Huangpu River - “Mother River of Shanghai”
The Huangpu River, known as the Mother River of Shanghai as well as the largest river in Shanghai, is a 113-kilometer long river flowing through Shanghai which is the last tributary of Yangtze River ends into East China Sea.
Huangpu River is known as "the mother river of Shanghai". Puxi (West Bank) and Pudong (East Bank) are bounded by it, forming the world-famous Bund, Lujiazui financial zone and other important landmarks. The western side or Puxi is home to “An Exhibition of International Buildings” with various international architectural styles and most of historical tourist attractions. The eastern side or Pudong is a recent development of the last few decades and is the new business and financial district boasting many awesome glass and steel towers, like Shanghai Oriental TV Pearl, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Tower and Jinmao Tower.
It is an unmissable experience for tourists in Shanghai to see the night scenery. No matter in the daytime or at night, taking a cruise ship leisurely sailing on Huangpu River to have a panoramic view of the scenery on both sides of the river is the best choice to enjoy the west meets east, tradition mixs with modernity culture along Huangpu River, to appreciate the breathtaking skyscrapers in relaxing way.


Sightseeing Choice - Cruise Ship of Ferry?
There are usually two choices to visit Huangpu River by water: Cruise and Ferry. The cruise ship is the first choice for most tourists to visit Shanghai. The sailing time is about 50 minutes, and the ferry is important for public transportation connecting Pudong and Puxi. If you don't want to spend too much time by cruise ship, the ferry between Pudong and Puxi can also be used as an alternative. Ferry ships run from Jinling East Road Ferry to Dongchang Road Ferry in Pudong (7:00-18:30). It takes about 10 minutes one way and runs every 15 minutes. There are also ferry ships between Fuxing East Road Ferry and Dongchang Road Ferry (7:00-21:00), with an interval of every half hour. Ferry ships between Taitongzhan Ferry and Gongping Road Ferry run from 6:00 to 21:50.
Important Note: Cruise ships, schedules and prices are for reference only and subject to change. Please refer to the official information if needed.
Huangpu River Cruise Types, Routes, Schedules & Tickets
There are many cruise options which vary in size, capacity, decoration and amenities. The ships you are going to take depend on when you board the cruise. The cruise route usually starts from Shiliupu Wharf.
Cruise Route: Shiliupu Wharf - Binjiang Avenue - Shanghai Tower - Shanghai International Convention Center - Oriental Pearl Tower - Qinhuangdao Wharf (U-turn) - North Bund - Sinar Mas Plaza - Waibaidu Bridge - Bund International Architecture Exhibition - Shiliupu Wharf
Cruise Duration: about 50 minutes.
Price: Nov. 26~Feb. 25 off season day cruise ¥90, night cruise ¥115; Feb. 26~Nov. 25 peak season day cruise ¥115, night cruise ¥135; holiday price day cruise ¥135, night cruise ¥135; all listed pricing does not include dining and snacks onboard.
Ticket Booking: 1. Travel with China Discovery and we will take care of all your ticket booking including for the river cruise. 2. You can buy ticket at Huangpu River Cruise Ticket Office of the Shiliupu Wharf and Qinhuangdao Wharf; 3. Many hotels provide ticket booking service and you check it with your hotel.
Service: Free Chinese and English explanation telling about the history and tourist spots of Shanghai.
Travel Notes: 1. Please arrive at the exact wharf at least 30 minutes in advance. 2. Take care of your kids and watch out for your steps. 3.The cruise time is on the ticket. If it is not used at the specified time, the ticket will become invalid. 4. The cruise ticket you purchased does not include many optional services on the cruise ship. Please inquire the staff on the cruise ship for more details. 5. Children under 1.3 meters are free to get on the cruise ship. Children need to get a free child ticket at the ticket office before boarding. One adult can take only one child with a free ticket on board.

(pics © 黄埔江夜游)
Boarding Pier & How to Get There
There are several wharfs to board a Huangpu River cruise, Shiliupu Wharf (1st zone & 2nd zone) and Qinghuangdao Wharf. Most travelers choose to start their journey from Shiliupu.
Shiliupu Wharf 十六铺码头 (1st zone)
- Location: B1 floor, No.481, Zhongshan East Second Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区中山东二路531号B1层 十六铺码头1区);
- How to Get There: It is about 800 meters from Yuyuan Garden Metro Station, served by metro line 10 and line 14. After getting off the metro you can simply walk to the wharf. It's also near the Bund (about 15 minutes by foot.)
Shiliupu Wharf 十六铺码头 (2nd zone)
- Location: B1 floor, No.551, Zhongshan East Second Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区中山东二路551号B1层 十六铺码头2区);
- How to Get There: It is about 800 meters from Yuyuan Garden Metro Station, served by metro line 10 and line 14. After getting off the metro you can simply walk to the wharf. It's also near the Bund (about 15 minutes by foot.)
Qinghuangdao Road Wharf 秦皇岛码头
- Location: Ticket Office No.32 Qinghuangdao Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai (上海杨浦区秦皇岛路32号 秦皇岛码头);
- How to Get There: It is about 250 meters from Yangshupu Road Metro Station, served by metro line 4. After getting off the metro you can simply walk to the wharf.


