Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

If you’re planning a night out in Shanghai, this tour offers a balanced mix of scenic river views and authentic regional cuisine — all in about three hours of your evening. For $155, you’re picked up in a private air-conditioned vehicle, whisked away to cruise the Huangpu River, and capped off with a delicious halal dinner showcasing Xinjiang flavors. It’s a perfect way for travelers with limited time to see the skyline, learn about the city’s landmarks from an expert guide, and enjoy some cultural entertainment.

What we particularly love about this experience is the convenience of private transport and skipping queues with your cruise tickets included — no waiting in line on your busy travel schedule. Plus, the Xinjiang dinner offers a taste of China’s diverse culinary landscape, often overlooked by travelers. The view of Shanghai’s skyline at night from the river is simply breathtaking and not easily matched elsewhere.

One possible consideration is that the dinner does not take place on the cruise itself but rather afterward at a local restaurant. For some, this might mean a slightly different pacing or setting, but it’s also a chance to enjoy a relaxed meal in a local spot. This tour suits those wanting an authentic, all-in-one evening experience without the hassle of navigating public transit or booking separate tickets.

If you’re eager to see Shanghai’s luminous skyline, enjoy flavorful regional dishes, and prefer a hassle-free, guided experience, this tour is an excellent choice. Travelers who value knowledgeable guides and authentic food will find it particularly rewarding.

Key Points

• Beautiful Night Views: The cruise offers stunning vistas of Shanghai’s skyline, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the historic Bund.
• All-In-One Experience: Combines river sightseeing with an authentic Xinjiang halal dinner, making it a convenient package.
• Private Transportation: Ease of travel with air-conditioned pickup and drop-off, saving time and energy.
• Expert Guides: Guides like Kalbin and Queena earn high praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and attentiveness.
• Skip the Lines: Cruise tickets are included, so you avoid lengthy queues, especially valuable during peak seasons.
• Authentic Cuisine: Enjoy dishes like Dapanji (big plate chicken), lamb kebabs, and Xinjiang yogurt, with cultural entertainment in the restaurant.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

The Itinerary in Detail

Your evening begins with a hotel pickup in a private, air-conditioned vehicle. This is a significant advantage — it means you don’t have to fuss with public transit or taxis, especially after a day of sightseeing. Your guide, often praised for their friendliness and local knowledge, will set a relaxed tone for the night.

The first stop is the Huangpu River Cruise, where you’ll board a boat for about an hour. From the upper deck, the view is spectacular — the illuminated skyline of Pudong with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower on one side, and the historic buildings along the Bund on the other. Reviewers frequently mention how the nighttime cityscape is truly breathtaking, with lights reflecting off the river, creating a magical scene. One traveler described the cruise as “the highlight of our week,” noting the gorgeous views and the peace of drifting along the river.

Your guide will be on hand to point out landmarks and provide context, making the experience both scenic and educational. The timing may vary slightly depending on sunset, but generally, the cruise lasts around an hour, giving you ample time to soak in the views.

The Cultural Feast in Pudong

After the cruise, your group heads to a local Xinjiang restaurant in Pudong, where a halal dinner awaits. Xinjiang cuisine is known for its bold flavors and hearty ingredients — perfect for those wanting to explore regional Chinese food beyond the usual Cantonese or Sichuan dishes.

Expect a range of delicious dishes like Dapanji (big plate chicken), seasoned with spices and served with hand-stretched noodles, and lamb kebabs, which are highly popular among locals. The restaurant also offers Xinjiang yogurt and naan, which are perfect for sharing. Many reviews highlight how authentic and flavorful the food is, with some reviewers mentioning how they would never have discovered these dishes on their own.

Entertainment is included during the dinner hours, with cultural dancing and belly dancing at certain times, adding a lively touch to the meal. This entertainment, along with the chance to ask questions about the region’s cuisine, makes the meal more than just eating — it becomes a culture.

The Value of Guided Tours and Included Tickets

The combination of private transport, cruise tickets, and a guided meal makes this experience exceptionally convenient and cost-effective. Instead of booking each component separately, you get a streamlined experience with knowledgeable hosts. The high rating of 5.0 based on nearly 290 reviews speaks to the consistency of quality and value.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Reviews rave about guides like Carol, Queena, and Kalbin, who are praised for their friendly demeanor, extensive knowledge, and attentiveness. They don’t just narrate; they engage, making each guest feel welcomed and well-informed. Many reviewers also mention the VIP-like experience of the river cruise, which feels very exclusive.

The views from the boat are frequently described as “incredible” and “gorgeous,” with some reviewers noting they had a “best way to end a trip in Shanghai.” The food, often praised for its authenticity and generous servings, adds a satisfying cultural layer to the evening.

Potential Drawbacks and Considerations

A possible downside is that dinner is not on the cruise itself but at a restaurant afterward. If you’re expecting a floating dinner, that might be disappointing, but in practice, most find the restaurant setting cozy and authentic. Also, timing can depend on sunset; if you’re a sunset enthusiast, it’s worth noting that the cruise might be scheduled slightly differently to align with the city’s lighting.

Finally, this tour is most suitable for travelers who prefer guided experiences and are comfortable with a group setting, as it’s a private activity but involves group entertainment and dining.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is perfect if you want to maximize your evening in Shanghai with minimal fuss. It suits travelers who love scenic views, enjoy authentic regional cuisine, and appreciate local guides who can enhance their understanding of the city and its culture. It’s especially great for those short on time but eager to see both the skyline and try regional flavors, avoiding the hassle of multiple bookings or navigating public transit late at night.

If you’re traveling with family, friends, or as a couple who enjoy a relaxed, curated experience with plenty of photo opportunities and cultural insights, this tour will serve you well. It’s also ideal for first-timers who want a rundown of Shanghai’s nighttime beauty with tasty local food as a highlight.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be on the boat and walking in the restaurant.
• Bring a light jacket or sweater, especially if you’re sensitive to evening breezes on the boat.
• Confirm any dietary requests at booking to ensure your preferences are accommodated.
• Arrive at your hotel early for pickup; the tour adheres to a punctual schedule.
• Remember, the dinner is in a restaurant, not on the cruise, so plan accordingly if you have special dining needs.
• The experience is weather-dependent; poor weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, but full refunds are available if that happens.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, private, air-conditioned pickup and drop-off from your hotel are included, making the evening stress-free.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is about 3 hours, including the cruise, dinner, and transport.

Are the tickets for the river cruise included?
Yes, your cruise tickets are included, which helps you skip the lines and saves time.

Where does the dinner take place?
The halal Xinjiang dinner is at a local restaurant in Pudong, after the river cruise, not on the boat itself.

What kind of food will I try?
You’ll enjoy Xinjiang specialties like Dapanji (big plate chicken), lamb kebabs, yogurt, and naan.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult. Comfort with walking and boat rides is helpful.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, providing peace of mind for your plans.