Huangpu River

The Basics

The best way to experience the Huangpu River is to take a river cruise. Cruises last from 30 minutes to over three hours and can include lunch or dinner upgrades. The most dramatic part of the river lies between the Nanpu and Yangpu bridges, with spectacular views of the colonial architecture along the Bund and the skyscrapers of Lujiazui. A number of sightseeing tours include a Huangpu River cruise in addition to other top Shanghai attractions, such as Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, or Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Don’t forget to bring your camera as the Huangpu River affords spectacular views.

• There is often a surcharge on Huangpu River cruises to access the upper-deck VIP area, which has smaller crowds and better views.

• It’s also possible to take a ferry across the Huangpu River.

How to Get There

The Huangpu River runs through Shanghai, and it’s hard to miss. Lujiazui, which features the tallest skyscrapers in Shanghai, and the Bund are both very close to the Huangpu River. Most Huangpu River cruises leave from Shiliupu Wharf, at the southern end of the Bund.

When to Get There

Huangpu River cruises run regularly, year-round. The best time to take a cruise is around sunset, or in the evening, when the buildings on both sides of the Huangpu River are lit up. Cruise schedules can change with the seasons, so it’s best to check the latest schedule for the current timing.

Top Sights Along the River

You will see some of Shanghai’s top attractions during a Huangpu River cruise. On the Puxi side, you will see the Bund, and in particular, the pyramid-topped Peace Hotel and Customs House with its clock tower. On the Pudong side are the famous Yangpu and Nanpu bridges, the old iron Waibaidu bridge, and some of the tallest and most distinctive buildings in Shanghai: Jinmao Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and World Financial Center.