Travel with China Discovery (Recommended)
If you want to get rid of hustle of public transportation and troublesome navigation, you can take a private tour package which covers sightseeing and Huangpu River cruise, dining and transfer from us. Our local tour guide and driver will escort you to the exact pier to take Huangpu River cruise with speed and convenience, and take care of all the details. You just need to focus on sightseeing.
What to See with Huangpu River Cruise
The Huangpu River, which is about 113 kilometers long with a width of 300 to 700 meters, flows through Shanghai. It is the symbol and the essence of Shanghai's city landscape. The Bund and Binjiang Avenue beside the Huangpu River are excellent scenic spots. Walking along the riverside, you can see many international architectures rich in exotic color and style lining up on the West Bank of the Huangpu River in sharp contrast to the modern skyscrapers towering into the clouds on the east bank, beautiful bridges, memorial towers, and parks, from which you can get a glimpse of Shanghai's development and its history.
Taking a Huangpu River cruise is the most relaxing way to have a general understanding of the past, present, and future of Shanghai in a very short time.
Waibaidu Bridge
This bridge is situated at the lower reach of Suzhou Creek and the west side of Huangpu Park, linking with Huangpu River. It is the first all-steel bridge, and the only surviving example of camelback truss bridge. Waibaidu Bridge is a component of Shanghai skyline.
Monument to the People's Heroes
Stably standing at the south of Huangpu River, it is built in the stylized shape of three rifles leaning against each other. It symbolizes the Chinese people and armies seek for freedom to fight against the aggression in modern history.
Huangpu Park
Built in 1886, it was the first park in China open to the public which can be called the witness for the changing of Bund. This park is a blending of Monument to People’s Heroes, The Bund Historical Museum, 120-meter long and 3.8-meter high relief, garden scenery, etc.
When you look at the east bank of Huangpu River, you’ll get amazed by the prosperous financial district of Lujiazui with magnificently standing, futuristic buildings and symbolic towers, etc.


Shanghai Tower
Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the whole world, with the total height of 632 meters and 126 floors. This super skyscraper in Lujiazui Financial area in Shanghai has the world’s highest observation deck and world’s fastest elevator. Travelers can take the fast elevator at 18 m/s to reach the 118th Observation Deck to admire the colorful modern buildings of Shanghai.
Shanghai World Financial Center
Known as a global magnet, Shanghai World Financial Center is at a height of 492 meters and 101 floors, being the third tallest building in China. Travelers can experience the thrilling sky walk at the 100th floor at 474 meters and have panoramic view of Shanghai.
Jinmao Tower
Used to be the tallest building in China, Jinmao Tower is standing at 420.5 meters with 93 floors. It is a multi-functional modern building with offices, five-star hotel, conference and exhibition center, entertainment, restaurants and shopping malls, etc. Travelers can have bird’s eye view of Shanghai at the 88th floor.
Oriental Pearl TV Tower
Oriental Pearl TV Tower is the iconic building located at Lujiazui Financial Area with a height of 468 meters. Travelers can visit Shanghai History Museum at the base, have fun at Game City at lower sphere, experience full transparent glass walk at 259 meters at upper sphere, reach 351 meters at Space Capsule Sightseeing Floor to travel in the vast universe.


Day Cruise VS Night Cruise: Which One to Choose?
Do you feel a little difficult whether to choose a day cruise or a night cruise? There is no need to worry about the schedules for Huangpu River cruises which are available from 11:00 till 21:30.
The night view of the Pujiang River is unmissable. At night, both sides of the Huangpu River are brilliantly illuminated, and you can start from the Shiliupu Wharf or Qinhuangdao Wharf and travel on the river. The Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu bridge across the Huangpu River, are just like jade belts. The beautiful Pudong Binjiang Avenue and the unique Shanghai International Convention Center, have formed a beautiful scenery line under the gorgeous lighting, which is dazzling. The boat provides Chinese food, Western food, a buffet, and other services. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Huangpu River and have delicious food at the same time.
Most of the travelers choose to take a cruise at night to appreciate the spectacular light show with dazzling lights from the skyscrapers. With a delightful mood, you can either stay in the cabin or stand quietly on the sundeck to enjoy the amazing night view. Especially for those who have a short time in Shanghai, taking a night cruise after Shanghai day tour covered highlighted tourist attractions is highly recommended.
Travelers who take a Huangpu River cruise in the daytime can have clear sightseeing along the banks both on the west side and east side. It is suitable for travelers who have flexible time with no hurry to visit other tourist spots that have limited entrance hours. It is recommended to do day cruise in the spring and autumn seasons and try to avoid the hot summertime.


