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How to Get to the Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai

Huangpu River cruise terminals sit along Shanghai’s central Bund waterfront, making them easy to reach from most city neighborhoods. Most visitors arrive by metro, taxi, or ride-hailing services, with travel times typically ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. Weekends, public holidays, and evening departures can bring heavier traffic and larger crowds around the Bund.

Where is the Huangpu River Cruise located?

Most Huangpu River sightseeing cruises depart from Shiliupu Wharf (十六铺码头), the city's primary cruise terminal on the Bund waterfront.

  • Address: No. 481 Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
  • Find on Maps: Google Maps link
  • Description: Shiliupu Wharf sits on the eastern edge of Huangpu District along the Bund promenade, directly overlooking the Huangpu River. It's within walking distance of many of Shanghai's most famous waterfront landmarks and offers easy access via metro, bus, taxi, and ferry.
  • Closest landmark: The Bund (approximately 300m away)

People's Square to Shiliupu Wharf: Time & Distance

  • From People's Square: ~4 km / 2.5 mi
  • By metro: 15–20 min (People's Square → Yuyuan Garden)
  • By bus: 20–30 min
  • By car: 10–15 min (no stops)
  • By tour (round trip): 2–4 hr incl. cruise and sightseeing

Why take a guided Huangpu River cruise?

  • Skip the planning: Tours combine the cruise with popular Shanghai attractions, so you don't have to coordinate tickets, transport, and schedules yourself.
  • Easy transfers: Many guided experiences include hotel pick-up or round-trip transport, making it simple to reach the cruise terminal.
  • See more in less time: Combine a Huangpu River cruise with visits to the Bund, Yu Garden, or other city highlights in a single itinerary.
  • Learn the city's story: Guides provide insights into Shanghai's colonial history, modern skyline, and waterfront landmarks that you might otherwise miss.
  • Stress-free sightseeing: Reserved cruise tickets and a pre-planned route help you avoid long queues and crowded ticket counters, especially during weekends and holidays.

By metro

  • Travel time: 15–20 mins from People's Square
  • Closest station: Yuyuan Garden Station
  • Timings: First train around 5:30am; last train around 11pm
  • Metro lines: Line 10

Take Line 10 from People's Square toward Jilong Road. Exit at Yuyuan Garden Station and walk approximately 10–15 minutes to Shiliupu Wharf via Renmin Road and the Bund waterfront. This is usually the fastest and most reliable option during peak traffic periods.

By bus

  • Travel time: 20–30 mins from People's Square
  • Closest stop: Shiliupu Terminal
  • Timings: Most routes operate from around 5:30am to 11pm
  • Bus routes: 64, 55, 736, 920 and several local routes

Multiple city buses connect central Shanghai with the Bund area. Disembark at Shiliupu or nearby Bund stops and walk a few minutes to the cruise terminal.

By taxi or ride-hailing

  • Travel time: 10–20 mins from People's Square
  • Drop-off point: Shiliupu Wharf entrance
  • Timings: Available 24/7

Taxis are plentiful throughout Shanghai. Ride-hailing apps such as DiDi are widely used and generally offer English-language booking. During evening rush hour, allow extra travel time due to traffic along Zhongshan East Road.

By ferry

  • Travel time: Varies by route
  • Closest terminal: Shiliupu Ferry Terminal

Shanghai's public ferry network connects several locations on both sides of the Huangpu River. If you're already in Pudong, a ferry can be a scenic and inexpensive way to reach the Bund before boarding your cruise.

Getting to the Huangpu River Cruise by car

Driving route

  • Travel time: 15–25 mins from People's Square
  • Distance: Approximately 5km
  • Peak traffic hours: 7:30–10am and 5–7:30pm
  • Fastest route: Via Yan'an East Road and Zhongshan East Road

Driving is straightforward outside rush hour, but traffic around the Bund can become congested during evenings, weekends, and public holidays. Navigation apps typically provide the quickest route based on real-time conditions.

Parking facilities

  • On-site parking: Limited availability
  • Recommended: Use nearby public garages rather than relying on Bund-side parking.

