Huangpu River Cruise: Map, What to See & Travel Tips

Taking a Huangpu River cruise is a great way to admire Shanghai's skyline. Whether it's your first time in Shanghai or a return visit, a Huangpu River cruise provides unique memories of the city. This article has compiled detailed information about the Huangpu River cruise, featuring what you will see on the cruise and the best time to take the cruise.

About Huangpu River Cruise

What is the route of the Huangpu River cruise?

• Wharf Location: Shiliupu Wharf, 481 Zhongshan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Opening Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM
• Duration: Half an hour to 2 hours
• Price: 120 RMB to 320 RMB (Classic to Luxury)

The Huangpu River, approximately 113 kilometers long, is considered the mother river of Shanghai. Flowing from north to south, it passes through much of the city, branching into countless tributaries that nourish Shanghai. The river divides Shanghai into two main areas: the western side, known as Puxi, and the eastern side, known as Pudong.

The facilities on Huangpu River cruises are well-equipped. Each cruise has seating (one seat per pax), a viewing deck, audio guides, air conditioning, and restrooms. If you choose a luxury cruise (with a higher ticket price), you can also enjoy a buffet on board. Usually, the duration of a luxury tour is longer than a classic one.

What to See on Huangpu River Cruise

Skyscrapers in Lujiazui area

• Skyscrapers of Lujiazui: Lujiazui is a prominent financial and commercial district located in Pudong, on the eastern bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. Here sit the highest skyscrapers in Shanghai, such as Jin Mao Tower, World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower (the tallest building in China).

Historical buildings along the Bund

• The Bund International Architecture Exhibition: It's a renowned collection of 33 historical buildings along the Bund in Shanghai. All the buildings were built in the early 20th century. At that time, Shanghai was a major hub for international trade. So these buildings incorporate Western architectural styles, such as Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco influences.
• Yangpu Bridge: It connects the districts of Yangpu (on the west side) and Pudong (on the east side), serving as a vital link for road traffic in the city. It was built in 1993; until now, it's still one of the longest cable-stayed bridges in the world, with a main span of 602 meters (1975 feet) and a total length of 7658 meters (4.76 miles).

Waibaidu Bridge

• Waibaidu Bridge: It is China's first all-steel riveted bridge and the only remaining truss bridge with uneven height. The first generation of the bridge was completed in 1856 and was named Wills Bridge. In 1876, the second Waibaidu Bridge was built and named Garden Bridge. The third and current Waibaidu Bridge was completed in 1907 and has been in use ever since. The Huangpu River cruises don't pass directly underneath the bridge but go by it, allowing passengers to admire its unique architectural structure.

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Best Time to Visit

One of the Huangpu River cruises

The Huangpu River cruises are suitable for sightseeing all year round. We recommend taking the cruise in spring or autumn, when the weather is pleasant and it's comfortable to stand on the deck, enjoying the breeze and the beautiful views.

If you plan to visit in summer or winter, the cruises are equipped with air conditioning, keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature, and you can enjoy clear views of the river scenery from inside the cabin.

Why You Should Take a Huangpu River Cruise

1. Less crowded. Since the Bund is one of the most popular places in Shanghai, there might be crowds at the Bund. Instead of navigating busy streets, you can relax on the river and take in Shanghai's key sights at a leisurely pace.

2. Admire the view from a unique perspective. A river cruise provides unparalleled views of the Bund with its classical architecture on one side and Lujiazui's futuristic skyscrapers, like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower, on the other. It's different from what you see while strolling along the waterfront on the Bund.

If you're planning a Shanghai tour including a Huangpu River cruise, our experts can help! Our experts at China Odyssey Tours have extensive experience in travel planning and will create a personalized itinerary tailored to your preferences, including private transportation, handpicked hotels, personal English-speaking guides, and more. Simply click here or write to trip@odynovotours.com to receive your quote!