Shanghai is a city that dazzles not just with its towering skyscrapers and bustling streets but also with its incredible dining scene. Whether you’re looking for a romantic night river cruise, a taste of Xinjiang halal dishes, or a full day exploring water towns with local lunches and dinners, Shanghai offers options that satisfy every palate. One experience we particularly like combines a Huangpu River cruise with a Xinjiang-style feast, giving you a unique way to see the city from the water and enjoy some of China’s most flavorful halal dishes [see tour here]. The city’s vibrant lights and tasty food make for memorable evenings that blend sightseeing and culinary discovery.
If you prefer a deeper dive into local culture, water towns like Wuzhen and Xitang provide centuries-old scenery, canals, and riverside eateries, all accessible via private full-day trips. For a mix of entertainment and food, the city also offers acrobatic shows paired with traditional Chinese dinners, adding a lively, theatrical touch to your night out. In this list, you’ll find a range of options designed to satisfy your curiosity and appetite alike.
1. Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
At number 1, this combines a Huangpu River cruise with a Xinjiang halal dinner, making it a top choice for travelers who want both sightseeing and authentic local flavors in a single evening. The tour kicks off with a private, air-conditioned transfer to the cruise terminal, where you’ll enjoy a 1-hour river cruise with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline—think Oriental Pearl Tower and the historic Bund on the west side, plus the ultramodern Pudong skyline on the east. The cruise ticket is included, so no worry about lines.
Post-cruise, you’ll head to a popular Xinjiang restaurant in Pudong for a halal dinner featuring signature dishes from China’s western region. The guide helps translate the menu, making sure you get a true taste of Xinjiang’s spicy, flavorful cuisine. The reviews praise this tour for its seamless organization, with “Caroline” and “Queena” earning raves for their knowledge and friendliness. The combination of scenic water views and a delicious dinner makes this a well-rounded, hassle-free way to experience Shanghai at night.
Bottom line: For a compact, well-organized evening that combines iconic skyline views with a flavorful halal feast, this tour hits the mark—particularly for travelers short on time.
2. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
This slightly more affordable option offers a private night cruise with hotel or airport transfers and a delicious Xinjiang-style halal dinner, perfect for travelers wanting an elegant night out without sacrificing comfort. For around $149, the tour features a spectacular sunset cruise along the Huangpu River with views of the skyline lit up at its best.
The dinner highlights include Xinjiang dishes, with the guide translating the menu, so you can try authentic, spicy, halal food. Reviewers mention the breathtaking city views at night, especially with the skyline illuminated—a scene that truly captures Shanghai’s modern beauty. The tour is ideal for those with limited time but eager for a memorable, picture-worthy experience.
Bottom line: If you’re seeking a scenic cruise paired with traditional Xinjiang cuisine, this tour offers excellent value with an intimate, private setting.
3. Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip from Shanghai with Lunch and Dinner
For a full day exploring China’s charming water towns, this trip takes you to Wuzhen and Xitang, both with rich histories and scenic canals. Starting with a 3-hour visit to Wuzhen, you’ll walk cobbled streets, cross ancient bridges, and cruise along waterways, enjoying a local lunch in the town. Afterward, the tour transfers you to Xitang for the sunset, famed for its 2000-year-old architecture and cinematic reputation (it featured in Mission Impossible III).
The highlight is a riverside dinner in Xitang, with the guide sharing stories of local life. The tour is especially appreciated for door-to-door private transfers and relaxed pacing—perfect if you’re eager to see old China beyond Shanghai’s skyline. Reviews mention the beautiful water towns and the friendly, knowledgeable guides who help make the day seamless.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a relaxed, full-day immersion into traditional water towns, with excellent food and scenic boat rides.
4. Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating with Private Transfer and Dinner Option
This VIP cruise experience offers 60 minutes of prime river viewing from a dedicated VIP area, with private transfers ensuring hassle-free logistics. The cruise showcases Shanghai’s famous landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and colonial buildings along the Bund, all illuminated in the evening.
The dinner option includes a memorable meal, often Chinese cuisine, served onboard. Reviewers love the personalized VIP seating and professional guides who explain the city’s history and architecture. The tour’s value lies in its exclusivity and comfort, making it ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious night out.
