Huangpu River

黄浦江

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's landmark river, dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong. Its banks embody the essence of Shanghai's urban landscape and are known as Shanghai's mother river.
With a total length of about 113 kilometers, the Yangpu Bridge and the Nanpu Bridge span the Huangpu River, forming a beautiful landscape.
You can take a Huangpu River cruise and see the Shanghai International Convention Center, Oriental Pearl Tower and other attractions along the river.
The night view of the Huangpu River is also very stunning. The lights on both sides of the river are brilliant, and the classical and modern architectural styles of the prosperous city complement each other, showing the beautiful scenery of the riverside.

Introduction

  • Attraction Location: Runs through central Shanghai, separating Pudong (浦东新区) and Puxi (浦西区)

  • History: Huangpu River has been the lifeline of Shanghai since the 19th century. Originally a small waterway, it became the city’s main trade and shipping channel during the colonial era. The river has witnessed Shanghai’s transformation into a global financial and cultural hub.

  • Architecture: The river is flanked by iconic Shanghai architecture, including the Bund (外滩) historic waterfront buildings on Puxi side, and modern skyscrapers in Lujiazui (陆家嘴) on the Pudong side. Bridges such as Nanpu Bridge (南浦大桥) and Yangpu Bridge (杨浦大桥) are engineering landmarks along the river.

  • Cultural Value: Huangpu River represents Shanghai’s history, economic growth, and cosmopolitan spirit. It is central to city festivals, river cruises, and public life. The river is symbolic in literature, art, and photography reflecting old-meets-new Shanghai.

  • Other Information: The river is approximately 113 km long, with over 20 km passing through central Shanghai. It is a venue for fireworks, boat parades, and night light shows, especially along the Bund promenade.

Visiting Information

  • Opening Hours: 24 hours accessible (riverbanks, promenades)
    River cruises: 9:00 AM – 10:30 PM

  • Ticket Price: Sightseeing Cruise (黄浦江游览船) – 120 RMB adult, 60 RMB child
    Night Cruise – 150 RMB adult, 80 RMB child
    VIP or themed cruises – 200–500 RMB depending on service

  • Best Photo Spots: The Bund waterfront (外滩)
    Lujiazui skyline, including Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔)
    Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge
    Evening river cruise for reflections of skyscrapers
    Sunrise from Puxi riverside parks

  • Time Reference: 1–2 hours for a short cruise; 3–4 hours including promenade walks and photo stops

  • Other Info: Evening is ideal for city lights photography; spring and autumn offer comfortable weather for riverbank strolls.

Where to Sleep (Nearby Hotels & Stays)

  • Luxury: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (上海外滩华尔道夫酒店)
    Fairmont Peace Hotel (上海和平饭店)
  • Mid-range: Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World (上海新世界丽笙酒店)
    Pullman Shanghai Skyway Hotel (上海浦汇铂尔曼酒店)
  • Budget & Boutique: Captain Hostel Shanghai (船长旅舍)
    URBN Boutique Shanghai (优铂酒店)

What & Where to Eat

  • Must-Try Dishes: Xiaolongbao (小笼包, soup dumplings)
    Shengjian Bao (生煎包, pan-fried buns)
    Shanghai hairy crab (大闸蟹, seasonal)
    Shanghai-style braised pork (红烧肉)
    Western brunch along the Bund
  • Famous Spots: Din Tai Fung (鼎泰丰, Xiaolongbao)
    Jesse Restaurant (老吉士酒家, traditional Shanghai dishes)
    M on the Bund (外滩M餐厅, fine dining with river view)
    Huangpu River Cruise Dining (黄浦江游船餐厅)

What Souvenirs to Buy

  • Miniature Bund building models
    Shanghai skyline postcards
    Local teas (龙井茶, jasmine tea)
    River-themed souvenir magnets, keychains, and photo books

