Shanghai is a city that’s best appreciated from the water. With the iconic Huangpu River slicing through the city and historic water towns like Zhujiajiao just outside the urban sprawl, Shanghai’s waterways offer a perspective as authentic as the city itself. Whether you’re after a romantic night cruise along glittering skyline lights or a private water town excursion, there’s an experience to match your style. Our favorites include the private Zhujiajiao water town tours because of their personalized service and scenic boat rides, and the night river cruises that showcase Shanghai’s dazzling nightscape from the water.
If you’re pressed for time, the Shanghai Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Style Dining (Tour #2) offers a great mix of sightseeing and delicious local food, while the VIP river cruise (Tour #12) provides an upscale, intimate view of the city’s lights. For those wanting to explore the water towns with a deeper cultural touch, tours like from Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour (Tour #3) and Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour (Tour #7) stand out for their personal touch and scenic boat rides. Whatever your interest, this list will help you pick the perfect waterways experience in Shanghai.
1. Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride
Escape the city noise with this private half-day tour to Zhujiajiao, often called the “Venice of Shanghai.” It includes transfers, entrance fees, and a relaxing boat ride through the ancient canals. What sets this tour apart is the personalized service of a dedicated guide and flexible scheduling—morning or afternoon departures. The tour covers the Ming and Qing Dynasty bridges, traditional market streets, and the charming old architecture.
Guests consistently praise their guides—”Mary was fabulous” or “Judy explained everything well.” The boat ride offers a peaceful look at the town’s waterways, with commentary on local history and culture. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a stress-free escape and an intimate experience of traditional Chinese water towns. The cost is $145 per person, and reviews highlight its value for money and the comfortable, hassle-free arrangements. Bottom line: a highly-rated, private way to see Zhujiajiao with plenty of personal attention.
2. Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
For around $155, this evening cruise combines a scenic Huangpu River ride with a Xinjiang halal dinner. It’s a smart choice for a quick, memorable night out, especially since all transportation is arranged in a private air-conditioned vehicle. During the one-hour cruise, you’ll enjoy views of the colonial Bund buildings and the futuristic Pudong skyline, including landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower.
The highlight is the delicious dinner at a popular Xinjiang restaurant, where the guide helps with menu translation. Many reviews mention how this tour offers a great balance of sightseeing and local cuisine, perfect for travelers with limited time. It’s especially good for those who want a low-stress, all-in-one evening experience. Bottom line: an ideal option if you want to see Shanghai’s skyline lit up and dine on authentic regional food.
3. From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride
This private tour offers a full 5-hour exploration of Zhujiajiao, with a dedicated guide and driver. It includes a scenic boat ride, visits to the Kezhi Garden, and a relaxed walk through the old streets. The tour emphasizes personalized attention and flexibility—perfect for those who want to tailor their experience.
Guests mention how helpful their guides are—”Kalvin was very knowledgeable”—and appreciate the comfortable private transfer. The boat ride offers a peaceful view of the canals, while the garden visit showcases traditional Qing Dynasty landscape design. At $151, the tour provides excellent value, especially for families or small groups. Bottom line: a solid choice for a personalized, cultural day trip outside Shanghai.
4. Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden
This 5-hour private excursion centers on discovering Zhujiajiao’s timeless charm. It features a boat ride, a visit to the Kezhi Garden, and an exploration of the ancient town with scenic bridges and waterway views. The tour’s standout is its personalized service, with guides like Cassie and Hippo known for their friendly, informative approach.
Guests love how smoothly the whole day runs—”Cassie was a brilliant guide”—and appreciate the authentic atmosphere of the water town. The boat ride gives a tranquil view of the canals, and the garden is a peaceful spot for relaxing or taking photos. For $139, it’s a great value for travelers wanting a comprehensive, private experience. Bottom line: a top-rated, relaxed way to explore Zhujiajiao’s scenery and culture.
5. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
Another excellent option for a night cruise with dinner, this tour is priced at $149 and includes hotel transfers. You’ll cruise along the Huangpu River, enjoying views of the illuminated skyline as you pass the Bund and Pudong landmarks. The halal Xinjiang dinner keeps travelers raving about its flavor and authenticity, with guides offering menu help.
It’s perfect for those pressed for time but wanting a comprehensive nighttime experience, combining scenery and flavor in roughly 3 hours. Many reviews mention how this tour’s combination of sights and food makes it a high-value option. Bottom line: ideal for a short, immersive evening in Shanghai.
6. Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights
This luxury private tour costs $128 and focuses on night views of Shanghai. It features a VIP river cruise, offering panoramic views from the upper deck, plus visits to iconic sites like Yuyuan Old Street and Xintiandi. The tour can end with hotel drop-off or extra time in the city, giving flexibility.
Guests highlight the spectacular cityscapes from the VIP deck—“the skyline at night is breathtaking”—and praise the personalized service. The tour suits travelers seeking a more exclusive, comfortable experience of Shanghai’s nighttime glamour. Bottom line: a top choice for those who want luxury and scenery combined.
7. Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai
This half-day private tour focuses on Zhujiajiao’s waterways and historic sites. It includes a boat ride, visit to Kezhi Garden, and a flexible schedule. The personal guide and driver ensure a relaxed pace and tailored experience.
Guests appreciate the smooth logistics and the opportunity to capture scenic photos—”the boat ride was very good”—and enjoy the authentic water town atmosphere. Priced at $140, it’s suited for travelers wanting a short but thorough exploration of Zhujiajiao. Bottom line: a reliable, well-reviewed option for a personalized visit.
