Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise with Rooftop Bar Hopping Option

Imagine combining the thrill of a locally loved Chinese meal with the mesmerizing sights of Shanghai’s skyline at night. This Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise tour offers just that—an opportunity to enjoy a lavish dinner, float along the iconic Huangpu River, and optionally sip a drink atop a chic rooftop bar. With a perfect 5-star rating from 32 reviews, this tour promises a well-balanced blend of culture, scenery, and relaxation, all curated with attention to detail.

What truly makes this experience stand out are the knowledgeable guides, the breathtaking views, and the value for money. Plus, the flexibility to choose whether to dine first or cruise first adds a personal touch. A possible downside? The cruise can get a bit crowded, especially at peak times, which might slightly diminish the serenity of the experience. Still, for those eager to see Shanghai from both its historic and modern angles, this tour fits the bill perfectly, especially if you’re craving an authentic local dinner combined with scenic sightseeing.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor eager to tick off highlights or a couple seeking a romantic evening, this experience is tailored to give you a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife in a relaxed, hassle-free way.

Key Points

• All-in-one experience combining dinner, river cruise, and optional rooftop bar hop.
• Flexible itinerary: you can choose to dine before or after the cruise.
• Hassle-free logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off in downtown Shanghai.
• Authentic local cuisine: featuring must-try dishes like soup dumplings.
• Stunning nighttime views: see Shanghai’s iconic skyline illuminated from the water.
• Excellent value: highly praised guides, included drinks, and private transport.

The Whole Experience in Detail

Easy and Comfortable Start with Hotel Pickup

One of the biggest advantages of this tour is the hotel pickup and drop-off service within downtown Shanghai. Travel can often be the most stressful part of sightseeing, but with this experience, your private guide and driver will come straight to your hotel at your preferred time. This convenience ensures you start your evening relaxed, without the hassle of navigating public transport or hailing taxis.

Authentic Local Dinner

Your night kicks off with a visit to a carefully selected restaurant, where you’ll indulge in local Shanghainese dishes. Reviewers mention the delicious soup dumplings as a highlight, but the menu is flexible—meat dishes and fresh vegetables are also available based on dietary requests. The dinner isn’t a buffet on the cruise but a sit-down meal, giving you time to savor each bite.

Reviews often highlight guides like Anne and Yaritza, who go out of their way to introduce you to authentic flavors, often taking guests to places you might never find alone. Several mention that the quality of the food exceeds expectations, with one guest describing it as “the best possible meal.” Vegetarian options are also available if you specify ahead of time.

Cruise Along the Huangpu River

After dinner, you’ll head to the famous Bund area to board a sightseeing boat for a 50-minute cruise. This is where you really get to see Shanghai in its nighttime glory, with its iconic skyline all lit up.

Based on reviews, the scenery is spectacular—the illuminated buildings like the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and Jin Mao Tower create a stunning contrast of old and new architecture. Some guests note the cruise can be somewhat crowded, especially during busy hours, but the view makes it worthwhile. The boat ride offers just enough time to get a good look at the skyline without feeling rushed.

Flexible Timing: Dine or Cruise First?

One feature that many travelers appreciate is the flexibility of the itinerary. You can choose to enjoy the cruise first and then have dinner afterward if you prefer. This is especially useful if you want a more relaxed and scenic start or if you’re eager to see the skyline illuminated at the beginning of the evening.

Rooftop Bar Hop with Complimentary Drinks

For those who want to extend their night, an optional rooftop bar stop is available. Here, you’ll enjoy a complimentary glass of house wine or beer, overlooking the river and city lights. Reviewers frequently describe the bar as trendy and chic, with great DJ music and an incredible view.

Guests like Emma and Elizabeth mention that the bar visit offers a perfect end to the evening—a chance to unwind, chat, and soak in the skyline one last time. This optional add-on is a perfect way to personalize the experience and make the night even more memorable.

