Tour operator
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…
Suzhou Creek Tourism cruises
Small-boat cruises along Suzhou Creek between the Bund and the western parks, passing century-old bridges, warehouses and the Sihang Warehouse memorial.
At a glance
- Type
- Creek sightseeing cruise
- Area
- Suzhou Creek, Shanghai, China
Good to know
- 30
- 60 and 90-minute cruises
- Small boats
- Children under 7 free
Why we recommend it
Suzhou Creek is often called Shanghai's mother river, and since 2022 it has had its own sightseeing cruises, run under the name Suzhou Creek Tourism. The small boats give a very different view of the city from the big Huangpu cruises, gliding past historic bridges, former warehouses and new creative districts at close range. In 2024 the city added two new piers and six modern boats.
The service runs from several piers. Waitanyuan Pier is at 78 South Suzhou Road in Huangpu. Others are at Sihang Warehouse on Guangfu Road, Changhua Road in Putuo, Zhongshan Park on Wanhangdu Road and Changfeng Park on Daduhe Road. Cruises last 30, 60 or 90 minutes. The 30-minute trip between Waitanyuan and Sihang Warehouse is the best introduction, and a shorter, roughly 20-minute route links Changhua Road with Sihang Warehouse. Themed cruises with dining or music are also offered.
The eastern stretch is lined with bridges. Waibaidu Bridge, completed in 1907, was Shanghai's first all-steel bridge and is China's only surviving camel-back truss bridge. The Sichuan Road Bridge of 1922 is known as the Post Bridge because it stands beside the General Post Office, and the Zhejiang Road Bridge has a fish-belly steel truss. Further west, the route passes the Sihang Warehouse Battle Memorial, the M50 creative park, the former Fuxin Flour Mill site and the Tian'an 1000 Trees development. Boats include the Shanghai Impression, an 11-seat convertible styled like a 1930s car, and the 20-seat Time Shuttle.
The cruises suit families, photographers and anyone who has already seen the Huangpu and wants a quieter, more intimate trip. Children aged 7 to 14 pay half price and under-sevens travel free. The first departure is at 10am and the last at 6.45pm.
Closer to the Bund, the Zhapu Road Bridge, nearly a century old, is a favourite spot for photographing Waibaidu Bridge against the Lujiazui skyline, and the Xizang Road Bridge replaced a wooden crossing first built in 1853. In late 2024 four piers were operating, with eight planned.
Tickets are sold through the Suzhou Creek Tourism WeChat mini program up to 48 hours ahead, with sales opening at 10am each day. The customer service line, +86 400 690 0520, is staffed from 11.30am to 7.30pm.
Suzhou Creek Tourism cruises FAQs
Where do Suzhou Creek cruises start?
Piers include Waitanyuan (78 South Suzhou Road), Sihang Warehouse, Changhua Road, Zhongshan Park and Changfeng Park.
How long are the cruises?
30, 60 or 90 minutes, plus a short route of about 20 minutes between Changhua Road and Sihang Warehouse.
What will you see?
Historic bridges such as Waibaidu, the Sihang Warehouse memorial, M50 and the former Fuxin Flour Mill site.
What are the hours?
The first boat leaves at 10am and the last at 6.45pm.
How do you book?
Through the Suzhou Creek Tourism WeChat mini program, up to 48 hours ahead.
Are there discounts for children?
Yes. Ages 7 to 14 pay half price, and under-sevens travel free.
What boats are used?
Small boats, including an 11-seat convertible styled like a 1930s car and a 20-seat boat with a toilet.
Is there a phone line?
Yes, +86 400 690 0520, from 11.30am to 7.30pm.