The Ultimate Guide For an Unforgettable Cruise Along the Huangpu River

Shanghai is a city best understood from the water. As the Huangpu River curves through the heart of the metropolis, it reveals a living panorama where centuries-old waterfront buildings stand face-to-face with some of the tallest skyscrapers on Earth. Nowhere else can you witness Shanghai's dramatic contrasts, such as tradition and innovation, industry and art, and local life and global ambition.

A cruise on the Huangpu River is more than just a way to see the sights; it's a trip through time and space. In a single voyage, you can glide past century-old architecture on the Bund, marvel at the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, pass historic docks and shipyards, and observe how former industrial zones have transformed into cultural and creative districts. Whether during the golden light of sunset or beneath the glittering city lights at night, the river offers Shanghai at its most cinematic.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Huangpu River cruises, including detailed route descriptions, boarding information, ship types, ticketing tips, and alternative ways to experience the river. Whether you are a first-time visitor, a culture enthusiast, or a budget traveler, this guide will help you plan the perfect river journey.

Why Take a Huangpu River Cruise

Exploring Shanghai by river offers a perspective that no street-level walk, bus tour, or observation deck can fully replicate. From the Huangpu River, the city reveals itself as a continuous urban landscape rather than a collection of separate attractions. Historic facades, modern skyscrapers, bridges, ports, and parks unfold naturally along the riverbanks, allowing visitors to understand how Shanghai developed and continues to evolve.

The river divides two contrasting worlds. On the western bank lies Puxi, where century-old buildings, traditional neighborhoods, and historic commercial streets tell the story of Shanghai's past as a treaty port and trading hub. Pudong, located on the eastern bank, boasts a skyline that resembles something from the future. It represents China's rapid modernization and global ambitions. Seeing these two sides face each other across the water is one of the most powerful visual experiences the city has to offer.

A Huangpu River cruise is also one of the most relaxing ways to explore Shanghai. Free from traffic, crowds, and long walking distances, visitors can sit back and enjoy uninterrupted views while listening to onboard commentary or simply observing daily life along the river. For travelers with limited time, a cruise provides a highly efficient introduction to the city's identity, scale, and rhythm.

Main Boarding Piers

Huangpu River cruises, operated by different companies, depart from several piers located along both sides of the river. Each pier provides access to various sightseeing routes and nearby attractions, enabling travelers to select a convenient starting point according to their itinerary.

Shiliupu Tourist Quay, located on Zhongshan Rd E2 in Huangpu District, is the most popular departure point. Situated close to the Bund and Yuyuan Garden, it is especially convenient for first-time visitors. Many classic sightseeing cruises operate from this quay, making it a central hub for river tourism.

Jinling Road E. Quay is another important pier in Puxi. Its proximity to the Bund and historic neighborhoods makes it a desirable option for travelers who wish to combine river cruising with walking tours of the surrounding area.

On the Pudong side, the Oriental Pearl Tourism Wharf serves visitors exploring Lujiazui. This pier is ideal for those already visiting landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, or waterfront promenades along Binjiang Avenue.

Qinhuangdao Road Quay, in the Yangpu District, focuses on routes highlighting Shanghai's industrial heritage. Cruises departing from this pier often pass former shipyards, power plants, and renovated industrial sites, offering a different and more niche perspective of the city.

Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, on the North Bund in Hongkou District, is one of Shanghai's main international cruise gateways. In addition to hosting large cruise ships, it also serves sightseeing vessels and features a long riverside promenade that connects directly to Waibaidu Bridge and the core Bund area, making it a scenic starting point for waterfront exploration.

Passengers are generally required to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure to allow time for ticket checks and boarding procedures.

Ticketing and Prices

Tickets for Huangpu River cruises can be purchased through both digital platforms and on-site ticket counters. Most travelers opt to purchase tickets through official WeChat or Alipay mini-programs, offering real-time schedules and availability. The Shanghai MaaS application, known locally as Suishenxing, also integrates cruise ticketing with other public transport services.

For visitors who prefer in-person purchases, ticket windows are available at major piers such as Shiliupu, Jinling Road E., and the Oriental Pearl Tourism Wharf. Staff at these locations can usually assist with basic inquiries, although English support may vary.

