
Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 130 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option worth booking?
Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option is a 3-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $144 per person. It scores 79 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 130 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 79 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (130)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $144 per person
Discover the amazing Shanghai night by taking this fully guided private tour. See the illuminated lights from the VIP aera on the night river cruise along Huangpu Rier. With optional choice to Visit the 118F observation deck on the iconic tower of the city -Shanghai Tower, enjoy the spectacular view of the mega Shanghai when it’s lit up. Upgrade the tour with dinner option to savor the famed soup dumpling along with other local delicacies. (Dinner not on boat ,not on top of Shanghai tower ,but will be local resturant).
What you get
About this experience
Discover the amazing Shanghai night by taking this fully guided private tour. See the illuminated lights from the VIP aera on the night river cruise along Huangpu Rier. With optional choice to Visit the 118F observation deck on the iconic tower of the city -Shanghai Tower, enjoy the spectacular view of the mega Shanghai when it’s lit up. Upgrade the tour with dinner option to savor the famed soup dumpling along with other local delicacies. (Dinner not on boat ,not on top of Shanghai tower ,but will be local resturant).
What's included
Included
- Private driver with air-conditioned comfortable vehicle
- Local dinner( If "Tour with Dinner "Option is booked)dinner NOT on boat NOR on top of Shanghai tower
- Entrance fee to 118F observation deck at Shanghai Tower (If Tour with Tower Option booked)
- Local great guide
- VIP cruise ticket ( VIP siting area on the boat)
Not included
- Food or drink ( If " Tour with Dinner" option is not booked)
- Shanghai Observation Tower Ticket(If Tower Option Not booked)
- Skip line service in Shanghai Tower ( Only available to upgrade on site during the summer time).
- Outskits pick up and drop off ( Pudong airport/Disneyland area etc ) can be arranged at surcharge
- Gratuities,
What you'll see and do
The Bund (Wai Tan)
Your local great guide and the driver will pick up at your Shanghai hotel. Your wonderful night tour begins with the visit to city’s landmark at the Bund ,here follow your guide to the cruise terminal, board the sightseeing ship and take the spot in the VIP floor. Appreciate the wonderful lights illuminated along the old colonial buildings on the Bund and new skylines in Pudong. Enjoy a panoramic view on the deck to fully take in the charming lights while cruising down.
60 minutes here · Admission included
Shanghai Tower
If you book the tower option, you will continue the tour to city’s landmark building at Shanghai Tower. Upon arrival, marvel at the super cool design of the world second tallest Tower. Get ready to take the super-fast lift at 55 Meters per second to 118 floor observation deck, take in the fantastic old and new Shanghai at 360-degree panoramic view, appreciate the magnificent lights illuminated at night.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers.
Options you can book
VIP Cruise+Tower+Dinner Option
Private Night Tour with Dinner: Great guide, driver with car, entrance to Shanghai Tower , VIP cruise ticket , dinner at local restaurant are included. Pickup included
VIP Cruise +Dinner Option
VIP Cruise+Dinner Option : Great guide, driver with car, VIP cruise ticket ,dinner at local restaurant are all included. Shanghai Tower ticket excluded Pickup included
VIP Cruise Only
VIP Cruise Tour Only : Great guide, driver with car, VIP cruise ticket are included. Dinner and Shanghai Tower ticket excluded Pickup included
VIP Cruise+Tower Option
Cruise+Tower Only: Great guide, driver with car, entrance to Shanghai Tower and VIP cruise ticket are included. Dinner excluded Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- cmn, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Sunny Private Tours
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- Children must be accompanied by an adult
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 127 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
8 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
8 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Small groups
2 mentionsThe group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.
Traveler reviews
127 verified traveler reviews for Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Truly a Private Tour
I have been on many Viator tours around the world. This tour was truly a Private tour! Our tour guide, Maisie, was the absolute best! She was so kind, knowledgeable, sweet, and seemed genuinely happy to show us around. I could go on and on about her! She was absolutely precious! There was great communication with Sunny, the tour operator. She was great about messaging me right up until we met with Maisie on where we needed to go. Our tour included transportation, but unfortunately our hotel was outside of the pickup zone. This is important to note. We decided to get our own didi against Sunny’s advice since we would have to pay more. This was the wrong thing to do. I would 100% suggest taking their transport van. It was luxurious! We did ask to take it back to our hotel at the end of the tour and they were able to accommodate us. Massage chairs were top notch and a perfect end to the night! As for the tour, the boat ride was good. We got to see the cityscape which was beautiful. Getting on the boat though would be rated a 2. We were pushed and literally shoved trying to get to the VIP area. Maisie was trying her best to show the guards our tickets when people started putting up money! The guards took it and allowed those people to go. It was a free for all and so sad for the people that had tickets. It was a bit scary and crazy, but we finally got to the top deck (some of the last to make it) and had to find three chairs together. Our chairs were against the rail and once I stood up to take a picture, a lady stepped between me and the rail literally touching me to take a picture instead of saying excuse me. You just need to remember some people have no couth whatsoever but this was not the tours fault. Just something other travelers should be aware of. After the boat ride, we took a van to the restaurant. The restaurant was fabulous! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. You get to pick what you want to eat from the menu and everything we chose (some being Maisie’s suggestions) were fabulous! In all, I would recommend this tour!
via Tripadvisor
Legit Private Tour
I have been on many Viator tours around the world. With that said, this was one of the first tours that we had a tour guide all to ourselves. Sometimes you sign up for a tour and it says private and it’s not. This one is! Our tour guide, Maisie, was the absolute best! She was so kind, knowledgeable, sweet, and seemed genuinely happy to show us around. I could go on and on about her! She was absolutely precious! There was great communication with Sunny, the tour operator. She was great about messaging me right up until we met with Maisie on where we needed to go. Our tour included transportation, but unfortunately our hotel was outside of the pickup zone. This is important to note. We decided to get our own didi against Sunny’s advice since we would have to pay more. This was the wrong thing to do. I would 100% suggest taking their transport van. It was luxurious! We did ask to take it back to our hotel at the end of the tour and they were able to accommodate us. Massage chairs were top notch and a perfect end to the night! As for the tour, the boat ride was good. We got to see the cityscape which was beautiful. Getting on the boat though would be rated a 2. We were pushed and literally shoved trying to get to the VIP area. Maisie was trying her best to show the guards our tickets when people started putting up money! The guards took it and allowed those people to go. It was a free for all and so sad for the people that had tickets. It was a bit scary and crazy, but we finally got to the top deck (some of the last to make it) and had to find three chairs together. Our chairs were against the rail and once I stood up to take a picture and a lady stepped between me and the rail literally touching me to take a picture instead of saying excuse me. You just need to remember some people have no couth whatsoever but this was not the tours fault. Just something other travelers should be aware of. After the boat ride, we took a van to the restaurant. The restaurant was fabulous and authentic! We thoroughly enjoyed our meal. You get to pick what you want to eat from the menu and everything we chose (some being Maisie’s suggestions) were fabulous! In all, I would recommend this tour!
via Viator
Great experience.
Very enjoyable cruise. Definitely worth taking. We got a fantastic view of the famous Shanghai skyline and the light show. Our guide Michael was extremely helpful, efficient, enthusiastic, knowledgeable and professional. He went out of his way to cater for two senior members of our group.
via Viator
Very good moment
It was magnificent and Lucy is really great, she has a lot of knowledge about the city's history and is very kind.
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic night views
Excellent experience! Maisie was very attentive and, together with the driver, made the dining, cruise and SH Towers events very enjoyable. Shanghai at night is a must for visitors. We highly recommend this tour.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $144 to $313
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 46
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Sunny Private Tours, who run 318 experiences we rank across 7 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 53.2 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Sunny Private Tours runsWhy this scores 79
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.
How much does Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option cost?
+
Prices start at $144 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Shanghai usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Shanghai is not rushed.
Is Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 79 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 130 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Shanghai, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
Around 46 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Shanghai can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Shanghai and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Shanghai within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Shanghai?
+
On Outty we rank every Shanghai experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Private Shanghai Full Day City Tour with Old and New Highlights, Full-Day Private Guided Tour of Shanghai, Shanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Shanghai?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Shanghai?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
Included: Private driver with air-conditioned comfortable vehicle; Local dinner( If "Tour with Dinner "Option is booked)dinner NOT on boat NOR on top of Shan; Entrance fee to 118F observation deck at Shanghai Tower (If Tour with Tower Option booked); Local great guide; and VIP cruise ticket ( VIP siting area on the boat). Not included: Food or drink ( If " Tour with Dinner" option is not booked); Shanghai Observation Tower Ticket(If Tower Option Not booked); Skip line service in Shanghai Tower ( Only available to upgrade on site during the summer; and Outskits pick up and drop off ( Pudong airport/Disneyland area etc ) can be arranged at su. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 2084 listed pickup locations in and around Shanghai. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option offered in?
+
It is offered in Chinese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Shanghai. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
Across 130 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option?
+
There are 4 options to choose from, including VIP Cruise+Tower+Dinner Option, VIP Cruise +Dinner Option, VIP Cruise Only, VIP Cruise+Tower Option. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Private Night Tour-VIP River Cruise and Shanghai Tower Option.
Pick your date




