The 4 Shanghai River Cruises That Earn the Fare

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.Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $155Top rated

Spend about three hours seeing Shanghai by private car, Huangpu River boat, and local Xinjiang restaurant. Guides such as Caroline, Queena, Kalvin, and Kiki provide English support, explain the Bund skyline, translate the menu, and help order halal dishes including big plate chicken, lamb kebabs, naan, and yogurt. Dinner is served on land, not aboard the boat.

“The view from the boat was great, saw many scenic views up and down the Huangpu river. Our guide Kalvin was very friendly and knowledgeable, gave us history of many buildings along the route.”

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3.Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 3 hours · from $153

Spend three hours seeing Shanghai by night from the Huangpu River, with private hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and a Xinjiang-style halal dinner. Guides such as Caroline, Queena, Snow, and Berlin are praised for city history, menu help, and photo tips. The evening suits first-time visitors and anyone short on time.

“Queena was an outstanding, customer-oriented tour guide who truly went above and beyond. Her flexibility and dedication made our tour exceptional. Thanks to her, my wife and I had an unforgettable experience. She treated us like family and made us feel incredibly welcomed. Queena is truly remarkable, and I wholeheartedly recommend her to anyone looking for a great tour guide. In fact, I believe she deserves to be nominated as the best tour guide of the year! The night river tour was phenomenal you should do it.”

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4.Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 150 reviews · from $128

Join a private evening tour of Shanghai with hotel pickup, a VIP Huangpu River cruise, and guided stops at Yuyuan Old Street, Lujiazui, and Xintiandi. Guides such as Autumn, Mary, Tom, Linda, and Roy are praised for clear English, local insight, and excellent photos. You can return to your hotel or continue your night in the city.

“Mary was our guide, she was gave us a great experience. Spoke very good English. I am glad we were in the VIP section of the boat, it was very full!!”

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