Ticket prices depend on the type of cruise selected. Travelers find standard sightseeing cruises, lasting about an hour, to be moderately priced and suitable. Evening and night cruises generally cost more due to high demand and the appeal of illuminated city views. At the premium end of the price range are dinner cruises and themed cruises, which often offer meals, performances, or special services.

Popular time slots may sell out quickly during weekends, public holidays, and peak travel seasons. Booking in advance is strongly recommended to secure preferred departure times and seating options.

Classic Sightseeing Routes

Route 1: Shanghai Highlights (Approx. 12 km)

As the cruise departs, the skyline of Lujiazui gradually rises into view, with Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center standing side by side like symbols of the city's ambition. The river widens, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower appears at close range, offering an iconic photo opportunity from the water.

As the boat continues downstream, the scenery shifts toward the historic heart of Shanghai. The Bund comes into full view, revealing its continuous row of grand early-20th-century buildings. From the river, their architectural details feel more unified and impressive than from the street. Further along, the atmosphere becomes more traditional as the cruise passes near Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple area, where the old town's rooftops hint at Shanghai's pre-modern past.

This route offers the most complete introduction to Shanghai and is ideal for first-time visitors who want to see the city's most famous landmarks in a single, well-balanced journey.

Route: Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center) → Oriental Pearl TV Tower → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall → The Bund → The Bund Architectural Complex → Yuyuan Garden Scenic Area → City God Temple → Huangpu River Cruise (Shiliupu Quay)

Quay: Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3

Address:

Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 1: 481 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路481号

Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 2: 551 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路551号

Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 3: 99 Waima Rd, Huangpu District 黄浦区外马路99号

Ticketing: WeChat mini-program of Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览), WeChat accounts of cruise companies, Shanghai's "Mobility-as-a-Service" (SH MaaS app), known as Suishenxing by locals, other third-party platforms, or offline ticket windows near Shiliupu Quay

Route 2: Culture and History (Approx. 10 km)

This route feels like a quiet passage through Shanghai's layered cultural memory. As the cruise moves along the northern section of the river, historic neighborhoods replace the dense skyscrapers. Buildings along Beisuzhou Road reflect a time when Shanghai was a crossroads of global cultures.

Passing the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum and nearby historic districts, the river tells stories of migration, refuge, and international exchange. The North Bund International Passenger Center comes into view as a reminder of Shanghai's long-standing role as a global port city.

This cruise is particularly rewarding for travelers interested in history, multicultural heritage, and the lesser-known chapters of Shanghai's urban story.

Route: Duolun Road Cultural Celebrity Street → Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum → Historical Buildings on North Suzhou Road (Hongkou Section) → Meet-the-World Lounge → North Bund International Passenger Center → Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund)

Quay: Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund

Address: 88 Dongdaming Rd, Hongkou District 虹口区东大名路800号

Ticketing: WeChat mini-program of Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览), WeChat accounts of cruise companies, or offline ticket windows at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund

Route 3: Industrial Heritage and Creative Transformation (Approx. 9 km)

As the boat glides into Yangpu District, Shanghai reveals a different face – one shaped by factories, shipyards, and power plants. Massive industrial structures line the riverbanks, many of them carefully preserved and repurposed.

Landmarks such as the Yangshupu Power Plant Relic Park and former shipyard sites showcase how industrial spaces have been transformed into parks, museums, and cultural venues. The Shanghai International Fashion Center adds a modern, creative touch, blending contemporary design with industrial history.

This route feels raw, authentic, and reflective, making it especially appealing to architecture enthusiasts and travelers curious about urban renewal.

Route: Shanghai International Fashion Center → Yangshupu Power Plant Relic Park → Yangshupu Water Plant → Former Shanghai Shipyard site (Yangtze River Estuary No. 2 Ancient Vessel Museum, North Branch of Shanghai Museum) → Huangpu River Cruise (Qinhuangdao Road Quay)

Quay: Qinhuangdao Road Quay

Address: 32 Qinhuangdao Rd, Yangpu District 杨浦区秦皇岛路32号

Ticketing: Tour groups or individuals can buy tickets at offline windows (32 Qinhuangdao Rd, Yangpu District, Qinhuangdao Road Quay ticket office). Bring valid documents for boarding. Refer to the quay announcements for details.

