Experiences · Shanghai
Booking Huangpu River Ferry Cruise Shanghai: Step-by-Step
Learn how to book a Huangpu River ferry cruise, find nearby dining and entertainment options, and plan your first impression of Shanghai. Start planning now!
· 5 min read
How to Book a Huangpu River Ferry Cruise
1. Download AMap (the map app almost everyone in China uses) from AMap Global. It has an English interface.
2. Open AMap and search for 黄浦江游轮 (Huangpu River Cruise). This will show you the available piers and their locations.
3. Choose the pier closest to your location or the one that fits your itinerary. Common piers include 外滩观光隧道 (The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel) and 十六铺码头 (Shiliupu Wharf).
4. Use Trip.com to book your ferry tickets. You can filter by date and time, and select the option that best suits your schedule. Prices typically range from ¥100 to ¥200 per person.
5. After booking, you will receive a confirmation with a QR code. Show this QR code at the pier to board the ferry.
Finding Nearby Dining and Entertainment Options
1. For dining, use Dianping to find restaurants near your drop-off point. Search for 餐厅 (restaurant) and filter by ratings and reviews. Popular areas for dining include The Bund and Xintiandi.
2. To find KTV or other entertainment options, open AMap and search for KTV or 娱乐 (entertainment). This will show you nearby venues and their contact information.
3. For popular streets and malls, consider visiting Nanjing Road and Xujiahui. These areas are known for shopping and entertainment.
Setting Up Essential Apps Before Your Trip
1. Download and set up WeChat from WeChat's official website. Follow China Survival Kit's step-by-step WeChat registration walkthrough to complete the setup process. Verification usually takes a few minutes but can take up to 24 hours.
2. Set up Alipay before you fly. Download it from Alipay's official website, tap Me > Bank Cards, add a Visa or Mastercard, then upload your passport for verification. Verification usually clears in minutes but can take up to 72 hours.
3. Consider getting a Chinese SIM card or eSIM. Follow this guide on how to get a SIM card in China. A 30-day package typically costs around ¥50-150.
Navigating the City and Safety Tips
1. Use AMap to navigate the city. Input the Chinese characters for your destination to get accurate results. For example, to go to The Bund, search for 外滩 (Wàitān).
2. Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. In case of any issues, you can present these documents to local authorities.
3. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas, especially at tourist spots and public transportation hubs. Keep your belongings secure and be mindful of your surroundings.
Additional Attractions and Activities
1. Visit the Shanghai Tower, the tallest building in China. Book your tickets in advance through Trip.com to avoid long queues. Prices range from ¥180 to ¥220 per person.
2. Explore the Yuyuan Garden, a classical Chinese garden in the heart of Shanghai. Tickets can be purchased on-site or through Trip.com. Prices range from ¥40 to ¥60 per person.
3. Take a walk along The Bund, a famous waterfront area with stunning views of the Pudong skyline. This is a great place for a leisurely stroll and taking photos.
Important Reminders and Tips
1. Always check the current price and availability of tickets before making a purchase. Prices and schedules can change, so verify the information on the official websites or at the ticket counter.
2. Ensure that all your travel documents, including your passport and visa, are valid and up-to-date. For the latest visa requirements, visit the National Immigration Administration's official website.
3. Be cautious of unofficial websites that claim to offer visa or entry card services. Always use the official government websites, such as the National Immigration Administration's official prompt, which provides free and secure services.
What it looks like
Frequently asked
What is the best way to book a Huangpu River ferry cruise?
Download AMap and search for 黄浦江游轮. Use Trip.com to book your tickets and receive a QR code for boarding.
Where can I find good places to eat near the ferry drop-off point?
Use Dianping to find highly-rated restaurants near your drop-off point. Search for 餐厅 and filter by ratings and reviews.
Are there any additional activities to do after the ferry ride?
Consider visiting The Bund, Xintiandi, or Nanjing Road for shopping and entertainment. You can also explore KTV venues or other attractions like the Shanghai Tower and Yuyuan Garden.
How can I set up essential apps like WeChat and Alipay before my trip?
Download WeChat and follow the registration walkthrough. Set up Alipay and add your Visa or Mastercard, then upload your passport for verification.
What safety tips should I keep in mind while in Shanghai?
Always carry a copy of your passport and visa. Be aware of pickpockets in crowded areas and keep your belongings secure.
On the ground in China
Want this handled by a person, not a browser tab?
A personal host meets you at arrivals, sets up payments and transport, and walks you through markets, factories or hospitals — transparent per-day pricing, itemized in writing before any payment.
About this guide
Written and maintained by the China Unboxed team from Shenzhen. We keep guides current and general on purpose — always verify prices and policies against official sources before booking.
Tell us where you are going and what is getting in your way, and a person in Shenzhen will write a plan for your trip.