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.

Attractions Location: Huangpu River, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Tickets: free

Opening hours:
All day (Monday to Sunday, January 1st to December 31st)

Contact Details: 021-63500493

Transportation:
Take bus No. 305/317/33/55/576/65 to Zhongshan East 2nd Road, Jinling East Road (bus stop), and walk to the destination.
Take Metro Line 10/14 to Yu Garden (subway station) and walk about 1.1 kilometers to the destination.

Time reference: 1-3 hours


Recommended itinerary for Huangpu River tours

1‑Day Itinerary

A perfect introduction to the riverfront: historic Bund and river cruise.

  • Morning: Start at The Bund—walk along Zhongshan Road (No.1–No.33 buildings), admire colonial architecture (~1.5 hrs).
  • Late Morning: Board a Huangpu River Cruise from Shiliupu Dock (~45 min to 1 hr).
  • Afternoon: Exit near Lujiazui, walk along Binjiang Avenue for skyline views (~45 min).

Accommodation/Food: Stay at Bund‑side hotel (e.g. Fairmont Peace Hotel). Lunch at “M on the Bund” or “Lost Heaven Bund.”

Souvenirs: Riverside souvenir shops sell skyline postcards, Bund retro art prints, mini ship models.


2‑Day Itinerary

Day 1 is classic riverfront; Day 2 explores nearby museums and riverside parks.

  • Day 1: Follow the 1‑day itinerary.
  • Day 2 Morning: Cross river via ferry or subway—take Metro Line 2 from Lujiazui → East Nanjing Road Station (~5 min), walk to Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center (~1 hr).
  • Afternoon: Walk or metro to Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (5 min ride), then stroll through Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (~1.5 hrs).

Accommodation/Food: Stay near People’s Square or Bund. Try “Xin Wang Hong Kong Café” or Nanjing Road food court.

Souvenirs: Planning Center models, Shanghai guidebooks, local snack packs, Nanjing Road-branded items.


3‑Day Itinerary

Add art and city heritage elements along the river’s south bank.

  • Days 1–2: As above.
  • Day 3 Morning: Take metro to South Bund area—Metro Line 4 → South Xizang Road station, transfer to Power Station of Art (~40 min total). Spend ~1.5 hrs.
  • Afternoon: Walk or taxi (~10 min) to Rockbund Art Museum (~1 hr), then continue exploring riverside art installations along South Bund (~30 min).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in South Bund boutique hotel. Enjoy café dining at art museum or riverside bar.

Souvenirs: Contemporary art postcards, exhibition catalogues, creative stationery.


4‑Day Itinerary

Combine river highlights with cultural landmarks in Puxi and Pudong.

  • Days 1–3: As above.
  • Day 4 Morning: Metro Line 2 to People’s Square, walk to Shanghai Museum (~1 hr), then walk to Bund (~10 min).
  • Afternoon: Take Metro Line 2 from East Nanjing Road → Lujiazui (~5 min), visit Oriental Pearl Tower observation deck (~1.5 hrs).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Lujiazui for skyline views. Dine at Din Tai Fung or “The Nest” in Super Brand Mall.

Souvenirs: Museum miniatures, Oriental Pearl Tower models, tea tins.


5‑Day Itinerary

Add parks and relaxing green space along the river’s west/north bank.

  • Days 1‑4: As above.
  • Day 5 Morning: Take Metro Line 12 or Bus 937 to Zhongshan Park, continue to Zhongshan Park Riverside (~30 min), stroll along riverside walk (~1 hr).
  • Afternoon: Continue to Shanghai Sculpture Park (Metro Line 7 to Changjiang Road → short taxi ~5 min). Enjoy sculpture gardens by the water (~1.5 hrs).

Accommodation/Food: Stay near Zhongshan Park area. Have dinner at local riverside seafood restaurant.

Souvenirs: Eco‑friendly crafts, sculpture postcards, plant‑based souvenirs.


6‑Day Itinerary

Explore another water‑town day trip and tie it back to river themes.

  • Days 1‑5: As above.
  • Day 6 Morning: Take Metro Line 9 → transfer to Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town (~1.5 hrs total). Boat ride along town canals (~30 min).
  • Afternoon: Walk the town’s bridges, gardens, and tea houses (~2–3 hrs), savor local snacks then return to central Shanghai (~1.5 hrs).

Accommodation/Food: Overnight in Zhujiajiao or return. Eat sticky rice balls, lotus root pastries, smoked fish by canals.

Souvenirs: Embroidered cloth shoes, bamboo fans, canal‑scenery postcards, rice paper fans.


7‑Day Itinerary

This final day ties together art, nature, high‑end shopping, and river views to wrap up the exploration.

  • Days 1‑6: As above.
  • Day 7 Morning: Take Metro Line 2 to Nanjing East Road, walk to Xintiandi (~15 min) and visit Shikumen History Museum (~1 hr).
  • Afternoon: Taxi or metro (~10 min) to Tianzifang, enjoy art shops, cafés, boutiques (~2 hrs). End the afternoon with a final sunset riverside walk along Binjiang Avenue or Bund promenade (~1 hr).

Accommodation/Food: Stay in Bund or Xintiandi area. Dine at “Boxing Cat Brewery”, “Shanghai Grandmother”, or a elegant riverside café.

Souvenirs: Tianzifang handmade jewelry, Xintiandi-themed postcards, Bund skyline photo books, river-themed charms.


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!