Route 4: Expo and Modern Culture (Approx. 13 km)

Cruising through the former Shanghai World Expo area, the riverbanks open into wide green spaces and cultural landmarks. The China Art Museum stands prominently with its bold architecture, followed by the expansive Expo Culture Park, where modern urban planning meets leisure and nature.

As the cruise continues, museums and exhibition spaces appear along the waterfront, reflecting Shanghai's commitment to culture, sustainability, and innovation since hosting the World Expo in 2010.

This route offers a calm and spacious atmosphere, ideal for travelers who enjoy modern architecture, museums, and thoughtfully designed urban landscapes.

Route: China Art Museum → Shanghai Romance Park → Shanghai Expo Culture Park → Shanghai World Expo Museum → Huangpu River Cruise (Shiliupu Quay)

Quay: Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3

Address: 481 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路481号

551 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路551号

99 Waima Rd, Huangpu District 黄浦区外马路99号

Ticketing: WeChat mini-program of Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览), WeChat accounts of cruise companies, Shanghai's "Mobility-as-a-Service" (SH MaaS app), known as Suishenxing among locals, other third-party platforms, or offline ticket windows near Shiliupu Quay at 131 Zhongshan Rd E2

Route 5: Art, Design, and the Bund (Approx. 15 km)

This journey combines contemporary creativity with historic elegance. Starting near the West Bund, the cruise passes modern art institutions such as Tank Shanghai and the West Bund Museum, where industrial buildings have been reimagined as cultural landmarks.

Further along the river, the scenery transitions toward classic Shanghai neighborhoods near Wukang Road, known for their historic residences and tree-lined streets. The cruise then approaches the Bund, where the familiar skyline of historic buildings creates a dramatic finale.

Art lovers and design enthusiasts will find this route especially inspiring, as it reflects Shanghai's evolving creative identity.

Route: Tank Shanghai → West Bund Museum → Wukang Road area/Normandie Apartments → The Bund Architectural Complex → Huangpu River Cruise (Jinling E. Rd Quay)

Quay: Jinling Rd E. Quay

Address: 141 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路141号

Ticketing: WeChat mini-program of Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览), other third-party platforms, or offline ticket windows at Jinling Rd E. Quay at 141 Zhongshan Rd E2

Route 6: Museums and Technology (Approx. 7 km)

Although shorter in distance, this route is rich in cultural content. As the cruise moves along central Shanghai, it connects major museums and entertainment venues that reflect both tradition and innovation.

Views of the Museum of Art Pudong, modern performance spaces, and nearby cultural landmarks highlight how Shanghai integrates technology, art, and immersive experiences into everyday urban life.

This route is well suited for families, culture-focused travelers, and visitors looking for a compact yet diverse sightseeing experience.

Route: Shanghai Museum → "Legend of Luoyang" VR Immersive Theater → Dashijie (Shanghai Great World) → Museum of Art Pudong → Huangpu River Cruise (Oriental Pearl TV Tower Quay)

Quay: Oriental Pearl Tourism Wharf

Address: 2852 Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, near Fenghe Road 浦东新区滨江大道2852号,沿江近丰和路

Ticketing: WeChat account or Alipay mini program of Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower Co Ltd (上海东方明珠广播电视塔有限公司), other third-party platforms, or offline ticket windows at Oriental Pearl TV Tower Quay at 2852 Binjiang Avenue

Route 7: Active City Ride + Cruise Experience (Approx. 15 km)

This route offers a dynamic way to experience Shanghai, combining river cruising with active exploration along the waterfront. As the cruise passes sports venues, parks, and bridges such as Nanpu Bridge, the city feels energetic and constantly in motion.

The journey highlights everyday urban life as much as major landmarks, with cyclists, pedestrians, and ferries sharing the riverfront spaces. Crossing the river and cruising along both banks allows travelers to feel the scale and rhythm of the city from multiple perspectives.

This experience is ideal for travelers who enjoy movement, outdoor activities, and a deeper connection with the city's waterfront.

