Shanghai: VIP Huangpu River Cruise & Evening Lights Tour

Summary

Old Shanghai alleys, river lights, French Concession nightlife and city contrasts

You’ll meet your local guide in Shanghai for an evening tour with hotel pickup, walk through Old Town past Yu Garden, then take a VIP seat on a Huangpu River cruise to see the Bund and Pudong skyline lit up at night. End your night exploring Xintiandi’s lively streets or relax as you’re driven back—expect moments that stick with you.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is our driver, Mr. Chen, waving at me in the lobby — not the stiff kind of wave, more like he recognized an old friend. He handed us bottled water before we even asked. In Old Shanghai Town, the air smelled faintly of fried dough from a street vendor (I almost caved but didn’t want to be late). Our guide Li pointed out the Nine-Zigzag Bridge — she said it’s supposed to keep bad spirits away because they can’t turn corners. I tried to say “Yu Garden” in Mandarin; Li laughed and said I sounded like her nephew learning to read.

The real surprise was the Huangpu River cruise. We had these VIP seats up front — no elbowing for space. The Bund’s colonial buildings glowed gold on one side, while Pudong’s glass towers blinked in neon across the water. There was this weird silence on deck despite all the lights and noise below; maybe everyone was just taking it in. The Peace Hotel roof really does look green, almost cartoonish against the sky. I kept thinking about how those old buildings have seen so much change — it’s wild.

Afterward we drove through Pudong Lujiazui — skyscrapers everywhere, all steel and glass. Li told us most of it didn’t exist thirty years ago. She sounded proud but also a little tired when she talked about how fast things change here. Last stop was Xintiandi: stone gate houses next to bars with glowing signs and people laughing over cocktails (one guy waved at us for no reason). We wandered a bit on our own before heading back; honestly, I still think about that quiet moment on the river more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Evening tour of Shanghai highlights

• Pick up from hotel lobby at 7 PM
• Walk in Old Shanghai Town, see Nine-Zigzag Bridge
• Take VIP evening cruise on Huangpu River
• Visit Pudong Lujiazui Commercial Area
• Explore former French Concession at Xin Tian Di

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Shanghai evening tour?

Yes, private hotel pickup and drop-off are included with your booking.

How long does the Huangpu River cruise last?

The evening VIP class cruise is part of the 3-hour tour experience.

Are there stops at Yu Garden or just views from outside?

You’ll walk through Old Shanghai Town near Yu Garden but do not enter during this tour.

What areas of Shanghai will we see on this tour?

You’ll visit Old Town near Yu Garden, take a river cruise past The Bund and Pudong skyline, drive through Lujiazui commercial area, and finish at Xintiandi.

Is dinner included during the tour?

No meals are included; bottled water is provided but you can explore food options in Xintiandi afterward.

Does this tour run if it rains?

Yes, it operates in all weather conditions—dress appropriately for rain or wind.

Is this suitable for children or older travelers?

This private evening tour is suitable for all fitness levels; children must be accompanied by an adult.

What’s included

Your evening includes private hotel pickup and drop-off, transport by private vehicle with bottled water along the way, VIP class seating on the Huangpu River cruise for clear views of both The Bund and Pudong skyline, plus time exploring Old Town near Yu Garden and lively Xintiandi before returning whenever you’re ready.