Horizon Cruise Shanghai
Experience Shanghai's iconic skyline from the Huangpu River, a dazzling journey between historic charm and futuristic marvels.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
City lights create a magical ambiance
Horizon Cruise Shanghai
Best Time
City lights create a magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Shanghai's iconic skyline from the Huangpu River, a dazzling journey between historic charm and futuristic marvels.
"Sailing through the heart of Shanghai, the city lights sparkle on both sides – a mix of modern vibes and timeless beauty."
💰 Budget Ferry Ride
For a super cheap thrill, take the 2 RMB ferry from Dongchang Road to East Fuxing Road for a quick river crossing. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The night views are spectacular. Some staff are happy to help take photos. :camerawithflash:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Huangpu River Night Skyline
Huangpu River
Witness the dazzling contrast of Pudong's futuristic skyline and the Bund's historic architecture illuminated at night.
The Bund's Colonial Charm
The Bund
Admire the grand colonial-era buildings lining the Bund, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's rich past.
Pudong's Modern Marvels
Pudong Skyline
Marvel at iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower, symbols of modern Shanghai.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book in Advance for Peak Times
Choose Your Cruise Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💰 Budget Ferry Ride
For a super cheap thrill, take the 2 RMB ferry from Dongchang Road to East Fuxing Road for a quick river crossing. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The night views are spectacular. Some staff are happy to help take photos. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Food Expectations
While dinner cruises offer food, don't expect gourmet. It's more about the views and experience. :forkandknife:
⬆️ Top Deck Advantage
Head to the top deck for unobstructed views, but be prepared for wind. Some have covered areas. :windblowingface:
Tips
from all over the internet
💰 Budget Ferry Ride
For a super cheap thrill, take the 2 RMB ferry from Dongchang Road to East Fuxing Road for a quick river crossing. :moneybag:
📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera! The night views are spectacular. Some staff are happy to help take photos. :camerawithflash:
🍽️ Food Expectations
While dinner cruises offer food, don't expect gourmet. It's more about the views and experience. :forkandknife:
⬆️ Top Deck Advantage
Head to the top deck for unobstructed views, but be prepared for wind. Some have covered areas. :windblowingface:
🎶 Music Choices
Some travelers suggest a more varied music selection on cruises. :musical_note:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Travelers generally praise the stunning night views of Shanghai's skyline from the Huangpu River, highlighting the magical contrast between the historic Bund and the modern Pudong. The staff often receive commendations for their service, and the multi-level ships provide good viewing options. However, the food quality on dinner cruises is frequently cited as a disappointment, with some suggesting it's not the main draw.
"Excellent cruise, leaving from the pier at the Shangri-la, so an easy boarding experience. The night we went it was not full, but even if it has been, there was plenty of room, unlike a lot of the other boats going by, which seemed packed. The food selection was great, we took our dessert to the top deck to get a better view. Covered area on top deck for when it's raining too. The staff were amazing, particularly Nook, who very kindly took photos, pointed out sights and made sure our drinks were topped up. Music selection was a lot of fun, classics from the 80s!. Great way to see the sites by night."
Claire Andrews
"One of the best dinner cruise. Price, food and tour are OK. Don't expect too much from the food. They have a good selection of both, Thai and international. But if you look for a good dinner, definitely the dinner cruises are not a good choice. We tried 2 others tours, but they pretty much all the same. The food is definitely not a highlight."
Ma Ch
"Wow! We had a really beautiful time, the manager there was very lovely and ensured I had food the entire time as a celiac, always checked my food first and was checking in the whole way. Extremely lovely experience, a suggestion regarding the music though: perhaps a better selection of music to be played, thank you so much ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💕"
Mal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Departure points vary by cruise operator. For the budget ferry, head to Dongchang Road Ferry Station. For dinner cruises, check your booking confirmation for the specific pier, often near hotels like Shangri-la. The Shanghai Metro is an efficient way to reach most areas.