Ease and Convenience

After your dinner, cruise, and possible bar hop, your guide will simply drop you back at your hotel or another downtown location, completing a stress-free, well-organized trip. The tour’s average booking time of 40 days in advance suggests it’s popular among those who want a dependable, high-quality experience.

What Sets This Tour Apart?

Knowledgeable Guides and Personal Touch

Guests frequently commend the guides’ knowledge and friendliness. Sunny and Roy are highlighted for their fluency in English and for adding personal touches that elevate the experience. They are eager to answer questions, share insights about Shanghai’s architecture and history, and ensure guests feel well cared for. Sunny, in particular, is praised for her local knowledge and for taking guests to hidden gem restaurants.

Authentic and Delicious Food

Unlike some tours that focus only on sightseeing, this experience offers the chance to taste real Shanghainese flavors in a local restaurant setting. Guests often remark that the meal surpasses expectations, with one describing the restaurant as a local favorite used by residents rather than a tourist trap.

Stunning Night Views

The illuminated skyline at night is a highlight, with many reviewers mentioning their awe at the sight of iconic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower. The cruise offers a different perspective compared to viewing from land, giving the experience a cinematic quality.

Value for Money

At $139.60 per person, including the dinner, cruise, and optional rooftop drink, most reviewers agree that this tour offers great value. The private guide and transportation, coupled with the quality of the experiences, make it an excellent choice for those wanting a comprehensive night out without worrying about logistics.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for couples and small groups wanting a romantic, intimate evening with stunning visuals and local flavors. It also suits travelers who appreciate personalized service, as it’s a private experience with flexible scheduling. If you’re looking to combine sightseeing, culture, and relaxation in one evening, this tour hits the mark.

It’s especially good for those wanting to skip the crowded tourist spots and instead experience authentic local cuisine alongside the city’s famous skyline. The addition of a rooftop bar makes it suitable for night owls or anyone wanting to extend their night with a stylish drink.

However, if you’re after a quiet, peaceful cruise, be aware that it can get a little crowded, which might detract from some guests’ comfort.

FAQs

Can I choose whether to dine or cruise first?
Yes, the tour is flexible, allowing you to start with the river cruise or the dinner depending on your preference.

Is hotel pickup available outside downtown Shanghai?
Pickup and drop-off are included only within downtown Shanghai. Outskirts can be arranged for an extra charge.

Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
Yes, the restaurant offers vegetarian options and other dietary requests if advised at the time of booking.

How long does the entire tour last?
The experience is approximately 3 to 4 hours, which includes hotel pickup, dinner, cruise, and time at the rooftop bar.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult.

What is included in the price?
The tour includes a private guide, driver, transportation, local dinner, and a complimentary house wine or beer if the bar option is selected.

Final Thoughts

This Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise tour offers a well-rounded and authentic way to experience the city’s evening magic. It’s perfect for those who want a private, tailored experience with knowledgeable guides, excellent food, and unforgettable views. The optional rooftop bar hop adds a fashionable, fun touch to extend your night in style.

Given the glowing reviews and the careful curation of activities, it’s clear that this experience delivers more than just sightseeing—it creates a memorable night out in Shanghai. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, craving a romantic getaway, or simply eager to see Shanghai’s skyline in its dazzling nighttime glory, this tour is a smart choice.

Final Paragraphs

If you’re after a seamless, highly praised night out with local flavor, stunning views, and excellent service, this tour ticks all the boxes. It provides deep value through its intimate, personalized approach and the quality of the experiences offered. The blend of delicious dining, scenic river cruising, and optional rooftop drinks makes it a versatile choice for many travelers.

For those who love a mix of culture, comfort, and visuals, it’s a perfect way to get a taste of Shanghai’s vibrant city life in just a few hours. Plus, the flexibility and private nature of the tour mean you can tailor it to your preferences, making every moment feel special.

In the end, if you want to experience the city’s skyline, local cuisine, and nightlife without the hassle, this tour promises an enjoyable, memorable night in Shanghai.

Note: Always book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to ensure availability.