Huangpu River Cruise Guide

The Huangpu is the river that made Shanghai, and a boat trip is the simple way to see both banks in one go. The standard cruise runs for about an hour, and the buildings of the The Bund slide past on one side while the towers of Lujiazui rise on the other. The river is a working waterway, so you will also see cargo barges, tugs and the shipyards that line the quieter stretches.

Cruise operations

Several piers along the Bund and the Pudong bank sell tickets for the standard cruise, and the boats run both day and evening. The usual route goes up and down the central stretch, with some boats heading north toward Yangpu Bridge and others south toward the Nanpu and Lupu bridges. Routes and piers change, so confirm which pier your ticket uses before you set off. Premium cruises add a buffet or a bar, and these cost more for much the same view.

Day or night departures

Night is the popular choice, because both banks are lit and the towers look their best. The trade off is crowds, and the upper deck can be full at weekends. A late afternoon cruise is a compromise, because you see the buildings in daylight and then the lights come on as you turn back. Daytime cruises are quieter and cheaper, and they show the architecture in detail, but the skyline can look flat on hazy days.

Seating advice

Go to the upper deck as soon as you board, because the lower deck has smaller windows and glare from the glass. Stand on the side that faces the Bund when you head south and swap when you turn, so you see both skylines on the way. Bring a light jacket, because the wind on the river can be sharp in winter and early spring, and a hat for the summer sun.

Public ferry option

The public ferries that shuttle across the river cost a few yuan and take a few minutes. They are not a tour, but they give you a short ride on the water, with the skyline close at hand. Several run between the Bund area and Pudong, and they are used by commuters, so avoid the rush hours if you want a seat and a view.

Family travel tips

The cruise is easy with children, because it is short, you sit most of the time and the view is big. Take snacks and water, since prices on board are high, and keep a close eye on young ones on the upper deck, where the wind can be strong and the rails are not always child height. Evening cruises can run late for small children, so a late afternoon departure is kinder.

Planning your duration

Allow about two hours in all, including the queue and the walk to the pier. The cruise itself is an hour, and the rest is waiting, boarding and finding a fine spot. Buy tickets in advance for evenings and holidays, because the best departures sell out.

Combining your visit

A cruise fits into a Bund evening. Walk the promenade at dusk, take a boat as the lights come on and finish with dinner in the Old City and City God Temple or a dumpling supper from our Xiaolongbao Guide. For a longer day on the water, consider the canals of Zhujiajiao, which offers a different boat ride.

Avoiding common pitfalls

You do not need a dinner cruise unless you want a celebration, and you should skip the hard sell from touts near the piers. Buy from an official ticket window or a well known app, and look up the departure time and pier on the ticket. If you are short of time, a walk on the promenade and a short ferry hop give you most of the view.