Shanghai is famous for its dazzling skyline, historic waterways, and diverse culinary scene—making it an ideal city for memorable dinner experiences. Whether you’re after a romantic river cruise, a lively water town visit, or a show that combines dinner with acrobatics, Shanghai delivers. Among our favorites are the Shanghai Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Style Dining for a seamless combination of sightseeing and authentic halal food, and the VIP night cruise with private transfer for a luxurious way to see the city lights. If you want a deep dive into traditional water towns, the Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Trip offers a full day exploring timeless Chinese villages. Each experience offers something unique, whether it’s the view, the food, or the culture.
Quick Overview
This list covers a variety of dinner experiences in Shanghai. From river cruises that showcase the city’s stunning skyline at night (see details here), to full-day water town tours in Wuzhen and Xitang, and even acrobatic shows combined with dinner. You’ll find options tailored for short visits, luxury preferences, or immersive cultural outings. Read on for detailed insights into each tour and help choosing the best fit for your trip.
1. Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
At number 1, this tour combines a Huangpu River cruise with an authentic Xinjiang halal dinner. It’s perfect for travelers short on time but eager to see Shanghai’s iconic skyline and enjoy local flavors. You’ll start with private, air-conditioned transport, avoiding the hassle of public transit. The cruise offers sweeping views of buildings like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the colonial-era Bund. Afterward, enjoy a Xinjiang cuisine feast in Pudong, guided by someone who understands your menu needs—an especially helpful touch for non-Chinese speakers.
What sets this tour apart is its smooth organization and personalized service—guests mention the guide Carol who “made everything enjoyable” and the quiet convenience of private transport. The cruise ticket is included, so you skip lines and focus on the views. This experience is ideal for visitors with limited time who want a well-rounded, hassle-free evening.
Bottom Line: A top pick for a short, luxurious, and authentic Shanghai night experience that combines scenery and local food.
2. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
This smaller-group, private night cruise with halal Xinjiang dinner offers an elegant way to experience Shanghai after dark. Rated a perfect 5/5 from nearly 200 reviews, this tour emphasizes breathtaking city views and delicious local cuisine. The tour includes hotel or airport transfers, making logistics straightforward. The cruise showcases lit-up landmarks such as the Pearl Tower and the Bund, with a relaxed atmosphere perfect for photography or simply soaking in the sights.
Guests praise the personalized service and the mouth-watering Xinjiang halal dishes, which make it a standout for food lovers. This tour tends to suit travelers seeking comfort and exclusivity with a focus on scenic beauty and good food.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting a luxurious, intimate cruise with authentic dining and hassle-free transfers.
3. Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner
For around $284, the full-day water town tour is a fantastic way to escape the city and explore two of China’s most scenic water villages—Wuzhen and Xitang. Your private guide handles all the driving and logistics, so you can focus on wandering the cobbled streets, bridges, and canals. In Wuzhen, enjoy a leisurely cruise and a local lunch before heading to Xitang for its spectacular sunset and riverside dinner. The tour also includes visits to famous filming locations from Mission Impossible III, offering a cinematic touch.
Guests value the comfortable, private transportation and the chance to truly immerse in ancient Chinese water towns. If you’re interested in history, architecture, and a relaxed pace, this tour fits perfectly.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, culturally enriching day trip ideal for history fans and water town lovers.
4. Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option
At number 4, this VIP river cruise experience offers luxury with private transfers and premium cruise seating. The 60-minute cruise highlights illuminated skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and the Pearl TV Tower, along with colonial-era landmarks. The VIP seating ensures a comfortable, unobstructed view, perfect for capturing photos or simply relaxing. If you opt for the dinner package, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal onboard, adding a culinary dimension to your night.
Guests emphasize the personalized guidance and exclusive atmosphere, making it suitable for special occasions or travelers seeking a more upscale experience. Critically, the admission ticket is included, saving you time and hassle.
