Huangpu River Crystal Princess Cruise Ticket with dinner

Taking a cruise along the Huangpu River is often considered a must-do activity when visiting Shanghai, and this Crystal Princess Cruise offers an inviting way to enjoy the city’s luminous skyline after dark. While it isn’t the cheapest option out there at around $92 per person, the combination of a scenic ride, a buffet dinner, and views of iconic landmarks makes it a worthwhile experience for many travelers.

This tour is especially appealing for those who want to combine sightseeing with a relaxed evening onboard, soaking in the glittering city lights. We love the way it wraps together spectacular panoramic views, the chance to see key landmarks illuminated at night, and the opportunity to enjoy a buffet dinner without leaving the boat.

However, one thing to bear in mind is that the tour lasts about 4 hours in total, which might feel long if you’re tired after a busy day exploring Shanghai. Still, for those who enjoy a leisurely cruise with great photo opportunities and a vibrant evening atmosphere, this cruise tends to hit the right notes.

If you’re after an authentic, scenic experience of Shanghai’s skyline, combined with a good-value meal and a comfortable boat ride, then this cruise could be a perfect choice. It’s ideal for first-time visitors, couples seeking a romantic night out, or anyone looking to see the city from a unique vantage point.

Good To Know

• Stunning Night Views: The cruise offers incredible vistas of Shanghai’s skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
• Value for Money: The combination of a buffet dinner and cruise ticket makes for a convenient, all-in-one experience.
• Flexible Itinerary: Stops include views of the Bund’s architecture and the illuminated skyscrapers in Lujiazui.
• Authentic Atmosphere: The cruise provides a relaxed, scenic way to experience Shanghai’s vibrant city lights.
• Limited VIP Option: For an extra RMB 100, you can upgrade to a VIP deck with better seating and some additional perks.
• Potential for Extra Experiences: On special nights, there might be surprises like drone shows, which can elevate the experience.

👉 See our pick of the 25 Best Guided Tours In Shanghai

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Meeting and Ticket Collection

The tour kicks off at Shiliupu No.3 Cruise Terminal. Your English-speaking staff will assist in collecting your tickets, and they’re generally helpful in guiding you on how to reach the pier. Most travelers book this experience 19 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

The starting time is at 5:00 pm, giving you some wiggle room to arrive, get your tickets, and settle in before the cruise begins at 7:00 pm. If you’re unfamiliar with how to reach the pier, the staff will provide detailed instructions, ensuring you don’t get lost.

Buffet Dinner

The buffet dinner runs from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, allowing you to enjoy a variety of dishes while waiting for the cruise to start. The reviews highlight the delicious food, with one reviewer specifically mentioning the good value of the buffet, especially considering the scenic setting.

Having dinner onboard is a major perk, as it means you don’t have to leave the boat for a meal. The buffet generally includes a mix of local and international dishes, and some reviewers noted the quality of the food matched the beautiful surroundings, making it a true highlight of the evening.

The Cruise and Sightseeing

The cruise departs at 7:00 pm and lasts roughly 2 hours. During this time, you’ll pass by several iconic sights:

• The Oriental Pearl Tower: The tallest and perhaps most recognizable of Shanghai’s landmarks, especially stunning when lit up. A reviewer called its lights show “magnificent” and noted that from the cruise, it’s a captivating sight.
• Jin Mao Tower: Located in the heart of Lujiazui, this 88-floor skyscraper offers impressive views, especially when illuminated at night.
• The Bund: As the cruise approaches the historic waterfront, you’ll get a close-up view of the Bund’s classic European architecture contrasted against the modern skyline.
• Other Modern Skyscrapers: Buildings like the Shanghai World Financial Center are illuminated and provide fantastic photo opportunities.

Special Highlights and Insider Tips

According to reviews, there’s the option to upgrade to a VIP deck for RMB 100, which provides better seating and amenities. On an anniversary night, there was even a drone show that added a layer of visual spectacle. These extras can make a good experience even better, especially if you’re keen on capturing memorable photos.

