Pearl River Night Cruise
Pearl River Night Cruise
Guangzhou’s Pearl River Night Cruise is a must-do activity for travelers seeking a magical blend of city lights, historic landmarks, and modern skyscrapers. As the sun sets, the river transforms into a shimmering corridor lined with illuminated bridges, colonial-era buildings, and futuristic towers. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your perfect evening on the water.
Why Take a Pearl River Night Cruise?
Stunning Skyline Views: Witness Guangzhou’s iconic skyline, including The Canton Tower (China’s tallest TV tower), the IFC Tower, and the glittering Guangzhou International Financial Center.
Historic Landmarks: Pass by the 19th-century Shamian Island, with its European-style architecture, and the Haizhu Bridge, a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage.
Cultural Immersion: Enjoy live performances of traditional Cantonese music or dance on some cruises (check in advance).
Romantic Atmosphere: The softly lit river and gentle breeze create an unforgettable setting for couples or solo travelers.
Top Cruise Routes & Options
Most cruises depart from Tianzi Wharf (near Beijing Road Pedestrian Street) or Xidi Wharf, offering 45-minute to 90-minute routes.
Popular choices include:
Classic Route:
Passes key sights like the Canton Tower, Haizhu Bridge, and Shamian Island.
Best for first-time visitors.
Deluxe Dinner Cruise:
Includes a buffet or set menu of Cantonesse cuisine while you sail.
Perfect for foodies and special occasions.
Themed Cruises:
Some operators offer jazz nights, traditional tea ceremonies, or holiday-themed sailings (e.g., Mid-Autumn Festival light shows).
Tickets: Prices range from ¥60~¥200+ RMB (8~30+ USD) depending on the cruise type and class (standard vs. open-air upper deck).
Best Time to Go
Sunset to Nightfall: Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to capture golden-hour views before the city lights come on.
Weekdays: Less crowded than weekends.
Avoid Rainy/Foggy Nights: For the clearest views.
Tips for a Memorable Experience
Book in Advance: Popular cruises sell out quickly, especially during holidays.
Choose the Upper Deck: Opt for open-air seating for unobstructed photos (bring a light jacket if it’s windy).
Bring Your Camera: The river’s reflections and city lights make for stunning shots. A tripod or phone stabilizer helps with low-light photos.
Check the Weather: Clear nights offer the best visibility.
Combine with Other Activities: Pair your cruise with dinner at a riverside restaurant or a stroll along Huacheng Square (near the Canton Tower).
How to Get There
By Metro: Take Line 6 to Beijing Road Station (for Tianzi Wharf) or Line 2/6 to Haizhu Square Station (walk 10 minutes to Xidi Wharf).
By Taxi/Didi: Direct to your chosen wharf (e.g., “天字码头” for Tianzi Wharf).
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
