When talking about having a vacation in China, visiting only Beijing without also visiting Shanghai is like yin without yang. While Beijing is the cultural hub of China, Shanghai is the financial hub that also happens to be the biggest city in the country. Have a perfect photograph in front of the iconic Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. After, you are welcome to take in the beauty of Huangpu River. Absorb the peaceful atmosphere at Yu Garden where you can enjoy the scenic vistas of colorful flowers and lush trees. For a more vibrant atmosphere, stop by Nanjing Road where you can have a shopping spree as well. Other than all the mind-blowing landmarks and attractions, did you know that you can also enjoy a cruise on the city’s river? Here is your guide to river cruises in Shanghai, China.
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1. Embark on a journey along Huangpu River and enjoy a Xinjiang food experience
As briefly mentioned above, Huangpu River is one of the most famous rivers in China because it is the most ideal place if you want to get the best of both worlds–that is the ancient and modern Shanghai. Whether you want to cruise in the morning, during the day, or in the evening, it really is up to you. Landmark highlights include Shanghai International Convention Center, Jin Mao Tower, and The Bund, the heart of Shanghai that is loaded with tons of colonial buildings. After the cruise, you will have the opportunity to have a delightful Xinjiang food experience by savoring halal dinner in Pudong New Area.
2. Indulge in a delicious dumpling dinner after admiring Pudong's skyscrapers
Do you wish to enjoy a private tour where you can have a quiet atmosphere as if Shanghai belonged to you? This river cruise is the right one for you. Board a VIP cruise ship and sail along the Huangpu River. Admiring Pudong with all of its skyscrapers and enter the colonial era when you reach The Bund. Though the cruise has ended, your journey wouldn’t–you will be guided into visiting Din Tai Fung restaurant to indulge in the famous dumpling dinner. What an evening you will have!
3. Spend the afternoon in Zhujiajiao and the night on Huangpu River with Shanghai Silk Museum in between
You are free to explore the city on your own in the morning. But, when the sun is at its best, you better be on a ferry boat ready for your trip to Zhujiajiao. With a history of more than 1,700 years, Zhujiajiao is among the oldest cities in Shanghai. Enjoy a retreat in nature as you are marveling at the lakes and the mountains that surround you. Before you board a luxury cruise ship at night to be stunned by the illuminated modern Shanghai, you will make a stop at Shanghai Silk Museum to gain insights into the process of making silk. Your trip will end with an appetizing dinner at a local restaurant.
4. Hold your breath upon seeing the illuminated French Concession and Zig-Zag Bridge
Last but not least, you will want to hold your breath when you see how beautiful French Concession and Zig-Zag Bridge are when they are being illuminated at night. Compare it to when you visit them during the day and decide which views are more panoramic. Along the trip, you will also be given the time to admire the green pyramid roof of Peace Hotel and the imposing clock tower of Customs House right from the spacious deck of your ship.
5. Explore Zhujiajiao, Shanghai's ancient watertown
You do not have to go to Venice to experience what it is like to live on the water. Take this river cruise and you will have the opportunity to explore Zhujiajiao, an ancient watertown that is popular by its other name, the Venice of Shanghai. Marvel at the well-preserved buildings, the panoramic landscape, and the friendly local people who may say hi to you as you are enjoying the calm stream of the water. This is not the end of your journey. You will also savor a delectable dinner in a local restaurant before boarding a cruise ship that will let you enjoy the city scenes along the Huangpu River.
6. Enjoy the western and eastern parts of Shanghai
Still sailing along the Huangpu River, this river cruise takes you to see the difference between the western and eastern parts of Shanghai. When you get to the west, particularly in Puxi district, you will be able to get a taste of ancient Shanghai. But when you reach the east, your world changes in an instant as you will be presented with a myriad of contemporary buildings with all the lights. What is more, you can enjoy complimentary round-trip hotel transfers.
7. Have a romantic night accompanied by a jazz performance and see Shanghai from different angles
Before boarding your VIP cruise ship, you will spend a romantic night at Peace Hotel Jazz Bar and enjoy some cocktails. Then, you will get to see Shanghai from two different angles. With this river cruise, you will have the opportunity to climb up Oriental Pearl Tower and enjoy the sweeping views of the city from the sky. Then, come back down and prepare yourself to see how different Shanghai is from the water, especially at night when Shanghai becomes extremely glorious with all the lights that are being reflected on the clear water of the Huangpu River.
Complete your vacation in Shanghai with river cruises
As you can see, there are several river cruise options that you can choose in Shanghai. Your vacation will only be complete with journeys on the water. Plan your itinerary now and book your favorite river cruise right away.
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