Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights in Shanghai
Shanghai, China

Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights

Outty Ranking 472 hoursFrom $129

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

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Age 12 and under

0

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From, per person$129
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Outty Ranking

47/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

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Quick answer

Is Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights worth booking?

Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights is a 2-hour experience in Shanghai, China, from $129 per person. It scores 47 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
47 / 100
Rating
Not yet rated
Duration
2 hours
From
$129 per person

The financial heart of modern-day China is brimming with life, exploration opportunities and contrasts. China’s very own Shanghai has been long seen as a centre of commerce ever since it started to blossom from a small s

What you get

    About this experience

    The financial heart of modern-day China is brimming with life, exploration opportunities and contrasts. China’s very own Shanghai has been long seen as a centre of commerce ever since it started to blossom from a small seaside fishing village in 920 AD until it gained its city status in 1927. Since then, nations from all around the world converge into this metropolis of trade, banking and commerce, and it continues to put a mark on the world map. The city is an effortless blend of the modern and the traditional and steals the show once the sun has set. Our evening exploration just does that – night lights and heading to explore the beating rhythm of this 20 million+ city.

    What's included

    Included

    • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver
    • All applicable taxes and service charges
    • Short cruise over the Huangpu River (joint)
    • An evening tour with a professional English-speaking guide.

    Not included

    • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees
    • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
    • Transfers from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
    • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)
    • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.

    What you'll see and do

    1. Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)

      This approximately 2-hour journey starts from your booked hotel with a visit to the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street where you will be guided for a stroll. These encounters with the vibrancies of Shanghai at night are good warming up to what is to be expected.

      Pass by without stopping

    2. Zhongshan Road

      From here, it is a short ride to the Bund - also called Zhongshan Road -, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront and regarded as the symbol of the city. It starts from the Baidu Bridge, which is at the connecting point of the Huangpu River and the Suzhou Creek, to the East Jinling Road and winds southeast for about 1.2 kilometres.

      30 minutes here · Admission included

    3. We board a river cruise for leisurely sailing over the Huangpu River, where we give you front row seats for seeing both sides of Shanghai – Pu Dong (East) and Pu Xi (West). Like colourful pinnacles on both sides of the riverbank, we ensure that you can admire the impressive, brightly lit up skyline.

      60 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Bund International Architecture Exhibition

      An evening tour in Shanghai is not complete with walking over the Bund, also known as the International Architecture Exhibition because of its variety in architecture. Nowadays, local residents tend to head out to the Bund for a stroll, enjoy the nightlife and get a taste of traditional, modern or fusion cuisine at one of the restaurants and chic pubs inside these historical buildings.

      30 minutes here

    5. We move across the Huangpu River and into the Pudong side to capture the atmosphere of modern Shanghai at Lujiazui Commercial Area, which is the newly developed and fast-growing part of Shanghai city. We give you some free time to wander around, get some great evening shots or find yourself seeking new venues for dinner and drinks. It is possible to stay here and look for a great spot to end this day in Shanghai (transfers are on your own arrangement) or hop onto the vehicle for a comfortable transfer back to your accommodation.

      Pass by without stopping

    Where it starts and ends

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is included for all travelers.

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Asian Trails LTD

    Know before you go

    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
    • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside the Puxi side. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the Central Business District (i.e. Pudong), Suzhou, Chongming, cruise ports and Shanghai’s International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions
    • Customers are advised that during the Lunar Festival celebrations (celebration of Chinese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal
    • The obstacles comprise of unpaved roads, small boats and cruise embarkation and disembarkation and insufficient facilities to provide a comfortable sightseeing tour
    • We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
    • Please note pick-up and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop of
    • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this
    • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request
    • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions
    • We recommend wearing light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes; this tour is only operated in the evening.

    Photos

    As the largest river in central Shanghai and spanning 113 kilometres, see the sights of the city while sailing down the manmade Huangpu River on this day cruise.Walk along the 1.6-kilometre waterfront promenade of the Bund, an iconic sight in Shanghai which starts at Waibaidu Bridge in the north and ends at Yan’an Road in the south.As the largest river in central Shanghai and spanning 113 kilometres, see the sights of the city while sailing down the manmade Huangpu River on this day cruise.Bund City LightsWalk along the 1.6-kilometre waterfront promenade of the Bund, an iconic sight in Shanghai which starts at Waibaidu Bridge in the north and ends at Yan’an Road in the south.Night Lights

    Good to know

    Duration
    2 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $129 to $229
    Hotel pickup
    Included for all travelers
    Booked in 30 days
    0
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Why this scores 47

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)87
    Review evidence (18% weight)0
    Booking momentum (14% weight)0
    Value for money (12% weight)0
    Listing quality (10% weight)85
    Local standing (8% weight)50
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Shanghai.

    How much does Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights cost?

    +

    Prices start at $129 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 Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights take?

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    Plan for about 2 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 Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 47 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 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 Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights?

    +

    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 Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights?

    +

    Around 0 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?

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    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 2-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Shanghai River Cruise & City Lights start and how do I get there?

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    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?

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    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, Suzhou Private Day Trip from Shanghai with Bullet Train Option, 4-Hour Flexible Private Shanghai City Tour. 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?

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    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?

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    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.

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