact info is key. This personal touch, often praised by reviewers like Jenny, adds to the overall smoothness—one guest even described their guide as “amazing” and “helpful,” making the experience feel genuinely tailored.

The main event is the 45-minute cruise along the Huangpu River, where you’ll glide past Shanghai’s gleaming skyline. The boat is equipped with an option for VIP seating at RMB100 per person, which critics say offers unmatched views of landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Reviewers have highlighted that the VIP upgrade is worthwhile for those wanting to “see the skyline without obstruction,” with some noting that the views are simply breathtaking at night.

Sightseeing from the Water

Expect to see the modern Pudong skyline on one side, alive with illuminated skyscrapers and iconic structures. The Shanghai Tower, which rises majestically into the night sky, is a frequent favorite among guests who appreciate its impressive height and sleek design.

On the opposite bank is the historic Bund, where colonial-era buildings like the HSBC Building and the Customs House glow with warm lights. Reviewers have remarked that “the sights from the river are even better than from the land,” as the boat offers an unobstructed, panoramic view that’s perfect for photography. One reviewer specifically appreciated that the guide helped them capture photos, making the night even more memorable.

Optional Dinner: A Flavorful Finish

For those who choose the cruise + dinner package, the guide will direct you to a local restaurant either before or after the boat ride. While dinner is not served onboard, guests enjoy a taste of Shanghai’s culinary scene, often praising the delicious local dishes. Reviewers have mentioned that the food was “very good” with some highlighting special Shanghai flavors, making the evening both a visual and gastronomic delight.

Practical Aspects and Comfort

The tour’s duration is flexible—most last about 1 to 3 hours—allowing travelers to tailor their experience. Transportation logistics are straightforward, with downtown pickup and drop-off included, and a surcharge available for outskirt hotels or airport transfers. The schedule is adjusted seasonally, especially during the peak summer months when times are set based on the day’s timetable.

What Reviewers Love Most

Many praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Jenny, for their helpfulness and fluency in English. Guests frequently mention that guides take care of tickets, help with photos, and share interesting stories about the landmarks. One reviewer said, “Jenny was an outstanding guide. She made our trip truly memorable,” capturing how important friendly, informative hosts are for a great experience.

The scenic views received unanimous praise. Guests described the night skyline as “beautiful” and “satisfying,” with many noting that the sights from the river provided a perspective that land-based viewing simply can’t match.

Value for Money

At $90 per person, this tour offers an accessible way to see Shanghai’s must-see sights from a unique vantage point. The combination of a guided boat ride, optional VIP seating, and local dinner makes it a good value, especially considering the quality of the views and the convenience of hotel pickup.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers with limited time in Shanghai who want a quick overview of its iconic skyline. It’s perfect for those seeking a relaxed evening with excellent photo opportunities and a taste of local cuisine. Families, couples, or solo travelers will find it accessible and enjoyable, especially with the option to upgrade for a more comfortable view or to include dinner.

It’s also a good choice for first-time visitors eager to see both the historic and modern sides of Shanghai without fussing over logistics.

The Sum Up

The Shanghai Night River Cruise on Huangpu River offers an elegant, convenient way to soak in the city’s dazzling lights. Thanks to the friendly guides, the choice of VIP seating, and the option to enjoy local cuisine, it combines comfort with authentic scenic beauty. The tour’s value lies in its ability to deliver a memorable snapshot of Shanghai in just under an hour, making it especially appealing for busy travelers or those wanting a relaxing, picture-perfect evening.

Whether you’re visiting Shanghai briefly or simply want a different perspective of the city’s skyline, this cruise is a solid choice. It’s particularly well-suited for first-timers, couples, or anyone interested in capturing stunning night photos or enjoying a peaceful, guided river ride.

FAQs

How long does the cruise last?
Most cruises are around 45 minutes, giving you enough time to enjoy the sights without feeling rushed.

Can I upgrade to VIP seating?
Yes, for RMB100 per person, you can enjoy upgraded VIP seating that offers unobstructed, panoramic views of the skyline.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, downtown Shanghai hotels are typically included, making the experience very convenient. Outskirt pickups can be arranged for an extra fee.

What does the dinner involve?
Dinner is served in a local restaurant either before or after the cruise. The tour includes a selection of local dishes praised for their Shanghai flavor.

What landmarks can I expect to see?
On the Pudong side, expect the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center. On the Bund, landmarks like the Customs House, Peace Hotel, and HSBC Building light up the night.

How do weather conditions affect the tour?
While not explicitly mentioned, outdoor boat tours can be affected by weather. It’s wise to check the forecast and dress appropriately.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but it’s best for children who can enjoy a 45-minute boat ride and are comfortable in a group setting.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera or smartphone for photos, a light jacket if it’s chilly, and your enthusiasm for a memorable skyline view.

In summary, this cruise combines incredible scenery, expert guidance, and optional local dining to create a well-rounded evening in Shanghai. Whether you’re snapping shots, soaking in the atmosphere, or enjoying a relaxed meal, it’s a memorable way to see the city’s lights sparkle in style.