Bottom line: For those wanting the best seats on the river and a sophisticated experience, this VIP cruise is hard to beat.
5. Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise with Rooftop Bar Hopping Option
This combo package lets you start with a local dinner—think Shanghai-style soup dumplings and regional dishes—either before or after your Huangpu River cruise. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off and offers an optional stop at a rooftop bar with a complimentary drink.
The cruise provides a 50-minute ride with stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline, from the historic Bund to towering skyscrapers like Shanghai Tower. Reviewers describe the dinner as delicious and the scenery as unforgettable, especially at night. The flexibility to choose the order of activities makes this tour adaptable for different schedules.
Bottom line: Perfect for couples or groups who want a romantic evening with good food, spectacular views, and the chance to unwind at a rooftop bar.
6. Shanghai Private Tour with River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner
This personalized half-day tour offers a flexible itinerary. You’ll visit the Yuyuan Bazaar, explore the Shanghai Tower from its observatory, and enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River. The lunch or dinner component ensures you sample Shanghai’s local specialties in between sightseeing.
The tour is ideal for travelers wanting to maximize their time with a customizable schedule. Your guide shares insights into the city’s architecture and history while taking care of logistics. Reviews mention the comfortable vehicle and knowledgeable guides who enhance the experience.
Bottom line: suited for travelers looking for a tailored, all-in-one experience of Shanghai’s highlights and culinary delights.
7. Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seat with Authentic Dinner
Offering luxury and comfort, this VIP river cruise seats you in a special area with premium dinner options onboard. The 50-minute cruise illuminates the skyline, including landmarks like the Jinmao Tower and the Colonial Bund, beautifully lit at night.
Reviewers praise the friendly guides, the professional service, and the spectacular views. The dinner often features authentic Chinese dishes, making this a perfect romantic night out or special celebration.
Bottom line: If you want an elevated, plush experience with stunning vistas and quality dining, this cruise is a top choice.
8. Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show
This 3 to 4-hour evening package combines a traditional Chinese acrobatics show with a full dinner at a local restaurant. The tour begins with dinner at a well-chosen restaurant featuring local dishes like soup dumplings and vegetable stir-fries. Afterward, you’ll head to the Shanghai Circus World to enjoy a spectacular acrobatics show with aerial acts, juggling, and magic.
The show is highly recommended by reviewers for its entertainment value and quality performance. The dinner is considered authentic and tasty, and private transfers make the evening smooth.
Bottom line: Ideal for families or anyone wanting an engaging cultural experience with dinner and a stunning show.
9. Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai
This combination tour pairs dinner at Din Tai Fung, famous for its soup dumplings, with a spectacular acrobatic show in the city. Starting with a set menu featuring wontons, beef noodles, and steamed buns, you’ll then move on to the Shanghai Centre Theatre for the world-class performance.
Guests enjoy seamless hotel pickup, and the show features martial arts, circus tricks, and tightrope walks. The reviews praise the overall experience, emphasizing the delicious food and entertainment.
Bottom line: Perfect for food lovers seeking a fun cultural night with excellent food and impressive performances.
10. Evening Thai Dinner and Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai
This tour offers a romantic evening starting with authentic Thai dishes in the Chinese Concession, followed by a VIP river cruise. The Thai meal features favorites like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, with vegetarian options available. The cruise then provides spectacular views of illuminated landmarks such as Shanghai Tower and Pearl TV Tower.
Travelers appreciate the friendly guides, the excellent seats on the boat, and the beautiful city views at night. It’s a great choice for those who want to combine international cuisine with scenic water views.
Bottom line: For a relaxed, romantic evening with diverse flavors and gorgeous skyline vistas, this tour is a winner.
11. Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
This full experience combines a VIP river cruise with a hot pot dinner at a local restaurant. The VIP cruise offers spectacular nighttime views of the skyline, with learned commentary from guides about Shanghai’s landmarks. Afterward, enjoy a fun hot pot dinner, where you can choose from meats, seafood, vegetables, and more.
Guests mention the friendly guide Kelvin and the excellent hot pot as highlights. This tour is great if you want an interactive, immersive evening with the best of water views and authentic Chinese cuisine.