Bottom Line: Best suited for those wanting a luxurious, private cruise with an opportunity for a fine dinner and VIP treatment.
5. Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise with Rooftop Bar Hopping Option
This engaging combo combines a local restaurant dinner, Huangpu River cruise, and an optional rooftop bar stop. For about $139.60, you get flexibility—start with dinner or the cruise, depending on your preference. The cruise showcases the illuminated skyline, including landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and the bund. The rooftop bar adds a relaxed, social element with complimentary drinks.
Reviewers appreciate the personalized service and the well-chosen local restaurant. It’s a great option if you prefer a less formal, more social evening that blends sightseeing, dining, and bar hopping.
Bottom Line: An excellent pick for flexibility and variety — perfect if you want to combine dining, river views, and a rooftop experience.
6. Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner
For those seeking a customizable half-day experience, this private tour offers a flexible itinerary including Yuyuan Bazaar, Shanghai Tower, and a Huangpu River cruise (see details here). You pick whether to include lunch or dinner, making it adaptable to your schedule. The private guide personalizes your visit, sharing insights as you explore Shanghai’s top sights. The tour includes admission to Shanghai Tower—the second-tallest building in the world—and a river cruise with stunning views.
Guests appreciate the personalized attention and the convenience of door-to-door service, which makes this perfect for travelers who want a luxurious, tailored experience.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting an all-in-one, flexible private tour with a focus on luxury and customization.
7. Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seat with Authentic Dinner
Number 7 offers a VIP seating experience with a traditional Chinese dinner onboard. This 3-hour tour allows you to enjoy spectacular night views of Shanghai’s skyline and colonial architecture while seated comfortably. The private transfers and VIP seating ensure a luxury experience, ideal for romantic evenings or special occasions. The cruise highlights illuminated landmarks, such as the Jinmao Tower and the Peace Hotel.
Guests mention the friendly guide Sami, who made the experience informative and memorable. The dinner features local Chinese dishes, and the admission ticket is included, so you can relax and enjoy the sights.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking upscale, exclusive river views and high-quality dining in a luxury setting.
8. Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show
This 3 to 4-hour experience combines a dinner at an authentic Shanghai restaurant with a world-class acrobatic show at Shanghai Circus World (see details here). You’ll be picked up from your hotel, enjoy a delicious local meal—think soup dumplings and noodles—and then settle into the theater for stunning acrobatic feats like aerial walking and bowl balancing.
Most reviews praise the professional guides and the entertainment value—one caller called it an “incredible show” and a highlight of their trip. The dinner and show tickets are included for a hassle-free evening.
Bottom Line: An excellent family-friendly option that offers dinner and entertainment in one convenient package.
9. Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai
This tour blends dining at Din Tai Fung—famous for its soup dumplings—with a spectacular acrobatics show. Starting with hotel pickup, you’ll enjoy a set menu featuring dumplings, wontons, and other Chinese specialties. After your meal, your guide takes you to the theater where a world-renowned acrobatic troupe performs jaw-dropping feats. The show includes martial arts, circus tricks, and magic acts, making for a lively, memorable night.
Guests consistently highlight the high quality of the food and the excellent seats at the show, with many calling it the “highlight of their trip”. The private transfer and full experience make it a good value.
Bottom Line: Great for food lovers and show enthusiasts seeking a full, hassle-free evening.
10. Evening Thai Dinner and Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai
At number 10, you get a combination of Thai cuisine and a luxurious river cruise. Starting with a dinner at a trendy Thai restaurant in the French Concession, you’ll sample dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Yellow Curry—vegetarian options included. Afterward, board a VIP-class boat for a 50-minute cruise along the Huangpu River, illuminating the skyline with the Shanghai Tower and Pearl Tower glowing brightly.
Guests remark on the smooth organization and the excellent seats. This tour suits travelers who want a relaxed, scenic evening combining good food and beautiful views.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a relaxed, romantic night with delicious food and stunning city lights.
11. Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
This private combo features a luxury night cruise with VIP seating plus a hot pot dinner in a local restaurant. The night cruise offers spectacular views of illuminated landmarks like the Jinmao Tower and the Bund, while the hot pot lets you experience one of China’s most beloved dishes in an authentic setting. Your guide ensures you enjoy the best hot pot ingredients, making this a fun and interactive evening.
Guests praise the personalized service and the combination of sightseeing and comfort—a great option for foodies and night view enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers wanting a luxurious, interactive evening with scenic views and delicious hot pot.
12. Hot Pot Dining Experience with Hot Spring Bathing or River Cruise in Shanghai
Offering two options in one tour, this experience is perfect for relaxation. You can visit the Gokurakuyu hot springs with pools and saunas, or opt for a river cruise to see Shanghai’s illuminated skyline. Both options include a hot pot dinner, allowing you to enjoy a social, interactive meal after your chosen activity. The tour is well-suited for those who want a relaxed evening with options to unwind in mineral-rich waters or enjoy city views from the water.
Guests note the friendly guides and the well-organized experience—a good value for a multi-faceted night.
Bottom Line: Best for relaxation and leisure—whether through hot springs or scenic river views.
13. Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with Riverside Dining from Shanghai
Rated 4.5/5, this sunset water village tour captures the romantic atmosphere of Xitang. You’ll explore small alleys, arched bridges, and local wine tasting in a 7-hour tour. The highlight is dinner at a riverside restaurant, with views of the sunset over the water. The tour also includes a visit to Jinze Ancient Town, offering a glimpse into traditional water village life.
Guests praise the well-organized itinerary and authentic local experience, perfect for history fans or those seeking a relaxing evening outside Shanghai.
Bottom Line: Ideal for romantic sunset views and culture in China’s water towns.
14. Shanghai Acrobatic Show and Late Dim Sum Dinner
This 4-hour evening package combines dinner at a local restaurant with a spectacular acrobatic performance. Starting with dim sum, you’ll experience authentic Chinese flavors like shrimp dumplings and steamed buns, then transfer to Shanghai Acrobatic Theater for a dynamic show featuring aerial acts, jugglers, and dancers.
Reviewers highlight the professionalism of guides and the entertainment quality—many consider it a highlight of their trip. The dinner and show tickets are included, making it a convenient and lively evening.
Bottom Line: A great pick for families or night owls wanting dinner and entertainment in one outing.
15. Shanghai in 5 Hours: River Cruise, Shanghai Tower & Dining
Last but not least, this condensed private tour offers a flexible way to see Shanghai’s highlights in just 5 hours. It includes a river cruise, admission to Shanghai Tower, and a meal—either lunch or dinner. The tour’s customizable nature makes it suitable for time-conscious travelers who want a personalized experience. Guests mention the efficient organization and great guides who make every moment count.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those with limited time but high expectations for quality and flexibility.
How to Choose the Best Dinner Experience in Shanghai
When deciding which tour suits you best, consider your budget, time available, and interests. If a luxurious, private cruise with VIP seating (see VIP cruise details) appeals, that’s a great option. For culture lovers, the water town trips (Wuzhen and Xitang) offer a full immersion into ancient Chinese life. Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a show and dinner, options like the Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show (see details) or the Dim Sum and Acrobatics combo (see here) are lively and fun.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, as these tours are popular. Think about whether you prefer a relaxed scenic cruise, a full-day cultural exploration, or a dynamic show with dinner—each offers a distinctly different way to enjoy Shanghai after dark.
To sum it up, Shanghai offers a range of dinner experiences that blend spectacular views, delicious food, and cultural highlights. For a romantic night, the VIP river cruise or the rooftop bar hopping are excellent. For food lovers, dinners at Din Tai Fung or hot pot experiences provide authentic tastes. And for culture seekers, the water town day trips combine scenery with history. Whichever you choose, booking in advance ensures you’ll get the best seats and smoothest experience—so plan ahead and enjoy your night in Shanghai.