Huangpu River Cruise

Historical Overview

The Huangpu River’s strategic location has shaped Shanghai’s history since its opening as a treaty port in 1842. Shiliupu Pier, established in 1861, was once the city’s busiest freight terminal, handling silk, tea, and opium trades. By the 1930s, it evolved into a passenger hub for steamships connecting Shanghai to international ports. Post-1949, the pier transitioned to a cultural and tourism focal point. The 1990s’ Pudong development boom transformed the river’s skyline, blending historic warehouses with modern marvels like the Lujiazui financial district.

Cruise Routes & Highlights

Cruises typically last 45–90 minutes, with options for daytime, sunset, or nighttime voyages.

1. Classic Bund & Pudong Tour (45–60 mins)

Route: Shiliupu Pier → Wusongkou Estuary (turnaround) → Return to Shiliupu

Highlights:

The Bund: A 1.5 km promenade lined with 52 Art Deco and neoclassical buildings (e.g., Peace Hotel, Customs House).

Pudong Skyline: Shanghai Tower (632m), Jin Mao Tower (420m), and Oriental Pearl Tower (468m).

Waibaidu Bridge: Shanghai’s first steel bridge, nicknamed “Garden Bridge.”

2. Extended Exploration Tour (90 mins)

Route: Shiliupu Pier → Nanpu Bridge → Lujiazui Loop → Return via Yangpu Bridge

Highlights:

Nanpu & Yangpu Bridges: Iconic suspension bridges symbolizing Shanghai’s engineering prowess.

Mercedes-Benz Arena: A futuristic events venue shaped like a flying saucer.

Shanghai World Financial Center: Observation deck at 474m offering 360° city views.

3. Sunset/Night Glow Tour (60 mins)

Route: Shiliupu Pier → Lujiazui → Return at dusk/night

Highlights:

Cruise Ship Shows: Some operators include live music or light projections.

Suggested Itineraries

1. Quick Glance (1.5–2 hrs)

30 mins: Arrive early at Shiliupu Pier; explore the Old Town Gate replica and riverside promenade.

45 mins: Board a 45-minute cruise (Classic Tour).

30 mins: Post-cruise, stroll the Bund or dine at a riverside restaurant.

2. Full-Day Experience (5–6 hrs)

9 AM: Visit the Shanghai History Museum (near People’s Square) to contextualize the cruise.

11 AM: Lunch at a Bund eatery (e.g., M on the Bund).

1 PM: 90-minute Extended Tour with audio guide.

3 PM: Explore Yu Garden (20-minute taxi ride) or Nanjing Road (15-minute walk).

6 PM: Sunset Cruise + dinner at a Pudong rooftop bar (e.g., Flair Rooftop).

Ticket Purchase

Online: Book via official platforms (e.g., Ctrip, Fliggy) or cruise operator websites (e.g., Huangpu River Cruise Official Site).

On-Site: Tickets available at Shiliupu Pier counters; arrive 30 mins early for peak times.

Prices:

Standard Deck: ¥120 (adults), ¥60 (children 1.2–1.5m).

VIP Deck: ¥180 (includes drinks/snacks).

Sunset/Night Tour: ¥150–200.

Free: Children under 1.2m.

Transportation

By Subway:Line 9: Xiaonanmen Station (Exit 2), 10-minute walk to Shiliupu Pier. Line 10: Yuyuan Garden Station (Exit 1), 15-minute walk.

By Bus: Routes 64, 304, 736 to Zhongshan Dong Er Lu Zhongshan Nan Yi Lu Stop.

By Taxi: Direct to “Shiliupu Kezhan” (十六铺客站).

Departure: Pier closes at 10 PM; last cruise departs at 9 PM.

Best Time & Tips

Peak Hours: Avoid weekends/holidays; weekday mornings (9–11 AM) or evenings (7–9 PM) are quieter.

Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are ideal; summer evenings offer cooling breezes.

Essentials:

Wear windproof jackets (deck can be breezy).

Bring a camera with zoom lens for skyline shots.

Audio guides (¥30) available in English, Mandarin, and Japanese.

Prohibited Items: Outside food, large luggage, and pets (service animals permitted).

Nearby Attractions

The Bund: 5-minute walk from pier.

Yuyuan Garden: 15-minute taxi ride.

Shanghai Tower Observation Deck: 20-minute taxi to Pudong.