Ultimate guide to Huangpu's riverside wonders

english.shanghai.gov.cn| May 27, 2025
The Huangpu River and the Bund shine in perfect harmony.jpg
The Huangpu River and the Bund shine in perfect harmony. [Photo/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism]

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

Architectural wonders.jpg
Explore the iconic skyscrapers of Lujiazui, marveling at the century-old architectural wonders of the Bund and enjoying a cruise amid the dazzling lights along the Huangpu River. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, VCG]

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

Haipai culture.jpg
Explore the cultural convergence of Hongkou district, the birthplace of Haipai culture, as you discover the rich human stories along the Huangpu River. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, WeChat account of "shhongkou", thegrandhalls.com]

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

Industrial transformation.jpg
Witness a century of transformation in Shanghai along the Huangpu River, where industry meets fashion. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, in-sfc.com, shyp.gov.cn]

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

Red legacy.jpg
Discover the revolutionary history of China along the Huangpu River, tracing the roots of the Communist Party of China. [Photos/VCG, jfdaily.com, gov.cn, luxunmuseum.cn]

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

Expo culture.jpg
Relive the grandeur of the World Expo 2010 Shanghai China, visiting iconic sites like the China Art Museum and the Expo Cultural Park. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, expo-museum.org, VCG]

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

Artistic charm.jpg
Engage with Shanghai's cultural and artistic charm through museums, performances, and exhibitions along the river. [Photos/museumofartpd.org.cn, shanghaimuseum.net, Great World]

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

Sports scene.jpg
Experience the sports and cultural scene along the Huangpu River, visiting major event venues. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, sh.gov.cn, thepaper.cn, Shanghai Observer]

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

Family fun.jpg
Enjoy a family-friendly journey through nature and culture along the river. [Photos/Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Hongkou district culture and tourism affairs center, snhm.org.cn]

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"