Ultimate guide to Huangpu's riverside wonders
The Huangpu River serves as a vital axis for urban development and a landmark of Shanghai, encapsulating the city's evolution through its dynamic riverside. Discover these tourist routes along the river, each offering a unique theme and highlights.
Route 1: Architectural wonders
Itinerary: Lujiazui area (Shanghai Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center) → Oriental Pearl Tower → East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → The Bund → Century-old architectural complex exhibition zone → Yuyuan Garden → City God Temple → Huangpu River cruise (Shiliupu wharf)
Approximately 12 kilometers, spanning Huangpu district and Pudong New Area.
Highlights:
- Skyline of the magic city: Ascend Shanghai Tower or Jinmao Tower to experience breathtaking views from hundreds of meters up.
- Shanghai International Light Festival: Held every September, featuring stunning light installations and shows at venues on both sides of the river.
Route 2: Haipai culture
Itinerary: Duolun Road cultural celebrity street → Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum → Beisuzhou Road historic buildings → The Grand Halls → North Bund International Passenger Center → Huangpu River cruise (Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal)
Approximately 10 km, within Hongkou district.
Highlights:
- Photography hotspots: Capture stunning views from the North Bund Air China viewing platform, The Stage observation deck at Sinar Mas Plaza, and the "Century Frame" viewing platform on Beisuzhou Road.
- "Light of Shanghai" cruise: Enjoy a quality buffet and classic river routes.
Route 3: Industrial transformation
Itinerary: Shanghai Fashion Center → Yangshupu Power Plant Relics Park → Yangpu Riverside People's City Construction Planning Exhibition Hall → Shanghai Waterworks Science & Technology Museum → Former site of Shanghai Shipyard Co Ltd → Huangpu River cruise (Qinhuangdao Road wharf)
Approximately 9 km, within Yangpu district.
Highlights:
- Along this route, you can also visit the WorldSkills Museum, the world's first skills-themed museum, showcasing the evolution and application of various skills.
- The No 3 workshop of the Shanghai Shipyard repair branch has been transformed into a cozy cafe.
Route 4: Red legacy
Itinerary: Memorials of the first, second and fourth National Congress of the Communist Party of China → Shanghai Lu Xun Museum → National Anthem Gallery → Former site of Huangpu wharf → Huangpu River cruise (Qinhuangdao Road wharf)
Approximately 22.3 km, spanning Huangpu, Jing'an, Hongkou, and Yangpu districts.
Highlights:
- "Digital First National Congress" VR experience: Travel back to 1921 Shanghai through immersive digital technology.
- City sightseeing tour bus (Red Tourism route): Visit multiple historical landmarks with a single ticket. Feel free to hop on and off at multiple stops along the way.
Route 5: Expo culture
Itinerary: China Art Museum, Shanghai → Shanghai Romance Park → Shanghai Expo Cultural Park → World Expo Museum → Huangpu River cruise (Shiliupu wharf)
Approximately 13 km, covering Pudong New Area and Huangpu district.
Highlights:
- Shenyuan Garden: Nestled within the Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, this garden provides a nighttime experience with a themed light show.
- Twin Hills: Located in the Shanghai Expo Cultural Park, this is China's first artificial, hollow mountain structure exceeding a height of 40 meters.
Route 6: Artistic charm
Itinerary: Shanghai Museum (People's Square Pavilion) → Luoyang VR project at X-META theme park → Great World (Dashijie) → Museum of Art Pudong → Huangpu River cruise (Oriental Pearl wharf)
Approximately 7 km, spanning Huangpu district and Pudong New Area.
Highlights:
- Huanghe Road: A must-visit destination for fans of the Chinese TV series Blossoms Shanghai.
- On Top of the Pyramid: The Civilization of Ancient Egypt: An immersive exploration of ancient Egyptian civilization at the Shanghai Museum, open until Aug 17.
Route 7:Sports scene
Itinerary: Huangpu River cruise (Longhua wharf) → Gate M → West Bund Theatre → Xuhui Riverside Skateboard Park → International Table Tennis Federation Museum/China Table Tennis Museum → Dock 1 Skate Park → World Expo Huangpu Sports Park → Huangpu Riverside Urban Park
Approximately 8 km, within Huangpu and Xuhui districts.
Highlights:
- Xuhui Riverside: With its stunning riverside views, artistic waterfront, and vibrant sports atmosphere, this riverside is celebrated as the "most beautiful section" of the Shanghai Marathon.
- Major events: Shanghai Sailing Open (March), Shanghai Marathon (December), FISE World Series – Shanghai leg, and more.
Route 8: Family fun
Itinerary: Shanghai Natural History Museum → North Bund International Passenger Center → Shanghai Postal Museum → Huangpu River cruise (Shiliupu wharf)
Approximately 15 km, covering Jing'an, Hongkou, and Huangpu districts.
Highlights:
- The North Bund International Passenger Center offers unique family-friendly attractions, including a wharf culture museum, a sailing park, and more.
- Specialty markets: Discover child-friendly markets along the Huangpu River.
Source: Official WeChat account of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism at "shanghaitourism"