There are plenty of ways to see Shanghai. You can walk the Bund, climb Shanghai Tower, explore the old streets, or simply find a spot by the river and watch the city go by. But the Huangpu River cruise offers something different: it puts you right in the middle of Shanghai's most dramatic views.
On one side, you have the historic buildings of the Bund. On the other, the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui. As the boat moves, the view keeps changing, giving you a perspective of Shanghai that you simply cannot get from either riverbank.
The tricky part is deciding when to go, where to board and which ticket makes sense for your trip. This guide will help you sort through those choices, so you can pick a cruise that fits your schedule, budget and the kind of Shanghai experience you actually want.
Why Take a Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai?
See Shanghai from a Completely Different Perspective
Shanghai looks impressive from street level, but the river gives you a completely different sense of scale.
From the water, the Bund is no longer just a row of historic buildings, and Lujiazui is no longer a collection of skyscrapers you have to look up at. The river pulls the whole city into one wide view, making it much easier to appreciate how large, layered and surprisingly dramatic Shanghai really is.
It is also a nice change of pace after a day of walking. Instead of squeezing through busy streets, you simply sit back and let the city pass by.
Watch Old Shanghai and New Shanghai Face Each Other
Few places show Shanghai's past and present so clearly as the Huangpu River.
On the Puxi side, the Bund is lined with grand historic buildings that reflect Shanghai's role as an international trading city. Across the river, Lujiazui rises with a completely different skyline of glass towers and modern landmarks.
Seeing the two sides together gives you a quick visual lesson in how dramatically Shanghai has changed — without needing a museum, a history lecture or a long explanation.
Experience Shanghai's Skyline as a Moving Panorama
A viewpoint gives you one composition. A river cruise keeps changing it.
As the boat moves, the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui skyscrapers and riverside bridges gradually appear from different angles. One moment you're focused on the skyline, and a few minutes later the historic waterfront has taken over the view.
This is particularly enjoyable after dark, when the illuminated buildings and their reflections keep changing as you move along the river. You don't need to spend the whole cruise chasing the perfect photo — the view does the work for you.
Types of Huangpu River Cruises
Regular Sightseeing Cruises
This is the classic option and the one most visitors actually need.
You board, find a spot with a decent view, and spend roughly 45 minutes cruising through the central section of the Huangpu River.
No dinner. No elaborate entertainment. No fancy upgrade.
Just Shanghai. And that's not a bad thing.
Route
The classic sightseeing route takes you through the central Huangpu River waterfront, with views of the Bund, Lujiazui, North Bund and major bridges.
Duration
Usually around 45 minutes
Price
Expect to pay around ￥90–￥135 per person for a standard sightseeing cruise. Daytime sailings are generally cheaper, while evening and holiday departures tend to cost more.
Best For
First-time visitors who simply want to see Shanghai from the river.
If you are wondering whether you need a luxury boat for your first cruise, you probably don't.
Dining & Themed Cruises
A themed cruise is less about simply seeing the Huangpu River and more about how you want to spend your evening in Shanghai. The river view is still there, but the atmosphere, food and onboard entertainment can make the experience feel completely different.
Dragon Boat – A More Traditional Chinese Atmosphere
The Dragon Boat is a good choice if you want something that feels more connected to traditional Chinese culture rather than a standard city sightseeing ride.
With its Chinese-inspired setting and dinner experience, it gives the cruise a more festive and theatrical feel. It is especially suitable if you want your Huangpu River evening to feel distinctly “China,” rather than simply “Shanghai skyline.”
Best for: First-time visitors looking for a Chinese-style evening experience.
Magic Yuexing – Turn the Cruise into a Full Evening Out
Magic Yuexing is more than a quick sightseeing cruise. The longer sailing combines river views, buffet dining and onboard entertainment, so you can settle in and make the cruise the main event of your evening.
Instead of spending 45 minutes taking skyline photos and getting off, this is closer to dinner + entertainment + Shanghai night views in one experience.
Best for: Couples, families and travelers who want a lively evening rather than a simple sightseeing ride.
Crystal Princess – A More Refined Dinner Cruise
Crystal Princess takes a more polished approach. The focus is less on traditional styling and more on a comfortable dinner setting with the Shanghai skyline as the backdrop. Its buffet cruise is also positioned at a higher price level than a standard sightseeing ticket.
Think of it as a special-evening option rather than just another way to see the river — particularly suitable for a celebration, date night or travelers who want a more upscale experience.
Best for: Couples, celebrations and travelers who care more about atmosphere and dining comfort.
￥2 Public Ferry: A Budget Way to See the Huangpu River
Here's the Shanghai budget trick nobody needs to overcomplicate.
You can get on the Huangpu River for ￥2.
The public ferry is not a tourist cruise. There is no dramatic narration, no carefully designed sightseeing route and no guarantee that everyone around you is there to take photos.
People actually use it to get across the river.