Transportation

  • By Metro: Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station (南京东路站) → walk to the Bund
    Line 10 to Yuyuan Garden Station (豫园站) → short walk to river promenade
  • By Bus: Bus lines 20, 927, 870 stop near the Bund and riverside parks
  • By Taxi: Central Shanghai to the Bund or Lujiazui – around 10–20 minutes depending on traffic
  • By Boat: River taxis or sightseeing cruises depart from docks along the Bund and Pudong
  • By Bike/Walking: Bund promenade and Riverside Park bike lanes allow leisure cycling and walking

Nearby Attractions

  • The Bund (外滩) – 0 km (on-site)
  • Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔) – 1.5 km, taxi or short walk from Lujiazui Riverside
  • Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦) – 1.8 km, taxi or walk along Riverside Promenade
  • Yu Garden (豫园) – 1.8 km, walk or taxi along Puxi riverside
  • Shanghai World Financial Center (上海环球金融中心) – 1.6 km, taxi or metro from Pudong side

Tips for Visitors

  • Evening river cruises provide spectacular skyline photography.
  • Bring a light jacket in evening; it can be windy on the river.
  • Weekends are busier; weekday visits are more relaxed.
  • Check cruise schedules in advance; night cruises are especially popular.
  • Combine riverwalk with nearby attractions for a full sightseeing experience.
  • Spring and autumn offer the best weather; summer can be hot and humid, winter cold and windy.
  • Try both sides of the river for contrasting views: historical Bund vs modern Lujiazui skyline.

Recommended Itineraries

  • Half-day Tour: Bund promenade → short river cruise → lunch at M on the Bund
  • 1-Day Route: Morning walk along the Bund → Oriental Pearl Tower (taxi 5 mins) → Lunch at Din Tai Fung → Shanghai Tower observation deck (taxi 5 mins) → Evening night cruise on Huangpu River
  • 2-Day Route:
    D1: Bund (morning stroll and photography) → Yu Garden (walk or taxi 10 mins) → Lunch at local Shanghainese restaurant → Afternoon Huangpu River cruise → Evening drinks at Bund cafés
    D2: Lujiazui skyscrapers (Oriental Pearl Tower → Shanghai Tower → Shanghai World Financial Center) → Lunch at skyscraper restaurants → Evening riverside walk along Pudong side

User Reviews

By Go your own way |

The Huangpu River is the main river in Shanghai. It originates from Dianshan Lake in Qingpu District and flows into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou. It is 114 kilometers long and divides Shanghai into Pudong and Puxi. Wusongkou is the estuary of the Huangpu River and the Yangtze River. It is also the location of the Wusong elevation standard. Here, the Huangpu River, the Yangtze River and the East China Sea meet. If it is high tide, you can see the famous "Three-Clad Water" spectacle. The Huangpu River brings out blue-gray water from the city, the Yangtze River brings in yellow water mixed with mud and sand, and the East China Sea water is green. The three waters are different in color and clearly separated, forming the colorful "Three-Clad Water", which is indeed a great spectacle.

By DaddyPuff |

The Huangpu River (often mistakenly written as "Huangpu River") originates from Dianshan Lake in Dianfeng, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai. Dianshan Lake receives much of the water from the upstream Taihu Lake basin. Some believe the Huangpu River originates from Longwang Mountain in Anji, Zhejiang, but the river above Dianshan Lake cannot be called the Huangpu River. The Huangpu River is approximately 113 kilometers long and 300-700 meters wide. It remains frozen year-round (except during the Qing Dynasty, when freezing was recorded), making it a vital waterway for Shanghai, China. It flows into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou, forming the Yangtze River's last tributary before reaching the sea. It flows through downtown Shanghai, dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong. On December 31, 2017, 45 kilometers of public space along the Huangpu River were opened to the public.

By Vast forest |

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's landmark river, flowing through downtown Shanghai and dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong. A vital waterway in Shanghai, the Huangpu River joins the Wusong River (Suzhou Creek) at Baidu Bridge outside downtown Shanghai before emptying into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou. It is the Yangtze River's last tributary before it flows into the East China Sea.



