Shanghai Bund Night Tour of Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Huangpu River Cruise

If you’re planning an evening adventure in Shanghai, this Bund Night Tour with highlights like a dim sum dinner, Huangpu River cruise, and the Oriental Pearl Tower promises a memorable glimpse into the city’s luminous skyline and vibrant culture. While I haven’t personally taken this exact tour, reviews and detailed itineraries help paint a clear picture of what to expect.

What I love about this experience is how it combines multiple highlights into one evening—a convenient way to see the city’s iconic sights without rushing. The inclusion of a local-style dim sum dinner is a nice touch that offers an authentic taste of Shanghai. The Huangpu River cruise offers stunning photo opportunities, especially at night, and the view from the Oriental Pearl Tower is guaranteed to impress. Plus, the excursion ends with a stroll through Xintiandi, a district that beautifully blends traditional and modern Shanghai.

One potential downside is the limited time at each stop—the tour is just over four hours, which means you might feel a bit rushed, especially if you want to linger and soak in the sights. Also, the price point of around $230 per person might seem high for some, but considering the all-inclusive nature and multiple experiences, many would agree it offers good value for a comprehensive evening in Shanghai. This tour suits travelers looking for an organized, all-in-one experience of the city’s nighttime glamour, especially those short on time but eager for authentic sights.

Key Points

• Multiple Experiences: Combines dinner, river cruise, tower visit, and district exploration.
• Convenience: Hassle-free pickup and drop-off from your hotel.
• Authentic Dining: Dim sum dinner with vegetarian option available.
• Scenic Views: Stunning night vistas of Shanghai’s skyline.
• Balanced Itinerary: Around 4.5 hours packed with highlights.
• Value for Money: All activities and transportation included.

What to Expect from the Shanghai Bund Night Tour

This tour is designed for those who want a taste of Shanghai’s iconic sights without the headache of arranging multiple bookings. It’s a well-paced, curated experience that hits several must-see spots while offering some local flavor.

Start: Hotel Pickup and Dim Sum Dinner

The tour kicks off at 5:00 pm with a hotel pickup, which means you don’t need to worry about navigating public transportation or finding a meeting point. This is a big plus for those unfamiliar with local routes or traveling with luggage. You’ll be taken to a local restaurant where a dim sum dinner awaits. The menu includes a vegetarian option, which needs to be advised at booking—so be sure to specify your dietary preferences.

Expect a relaxed atmosphere with a chance to enjoy Chinese culinary tradition. Many reviews note the dinner as a highlight, praising the quality and authenticity of the food. It’s a good way to start the evening with a taste of local cuisine before heading into the illuminated city.

Stop 1: The Bund at Night

Post-dinner, your guide will lead you to the famous Bund. As you stroll along this historic waterfront, you’ll be greeted by stunning views of the skyline—a dazzling display of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture. The guide shares insights about the Bund’s significance, helping you appreciate its role in Shanghai’s development.

Many reviewers mention how the nighttime lighting transforms the area, making it feel like stepping into a movie scene. You’ll have time to snap photos and soak in the atmosphere, although the tour doesn’t specify the exact duration here. Expect approximately 45 minutes at this stop.

Stop 2: Huangpu River Cruise

Next, the highlight for many is the 1-hour Huangpu River cruise. This boat ride is included in the tour price, making it a hassle-free way to see both sides of the city from the water. During the roughly 50-minute cruise, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the riverbanks—the historic colonial buildings on the Puxi side and the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui.

Reviews emphasize that the evening cruise offers a different perspective from daytime visits. Travelers mention that the lighting on the buildings really makes the city come alive, and many appreciated the ability to relax on the boat while soaking in the view.

Stop 3: Oriental Pearl Tower

From the cruise, you’ll head to the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of Shanghai’s most recognizable landmarks. Located in Pudong Park, the 468-meter tower offers a bird’s eye view of the city. You’ll spend about an hour here, which includes time to go up to the observation deck.

The tower is not just tall; it’s a symbol of Shanghai’s rapid urbanization. Several reviewers mention how breathtaking the views are at night—the city lights stretch endlessly, and you get a real sense of Shanghai’s scale. The tower also features unique design elements that are fun to explore if you’ve got time.

Stop 4: Xintiandi District

The final stop is Xintiandi, a lively entertainment district that blends traditional shikumen architecture with modern shops, cafes, and bars. The tour allows about an hour here to wander around, enjoy the lively atmosphere, and take in the contrast between old and new Shanghai.

Reviewers highlight Xintiandi as a great spot to soak in local culture, with many enjoying its vibrant nightlife and stylish cafes. It’s a fitting end to an evening of sightseeing, especially if you want to experience Shanghai’s modern urban vibe.

What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

This tour provides a professional guide who helps navigate each stop, plus air-conditioned transportation throughout. The dinner is included, and you should specify your dietary preference at booking for a vegetarian option. Pickup and drop-off from your hotel eliminate stress, making it ideal for travelers who prefer a seamless experience.

Some travelers mention that the duration at each stop is relatively tight, which might limit time to explore or take photos. However, it’s a good balance for a single evening, especially considering the packed itinerary.

Pricing at around $229.87 per person reflects the convenience and variety of experiences offered. When considering the cost, think of it as a comprehensive way to see Shanghai’s most photogenic sights without the hassle of separate tickets or transport arrangements.

Authenticity and Local Insights

From reviews, it’s clear that the tour guides offer helpful insights into Shanghai’s history and architecture. Many mention guides being friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share stories that bring the city to life. For example, one review noted how the guide explained the significance of the Bund’s buildings, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing.

The inclusion of a local restaurant for dinner, rather than a generic buffet, adds an authentic flavor that many travelers appreciate. Also, the river cruise’s timing at night is ideal for capturing stunning cityscape photos, as many users have pointed out.

Who This Tour Suits Best

This experience is perfect for travelers who want to maximize their evening in Shanghai without stress. It’s especially suitable for those who love iconic architecture, scenic water views, and vibrant city life. If you’re short on time but want a well-rounded introduction to Shanghai’s nightscape, this tour offers excellent value.

It also suits travelers who prefer organized experiences with all logistics handled, including transfers and tickets. However, those who prefer to explore at their own pace or have more time to linger may find the schedule a little rushed.

This Shanghai Bund Night Tour offers an engaging, all-in-one evening adventure through one of China’s most dynamic cities. With a balanced combination of cultural dining, scenic river cruising, panoramic city views from the Oriental Pearl Tower, and a lively exploration of Xintiandi, it covers the essentials in a compact timeframe.

The tour’s value lies in its convenience and variety—perfect for first-time visitors wanting a curated introduction or travelers with limited time. The inclusion of local cuisine and insightful guides adds depth, while the night scenery guarantees plenty of photo opportunities.

If you love iconic skylines, water views, and authentic local experiences, this tour will likely meet your expectations. Just keep in mind the schedule is quite packed, so if you prefer a more leisurely pace, you might want to allocate extra time for certain stops.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 4 hours and 30 minutes, from pickup to drop-off, including all stops.

Is the dinner included?
Yes, a dim sum dinner is part of the package, with vegetarian options available that need to be advised at booking.

What if I want to explore more at each stop?
The tour is designed for a brief visit at each location, so if you wish to linger longer or explore independently, you might need to organize separate arrangements.

Are transfers included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making the experience stress-free for travelers.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and service animals are allowed, making it accessible for various age groups.

What should I wear?
Since much of the tour is outdoors at night, casual, comfortable clothing and perhaps a light jacket are advisable, especially in cooler months.