And that's precisely why it's fun.
Route
One useful option is the ferry between East Jinling Road and Dongchang Road, connecting the Bund side with Pudong.
Price
Around ￥2 per passenger.
Best For
Budget travelers, repeat visitors and anyone who wants to experience the river the local way rather than the tourist way.
Private Yacht Charter
Now we're going from “tourist attraction” to “let's make tonight memorable.”
A private yacht gives you something the regular cruise cannot: space.
No fighting for the best railing position. No stranger's selfie stick suddenly entering your photo. No worrying about whether someone in front of you is six feet tall.
Route
Private routes can be arranged around the central Huangpu River depending on the vessel and navigation conditions.
Duration
Usually customized according to the charter.
Price
There is no standard ticket price. You're paying according to the yacht, duration, number of passengers and additional services.
Best For
Couples, families, proposals, birthdays and private celebrations.
If you're just looking for the cheapest way to see the skyline, don't book a yacht.
If you're celebrating something?
Different story.
Where Does the Huangpu River Cruise Depart From?
Huangpu River cruises do not all leave from the same place. The departure pier depends on the cruise you book, so check the pier name on your ticket before heading out. For most first-time visitors, the location matters almost as much as the cruise itself — especially if you plan to visit the Bund, Lujiazui or North Bund on the same day.
Shiliupu Tourist Wharf
Location: 481–551 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 10 or 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station, then walk about 10–15 minutes to the Shiliupu area. The wharf is spread across several terminals, so check whether your ticket says Pier 1, Pier 2 or Pier 3 before walking over.
Nearby Attractions:
The Bund, Yu Garden, Old City God Temple area, Nanjing Road and the riverside promenade are all within easy reach.
Best For:
First-time visitors and travelers who want to combine a river cruise with the Bund.
East Jinling Road Pier
Location: 141 East Zhongshan Road No. 2, Huangpu District
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, then walk about 6–10 minutes toward the southern end of the Bund.
Nearby Attractions:
The Bund, Chenyi Square, Nanjing Road and the historic waterfront are nearby.
Best For:
Travelers sightseeing around the Bund. It is a practical option if you are already walking along the Bund rather than coming specifically from another part of Shanghai.
Oriental Pearl Cruise Dock
Address: 2852 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong.
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station, then walk toward the Oriental Pearl and riverside area. Allow roughly 10–15 minutes on foot, as the dock is down by the river rather than directly beside the metro station.
Nearby Attractions:
Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Lujiazui Riverside.
Best For:
Travelers staying in Pudong or visiting Lujiazui first. You can visit the skyscrapers, walk along the riverside and board your cruise without crossing back to Puxi.
Qinhuangdao Road Cruise Terminal
Address: 32 Qinhuangdao Road, Yangpu District.
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 4 to Yangshupu Road Station, then use Exit 2 and walk about 300 meters to the terminal. This is one of the easiest piers to reach directly by metro.
Nearby Attractions:
Yangpu Riverside, North Bund and Yangpu Bridge.
Best For:
Travelers exploring North Bund or Yangpu. It is more convenient than going all the way to Shiliupu if your sightseeing is already focused on Shanghai's northern waterfront.
International Cruise Terminal
Address: 800 East Daming Road, Hongkou District.
How to Get There:
Take Metro Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal Station. From there, allow roughly 10–15 minutes on foot to reach the cruise terminal area; the actual boarding point can be further inside the complex, so leave some extra time.
Nearby Attractions:
North Bund, Waibaidu Bridge, White Magnolia Plaza and the North Bund riverside.
Best For:
Travelers staying around North Bund or Hongkou, especially if you want to combine the cruise with a riverside walk and skyline photography.
Day Cruise vs. Night Cruise: Which Is Better?
Day Cruise: See Shanghai in Full Detail
During the day, Shanghai feels more like a city to look at than a city to admire from a distance.
Cruising along the Huangpu River, you can clearly pick out the Bund's historic buildings, busy river traffic, bridges and the skyscrapers rising behind Lujiazui. In good weather, the contrast between old Puxi and modern Pudong is particularly easy to see.
There is also more going on along the river than just the skyline. Cargo boats, ferries and sightseeing boats are constantly moving through the water, giving you a better sense of how the Huangpu River actually functions as part of Shanghai's everyday city life.
The downside? You won't get that famous glowing Shanghai skyline. The view is clearer, but the atmosphere is more ordinary.
Night Cruise: See the Shanghai You Came to See
After dark, the Huangpu River tells a completely different story.
The Bund's historic buildings light up along Puxi, while Lujiazui becomes a wall of illuminated skyscrapers across the water. As the boat moves, the skyline keeps changing — sometimes the Bund takes over the view, sometimes the towers of Pudong do.
This is the version of Shanghai that feels instantly familiar from travel photos. You are not really looking at individual buildings anymore; you are watching the whole waterfront become one giant cityscape.