Route: Qiantan Leisure Park → Shanghai Oriental Sports Center → Shanghai Expo Culture Park → China Art Museum → Mercedes-Benz Arena → Nanpu Bridge → Dongchang Binjiang Greenland → Dongchang Road Ferry Port → Fuxing E. Rd Ferry Port → Huangpu River Cruise (Shiliupu Quay)

Quay: Shiliupu Tourist Quay No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3

Address: 481 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路481号

551 Zhongshan Rd E2, Huangpu District 黄浦区中山东二路551号

99 Waima Rd, Huangpu District 黄浦区外马路99号

Ticketing: WeChat mini-program of Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise (浦江游览), WeChat accounts of cruise companies, Shanghai's "Mobility-as-a-Service" (SH MaaS app), known as Suishenxing among locals, other third-party platforms, or offline ticket windows near Shiliupu Quay

Types of Cruise Ships

Shanghai operates over 20 cruise ships with different styles and capacities:

Standard sightseeing boats: One-hour round trips, ideal for photography

Luxury dinner cruises: Offer Chinese or Western meals with live performances

Themed ships: Ships decorated around special themes such as exhibitions, live concerts, or popular mobile games

Special performance cruises: Integrating theater, music, and multimedia shows

Most ships feature indoor seating and open-air decks.

Budget Alternative: Public Ferries

While river cruises offer comfort and curated experiences, Shanghai's public ferries provide a far more local and down-to-earth way to cross the Huangpu River. For decades, these ferries have been an essential part of daily life for Shanghai residents, connecting Pudong and Puxi long before bridges and metro tunnels were built.

Stepping onto a public ferry feels less like a tourist activity and more like entering the rhythm of the city. Commuters, cyclists, and elderly locals board together, and within minutes the ferry glides quietly across the water, offering open views of the skyline that rival those of sightseeing cruises.

The cost is remarkably low, with pedestrian tickets starting at just 2 yuan, making ferries the most affordable way to experience the Huangpu River. Although they do not provide guided commentary, performances, or dining services, the authenticity of the experience more than compensates. For travelers on a budget or those seeking a genuine slice of everyday Shanghai, public ferries are an unforgettable alternative.

Luxury Upgrade: Private Yacht Charters

For travelers who desire a more intimate and exclusive way to explore Shanghai, private yacht charters offer an entirely different perspective from standard sightseeing cruises. Instead of sharing large public vessels, guests enjoy the river in a quiet, customized setting designed specifically for their group, making the Huangpu feel less like a tourist attraction and more like a personal waterfront retreat.

Operated by premium clubs such as Shanghai International Yacht Club (SIYC), these charters focus on creating an atmosphere rather than simply providing transportation. Founded in 2015, SIYC positions itself as a lifestyle service provider that designs tailor-made river experiences, ranging from romantic proposals and birthday celebrations to business receptions and VIP entertainment. The planning of each journey revolves around the client's needs, transforming the cruise into a curated event.

Yachts in Shanghai are regulated to carry no more than 12 people, including crew, ensuring a calm and private environment on board. SIYC operates multiple yacht models across Shanghai's seven marinas, from compact sport yachts to large flagship vessels. Typical prices start from 1,500 yuan per hour for static rental and 3,000 yuan per hour for cruising on a 54-foot sport yacht, while mid-size and flagship yachts range up to 7,000 yuan per hour depending on size and sailing mode.

What truly defines the private yacht experience is the level of personalization. Guests can choose from Chinese or Western dining, seafood hotpot, dessert tables, or cocktail receptions, and enhance the voyage with themed decorations, professional photography, live bands, DJs, or traditional Chinese performances. With these optional services, the river cruise becomes a floating celebration tailored entirely to the mood and purpose of the occasion.

Best Time to Cruise

Daytime: Best for architecture and photography

Evening: Ideal for sunset views and city lights

Night: The Bund and Lujiazui light up, offering Shanghai's most famous night scenery

Clear weather provides the best visibility. Cruise schedules may change during extreme weather conditions.

Practical Tips

Bring valid identification for boarding

Dress warmly in cooler months, especially on open decks

Book in advance during weekends and public holidays

Arrive early to secure good seating and boarding time, as most cruises recommend arriving at least half an hour early

A Huangpu River cruise is more than a sightseeing activity, and it is a journey through Shanghai's history, culture, and future. From luxury cruise ships to simple public ferries, there is an option for every traveler and budget.

No visit to Shanghai is complete without seeing the city from the water. Take your time, choose the route that matches your interests, and enjoy one of the world's most dynamic urban riverfronts.