Yes, Shanghai has an extensive metro system that connects to most major attractions and ferry terminals. Plan your route using a transit app for the quickest way to your departure point.
Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available in Shanghai and can take you directly to most cruise piers. Be aware of potential traffic, especially during peak hours.
Yes, the very affordable 2 RMB ferry operates between Dongchang Road Ferry Station and East Fuxing Road Ferry Station. Longer dinner cruises typically depart from dedicated piers, so confirm your boarding location.
If your cruise ends in Pudong, you can take the metro or a taxi back across the river to the Bund. Alternatively, the 2 RMB ferry offers a scenic and budget-friendly option.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Prices vary significantly. The short ferry ride is as low as 2 RMB. Dinner cruises can range from mid-range to higher prices, so it's best to check specific operators for current rates.
For the 2 RMB ferry, no reservations are needed. However, for dinner cruises, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend evenings, to secure your spot.
The 2 RMB ferry runs frequently throughout the day. Dinner cruises typically operate in the evening, with specific departure times varying by company. Check the cruise operator's schedule for exact times.
Yes, you can opt for a simple river crossing on the ferry or choose a dinner cruise package that includes food and entertainment. Some cruises may offer different seating tiers or packages.
For the 2 RMB ferry, you can pay on board. For dinner cruises, while some might have last-minute availability, it's safer to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The evening is highly recommended to see the city lights sparkle. Weekday evenings might offer a slightly less crowded experience than weekends.
You'll get stunning panoramic views of the Pudong skyline with its modern skyscrapers and the historic Bund with its colonial architecture.
Dinner cruises offer food and drinks, though quality can vary. The 2 RMB ferry does not typically offer refreshments. +1
The 2 RMB ferry trip is very short, about 5 minutes. Dinner cruises usually last between 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on the package.
Many cruise ships are multi-level, offering both air-conditioned indoor seating and open-air decks for better views.
📸 📸 Photography
The open-air decks offer the best vantage points. Try to capture the skyline as you approach and as you move along the river. +1
Absolutely! The illuminated skyline at night is the main draw and provides incredible photo opportunities.
Use a tripod if possible for sharper images. Experiment with longer exposure times and a slightly higher ISO, but be mindful of noise.
Yes, but the views might be slightly obstructed by windows. Try to find a spot near a window or on an open deck for the best shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming might require special permits, so check with the cruise operator.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the timing to avoid overtiredness. An early evening cruise might be best, allowing kids to see the lights without staying up too late. Pack snacks and drinks, as onboard options can be pricey or limited, especially on shorter trips.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you opt for a dinner cruise, research thoroughly for mid-range options. Some travelers suggest that mid-priced cruises offer comparable views to more expensive ones, making them a better value.
couples
While food quality can be a mixed bag, the ambiance and the shared experience of witnessing Shanghai's vibrant nightlife from the water can be incredibly romantic. Some cruises offer live music, adding to the atmosphere.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Huangpu River Cruise Options
For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, dinner cruises provide an opportunity to enjoy Shanghai's illuminated cityscape while dining. These cruises often feature multi-level ships with indoor and outdoor seating, live music, and a selection of international and local cuisine. While the views are a major draw, reviews suggest managing expectations regarding food quality, with some travelers recommending it more for the ambiance and sights than a gourmet meal.
When choosing, consider your priorities: a quick, cheap view, or a more extended evening of dining and entertainment. Researching specific cruise lines and their offerings, including departure points and pricing, will help you select the best fit for your Shanghai adventure.
The Magic of Shanghai's Nighttime Skyline
Iconic structures like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower light up the night sky, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. Many travelers find the views from the upper decks of the cruise ships to be unparalleled, providing unobstructed panoramas.
For photographers, the nighttime cruise is a dream. The vibrant lights offer endless opportunities for stunning shots, capturing the energy and grandeur of one of the world's most dynamic cities. Even a short, inexpensive ferry ride can provide memorable photographic moments.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit