Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

Imagine slipping away from the bustling streets of Shanghai into a quiet elegance as the city lights flicker on. This evening tour, priced at $149 per person, offers a relaxed way to see Shanghai’s iconic skyline from the comfort of a private boat. You’ll glide along the Huangpu River, marveling at the glowing Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and the historic colonial buildings along the Bund. Afterward, you’ll sit down for a Xinjiang-style halal dinner in a lively local restaurant, where the flavors of northwest China bring a spicy, flavorful contrast to the city’s otherwise sweet skyline.

What makes this tour special? First, the combination of a scenic river cruise with a local culinary experience offers a balanced mix of sights and tastes. Second, the private transportation and professional guides mean you won’t have to fuss with navigating Shanghai’s busy streets or crowded public transport. It’s a smooth, curated experience that feels like a personalized evening out.

The only thing to consider? The timing of dinner can shift depending on sunset, so it might be slightly later or earlier than expected. This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a convenient, all-in-one introduction to Shanghai’s nightscape and regional cuisine, especially those short on time but eager to see the city’s highlights in one relaxed evening.

Key Points

• Scenic views of Shanghai’s skyline from the Huangpu River at night
• Comfortable private transport eliminates the hassle of navigating public transit
• Authentic Xinjiang halal dinner with regional specialties like big plate chicken and lamb kebabs
• Knowledgeable guides enhance the experience with helpful insights and menu explanations
• Convenient door-to-door service with hotel or airport transfers included
• Flexible booking options offer full refunds if canceled 24 hours in advance

You can check availability for your dates here:

Experiencing Shanghai’s Night Views from the River

You’ll meet your guide and private driver at your hotel in the evening for a seamless pickup. This personalized touch is a real plus, especially after a busy day sightseeing. Once on board the boat, you’ll be on the top deck, feeling the gentle breeze and watching the city’s transformation as night falls.

From this vantage point, the Bund’s colonial architecture glows warmly, creating a striking contrast with the modern skyscrapers rising on the Pudong side. As one reviewer put it, “Full views of the incredible skyline both sides of the river and packed with interesting stories,” which captures how captivating the scenery can be. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower light up the night sky, each one more impressive in person than in photos.

The cruise isn’t just about pretty sights; it’s also a chance to understand Shanghai’s evolution — from its colonial past to its status as a global financial hub. While the boat itself offers comfortable seating, some reviews mention the steps to access the boat can be challenging for those with mobility issues or on crutches, especially if the weather is rainy and surfaces slippery.

Why We Love the Views

One reviewer said, “The night scene is a must-see, with VIP style transport,” highlighting the comfortable and exclusive feel. Others appreciated the stunning city lights, calling the experience “amazing” and “beautiful.” The cruise really lets you see the city’s vibrant energy from a peaceful vantage point, a perfect way to start or end your evening.

The Xinjiang-Style Halal Dinner

After the cruise, your guide will take you to a well-loved local Xinjiang restaurant. Here, the big plate chicken (Dapanji) steals the show — a spicy, aromatic dish with tender chicken, potatoes, and peppers served over hand-stretched noodles. Lamb kebabs are another highlight, cooked to perfection and loved by locals, with some reviews mentioning how delicious and authentic the flavors are.

The restaurant often offers a lively atmosphere, sometimes with cultural entertainment like belly dancing, enhancing the regional experience. One guest noted, “The food was excellent, and the restaurant had a beautiful view of Shanghai,” which suggests the setting is both tasty and scenic.

The dinner is halal, making it accessible for Muslim travelers, and the guide is helpful in explaining the menu and ensuring dietary preferences are respected. Plus, the restaurant offers vegetarian options, as some reviews mention enjoying vegetarian dishes alongside the meat.

Authenticity and Local Flavor

Many travelers praise the authenticity of the dishes, with one saying, “The food was very different from Chinese food we get overseas,” highlighting how this experience offers a genuine regional taste. The restaurant’s lively ambiance, combined with regional music and dance, makes it more than just a meal — it’s a cultural experience.

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Practical Details and Logistics

Your tour includes private transportation, so you avoid the stress of navigating Shanghai’s often hectic public transport. The guides are well-reviewed for their knowledge and friendliness, ensuring you get the best spots for photos and understanding of the sights. The tour lasts about 3-4 hours, fitting nicely into an evening, making it ideal for travelers with tight schedules.

Bottled water and soft drinks are included, but if you want to enjoy beer or additional alcohol, you’ll need to purchase separately. The tour is English-speaking, so language won’t be a barrier, and flexible booking options provide peace of mind, with full refunds available if canceled 24 hours in advance.

What Travelers Say

Reviews are overwhelmingly positive, with many mentioning the guides’ friendliness and knowledge. One reviewer called the guide “Snow,” “excellent,” noting how she “provided great information and made the experience very enjoyable.” Others loved the stunning skyline views and delicious food, describing the entire trip as a “highlight” of their Shanghai visit.

A common theme is that this tour delivers great value for the price, combining sightseeing, a cultural meal, and comfortable transport in one package. Several reviews mention the high quality of the guide, the spectacular boat views, and the delicious dinner — all ingredients for a memorable evening.

The Sum Up

This Night River Cruise with Xinjiang-style dining offers a wonderful way to see Shanghai in a relaxed setting. The combination of breathtaking city views and authentic regional cuisine makes it ideal for travelers short on time but craving a comprehensive, enjoyable experience. The private transport and knowledgeable guides add comfort and depth, ensuring you’ll learn about the city’s past and present while enjoying a flavorful meal.

If you’re someone who appreciates beautiful scenery, good food, and a touch of local culture, this tour fits the bill perfectly. It’s especially well-suited for first-time visitors wanting an overview of Shanghai’s skyline at night combined with a memorable regional dinner.

FAQs

Is hotel or airport transfer included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes private hotel or airport transfers, making the experience smooth and hassle-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience lasts approximately 3-4 hours, from pickup to drop-off.

Are vegetarian options available at the restaurant?
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian dishes, and guides are happy to explain the menu choices.

Can I be dropped off at a location other than my hotel?
Absolutely. If you prefer to be dropped off at a different spot, such as Xintiandi, your guide can accommodate this request.

Is this tour suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Access to the boat involves steps, which could be challenging for those with mobility issues, especially in bad weather.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the river cruise ticket, Xinjiang halal dinner, private transportation, a professional guide, bottled water, and soft drinks or beer.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Are guides fluent in English?
Yes, all guides speak English, ensuring clear communication throughout the tour.

Is this experience family-friendly?
Yes, the tour is suitable for families, especially those interested in city views and regional cuisine.

What should I wear?
Dress comfortably for the evening; consider layers as it can be cooler on the river and at night.

This tour provides a genuinely enjoyable evening out, blending iconic sights, regional flavors, and excellent service. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, you’ll come away with vivid memories of Shanghai’s shimmering nightscape and authentic tastes that linger long after the night ends.

You can check availability for your dates here: