Shanghai: Night River Cruise & Shanghai Tower VIP Tour

Summary

Night lights on the Huangpu, city views from Shanghai Tower and local flavors in one private evening

You’ll start your night with hotel pickup in Shanghai and watch city lights drift by from a VIP spot on a Huangpu River cruise. Choose to ride up Shanghai Tower for unreal views or add dinner for classic soup dumplings at a lively local restaurant. This private night tour mixes stories, flavors, and those moments when Shanghai feels bigger than life.

What’s the experience like?

“You see that building? It looks like it’s twisting up into the clouds,” our guide Li said as we stepped out by the Bund. I’d seen photos of Shanghai at night but standing there, the air sticky and humming with people’s voices, it felt different—like I was inside a movie. The old colonial buildings along the river glowed gold, and across the water Pudong’s towers blinked in neon colors. We followed Li to the cruise terminal (she somehow navigated crowds like it was nothing), and soon we were on the boat, upstairs in this VIP area that had big windows and—thankfully—comfy seats. Someone nearby peeled an orange; I could smell it over the river breeze.

The cruise moved slow enough that you could actually take things in. I kept staring at reflections on the water—kind of hypnotic, honestly—and Li pointed out which towers were new and which ones had stories behind them. There was a couple taking wedding photos on deck; their laughter floated past us, mixed with music from someone’s phone. If you’re searching for “night river cruise Shanghai” or “private night tour shanghai”, this is probably what you’re hoping for.

After docking, we took a quick drive (the car was blissfully cool) to Shanghai Tower. If you pick that option—do it if heights don’t bother you—the elevator shoots up so fast my ears popped before I even noticed. The 118th floor is wild: glass everywhere, city lights stretching way past where my eyes could focus. I tried to spot our hotel but got distracted by all those tiny cars moving below. Li told us about how fast the tower went up (“China speed!” she joked). I still think about how small everything looked from up there.

If you go for dinner too (we did), they’ll take you to a local spot—not fancy, just busy and loud in a good way—and bring out these soup dumplings that are somehow both delicate and messy to eat. Li laughed when I tried to say “xiaolongbao” properly—probably butchered it—and then showed me how not to burn my tongue on the broth inside. We didn’t rush; nobody seemed to mind lingering over tea while outside, scooters zipped by in every direction.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Night tour with river cruise and tower visit

• Pick up from Shanghai hotel
• Visit the Bund landmark
• Board VIP floor on river cruise
• Enjoy illuminated city views on cruise
• Visit Shanghai Tower (optional)
• Take fast lift to 118F observation deck
• View panoramic night skyline from tower

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Shanghai night tour?

Yes, your guide and driver will pick you up directly at your hotel in Shanghai.

Does the tour include dinner?

Dinner is included only if you choose the "Tour with Dinner" option when booking.

Can I visit both the river cruise and Shanghai Tower?

Yes, if you select the tower option during booking, you'll do both experiences.

Are entrance fees included for Shanghai Tower?

Yes, entrance to the 118F observation deck is included if you book that option.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult; infants can sit on laps or use strollers.

How long does it take to reach Shanghai Tower after the cruise?

The drive is short; your private vehicle will take you directly after docking.

Where is dinner served during this private night tour?

Dinner is at a local restaurant—not on the boat or atop Shanghai Tower.

What kind of food is served if dinner is included?

You’ll try soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) along with other local dishes.

What’s included

Your evening includes private pickup from your hotel in Shanghai, all transportation between stops in an air-conditioned car, VIP seating on the Huangpu River night cruise with panoramic views of The Bund and Pudong skyline, entry tickets for the 118th floor observation deck at Shanghai Tower if selected, plus a lively dinner at a local restaurant featuring classic soup dumplings when booked with dinner option—all led by an experienced local guide before returning to your hotel afterwards.