The Huangpu River is approximately 113 kilometers long and ranges in width from 300 to 770 meters. It originates at Dianshan Lake in Dianfeng, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai. Dianshan Lake receives significant water from the upstream Taihu Lake basin. "Pu" (pu) means river in the ancient Wu dialect, typically referring to an artificial river. The lower reaches of the Huangpu River were once known as Huangxiepu and Chunshenjiang, a theory attributed to Shanghai's fiefdom as the territory of Huang Xie, Lord Chunshen of Chu during the Warring States Period.



The banks of the Huangpu River embody the essence of Shanghai's urban landscape. Numerous under-river automobile tunnels and bridges have been constructed across the Huangpu River. The Huangpu River is a multifunctional river serving as a source of drinking water, shipping, flood control, fisheries, and tourism.

By Chinese Eagle |

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's landmark river, approximately 113 kilometers long and ranging in width from 300 to 770 meters. It flows through downtown Shanghai, dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong districts. A vital waterway in Shanghai, the Huangpu River joins the Wusong River (Suzhou Creek) at Waibaidu Bridge in downtown Shanghai before flowing into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou. It is the Yangtze River's last tributary before it empties into the East China Sea.

By Li travels all over the world |

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's landmark river, flowing through downtown and dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong. The river is approximately 113 kilometers long and ranges in width from 300 to 770 meters. The Huangpu River originates at Dianshan Lake in Dianfeng, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai, receiving significant water from the upstream Taihu Lake basin. The banks of the Huangpu River embody the essence of Shanghai's urban landscape. Numerous under-the-river automobile tunnels and bridges have been constructed across the Huangpu River. The Huangpu River is a multifunctional river serving as a source of drinking water, shipping, flood control, fisheries, and tourism.

By Zibing's Dream |

Take a cruise on the Huangpu River, marveling at the towering skyscrapers and diverse architectural styles lining both banks, and experience the transformations of Shanghai through the ages. As night falls, the lights on both sides blend in, and the towering skyscrapers on both sides reach the sky. Shanghai's beauty and dazzling nightscape are breathtaking.

By UNCLE |

The Huangpu River is the representative of Shanghai. When talking about Shanghai, we cannot fail to mention the Huangpu River. It is a historical river engraved with classics and carries the profound heritage of Shanghai's move towards the world.

By Yu Hao |

The Huangpu River in Shanghai is the name of the Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River within the city. The Huangpu River represents Shanghai, and no mention of Shanghai can be complete without mentioning the Huangpu River. This river, steeped in history and rich with classic stories, carries the profound legacy of Shanghai's global reach. The banks of the Huangpu River are the city's focal points and a key focus for its future development.

By Fishing Alone in the Snowy River |

The Huangpu River (abbreviated as Huangpu or Pujiang), formerly known as Huangxiepu (abbreviated as Xiepu) and Chunshenjiang (abbreviated as Shenjiang), is the largest river in Shanghai and is known as the "Mother River of Shanghai". The Huangpu River divides Shanghai into Puxi and Pudong.

By Ling Yu |

It is the best place for night tours, where you can enjoy the breeze and the smell of the river, which is also the taste of old Shanghai.

By zhm_jinan |

When you go to Shanghai, you must go to the Bund. When you get there, you will see

By Years like a song |

Spend half a day exploring the central landscape of Shanghai. The weather is fine and the breeze is pleasant, so you can fully enjoy the scenery at your doorstep.

By Paige is on the road |

It is still a good place to watch the night view, and the scenery on both sides highlights its value

By Mr. Zhao |

There was a little bit of smog when I went there, but it cleared up the next day! There are many bank buildings around, with different architectural styles! I like it very much~

By June Lotus |

The Huangpu River runs through the center of Shanghai, with tall buildings lining both sides and the river flowing endlessly.

By Watercolor car and Melaleuca |

A big river running through Shanghai, it carries the history of a city and is the soul of Shanghai.

By Jiushe is wealthy |

The Bund is beautiful, and it is even more beautiful at night. It is very spectacular.

By Jingmo 🌸Open |

You must visit it when you cruise the Huangpu River at night. The night view is super beautiful. You must stand on the third floor of the cabin to appreciate the super beautiful night view, but you need to wear more clothes.

By Black, White and Gray |

I remember that was when I was in college and was crazy about photography. I came to Shanghai from Hangzhou with my tripod. I went to see Monet's exhibition. In the evening, I couldn't resist the urge to take pictures, so I asked Bao Bao to go to the Bund with me. This picture was stitched together after taking 5 photos. It seems that it took a long time to edit.

By Bai Xubo |

The Huangpu River viewed from east to west is called the "Bund", and there is no unified name for it when viewed from west to east. Calling it Lujiazui seems a bit too broad, and calling it Binjiang Avenue is not enough to represent those buildings. In any case, I personally think that this skyline ranks first in China. The second is Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, and the others are still a little behind.

In addition, it seems that the Jinmao Center among the three-piece set is about to fall behind, and is almost completely blocked by the twin towers of the IFC Center in front.

By Viya |

I went to the Huangpu River to see the night view. I originally wanted to take a sightseeing bus to the Oriental Pearl Tower, but I missed the last bus.

By silver |

It is recommended to cruise the Huangpu River at night. When the lights on both sides are turned on, it will be beautiful and prosperous.

By Lu Fei |

The night view of the Huangpu River, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and No. 18 The Bund is breathtaking.

By chencurl |

Shanghai's mother river, the night view is so charming.

By Elves in ancient Greece |

The Huangpu River is really wide, not much wider than the Haihe River in Tianjin, but the yellow water doesn’t seem that beautiful. After all, I have been amazed by the turquoise water of the Victoria Harbour.

By Charbin |

The night view is twice as prosperous as Guangzhou. It feels great to have Italian food on the roof of a building over 90 stories high and look at the Huangpu River.

By white ball |

Across the wide Huangpu River are tall buildings. People are taking a rest by the river, quietly enjoying the breeze. There are many children playing here. It is a landscape of a modern park.

By soul |

This is worth going, there are always many ships passing by, and it is a busy waterway.

By 💋 Conch Girl |

I've seen both Victoria Harbour and Huangpu River, and I think the night view of Huangpu River is better than Victoria Harbour. You can either watch the night view of Pudong from the other side, or take a boat tour of Huangpu River.

By ARNO |

The beauty of the Huangpu River lies in the modern skyscrapers on the other side!

By Frustrated Lover |

The river that runs through Shanghai is quite meaningful both historically and now.

By Fat Ying |

There is a gentle breeze, and it is cool even in the hottest days of summer.

By .. |

The night view of Shanghai is really amazing, and there are a lot of people. It is a must-see place in Shanghai.

By Big Bad Wolf |

Shanghai's landmarks can be viewed by taking a night boat tour on both sides of the river.

By Sister Baona |

This location is the best place to see the Shanghai Tower, and there are so many people coming here to take wedding photos! There are so many people at night

By Yu Dagou |

It's wider, clearer, and more crowded than I imagined.

By A Hao can't get fat |

The river that runs through the urban area of Shanghai flows northward to the Yangtze River. The best view of the Huangpu River is on the Bund, especially at night when the lights are bright and dazzling.

By Free and refreshing breeze |

The banks of the Huangpu River are the most economically prosperous areas in China.

By Sweet |

The fence was already filled with people waiting for the lights to come on. Grabbing a good spot was even more important on rainy days.

At 7 o'clock sharp, the lights come on.

Compared to the colorful scene on the other side of the Huangpu River, the other side is filled with golden lights and dreamy reflections in the water on the ground.

Before we knew it, the rain had stopped and we were glad that we didn't give up this beautiful night.

By Earthly Dreams |

Shanghai at night is beautiful at night. It is a good place to go shopping and take photos.

By J who loves coffee |

This is the Bund, this is the Huangpu River, and this is also the landmark of Shanghai.

