Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

If you’re visiting Shanghai and want an evening that combines iconic skyline views with mouthwatering regional dishes, this Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Dining might just be your best bet. Though I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, the comprehensive details, glowing reviews, and the carefully curated itinerary make it clear this experience offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, culture, and delicious food.

What we love about this tour? First, the private, air-conditioned transport makes the evening stress-free and comfortable. Second, the stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline and colonial architecture from the river are truly a sight to behold. And third, the authentic Xinjiang halal dinner offers a taste of China’s diverse culinary landscape, prepared and presented with care.

One aspect to consider is timing—sometimes dinner happens before the cruise depending on sunset, which could impact how you experience the evening. This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time in Shanghai who want a relaxed, well-rounded evening that combines sightseeing with authentic regional cuisine.

Who should consider this tour? It’s perfect for first-time visitors eager to see key landmarks from the water, food lovers wanting to try regional Chinese dishes, or anyone seeking a hassle-free night out in a private vehicle.

Key Points

• Comfortable transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle from your hotel to the cruise and dining locations.
• Iconic views: Watch Shanghai’s skyline with landmarks like the Oriental Pearl Tower and World Financial Center illuminated at night.
• Authentic cuisine: Enjoy Xinjiang halal dishes, including big plate chicken, lamb kebabs, and Xinjiang yogurt.
• Cultural entertainment: Experience traditional dancing and belly dancing at the restaurant.
• Convenience: All tickets and transportation are included, saving time and effort.
• Limited group size: Max 15 travelers, fostering a more intimate experience.

The Route and What to Expect

Starting Point: Huangpu River

The tour kicks off with a private pick-up from your hotel, which means no navigating busy Shanghai metro stations or waiting in long lines. Your guide and driver will whisk you away to the Huangpu River Cruise Terminal. This moment is where your night begins with the promise of sweeping views of both historic and modern Shanghai.

The Huangpu River cruise lasts approximately an hour, offering a chance to see the city’s many faces. Your guide has a knack for storytelling—some reviews mention friendly guides like Tony, who go above and beyond to enhance the experience. You’ll get a sense of Shanghai’s colonial past along the Bund, with notable buildings like the Peace Hotel and Shanghai Pudong Development Bank lining the west bank.

As the sun dips, the skyline lights up dramatically, with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the World Financial Center casting reflections on the water. The cruise’s open top deck promises postcard-worthy views, and many travelers comment on how mesmerizing the city looks from the river at night.

Stop Two: Xinjiang Cuisine in Pudong

After the cruise, your guide will escort you to a well-loved local Xinjiang restaurant in Pudong. The drive from the river to the restaurant is swift, and you’ll appreciate the private transportation, especially after a full evening of sightseeing.

Here, you’ll indulge in a halal Xinjiang dinner—and trust us, it’s not just about filling your stomach but experiencing regional flavors. Dishes like Dapanji (big plate chicken) are famous for their fragrant spices, tender chicken, potatoes, and hand-pulled noodles. The lamb kebabs are a local favorite, freshly grilled and full of smoky flavor, with options like chicken wings if lamb isn’t your thing. Accompanying the meal, you’ll find Xinjiang yogurt and nang, a type of traditional pancake.

The restaurant also offers an evening entertainment segment, with traditional cultural dancing and belly dancing between 6:30 pm and 7:30 pm. It’s a lively addition that makes the whole experience more memorable. One reviewer specifically highlighted the “good feeling” they had about Shanghai thanks to the attentive service of their guide, Tony, who helped translate menus and ensured a smooth dining experience.

Timing and Flexibility

Depending on sunset timing, the dinner may be scheduled before the cruise, which means you can enjoy a leisurely meal without feeling rushed. This flexibility ensures you get the most out of both parts of the tour without the typical rush of large group excursions.

The Experience: What’s Included and What’s Not

Included:

• A delicious Xinjiang halal dinner, which is a highlight for many travelers craving regional Chinese flavors.
• Private transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, making your evening comfortable and stress-free.
• The river cruise ticket, which offers a relaxing way to see Shanghai’s skyline and colonial-era architecture from the water.
• A professional guide who assists throughout, including translating menus and providing local insights.

Not included:

• Personal expenses, like souvenirs or extra drinks.
• Additional alcoholic beverages or juices, which are available for purchase at the restaurant.

What Travelers Say

One reviewer succinctly summed up the experience as “Excellent service,” praising guide Tony for his attentive care. They appreciated feeling truly welcomed and having a smooth, enjoyable evening. The fact that the entire experience is capped at just 15 travelers adds to its appeal—it’s intimate enough to feel personalized, yet small enough to meet fellow travelers.

Another aspect praised is the stunning city views from the river, especially with the vibrant lights illuminating the skyline. Many found the combination of sightseeing and regional cuisine to be a well-balanced, memorable evening.

Practical Details and Tips

• Cost: At $139 per person, the experience offers good value considering the included transport, cruise ticket, dinner, and entertainment.
• Duration: Approximately 3 hours, making it ideal for those with limited time who want a comprehensive evening outing.
• Group Size: Up to 15 travelers, fostering a more relaxed and personal environment.
• Booking and Cancellation: Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering peace of mind.

It’s advisable to wear comfortable clothing and bring a layer if you tend to get chilly on outdoor decks. Remember to bring your camera—it’s your chance to capture Shanghai’s glittering skyline from a unique vantage point.

Why This Tour Might Be Perfect for You

If you’re after a stress-free evening activity that combines sightseeing with authentic regional Chinese cuisine, this tour hits the mark. The private transport, guided commentary, and inclusive tickets remove common travel stresses, so you can focus on enjoying the views and flavors.

Food lovers will appreciate the chance to taste Xinjiang specialties, which are often hard to find outside China or in tourist-heavy spots. Meanwhile, the river cruise offers a relaxing way to see Shanghai’s most iconic sights illuminated at night.

It’s especially suited for those who value comfort and authenticity—a small group environment where personalized service makes the experience stand out. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or in a small group, this tour provides a balanced, enriching evening.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour? Yes, a private, air-conditioned vehicle will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the cruise and restaurant.

How long is the entire experience? The tour lasts approximately 3 hours, including the river cruise and dinner.

Can I choose to have dinner before or after the cruise? The schedule depends on sunset timing, but the tour generally offers flexibility to optimize your experience.

Is the dinner halal? Yes, the Xinjiang dishes are halal, and the restaurant offers options that cater to dietary preferences.

What kind of views will I see on the cruise? You’ll see colonial buildings along the Bund and towering skyscrapers like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl from the water—beautifully lit at night.

Is the group size small? Yes, there’s a maximum of 15 travelers, making the experience more intimate and personalized.

What entertainment is included? The restaurant offers cultural dancing and belly dancing, adding a lively touch to your evening.

Final Thoughts

This Night River Cruise with Xinjiang Style Dining offers a well-rounded taste of Shanghai after dark. It combines the charm of the city’s illuminated skyline with the flavors of a lesser-known regional cuisine, all wrapped in a relaxed, private transport setting. It’s perfect for travelers craving an authentic experience without the chaos of large tours or complicated planning.

For those wanting a memorable, visually stunning, and tasty evening in Shanghai, this tour hits all the right notes. It’s especially suitable for first-time visitors, foodies, or anyone who appreciates seamless organization and genuine cultural touches.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to see Shanghai from a different perspective, this experience promises a cozy, captivating night out.

Remember:

• Book in advance to secure your spot—small group sizes fill up quickly.
• Dress comfortably and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
• Enjoy the blend of scenic views, cultural entertainment, and regional flavors that make this tour a unique way to experience Shanghai at night.