How to Plan a Shanghai Tour
How to Get to Shanghai: You can fly to Shanghai directly from Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, London, Los Angeles & many overseas countries (regions) and almost all major Chinese cities, like Beijing, Xian; or take high speed bullet train to Shanghai from domestic cities.
Best Time to Visit Shanghai: The ideal times to visit are March to May and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and the city’s natural scenery is at its most beautiful - perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Spend 2 to 3 days exploring Shanghai’s unique blend of Western and Eastern influences!
Usually, tourists spend 2 days sightseeing the most famous landmarks, including the Bund, skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower, historical Wukang Road, informative Shanghai Museum, etc. With one extra day, you can visit Zhujiajiao Water Town or enjoy family fun in Disneyland Park in the suburb.
☛ 2 Days Classic Shanghai City Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Past and Present Contrast Tour
☛ 3 Days Shanghai Highlights & Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour
For a change of scenery, consider these easy getaways:
Suzhou (30 min by high-speed train) - Famous for its classical gardens and charming water towns.
Hangzhou (1 hour by high-speed train) - Renowned for the poetic West Lake and Longjing tea plantations.
Yellow Mountain (3 hours by high-speed train) - Breathtaking peaks and UNESCO-listed landscapes.
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Hangzhou Suzhou Highlights Tour
☛ 6 Splendid East China Tour by Bullet Train
☛ 5 Days Shanghai Huangshan Tour by High Speed Train
☛ 9 Days East China & Mt. Huang Tour by High Speed Train
Start Your China Adventure from Shanghai
As a major international hub, Shanghai is the ideal gateway for exploring China—many travelers begin or end their journeys here. If you're a first-timer, we recommend extending your trip to iconic destinations like Beijing (Great Wall & Forbidden City), Xi’an (Terracotta Warriors), Zhangjiajie (Avatar-inspired peaks), and Guilin (karst landscapes & idyllic river views).
☛ 8 Days Best of China Tour (Beijing/Xian/Shanghai)
☛ 10 Days Classic China Tour (Shanghai/Guilin/Xian/Beijing)
☛ 13 Days China Landscape Tour including Zhangjiajie and Guilin(Beijing/Xian/Zhangjiajie/Guilin/Shanghai)
☛ 17 Days China Paradise Tour with Tibet Discovery & Yangtze Cruise
Travel with China Discovery
As a leading travel agency in China which dedicates to offering high-quality China tours, China Discovery has helped thousands of travelers enjoy their trips to Shanghai, Beijing, Xian, etc., in China. Travel with us, you can enjoy worry-free tour services as well as well-organized itineraries, even our assistance of Chinese Visa application, convenient airport/train station pick-up & drop-off and transfer between all scenic spots, knowledgeable tour guide, safe & licensed private vehicle, satisfactory accommodation and dining and so on. You are free to choose from our most popular Shanghai tour packages or contact us to design a memorable holiday in Shanghai, China.
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Questions & Discussions
Following are latest questions and answers from our webusers and customers. You can learn many useful information from the discussion and cases. You can also join in the discussions or ask your own question. Our experts will help you ASAP.
I can not find exactly where to take the cruise for the huangpu river. May I ask you an accurate adress?
THANKS
Thanks for your question! Usually, there are 3 wharfs to take the cruise for the Huangpu River. You can check the detailed location information of each wharf in both English and Chinese at below:
1. Shiliupu Wharf (1st zone) (11:00~21:30)
Location: B1 floor, No.481, Zhongshan East Second Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区中山东二路531号B1层 十六铺码头1区);
2. Shiliupu Wharf (2nd zone) (18:00~21:30)
Location: B1 floor, No.551, Zhongshan East Second Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (上海市黄浦区中山东二路551号B1层 十六铺码头2区);
3. Qinghuangdao Road Wharf (18:30~21:30)
Location: Ticket Office No.32 Qinghuangdao Road, Yangpu District, Shanghai (上海杨浦区秦皇岛路32号 秦皇岛码头);
Both Shiliupu Wharf and Qinhuangdao Wharf are close to The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, while Shiliupu is closer. Thus, you are more recommended to choose Shiliupu Wharf to take your cruise. And, whether you chose Shiliupu Wharf or Qinhuangdao Wharf, taking a taxi is the most recommended way. You can show the above Chinese information to the taxi driver and ask him to drive you to the wharf directly. Any further questions, please feel free to contact us and our professional consultant will reach you as soon as possible!
Wish you a nice trip in Shanghai!