Huangpu River Cruise Shanghai 2026: Experience the Bund Night View
Discover Shanghai's dazzling skyline on a Huangpu River cruise! Get insider tips on booking, what to expect, and why it's a must-do for incredible night views in 2026.
Huangpu River Cruise
Shanghai Bund Night View Cruise Booking Review
© Summer | Text·Photos
If you truly want to experience Shanghai's incredible night scenery, a Huangpu River cruise is an absolute must!
It's a hugely popular attraction for tourists, offering panoramic views of Shanghai's stunning skyline, from the historic charm of The Bund's colonial architecture to the dazzling modern skyscrapers of Pudong all in one glance.
Let me share my booking process and actual boarding experience.
1. The Huangpu River Cruise
The Huangpu River cruise sails along the river that flows through the heart of Shanghai. It's a fantastic value, typically lasting about an hour and usually ranging from ~$15 to ~$22 per person.
However, options can vary slightly between operators, so it's a good idea to first check the embarkation point, departure time, and whether a guide is included when booking.
Key Considerations | Decision Factors |
Embarkation Point | Choose a location convenient to your accommodation or travel itinerary |
Cruise Duration | Check the total time spent on the water |
Departure Time | Select a time that suits your desired night view experience |
Guide Included? | Opt for a guided tour if you want explanations of the buildings If you prefer to simply enjoy the views, just purchase a ticket |
If your main goal is to comfortably admire the night views, buying just a ticket without a guide is perfectly sufficient. But if you'd like to learn about the major buildings along the Huangpu River, choosing a package with a guide is also a great option.
I personally wanted to enjoy the night views freely, so I chose the ticket-only option and booked the 9:00 PM slot.
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Category | Ticket Only | With Guide |
Features | Ticket purchase only | Board with a guide |
Price | ~$20 | ~$22 |
Recommendation | For independent sightseeing | If you want explanations |
Book |
Good to know: children under 4 feet 3 inches (130 cm) can ride for free!
This makes it a fantastic and family-friendly activity for those traveling with kids.
2. My Boarding Experience
You should arrive at the designated meeting point at least 40 minutes before your scheduled departure.
✔ If you purchased a ticket only: Exchange your voucher with the staff and proceed to the boarding gate.
✔ If you opted for a package with a guide: You'll move together with your guide.
After waiting at the boarding gate, we boarded right on time! ⭐
The 9:00 PM slot seems to be quite popular for night views, as there was a considerable crowd. Since I boarded a little late, the prime spots along the railing were already taken.
So, I decided to upgrade to the VIP section by paying an additional 100 Chinese Yuan (~$14) on the spot, haha!
While the basic ticket is perfectly fine for enjoying the night views, I chose the upgrade to have a bit more space and comfort.ᐟ
The VIP section was relatively quiet, allowing me to enjoy Shanghai's night views without worrying about crowds. I took my time snapping photos and captured quite a few amazing shots ✌️
Snacks and drinks were also included, so I could sit back and comfortably enjoy the scenery.
The night view from the cruise offered a completely different feel than seeing it on foot. With The Bund and Pudong buildings visible across the river all at once, the cityscape felt even more beautiful.
There's a unique joy in viewing Shanghai's entire skyline from a distance on the river, rather than seeing each building up close. After experiencing it myself, I was so glad I chose the Huangpu River cruise for my Shanghai trip! ✨
3. VIP Room Experience
There was also a VIP room on the second floor, which was even less crowded than the top deck, offering an even more relaxed experience.
Plus, the lighting was brighter, which was great for taking photos; the ambient light and the night views complemented each other perfectly.
There's even a kids' play area, making the VIP section highly recommended for families traveling with young children!
If you're looking to truly savor the night views during your Shanghai trip, the Huangpu River cruise is definitely a worthwhile experience.
Unlike seeing The Bund and Pudong up close, viewing the cityscape from the river offered a distinct charm, and I was genuinely glad I took the cruise.
For an affordable price of around ~$15 to ~$22, you can enjoy these spectacular night views, so go ahead and book your tickets! 🤍
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No Guide | With Guide |
Optional: Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Korean Guide & Commentary - Klook
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the price difference for the Huangpu River cruise in Shanghai, China, depending on whether a guide is included?
If you purchase tickets only without a guide, the price is ~$20. For a package with a guide, the price is ~$22. Children under 130cm can board for free.
By when should I arrive at the meeting point for the Huangpu River cruise in Shanghai?
You must arrive at the designated meeting point 40 minutes before the Huangpu River cruise departure time. If you only purchased tickets, please exchange them with the staff member and proceed to the boarding gate.
Is there an additional charge to use the VIP area on the Huangpu River cruise when boarding on-site?
Yes, you can enter the VIP area by paying an additional 100 Chinese Yuan (CNY) on-site. The VIP area is relatively quiet and includes snacks and beverages.
What are the features of the 2nd-floor VIP room on the Huangpu River cruise?
The 2nd-floor VIP room has significantly fewer people than the top deck, allowing you to enjoy the night view more leisurely. The atmosphere is bright, making it great for taking photos, and a baby play area is also provided.
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