Nearby parking lots

  • Bund Financial Center Parking – approximately 400m from Shiliupu Wharf.
  • BFC South Parking Garage – approximately 450m from Shiliupu Wharf.
  • Jinling East Road Parking Garage – approximately 500m from Shiliupu Wharf.
  • Yuyuan Tourist Mart Parking – approximately 900m from Shiliupu Wharf.
  • Bund Riverside Parking Area – approximately 1km from Shiliupu Wharf.

Note: Parking fees vary by operator and time of day. Demand is typically highest during evenings, weekends, and public holidays.

Compare your travel options

ModeTravel timeBest for

🚇 Metro

15–20 mins

Fastest and most reliable

🚌 Bus

20–30 mins

Budget travellers

🚕 Taxi / DiDi

10–20 mins

Convenience and direct access

⛴️ Ferry

Varies

Scenic river crossing

🚶 Walking

30–40 mins

Sightseeing and photography

Getting around Shanghai's Huangpu River Area

  • Walking: The Bund, Nanjing Road, and several cruise terminals are within walking distance of each other. The waterfront promenade is flat and pedestrian-friendly, making it easy to explore before or after your cruise.
  • Metro: Shanghai's metro is the fastest way to reach the cruise area. Stations such as East Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, and Tiantong Road are a short walk from most Huangpu River boarding points. Avoid rush hour if possible.
  • Taxi & Ride-Hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing apps are convenient for direct transfers, especially in the evening. Traffic around the Bund can be heavy on weekends and public holidays, so allow extra time.
  • Hop-on Hop-off Buses: Several sightseeing bus routes stop near the Bund and major attractions along the Huangpu River, making them a convenient option if you're combining your cruise with city sightseeing.

Things to do around Huangpu River

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The Bund

Shanghai’s iconic waterfront promenade, lined with grand colonial-era buildings. It offers some of the city's best views of the Huangpu River and the futuristic skyline across the water.

Oriental Pearl Tower

One of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks, known for its distinctive spheres and observation decks. Visit for panoramic views of the city and river.

Yu Garden

A classical Chinese garden dating back to the Ming Dynasty, featuring pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and traditional architecture in the heart of the old city.

Nanjing Road

Shanghai’s busiest shopping street, packed with department stores, boutiques, restaurants, and neon lights. It's especially lively in the evening.

Shanghai Tower

China’s tallest building and the third-tallest in the world. Its high-speed elevators take visitors to an observation deck with sweeping views of Shanghai.

Huangpu River Night Cruise

See Shanghai’s skyline come alive after dark as landmarks on both banks illuminate the riverfront, creating one of the city's most memorable experiences.

Suggested itinerary for a Huangpu River Cruise

Morning

Start your day at Yu Garden, a peaceful Ming-era garden filled with traditional pavilions, ponds, and rockeries. Afterwards, explore the surrounding Old City area and browse local shops and street food stalls.

Afternoon

Head to Nanjing Road for lunch and some shopping before strolling along The Bund. Take time to admire the historic architecture and enjoy views of Pudong's futuristic skyline across the river.

Evening

Board your Huangpu River cruise around sunset or after dark. Watch Shanghai's landmarks light up as you sail past the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and Shanghai Tower. After the cruise, continue exploring the Bund's vibrant waterfront atmosphere.

Optional add-on

If you have extra time, visit the observation deck at Shanghai Tower or Oriental Pearl Tower before your cruise for a bird's-eye view of the Huangpu River and the city skyline.

Handy tips for Huangpu River Cruises

  • Best time: Board a cruise around sunset for the best mix of daylight skyline views and illuminated landmarks along the Huangpu River.
  • Booking hack: Reserve evening and weekend cruises a few days in advance, especially if you want window seating or premium decks.
  • Seasonal note: Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the clearest skies and most comfortable temperatures for cruising.
  • Transport tip: Arrive at Shiliupu Wharf at least 20–30 minutes before departure, as security checks and boarding queues can take time.
  • Local insight: Night cruises are the most popular, but daytime sailings are usually less crowded and provide clearer views of Shanghai’s architecture.
  • Photo tip: Head to the open deck when passing the Bund and Lujiazui skyline for the best panoramic city photos.

Frequently asked questions about getting to the Huangpu River Cruise

The metro is usually the fastest option. Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station avoids Bund traffic and offers a short walk to Shiliupu Wharf.