Many travelers comment on how beautiful the illuminated buildings look from the water, with some noting that the lights are vibrant and lively. The full cityscape with the combination of historic and ultra-modern architecture makes for an unforgettable view.

How Does It Compare in Value?

For $92, you get the cruise ticket, the buffet dinner, and access to panoramic views, which is quite reasonable considering the scenic highlights. The inclusion of tickets for key landmarks and the dinner makes it a convenient, all-in-one experience.

While the cruise itself lasts just about 2 hours, the entire tour, including boarding, dining, and sightseeing, takes around 4 hours. Some reviews mention that most travelers find it worth the cost, especially since they’re able to relax and enjoy the night scenery without the hassle of navigating public transport or finding a good viewpoint.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

Reviewers highlight some notable aspects that might help you decide. One traveler mentioned that the VIP option is “well worth it,” especially because of the seating and included ice cream. They also appreciated the special drone show that coincided with the cruise’s 94th anniversary, which added a wow factor for those lucky enough to see it.

Another guest called it an “amazing experience”, emphasizing the stunning skyline views at night and the delicious dinner. They described the overall atmosphere as fantastic, making it a perfect evening in Shanghai.

Practical Details and Tips

• Timing: Arrive early at 5:00 pm to collect tickets and settle in.
• Duration: Expect about 4 hours total, including dinner, cruise time, and sightseeing stops.
• Meeting Point: The pier is located at 99 Wai Ma Lu, accessible via public transportation.
• Upgrades: VIP deck upgrade costs RMB 100 and can enhance your experience.
• Booking: It’s recommended to book at least 19 days in advance if possible, as it’s quite popular.
• What to Wear: Since it’s an evening cruise, bring layers as it can get cooler on the water.
• Extra Costs: Personal expenses, tips, and optional VIP upgrades are not included.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This cruise is ideal for first-time visitors to Shanghai who want a comprehensive view of the skyline in one relaxing evening. It’s perfect for couples seeking a romantic night out or small groups of friends wanting to enjoy photo-worthy views. If you value a good meal combined with sightseeing, this experience hits the mark.

It’s also well-suited to those interested in modern architecture and the city’s luminous nightscape, especially if they want a convenient, all-in-one experience without the hassle of navigating busy streets or booking multiple tickets.

The Sum Up

The Huangpu River Crystal Princess Cruise with dinner offers an enjoyable way to witness Shanghai’s dazzling nightlights from the water. Its combination of a scenic cruise, good-value buffet, and access to iconic landmarks makes it a popular choice for travelers wanting a relaxed, atmospheric evening.

While it might not be the cheapest or most exclusive experience, the stunning views, delicious food, and convenience outweigh these minor considerations for many visitors. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just want to see the city from a new perspective, this cruise delivers a memorable experience.

If you’re looking for a balanced, authentic way to enjoy Shanghai’s skyline after dark, this tour offers solid value and a captivating setting. Just plan ahead to secure your spot, and be prepared for an evening filled with beautiful sights and a relaxed atmosphere.

FAQ

What time do I need to arrive?
Advance arrival at 5:00 pm is recommended to collect tickets and settle in before the cruise departs at 7:00 pm.

Is dinner included in the price?
Yes, a buffet dinner is included and served from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, offering a variety of dishes.

Can I upgrade to a VIP deck?
Yes, for an additional RMB 100, you can access the VIP section, which has better seating and some added perks like ice cream.

How long does the whole experience last?
The entire tour, including boarding, dinner, the cruise, and sightseeing, lasts about 4 hours.

What landmarks will I see from the cruise?
Expect views of the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Bund, all beautifully lit up at night.

Is this experience suitable for children?
Most travelers find it suitable for most age groups, especially since it’s a relaxed boat ride, but check with the provider for specific age restrictions or family considerations.

This detailed review aims to help you decide if the Huangpu River cruise fits your Shanghai itinerary. It’s a unique way to see the city’s vibrant nightscape, combining the thrill of a boat ride with the comfort of dinner and iconic views.