8. Private Shanghai Evening Street Food Walking and Cruise Tour
This food-focused tour costs $126 and combines a street food walk with a Huangpu River cruise. You’ll sample soup dumplings, wontons, lamb skewers, and more, finishing with a scenic night cruise. The guide helps you navigate the bustling lanes, sharing stories and food tips.
Guests often call it a “fun, complete experience,” praising the variety of food and the beautiful river views. It’s perfect for food lovers and those wanting a cultural taste of Shanghai’s street eats. Bottom line: an engaging way to combine culinary exploration with scenic views.
9. Flexible Half Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Water Town with Boat Ride from Shanghai
This 4-5 hour private tour offers flexibility and includes a boat ride, Kezhi Garden, and temple visits. It’s designed for travelers wanting a personalized experience without a rigid schedule.
Guests enjoy the stress-free logistics—”everything was perfect”—and the informative guide. The scenic boat ride offers a peaceful perspective of the town’s waterways. Price at $143 makes it a good value for those who want a half-day escape. Bottom line: a flexible, well-reviewed option for a customized day trip.
10. Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option
At $143, this luxury night tour features a VIP river cruise plus the option to ascend the Shanghai Tower’s observation deck. It’s perfect for travelers seeking upscale views of the city’s night lights and modern architecture.
Guests rave about the spectacular skyline views—“the best way to see Shanghai at night”—and the personalized service. The Shanghai Tower visit offers panoramic vistas from the second tallest building in the world, making this a premium experience. Bottom line: ideal for those wanting a luxurious, comprehensive night out.
11. Shanghai: Huangpu River Evening Cruise Ticket
For a quick, budget-friendly 45-minute cruise at just $25, this experience is perfect for a casual taste of Shanghai’s skyline. It’s a straightforward, relaxingly scenic ride that captures the essence of Shanghai’s nighttime lit-up skyline.
While it’s less elaborate than some other options, review comments mention how capturing the skyline is a highlight. Best suited for travelers wanting a short, inexpensive experience. Bottom line: a simple, scenic taste of Shanghai’s river life.
12. Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option
This upscale experience at $130 includes a private transfer, VIP seating on the boat, and an optional dinner. The cruise offers spectacular views of illuminated landmarks including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Shanghai Tower.
Guests highlight the comfortable VIP seating and excellent city views—“the skyline at night is breathtaking”—making it perfect for a romantic evening or special occasion. The optional dinner adds value for food lovers. Bottom line: a top-tier choice for an upscale, scenic river cruise in Shanghai.
13. All-Inclusive Private Day Tour: Best Shanghai w/ River Cruise
For those wanting everything in one package, this full-day private tour for $273 covers Shanghai’s highlights and includes a river cruise. It features stops at Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, Shanghai Tower, and the bund, with plenty of time to soak in the city’s multifaceted charm.
Guests praise the comprehensive itinerary and personal guide—“it exceeded our expectations”—making it perfect for travelers who want a full immersion. The river cruise offers a relaxing break amid sightseeing. Bottom line: a premium, all-in-one tour for a complete Shanghai experience.
14. Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise with Rooftop Bar Hopping Option
Priced at $139.60, this dinner and river cruise combo lets you enjoy authentic Shanghai cuisine followed by a scenic night cruise. You can choose to start with dinner or the cruise, adding flexibility. The tour includes a roof-top bar stop with a complimentary drink—a perfect evening for couples and groups.
Guests like the romantic atmosphere and delicious food, with some noting the view from the rooftop to be fantastic. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, intimate night. Bottom line: a well-rounded, enjoyable evening experience.
15. Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner
This customizable private tour costs $176.50 and combines city highlights with a river cruise and luxury dining. It includes visits to Yuyuan Bazaar, views from Shanghai Tower, and a river cruise to see the skyline from the water. Guests can choose between lunch or dinner, tailored to their schedule.
Guests appreciate the personalized itinerary and the expert guidance—”a perfect blend of sightseeing and culinary experience.” It’s best suited for travelers who want an all-inclusive, flexible day with time for shopping, sightseeing, and dining. Bottom line: a versatile, premium option for a full day of Shanghai highlights.
How to Choose the Best Boat Tour in Shanghai
When deciding which boat experience to book, consider your budget, schedule, and what kind of experience you’re after. If you prefer a personal, relaxed day, the Zhujiajiao private tours (Tour #1, #3, #4, #7, #9) deliver scenic boat rides and local charm with expert guides. For those seeking an upscale night out, the VIP river cruises (Tour #10, #12) offer luxurious views and optional tower visits. Budget travelers might opt for the short Huangpu River cruise (Tour #11) at just $25, which still offers a memorable skyline view.
Think about whether you want a culinary experience, culture, or a full-day sightseeing trip. For example, combining a river cruise with dinner (Tours #2, #8, #14) makes for memorable evenings, while full-day private tours (Tour #13) suit those wanting a comprehensive experience. Booking early is recommended, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
From private water town excursions to luxury night cruises, Shanghai’s waterways offer many ways to see the city differently. Whether you’re a history buff, a food lover, or just looking for a relaxing break, there’s a tour tailored for you. For a truly personalized experience, private tours are hard to beat—but even the budget-friendly options deliver stunning views and memorable moments. Book early to lock in your perfect water adventure and enjoy Shanghai from its most scenic angles.