Shanghai: After Dark Dinner and Huangpu River Night Cruise

Exploring Shanghai at night offers a different side of this vibrant metropolis—glittering skylines, lively neighborhoods, and a sense of energy that doesn’t fade after sunset. This tour by Hippo Tour Shanghai aims to blend the best of it all: a scenic river cruise, authentic local dining, and the chance to see the city from dizzying heights.

What makes this experience appealing? First, it’s a perfect mix of culture, cuisine, and iconic views, tailored to give you a genuine taste of Shanghai. Second, the guided approach ensures you’ll discover hidden culinary gems and learn about local life from a knowledgeable guide. Third, the option to upgrade your experience with a visit to Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl offers breathtaking panoramas that will stay with you long after your trip.

One potential consideration is the schedule flexibility—activities may shift depending on cruise timings, so it’s worth being adaptable with your plans. This tour suits travelers looking for an authentic, relaxed evening that combines good food, scenic sights, and expert guidance. If you’re after a memorable yet manageable introduction to Shanghai after dark, this could be just the ticket.

Good To Know

• Authentic Local Experience: Enjoy dinner in a neighborhood restaurant with genuine Shanghainese cuisine.
• Iconic Views: Relax on a scenic Huangpu River cruise, with options for VIP seating for the best panoramic views.
• Flexible Add-Ons: Choose to ascend Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower for stunning skyline vistas.
• Expert Guidance: A local guide helps navigate the dining choices and shares cultural insights.
• Comfort & Convenience: Hotel pick-up and drop-off ensure a hassle-free evening.
• Value for Money: For $120, you get a well-rounded night experience with several highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Introduction to the Tour

If you’re curious about Shanghai’s nightlife, this tour offers a curated look at the city after dark, blending scenic views, authentic food, and optional high-altitude panoramas. We love that it’s designed with genuine local experiences in mind—not just touristy spots but real neighborhoods and flavors.

Three things stand out: the guided approach, ensuring you uncover hidden gems; the scenic cruise, which offers spectacular skyline views; and the optional tower visits, perfect for those wanting a breathtaking perspective of China’s largest city.

However, it’s worth noting that the activities’ order may vary depending on cruise schedules, so flexibility is key. This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of culture, cuisine, and city sights, especially if they appreciate personalized guidance and authentic settings.

What to Expect from the Experience

Starting the Evening

Your evening begins with hotel pickup by a professional English-speaking guide, ensuring a smooth start. The tour includes private transport, so you won’t need to worry about navigating public transit or hailing a cab. Depending on the schedule, you might first enjoy a delicious dinner at a hidden local restaurant—off the beaten path, away from tourist traps.

The Huangpu River Cruise

The cruise is the centerpiece of this tour—offering a relaxing ride along Shanghai’s iconic river. You can opt for standard seats, which still provide excellent views, or VIP seats for a more exclusive experience. The VIP upgrade grants you access to the upper deck, front-row views, and a quieter atmosphere, perfect for couples or travelers seeking a more private moment with the cityscape.

As Juergen, a happy guest, praised: “The tour started with a one-hour cruise at the river with a spectacular view of the skyline of Shanghai.” The illuminated skyline, reflecting off the water, creates a magical atmosphere that’s hard to match elsewhere.

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Local Dinner in Style

Post-cruise, your guide will take you to a neighborhood restaurant where authentic Shanghainese dishes await. Unlike buffet-style cruises, this experience emphasizes genuine flavors and quality. Juergen’s review highlights the quality of the food, mentioning “one of the best hot pots we ever had in China.” This is a wonderful way to connect with local culinary traditions, guided by someone who knows what to order for a true taste of Shanghai.

Tower Options for a Bird’s-Eye View

For those craving a glimpse of Shanghai from high above, the tour offers optional visits to Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower. These skyscrapers boast observation decks that provide sweeping panoramas of the city lights and beyond. The Shanghai Tower, as the tallest building in China, offers a modern architectural marvel, while the Oriental Pearl provides a uniquely designed observation space with excellent views.

End of the Night and Return

After your tower visit or dinner, your guide will ensure a comfortable return to your hotel. This personalized touch keeps the experience stress-free, especially after a busy evening exploring.

Why Travelers Love This Tour

One of the strongest points is the knowledgeable guides. Juergen appreciated Jenny, the guide, who went above and beyond, sharing cultural insights and making the entire evening special. Guests praise the spectacular skyline views from the cruise and towers, making the experience truly memorable.

The authentic dinner is another highlight—no touristy buffet, but genuine Shanghainese cuisine, carefully selected and explained by the guide to enrich your understanding of local flavors. The optional tower visit is valued for providing a stunning 360-degree view that’s perfect for photography and reflection.

Unpacking the Details: The Itinerary and Experience

Pickup and Transportation

Starting with hotel pickup means your evening begins smoothly, especially after a busy day of sightseeing. The private transport allows you to relax and focus on the experience rather than logistics. This is particularly appreciated if you’re staying in central Shanghai, though outskirt pickups are available at an additional cost.

