China Guide
Shanghai
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Huangpu River tours
Opening time: Jetty ticket office: daily 8am–4.30pm
Price: ¥45–150
Address: Depart from a wharf near the end of Nanjing Dong Lu
One highlight of a visit to Shanghai, and the easiest way to view the edifices of the Bund, is to take one of the Huangpu River tours.
The hour-long round trip south to the Yanpu Bridge costs ¥45, while the slightly longer trip to Nanpu Bridge costs ¥65 and takes two hours, but the classic cruise here is the three-hour-long, sixty-kilometre journey to the mouth of the Yangzi and back. There are departures daily at 9am and 2pm, and tickets cost between ¥90 and ¥120, with the higher prices offering armchairs, a higher deck, tea and snacks. On this, you're introduced to the vast amount of shipping that uses the port, and you'll also be able to inspect all the paraphernalia of the shipping industry, from sampans and rusty old Panamanian-registered freighters to sparkling Chinese navy vessels. You'll also get an idea of the colossal construction that is taking place on the eastern shore, before you reach the mouth of the Yangzi River itself, where the wind kicks in and it feels like you're almost in open sea. There are also two-hour-long night cruises, with boats departing at 7 and 8.30pm (¥78; ¥150 with buffet dinner). Note that tours do not run in foggy or windy weather.