Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner

Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner — a sparkling way to see China’s largest city

Imagine gliding along the Huangpu River just after sunset, with glittering Shanghai skyscrapers lighting up the night sky. This tour offers hotel pickup, a 2-hour night cruise, and a buffet dinner onboard, all for around $129.07 per person. It’s perfect for travelers eager to see the city’s stunning skyline without the hassle of navigating public transport or crowded streets.

What we love most about this experience is how it combines relaxing scenery with a delicious meal. The boat’s panoramic views allow you to see iconic landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Tower, and the historic Bund from a unique perspective—water level. Plus, the optional private guide enhances the storytelling, turning a sightseeing cruise into a memorable, personal experience.

A word of caution: the tour’s dinner options can be somewhat limited, and some reviews mention that seats upstairs aren’t available, which might restrict your view. If you’re after a premium, fully immersive experience or a top-tier meal, this might not be the best fit. Still, for most, the ease, beauty, and value make it a compelling evening activity.

This cruise suits travelers who want a hassle-free, scenic, and authentic way to enjoy Shanghai’s nightlife, especially those interested in iconic architecture and skyline photography. If you’re travelling with family, friends, or even solo, this tour offers a relaxed but impressive snapshot of the city’s nighttime charm.

Key Points

• Seamless Experience: Includes hotel pickup and drop-off for downtown Shanghai, simplifying logistics.
• Spectacular Views: Offers an excellent vantage point of both colonial and modern Shanghai landmarks from the water.
• Culinary Delight: Features a buffet dinner with soft drinks, though alcohol and specialty beverages are available at extra cost.
• Expert Commentary (Optional): Available if you book the guided tour, enriching your understanding of Shanghai’s sights.
• Relaxing Atmosphere: A three to four-hour cruise that’s perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
• Authentic Perspective: Water-level views of the skyline are often better than from land, especially at night.

A detailed look at what this tour offers

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting with a hotel pickup between 17:00 and 18:00, the tour kicks off in downtown Shanghai. This is a genuine plus—no need to worry about finding your way to the cruise port or booking separate transport. The tour operator claims most pick-ups are arranged smoothly, though taxis or private transfers might be necessary from hotels outside the downtown core, such as Pudong Airport or Disneyland area, with surcharges applicable.

Once at the cruise port, you’ll board a comfortable sightseeing boat designed to give you unobstructed views of the city’s illuminated skyline. The cruise itself lasts about two hours, during which you’ll cruise along the Huangpu River, marveling at the radiant cityscape stretching both east and west.

The Landmarks You’ll See

From the water, the skyline becomes an open-air museum of contrasts. On the west bank, the Bund offers a glimpse into Shanghai’s colonial past with its historic buildings, including the Peace Hotel and the Customs House—perfect for photography and absorbing the city’s layered history. On the east bank, towering ultramodern structures like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai World Financial Tower, and Shanghai Tower dominate the night, lit up like jewels.

The cruise also provides a view of the 2010 World Expo site and the Lupu Bridge, a stunning feat of engineering, all framed by the gleam of the city’s lights. Some reviews note that while the views are breathtaking, the seats upstairs aren’t available, meaning that for the best photos, you might need to stay on the main deck or in the lower areas.

Dining on the Water

Included in the cruise is a buffet dinner featuring soft drinks like water, Sprite, and other non-alcoholic options. Additional drinks such as wine, beer, tea, or coffee can be purchased onboard. Reviewers note that the food is decent but not gourmet—think simple, satisfying fare that leaves you full without overindulging. One guest mentioned the meal wasn’t exceptional, but most agree it’s enough to enjoy while taking in the views.

Guided Commentary and Additional Options

If you opt for the version with a private guide, a local expert enriches the cruise with commentary about the city’s history, architecture, and culture. This is especially useful if you want context for what you’re seeing. Guests have appreciated guides like Shirley, who is praised for her kindness and knowledge, making the experience more engaging and informative.

The Return Journey

After the cruise, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel or other downtown location at your request. The tour generally lasts about 3 to 4 hours, making it an ideal evening activity without feeling rushed.

Authentic Insights from Fellow Travelers

Many reviews point out how impressive the skyline views are, especially when lit up at night. One guest exclaimed, “Shanghai at night is very impressive,” emphasizing how the water-level perspective offers something different from land-based viewpoints.

The guides’ knowledge and friendly demeanor also stand out. Guests like GW_H and Chelsea_R highlight how the guides’ stories and explanations added depth to the experience, making it more than just a boat ride.

On the flip side, some reviews mention that the dinner choices are limited and the seats upstairs are unavailable, which can be a minor disappointment for those wanting the best view or a gourmet meal. Still, most agree that the overall experience offers excellent value for the price.

The value proposition

At around $129, this tour provides a comprehensive, relaxing way to see Shanghai’s most famous sights at night, combined with a meal that keeps you satisfied. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off saves stress, and the opportunity to photograph landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower from the water is truly special.

While the limited dinner options and seating arrangements may not satisfy the picky, the tour’s highlights—stunning views, easy logistics, and engaging commentary—make it worth considering for first-time visitors eager for an iconic, hassle-free experience.

Who should consider this tour?

This cruise is ideal for travelers who want a hassle-free, scenic overview of Shanghai’s skyline at night. It’s perfect if you’re looking to combine a lovely meal with memorable views without spending too much time or effort. It’s especially suited for those who value comfort and convenience—hotel pickup, scenic water views, and light commentary—over gourmet dining or a high-end experience.

Families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a relaxed evening activity will find it hits the sweet spot. If you’re a photographer, the water-level vantage point offers unique opportunities, especially if you prefer avoiding crowded land-based viewpoints.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, most downtown Shanghai hotels are included in the pickup service, making transportation easy. For hotels outside the downtown area, a surcharge may apply.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes about 3 to 4 hours, with 2 hours dedicated to the river cruise itself.

What is included in the price?
You get a buffet dinner, the night cruise ticket, and hotel pickup and drop-off. An optional private guide can be booked for additional insight.

Are there vegetarian or special diet options?
The provided information doesn’t specify dietary options, so it’s best to check with the tour provider if you have special requirements.

Can I take photos during the cruise?
Yes, the boat’s panoramic windows and open decks are perfect for photography. Keep in mind, seats upstairs aren’t available, which may affect your view.

Is the food on board good?
The buffet offers simple, satisfying fare, but some reviews mention it’s not exceptional. It’s enough to enjoy while admiring the skyline.

What if I want to book a guided tour?
You can opt for the version that includes a professional English-speaking guide, which enhances the experience with historical context and local insights.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers say children are welcome, but they should be accompanied by an adult. Dress code is smart casual.

In essence, the Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner offers a beautifully relaxing way to see the city’s iconic skyline at night. It’s well-suited for those who appreciate stunning views, good value, and the comfort of being guided or chauffeured. While the meal isn’t gourmet and seats upstairs aren’t available, the overall experience provides a memorable snapshot of Shanghai’s vibrant night scene—perfect for first-timers or anyone wanting a scenic, stress-free evening.