The Cruise Experience

The 1-hour cruise along Huangpu River offers a chance to see Shanghai’s skyline sparkle in the evening. The views include renowned landmarks like The Bund, with its colonial-era buildings, and Pudong’s futuristic skyscrapers. The choice between standard and VIP seats can make a difference—VIP seating, while more expensive, offers a quieter, more exclusive experience with the best vantage points.

Dining in Local Neighborhoods

By choosing a neighborhood restaurant, the tour ensures you’re experiencing Shanghai like a local, avoiding the typical tourist zones. The guide’s help in ordering dishes tailored to your tastes makes this a personalized culinary adventure. Juergen’s review describes it as “one of the best hot pots” they’ve had in China, emphasizing quality and authenticity.

Tower Visits and Views

The optional visits to Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl are perfect for panoramic photos and awe-inspiring vistas. These experience upgrades are especially popular in clear weather, when the city lights turn into a glittering sea of illumination. The Shanghai Tower’s observation deck, being the highest, offers a sense of being on top of the world—something you’ll remember long after you leave.

End of the Tour

The return is seamless, as your guide handles logistics and ensures you’re back at your hotel comfortably. The personalized care stands out, especially after an active evening of sightseeing.

Analyzing the Value: Is It Worth $120?

At $120 per person, this tour offers a lot for your money. It’s not merely a cruise or a dinner but a curated experience that combines multiple facets of Shanghai’s nightlife. The inclusion of a guided experience, authentic local food, and optional high-altitude views makes it stand out from simpler river cruises or city tours.

Juergen’s glowing review highlights the quality of the experience: “The tour started with a one-hour cruise at the river with a spectacular view of the skyline of Shanghai. After that, we drove to a local restaurant and had one of the best hot pots we ever had in China.” It’s clear that the combination of authentic dining and scenic views makes this tour a memorable value.

Considerations

While the experience is comprehensive, flexibility is necessary—activities may shift depending on scheduling or weather. If you’re pressed for time or prefer a more leisurely, customizable experience, this tour provides a structured yet rich evening that balances guided insights with personal exploration.

Who is This Tour Best Suited For?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking a balanced mix of culture, cuisine, and panoramic views. It’s perfect if you want to avoid tourist traps, enjoy authentic local food, and see Shanghai’s skyline from multiple perspectives. Couples, small groups, and solo travelers looking for a relaxed yet immersive evening will find plenty to love here.

If you’re after a no-hassle, thoughtfully curated night out that hits all the high notes—scenery, food, and culture—this tour ticks those boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off within downtown Shanghai, making the evening convenient and stress-free.

Can I upgrade to VIP cruise seating?
Absolutely. The VIP upgrade gives you upper-deck access, front-row views, and a quieter atmosphere, perfect for a more exclusive experience.

What kind of dinner is included?
The tour features a traditional local dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, not on the cruise itself. Expect authentic Shanghainese dishes, with guides helping you select the best options.

Are the tower visits included?
You can choose to upgrade with visits to Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower. Entrance fees are included if you opt for these.

How long is the tour?
While exact timing varies, the experience generally spans a relaxing evening, starting with pickup and ending back at your hotel, with activities like the cruise, dinner, and optional tower visits.

What if I have dietary restrictions?
It’s recommended to inform the tour provider in advance—guides are happy to accommodate food allergies or specific preferences when possible.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
Yes, with the ability to reserve and pay later, last-minute bookings are feasible, subject to availability.

Is this suitable for families?
Yes, it’s a family-friendly experience, especially with the flexibility of activities and the focus on authentic local culture.

What should I wear?
Casual, comfortable clothing is perfect. If you plan to visit the towers, bring a jacket or layers for outdoor viewing areas.

Is this tour available in languages other than English?
Currently, the tour is offered in English, but guides are skilled at making the experience accessible and engaging for international travelers.

This Shanghai after dark tour offers a balanced, authentic glimpse into the city’s nighttime charm. Combining a scenic river cruise, genuine local dining, and optional panoramic tower visits, it provides a well-rounded experience at a fair price.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to see the skyline from every angle or someone who loves discovering local flavors in a relaxed setting, this tour hits the right notes. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Jenny, truly elevate the experience, sharing insights that bring Shanghai’s vibrant spirit to life.

The inclusion of flexible options and authentic dining makes it a smart choice for travelers seeking quality and value. It’s an experience that promises both visual wow moments and delicious memories—perfect for those who want a genuine taste of Shanghai after sunset.

In summary, this tour is a fantastic way to enjoy Shanghai’s night scene without feeling rushed or touristy. It caters to those who appreciate comfort, culture, and a touch of luxury—all with the reassurance of local expertise guiding the way. For an immersive, scenic, and delicious evening, it’s hard to go wrong.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby