Shanghai Night River Cruise and Tianzifang Cultural Heritage

Shanghai , China

Shanghai Night River Cruise and Tianzifang Cultural Heritage

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About this experience

Shanghai Half-Day Tour: Tianzifang Cultural Heritage & Huangpu River Night Cruise (Riverside or Yacht Dinner) – Private Tour

Go beyond ordinary sightseeing on a private tour. Explore Tianzifang, popular with international travelers, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences like lacquer fan painting, paper-cutting, cloisonné, and embroidery.

As night falls, cruise the Huangpu River and admire Shanghai’s sparkling skyline — from the Oriental Pearl Tower to the Bund — while savoring a riverside or yacht dinner with authentic local flavors. Capture stunning photos at Instagram-worthy spots along the way.

Highlights:

Taste Authentic Flavors – Hand-made noodles, crispy breakfast pancakes, pan-fried buns, and crab roe dumplings, freshly prepared.

Experience Local Stories – Guides share fun anecdotes and fascinating Shanghai history.

Trusted Quality – Operated by a company founded by former Ctrip executives.

Smart & Flexible – Optional visits to China’s drone or robotics bases.

Available options

Shanghai Night River Cruise and Tianzifang Cultural Heritage

Pickup included

What's included

Cruise Ticket

Dinner options: enjoy either Crab Roe Noodles or a Huangpu River Cruise Buffet.

Detailed itinerary

Tianzifang – A Living Shikumen Block in Shanghai

Located on Taikang Road, Tianzifang is one of Shanghai’s most distinctive cultural districts. It preserves 154 century-old Shikumen houses as a “living community,” where residents still dry quilts upstairs while cafés, galleries, and shops operate below. With over 300 boutiques hidden in narrow lanes, visitors can discover heritage craft studios like Shoubai Art, trendy tea brands such as Plant Manor, and niche spots like Golden Age of Cheongsam. This mix makes shopping here very different from modern malls.

Its prime location fits perfectly into City Walk routes, often combined with Xintiandi or the Former Korean Provisional Government site. Start at No.210 Taikang Road to explore graffiti, handicraft shops, and try both common and rare crafts—from tie-dye and mask painting to cloisonné enamel or lacquered fans.

Touring Tianzifang offers a lively blend of art, history, and everyday Shanghai life.

Taste Crab Roe Noodles or Enjoy a Huangpu River Cruise Buffet

Li Bai Crab’s Crab Roe Noodles stand out for their quality and unique appeal. The restaurant maintains strict standards for its ingredients, selecting only the finest crabs. Priority is given to lake and pond crabs, while lower-quality field crabs are avoided. Some premium lake crabs are carefully raised in regions near Yangcheng Lake, with cultivation costs four to five times higher than standard practices to ensure top-notch flavor and texture.

The dining experience is equally special: guests can savor the rich crab roe noodles while enjoying stunning views of the Bund and watching passing cruise boats. This perfect combination of gourmet cuisine and scenic vistas makes every meal feel like a special occasion.

Night Cruise on the Huangpu River

Discover Shanghai from a unique perspective on a Huangpu River night cruise. Glide along the water and enjoy stunning views of the Bund’s historic buildings on Puxi and Pudong’s modern skyscrapers, including the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower. This blend of old and new offers a panoramic cityscape that no land viewpoint can match.

Unlike fixed attractions, the cruise moves along the river, letting visitors enjoy ever-changing scenery.

Cruise Route:
Shiliupu Pier No.3 → Pudong Riverside Avenue → Lujiazui (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower) → North Bund → Waibaidu Bridge → The Bund → Historic Foreign Concession Architecture → New Shiliupu Scenic Belt → Shiliupu Pier No.3

Sail through the heart of Shanghai and experience the city’s lights and skyline in a truly unforgettable way.

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Important notes

After the guide contacts you, they will verify your ticket.

About Shanghai

Shanghai is a global financial hub and a city of stunning contrasts, where futuristic skyscrapers stand alongside traditional shikumen houses. It's known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and historic landmarks, making it a must-visit destination in China.

Top Attractions

The Bund

The Bund is a famous waterfront area with a stunning skyline of colonial-era buildings and modern skyscrapers. It's a must-visit for its historic significance and breathtaking views.

Historical/Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Oriental Pearl Tower

This iconic tower is a symbol of modern Shanghai, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 2-3 hours ¥150-200

Yu Garden

Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden with beautiful landscapes, pavilions, and historical buildings. It's a peaceful oasis in the bustling city.

Historical/Garden 2-3 hours ¥30

Shanghai Museum

The Shanghai Museum houses an extensive collection of ancient Chinese art and artifacts, providing a deep dive into China's rich history and culture.

Museum 2-3 hours Free

Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, offering a mix of international brands, local shops, and vibrant street life.

Shopping 2-3 hours Varies by shop

Must-Try Local Dishes

Xiaolongbao

Small soup dumplings filled with meat and hot broth, typically pork. They are a staple of Shanghai cuisine and are often served with soy sauce and ginger.

Dumplings Contains meat, gluten, and soy.

Braised Pork Belly (Hong Shao Rou)

A slow-cooked dish of pork belly braised in soy sauce, sugar, and other seasonings. It's tender, flavorful, and often served with steamed buns or rice.

Main dish Contains pork and soy.

Shanghai Soup Dumplings (Shao Mai)

Open-topped dumplings filled with minced pork and shrimp, often served with a dipping sauce made of soy sauce, vinegar, and ginger.

Dumplings Contains pork, shrimp, and soy.

Stinky Tofu (Chou Doufu)

Fermented tofu with a strong odor, often deep-fried and served with pickled cabbage. It's an acquired taste but a popular street food.

Snack Vegetarian, contains soy.

Popular Activities

Hiking in nearby nature reserves Biking along the Huangpu River Tea house visits Spa treatments Visiting museums and historic sites Attending traditional performances Boat rides on the Huangpu River Swimming at nearby beaches

Best Time to Visit

April to October

This period offers pleasant weather, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is lively with numerous festivals and events.

15°C to 35°C 59°F to 95°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Chinese (Mandarin)
Widely spoken: Shanghainese, English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Chinese Yuan Renminbi (CNY)

Time Zone

GMT+8

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Shanghai is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

Important Precautions:

• Be cautious of pickpockets in crowded areas.
• Use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps like Didi.
• Be wary of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Shanghai Pudong International Airport • 30 km from city center
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport • 13 km from city center

By train

Shanghai Railway Station, Shanghai South Railway Station

By bus

Shanghai Long-Distance Bus Station, Shanghai South Long-Distance Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The Shanghai Metro is efficient, clean, and covers most of the city. It's the fastest and most convenient way to get around.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Didi, Meituan

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

The Bund Pudong French Concession Xintiandi Tianzifang

Day trips

Hangzhou

180 km from Shanghai • Full day

Hangzhou is a beautiful city known for its natural beauty, historic sites, and the famous West Lake. It's a great day trip from Shanghai for those looking to escape the city and enjoy some nature.

Suzhou

100 km from Shanghai • Full day

Suzhou is a historic city known for its classical gardens, silk production, and canals. It's a great day trip for those interested in history, culture, and architecture.

Zhujiajiao

50 km from Shanghai • Half day

Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town known for its well-preserved Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, canals, and bridges. It's a great day trip for those looking to experience traditional Chinese water town life.

Festivals

Shanghai Tourism Festival • September Shanghai International Film Festival • June Chinese New Year • January/February (varies)

Pro tips

Use the Shanghai Public Transportation Card for convenient and discounted travel on metro, buses, and ferries.
Download a translation app or carry a phrasebook to help with language barriers.
Try local street food, but be cautious of food safety and choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
Consider hiring a local guide or joining a tour to gain insights into Shanghai's history and culture.