By Dust-soaked Dust-soaked |

I went to Shanghai with my sister. Since the Huangpu River is a famous tourist attraction in Shanghai, we took a ferry in the evening. The ferry was a bit shabby, like an old fishing boat, but it wasn't anywhere else that was more comfortable, so we just made do. It was a good way to see the sights.

By Spring Sunshine |

I had the opportunity to travel around the Huangpu River in Shanghai, and visited the Bund, North Bund, and Riverside Avenue, each with its own unique charm.

By Katherine Klaus |

In the evening, take a cruise on the Huangpu River. As it gets dark, you can see the beautiful night view, which is very nice.

By Xu Weidong |

I went there specifically in the evening, mainly to see the night view of the Huangpu River. Sitting on a sightseeing boat and taking a trip back and forth, the scenery was indeed endless.

By Walter Jin |

It's very pleasant to have dinner by the Huangpu River

By Return to the Wild Buddy |

I really don't understand why the scenic spots are divided so finely.

By lovely_pipipi |

The night view of the Huangpu River is truly stunning, with the visual impact of the castle and skyscrapers. It's not as stunning during the day as it is at night (。・ω・。)ノ♡. We took a cruise, and a good seat on the top deck cost 51 yuan. Things on the boat are also quite expensive. A hot dog was 10 yuan each ✺◟(∗❛ัᴗ❛ั∗)◞✺Shanghai is so beautiful at night~( ̄▽ ̄~)~

By What about the officers? |

I still recommend going to see the night view at night and taking a walk on both sides of the Huangpu River, which is very pleasant.

By Chess Chess, Sir |

A river of history engraved with classics, carrying the profound charm of Shanghai's journey to the world.

By るぎれん |

Goodbye* Worth meeting~~~ Erduo World~

By pia |

Walking along Nanjing Road, the crowds of people pushed me forward, and I felt the most stunning Bund view. Alone under a shared starry sky, I was just like the flowing sand, erased by time and space. The vastness lies not only in the vitality of the countless people, but also in the pearls of tomorrow that are guiding the voyage and the spirit of cohesion.

By Maple Snail |

The night view is beautiful, but there are too many people. I went there on a non-holiday and there were still huge crowds of people. It is hard to imagine what the scene would be like on a holiday.

By Forgetful |

All the charm of old Shanghai is concentrated here, the mother river of Shanghai.

By YJ |

The Huangpu River is very Shanghai, and the night view with bright lights is really beautiful.

By Cryteek |

Because I was traveling with my elderly family, I didn't run around looking for camera positions. The scenery of the Bund is naturally very unique and great. I was able to secretly fly the drone. Although law enforcement would ask you to land within 1 minute, I still had 1 minute to take pictures (●—●)

By Donut |

Beautiful, booked tickets online, exchanged tickets and boarded the ship at No. 481, Shiliupu, the journey takes 45 minutes. In winter, it is recommended to take the 5 o'clock boat. You can see the scenery both during the day and at night. It is beautiful.

By Iceforsnow |

Located on the Bund, the Huangpu River is visible from the observation deck across the street. Looking out over the river, you can see the Oriental Pearl Tower. It's recommended to see it at night. It was raining and snowing when I went, so it was very cold by the river.

By Mingming_MESSI |

The night view of the Huangpu River is really nice. Feeling the wind, watching the cruise ship passing by, and the sound of the whistle seem to take you back to the Republic of China period.

By Little C's Husky |

I took the Huangpu River ferry once during the day and at night. I have to say it was awesome.

By Jenny |

The Huangpu River, known as Shanghai's mother river, divides the city into Puxi and Pudong. On one side is the Bund, and on the other is Lujiazui. At night, when the lights come on, it's truly dazzling and captivating, sometimes even feeling like you're walking with the wind!

There are ferries and cruise ships on the Huangpu River, where you can experience the flowing scenery.

By An Ran |

It's a lively night cruise on the Huangpu River. There are many people and you can use the ticket to exchange for snacks.

