The Huangpu River Cruise (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is The Huangpu River Cruise?
What makes it 84% Solo-Friendly: Solo travelers find ¥100–120 tickets, flexible 45–90 min routes, English audio guides, ample open deck space, and safe piers with restrooms, so independent visits are straightforward.
Positives:
- Frequent Departures: Cruises leave every 20–30 min from morning to late evening.
- Solo-Friendly: Open decks have plenty of space to relax alone or take photos.
Challenges:
- Language Barrier: Announcements and signage are primarily in Mandarin—download offline maps.
- Evening Crowds: Night cruises fill up fast—buy tickets online in advance.
What is The Huangpu River Cruise?
- A passenger river cruise service operating along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, linking the historic Bund with the modern Lujiazui skyline
- A fleet of purpose-built sightseeing vessels offering scheduled day and night sailings beneath the city’s historic bridges
- A waterborne showcase of Shanghai’s architectural evolution, from colonial-era waterfront buildings to contemporary skyscrapers
What is so special about The Huangpu River Cruise for solo trip?
- Enjoy Shanghai’s skyline solo on a 50 min cruise
- Use an audio guide to explore at your own pace
- Try a CNY 2 ferry for an authentic local ride
- Cruises run every 20–30 min, day and night
- Board early to secure solo deck seating
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: A single cruise takes about 45–50 min, leaving time to board, explore decks, and enjoy views.
Solo-Friendly Activities in The Huangpu River Cruise
Classic Daytime Cruise:
Sail from Shiliupu Pier on a 45–50 min loop around the Bund and Pudong.
Tip: Find a corner on the open deck for photography or quiet reading.
Rental Audio Guide:
Plug in headphones to hear facts about each landmark in English.
Tip: Book the guide at the pier before boarding to learn at your own pace.
Local Ferry Ride:
Take the pedestrian ferry at Xiepu Road for a 10 min skyline view.
Tip: Pay with Alipay, WeChat, or a transit card for quick boarding.
Night Sightseeing Cruise:
Watch the Bund and Lujiazui light up after sunset on a 50 min tour.
Tip: Upgrade to the upper deck for fewer people and unobstructed views.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The Huangpu River Cruise
- Buy Tickets Online: Secure a window-side seat by booking in advance on the official site.
- Arrive Early: Get to Shiliupu Pier 15 min before departure to choose the best deck spot.
Reviews of The Huangpu River Cruise
Eduardo Villegas
Nice 1-hour cruise with great Shanghai skyline views, especially at night. Good price and on time, but the meeting point is a bit tricky to find. Worth it for the lights and atmosphere!. You can buy drinks but I didn’t do this time
Pasindu Ranasinghe
It was a nice one-hour cruise ride where we could see Shanghai skyscrapers. I would recommend buying tickets in advance, but it can depend on the day.
Astrow Ty
This was $30/pax in our group tour. It was enjoyable and fascinating. First floor has indoor viewing area with tables and chairs facing large windows. You can buy snacks and beverages here. Second level has private rooms I think, toilets, and limited outdoor view deck. Third floor was the roofdeck- everyone was here as it offers 360 degree view of the Oriental Pearl Tower side and the Bund. Such m...
Teck Chong Law
I followed some social media recommendations and took this RMB 2 one way cruise from the west bank of Huangpu River to the east bank. It was a short few minutes trip but the views were nice and the fare was so attractive. I believe the evening views will be stunning. I also took the cruise back from the east bank to the west bank. Come and enjoy this very economical cruise.
Shobhan Adhikari
One of the tourist attractions in Shanghai. It is a good event, offers a good ride along the river with sightseeing of major attractions in Shanghai. The buffet was nice with a number of different dishes. Had to buy beer though, not complementary. If you’re in Shanghai, do plan for the cruise, it is relaxing
When is the best time to visit The Huangpu River Cruise (Shanghai, China)?
Summer evenings can be humid—bring water and board early. From November to February, book midday cruises to avoid the winter chill.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Standard cruise ticket | CNY 120 |
| English audio guide rental | CNY 30 |
| One-way local ferry | CNY 2 |
| Total Estimated | CNY 152 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of The Huangpu River Cruise
Address: 153 or 291Zhongshan Dong Er Lu (Zhongshan East2nd Rd), 外滩黄浦区 China, 200120
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