Bottom line: Excellent for foodies who want an interactive meal combined with scenic cruise sights.
12. Hot Pot Dining Experience with Hot Spring Bathing or River Cruise in Shanghai
This flexible tour offers two options: soak in the Gokurakuyu hot springs or enjoy a Huangpu River cruise followed by a hot pot dinner. The hot springs section features outdoor/indoor mineral pools, sauna, and steam rooms—perfect for relaxation. The river cruise showcases Shanghai’s illuminated skyline, with famous landmarks like the Shanghai Tower.
Reviewers mention the personalized service and the delicious hot pot, making it ideal for travelers seeking both rest and sightseeing. The flexible itinerary lets you pick based on your mood or weather.
Bottom line: Suited for those who want to combine wellness with culinary delights or spectacular city views.
13. Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with Riverside Dining from Shanghai
This 8-hour tour offers a leisurely visit to Xitang Water Village at sunset, with riverside dining included. You’ll explore Tom Cruise’s filming locations and enjoy flower and fruit wine tastings before watching the sunset. The stunning scenery and romantic ambiance make it a popular choice. The tour also visits Jinze Ancient Town, an “untouched” water village.
Guests praise the authentic experience, highlighting the beautiful scenery and local wine tastings. It’s great for travelers who want a full day out with a mix of history, culture, and food.
Bottom line: Ideal for those craving an evening in a tranquil, historic water town with excellent local cuisine.
14. Shanghai Acrobatic Show and Late Dim Sum Dinner
This late-night combo pairs a spectacular acrobatic show at the Shanghai Acrobatic Theater with a dim sum dinner in the French Concession. Starting with entertainment—think aerial acts and magic—the tour then moves to a nearby restaurant for a variety of dim sum like shrimp dumplings and mango pudding.
Reviews highlight the excellent performers and delicious food, with many mentioning the smooth organization and friendly guides. The show is suited for families or anyone wanting a lively, cultural evening.
Bottom line: A fun, relaxed way to enjoy Chinese entertainment and casual local cuisine.
15. Shanghai in 5 Hours: River Cruise, Shanghai Tower & Dining
For those pressed for time, this short but sweet private tour packs river cruising, skyline views from Shanghai Tower, and local dining into 5 hours. You’ll visit Yuyuan Bazaar, ascend the Shanghai Tower for panoramic views, and enjoy a river cruise to see the city from the water.
The reviews commend the compact schedule and expert guidance that make the most of limited time. It’s a great way for first timers to hit the highlights without feeling rushed.
Bottom line: Excellent choice for travelers with a busy schedule who still want a slice of Shanghai’s essence.
How to Choose the Best Dining Experience in Shanghai
When selecting among these tours, consider your budget, time available, and interest level. If you love scenic water views combined with authentic halal food, the river cruise with Xinjiang dinner (Tour 1 or 2) is hard to beat. For those seeking culture and history, a full-day visit to water towns offers a peaceful escape. If entertainment and lively shows are your thing, the acrobatics combined with dinner options provide a fun night out, especially with private, hassle-free logistics.
Think about your preferred pace: a quick evening cruise might suit a busy schedule, while a full-day trip to Wuzhen and Xitang** suits travelers wanting a deeper experience. For luxury lovers, VIP cruises with premium seats provide the best views with comfort. And if variety is key, the combo tours with rooftop bars or hot pot dinners give you a taste of everything.
Booking early is wise, especially for popular dates or private tours, and always check if food options, like halal or vegetarian dishes, match your needs.
Shanghai’s diverse dining experiences and scenic water tours make it a city where every night can be an adventure. For a romantic view of the skyline, the VIP river cruise (Tour 4 or 7) offers unforgettable vistas. If you want a taste of local flavors, tours featuring Xinjiang halal dishes (Tour 1 and 2) or a hot pot (Tour 11 and 12) will satisfy your appetite for authentic Chinese cuisine.
Finally, for a full immersion into China’s water towns, full-day trips to Wuzhen and Xitang (Tour 3 and 13) deliver scenery, history, and delicious food. Whatever your style, Shanghai’s dining experiences are as diverse and impressive as the city skyline itself—so book early, plan ahead, and enjoy your culinary journey.