By Kéνǐη |

Everyone who comes to Shanghai will check in here. If you go there for the first time, you will definitely think it is beautiful, but if you go there too many times, you will find it boring. It is nice to blow the river breeze here in the summer evening.

By Footprints in the Great Forest |

The Huangpu River is very beautiful at night. You can also take a cruise on the river to see the scenery on both sides!

By Mufeng Travel Notes |

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's landmark river, flowing through downtown Shanghai and dividing the city into Puxi and Pudong. A vital waterway in Shanghai, the Huangpu River joins the Wusong River (Suzhou Creek) at Baidu Bridge in the heart of the city before emptying into the Yangtze River at Wusongkou. It is the Yangtze River's last tributary before it flows into the East China Sea.

The Huangpu River is approximately 113 kilometers long and 300 to 770 meters wide. It originates from Dianshan Lake in Dianfeng, Zhujiajiao Town, Qingpu District, Shanghai. Dianshan Lake receives a lot of water from the upper Taihu Lake basin. "Pu" means river in ancient Wu language, and generally refers to an artificial river. The lower reaches of the Huangpu River were once called Huangxiepu and Chunshenjiang. Some say that this is because Shanghai was once the fief of Huang Xie, the Chunshen Lord of Chu during the Warring States Period. [1]

The two banks of the Huangpu River represent the essence of Shanghai's urban landscape. [2] Several under-river automobile tunnels and bridges have been built across the Huangpu River. The Huangpu River is a multifunctional river serving as a source of drinking water, shipping, flood and water drainage, fisheries, and tourism.

By yangzi |

Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River, and cruise through the city at night. Does it belong to you?

By Watching the clouds roll and unfold |

At this moment, the Huangpu River is ablaze with color and breathtaking beauty. Who could have imagined that, long ago, Shanghai was a desolate swamp, with a shallow river winding through its center? Heavy rains caused flooding; less rains turned the river upside down, causing great suffering for the people. During the Warring States Period, Huang Xie, the prime minister of Chu, understood the cause and led the people to dredge and manage the river, directing it northward directly into the Yangtze River estuary and ultimately into the East China Sea. From then on, both sides of the river lived and worked in peace and contentment, regardless of drought or flooding. Grateful for Huang Xie's kindness, the people named this great river the Huang Xie River, or Huangpu for short. Later, Huang Xie was granted the title of Lord Chunshen, and the river became known as the Chunshen River. This is also the origin of Shanghai's abbreviation, "Shen."

The Bund in Shanghai looks particularly charming at night: the neon lights on both sides of the Huangpu River are dazzling, reflected on the surface of the river, which presents a sparkling and colorful scene, which is simply magnificent!

By capital |

Cruise tour, and afternoon tea, highly recommended

By Xiaobu |

Looking across the river, the lights are brilliant and so beautiful!

By Cai Bosi |

The Huangpu River is a landmark river in Shanghai. It flows through the city and divides the city into Puxi and Pudong. The two banks of the Huangpu River represent the essence of Shanghai's urban landscape.

By Peak Search Without Boundaries |

The Huangpu River is Shanghai's iconic waterway, and its banks embody the essence of Shanghai's cityscape, including the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the Waibaidu Bridge. A Huangpu River cruise is a must-do when visiting the river; admiring the scenery on both sides is a truly unique experience—one you won't regret.

By ~0~Perspective |

It's a great experience to cruise the Huangpu River at night and enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides of the river on the boat

By White horse whistles in the west wind |

All we see are the high-rise buildings in Lujiazui, but the lighting on the exterior walls of the buildings is quite distinctive.

By Maple |

The scenery along the river is picturesque, and most importantly, it's free. I definitely recommend coming here to take a look. There are also many well-preserved buildings on both sides of the river, and the various styles will definitely make your memory explode.

By Edison, South |

On my first afternoon in Shanghai, I took a Huangpu River cruise. The views from the cruise were truly amazing! You can see both the bustling Lujiazui and the classic Bund. The Huangpu River is truly stunning!