Tour operator
UnTour Food Tours Shanghai
Small-group evening food tours of Shanghai's neighbourhood eateries, with 15 or more tastings at seated stops and drinks included, run by UnTour since 2010.
Huangpu River Cruise from Shiliupu
Sightseeing boats from Shiliupu that sail north past the Bund and Lujiazui to Yangpu Bridge and back, by day or after dark when both banks are lit.
At a glance
- Type
- River sightseeing cruise
- Area
- South Bund, Huangpu, Shanghai, China
Good to know
- Day and night sailings
- Book via WeChat
Why we recommend it
A cruise on the Huangpu is the classic way to see the two faces of Shanghai side by side: the colonial-era buildings of the Bund on the Puxi bank and the towers of Lujiazui in Pudong. The main sightseeing boats leave from Shiliupu Piers 1 and 2, south of the Bund, and are promoted by the city government as one of the best ways to explore the city by water. Information and bookings are handled through the official Huangpu River Cruise WeChat account.
The standard route heads north from Shiliupu towards Yangpu Bridge, then turns and returns to the pier. On the Puxi side you pass the full length of the Bund, Waibaidu Bridge at the mouth of Suzhou Creek and the Monument to the People's Heroes in Huangpu Park. On the Pudong side the boats pass the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower. Day sailings also take in the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges across the river.
You can choose between day and night voyages, and they offer quite different experiences. By day, the contrast between the historic Puxi facades and the Pudong skyscrapers is clearest, and photographs are easier. At night the buildings on both banks are lit up and reflected in the water. According to the city's visitor guide, the Bund's lighting runs from 7pm to 10pm between May and October and from 5pm to 9pm between November and April, so time an evening cruise to match.
The cruise suits families, couples and first-time visitors, and it is a comfortable option for anyone who would rather not walk the full length of the Bund. Allow extra time to queue and board on top of the sailing itself.
The public ferries are run by Shanghai Ferry, which operates 17 routes; the Dongchang Road to Fuxing Road (East) crossing runs until 9pm, and the city's guide suggests taking the Jinling Road crossing before 6pm to catch the Oriental Pearl Tower lighting up.
If you prefer a shorter, cheaper crossing, the public ferry between Jinling Road (East) and Dongchang Road piers takes about ten minutes and gives a similar view of the skyline. For a quieter waterway with heritage bridges, the Suzhou Creek cruises are a good complement.
Huangpu River Cruise from Shiliupu FAQs
Where do Huangpu River cruises leave from?
The main sightseeing boats leave from Shiliupu Piers 1 and 2, south of the Bund.
What is the route?
North from Shiliupu towards Yangpu Bridge, then back to the pier.
What will you see?
The Bund, Waibaidu Bridge, the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower.
Should you go by day or at night?
Day sailings show the contrast between old and new most clearly, while night sailings show both banks lit up.
When are the Bund lights on?
From 7pm to 10pm in May to October and from 5pm to 9pm in November to April, according to the city's visitor guide.
How do you book?
Through the official Huangpu River Cruise WeChat account.
Is there a cheaper option?
Yes. The public ferry between Jinling Road (East) and Dongchang Road piers takes about ten minutes.
Is it suitable for families?
Yes. It is an easy, seated way to see the skyline.