It is also when the river itself becomes part of the view. Lights stretch across the water and reflections move with the boat, making even a simple cruise feel much more atmospheric.
Overall, daytime is better for seeing the city clearly, while nighttime is better for the atmosphere and illuminated skyline. If you want a bit of both, sunset is probably the nicest compromise. You board while there is still daylight, watch the buildings take on a warmer glow, and then see the city lights come on as the boat is still cruising.
The only catch? Everyone else has had the same idea. Sunset departures can be popular when the weather is good, so they tend to fill up faster than less popular time slots.
What Can You See on a Huangpu River Cruise?
A Huangpu River cruise is not just about seeing the skyline. As the boat moves, Shanghai keeps changing around you — historic buildings, futuristic towers, old bridges and busy waterfronts all appear from different angles.
The Bund
The Bund is all about the grand row of historic buildings facing the water. From the cruise, you get the full waterfront in one view instead of seeing the buildings one by one from the promenade.
Look for the different fa?ades, domes, towers and European-style architecture stretching along the Puxi riverbank. At night, the whole row lights up and becomes one of the most impressive views on the cruise.
Lujiazui Skyline
Turn across the river and the scene changes completely.
Lujiazui is where Shanghai's famous skyscrapers gather together, with the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center creating the city's unmistakable skyline.
From the water, you don't have to choose just one tower to look at. The whole skyline comes together in a single frame. This is one of the moments when having your camera ready actually makes sense.
Waibaidu Bridge
Waibaidu Bridge is easy to spot thanks to its distinctive steel structure and historic character. Sitting at the northern end of the Bund, it makes an interesting contrast with the skyscrapers rising behind it.
It is also one of those sights that looks better from the river than you might expect. As the boat passes, the bridge becomes part of a much wider picture of the Bund, Pudong and the Huangpu River.
Yangpu Bridge
Yangpu Bridge gives the cruise a change of scale.
Its enormous cable-stayed structure stretches across the Huangpu River, with the cables creating a striking pattern against the sky. Compared with the tightly packed skyline around the Bund and Lujiazui, the area here feels wider, bigger and more open.
If your cruise reaches this far north, it is worth staying outside for this section rather than assuming the best views are only around the Bund.
How to Book Huangpu River Cruise Tickets
Booking a Huangpu River cruise is fairly simple. You can buy tickets through the official cruise channel, an online travel platform, or directly at the pier. For most visitors, booking online in advance is the least hassle.
Book Through the Official Channel
The official Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览) WeChat mini-program is the most direct way to check available cruises and book tickets.
It is useful if you use WeChat and want to see the actual departure time, pier and ticket options.
Book Online Through a Travel Platform
For international visitors, Klook and similar travel platforms are often easier. You can book in English, pay online and keep the voucher on your phone.
This is especially convenient if you already know when you want to cruise. Just check the departure pier and voucher redemption instructions before you go, as some tickets require you to exchange the voucher at the pier.
Buy at the Pier
Yes, you can buy tickets at some cruise terminals, but this is better treated as a last-minute option rather than the safest plan.
It can work well if your schedule is flexible and you are already near the river. But popular evening departures may sell out, and you may have fewer choices of sailing times.
Practical Tips Before Taking the Huangpu River Cruise
Give Yourself Enough Time to Find the Pier
Don't arrive at the pier five minutes before departure and expect everything to go smoothly.
There may be security checks, ticket verification and a surprisingly long walk between the street and the actual boarding area.
Give yourself around 30 minutes.
Keep Your Passport and Booking Details Handy
International visitors should carry the passport used for the booking. Some ticket products require identity verification, so don't leave it locked in your hotel safe because you “won't need it today.”
Bring a Light Layer for the River
The river has wind. Even when Shanghai feels warm on the street, the open deck can feel noticeably cooler once the boat starts moving. This is especially true after sunset.
Ignore the touts
If someone near the Bund suddenly becomes extremely interested in helping you find a “VIP Huangpu River Cruise,” keep walking. There are legitimate ticket offices and booking platforms. You don't need a stranger with a laminated price list to save your evening.
How to Get Better Photos from the River
The best photo is usually not taken through the glass. If you can access an outdoor deck, get outside.
For night shots, keep your phone steady and avoid excessive zoom. And clean your camera lens before boarding. Seriously. A dirty phone lens can turn Shanghai's skyline into a collection of glowing blobs.
Explore Huangpu River Cruise with Buer China Travel
Want to enjoy the Huangpu River without figuring out the tickets, pier and timing yourself? Buer China Travel can arrange a private Shanghai experience that includes a Huangpu River cruise, along with the city's other highlights.
Choose a cruise that fits your schedule, then combine it with places such as the Bund, Yu Garden, Lujiazui or other Shanghai attractions. With private transportation and a local guide, you can spend less time working out the logistics and more time enjoying the city.
Looking for an easier way to experience Shanghai? Explore our private Shanghai tours and let us take care of the details.
