The 5 Best Night River Cruises in China

1.Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 520 reviews · 1 day · from $21Our pick

Cruise the Huangpu River for about 45 minutes, passing the Bund, Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and other riverside landmarks. Choose a daytime or evening departure, then select indoor, semi-open, or open-air viewing areas. English-speaking staff are available on major boats, but you must exchange your voucher for a paper ticket at the pier.

“An exellent view on the night city especially if you get a place on the upper deck. Tasty dishes.”

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2.Two Rivers Night Cruise- Yangtze & Jialing Rivers

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 64 reviews · 1 day · from $38

Board near Hongyadong Pier for a 45-minute evening cruise on Chongqing’s Yangtze and Jialing Rivers. You’ll see the city’s illuminated towers, river junction, Grand Theatre, and natural riverbanks from the water. Onboard commentary adds context, though English announcements are not guaranteed. Bring your passport and arrive early for the best place to stand.

“The cruise was very nice and I would recommend to buy the vip package for 80 Yuan on board.”

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3.Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers)

★★★★★★★★★★3.8 · 39 reviews · 1 day · from $15Best value

Take a 40-minute Pearl River night cruise through Guangzhou, with open-air seating and six possible piers. Choose a departure near Canton Tower, Haixinsha, Beijing Road, Shamian, or the Canton Fair area. Expect skyline views, illuminated landmarks, and a paper-ticket exchange at most piers. Check your email for the exact pier and sailing time.

“magnifique moment même s'il faisait très froid. Un peu compliqué à trouver le point de départ.”

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4.Guangzhou Pearl River Night Cruise and Canton Tower Private Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 39 reviews · from $140Top rated

Meet your English-speaking guide, often Damon or Zack, for a private Guangzhou evening. Depending on your package, you can pair a Pearl River cruise with Canton Tower’s 108th-floor view, a Cantonese dim sum dinner, and short walks around Huacheng Square, Haixin Bridge, and Haixinsha Park. Hotel pickup and drop-off keep the night simple.

“Great tour of Guangzhou by Zack! As foodies, we opted for our own itinerary which included both food and sightseeing and Zack took it all in stride! We ate our fill at the best local dimsim restaurant and other culinary delights Guangzhou haRead more”

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5.Chengdu: JinJiang River Night Cruise Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 2 reviews · 2 hours · from $38

Board at Dongmen Wharf for a 30-minute evening cruise on the JinJiang River. You’ll pass the 1,200-year-old meeting point of the Fu and Nan Rivers and glide under Anshun Covered Bridge in a glass-enclosed boat with heated seats. The Chinese-speaking host assists with boarding, and the small group is limited to 10 people.

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