Huangpu River Cruise (黄浦江游船) – See Shanghai from the Water

A cruise on the Huangpu River (黄浦江) offers one of the most memorable perspectives of Shanghai — the historic Bund skyline on one side, the futuristic Pudong towers on the other, with the city's busy river traffic all around. Whether you choose a day cruise or a romantic evening cruise, the Huangpu delivers unforgettable views.

Night Cruise vs. Day Cruise

Night Cruise (recommended) – After dusk, both the Bund's colonial buildings and the Pudong skyscrapers are illuminated in spectacular colour. Most popular departure times are 19:00, 20:00, and 21:00.
Day Cruise – Better for photography of architectural details; you can clearly read the names of the buildings and see all the river traffic including cargo ships and tugs.

Cruise Options

Short Cruise (50 min) – Covers the Bund area and turns around at the Yangpu Bridge. Best value for a quick experience.
Long Cruise (2 hr) – Travels further upstream past industrial docks, returning past the Bund and Nanpu Bridge. Great for seeing more of the city.
Dinner Cruise – Combined sightseeing and dining aboard larger vessels; book in advance.

Departure Piers

Shiliupu Pier (十六铺码头) – Most central pier, near the Bund on the south end. Metro Line 10 Yuyuan Station.
Bund Tourist Tunnel Pier – Northern Bund area, near the Peace Hotel.

Tickets & Hours

Short cruise: CNY 100–120 | Long cruise: CNY 150–180
Departures from 09:00 to 21:30 (evening cruises most popular)
Book at the pier ticket office or through your hotel

Tips

Arrive 30 minutes early to board and get a good outdoor deck position
Bring a light jacket even in summer — it can be breezy on the water
Look for the old warehouses at North Bund being converted into creative spaces