Shanghai Night Tour: The Ultimate Guide to an Unforgettable Evening in the Magic City
As the sun sets, Shanghai transforms, and the real magic begins. A Shanghai night tour unlocks a different side of the city. The daytime heat fades, replaced by the glow of a million lights. Historic riverbanks face off against futuristic skylines.
Bustling streets give way to quiet, ancient canals. This guide will help you discover the best night views and plan your perfect evening adventure. For broader shanghai travel tips, including how to balance day and night activities, check out our comprehensive resources.
Classic Shanghai Night Tour Route: The Bund & Lujiazui
This route connects the city’s most iconic landmarks. It’s the perfect choice for your first night tour in Shanghai and complements any best of shanghai day tour you might be planning.
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
The energy here never stops. As night falls, neon signs and elaborate facades light up. Modern malls stand beside beautiful old European-style buildings. The atmosphere is electric.
Take a leisurely stroll through the crowds. For a fun view, hop on the vintage-style sightseeing tram. This area is also a food heaven. You’ll find everything from time-honored Shanghainese restaurants to international food chains.
Opening Hours: Street is 24/7. Shops usually open past 10:00 PM.
Address: Huangpu District, from Xizang Middle Road to Henan Middle Road.
Transport: Metro Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road Station.
Cost: Free.
Tip: The eastern end of the pedestrian street flows directly toward the Bund.
The Bund
This is Shanghai’s postcard view. Fifty-two historical buildings, known as the “Gallery of World Architecture,” line the waterfront. At night, they are bathed in golden light. Across the Huangpu River, the ultramodern towers of Lujiazui create a breathtaking contrast.
Walk along the riverside observation platform. It’s the best way to feel Shanghai’s blend of old and new. Look closely at the architectural details, then gaze across at the stunning skyline.
Light Show Hours: Generally 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM (may adjust in winter).
Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District.
Transport: A 10-15 minute walk from Nanjing Road. Or, Metro Line 14/10 to Yuyuan Garden Station.
Cost: Free.
Tip: The Bund is most crowded between 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Visit slightly earlier or later for more space.
Huangpu River Cruise
For a panoramic view of both sides, a boat cruise is a must-do on your Shanghai night tour. See the historic Bund and modern Lujiazui from the water. It gives you a whole new perspective on the city’s energy.
The classic route departs from Shiliupu Pier. It passes North Bund, Lujiazui, and the Nanpu Bridge before returning. The cruise lasts 45-60 minutes. The breeze feels great, and the lights are perfect for photos.
Night Cruise Times: Frequent departures between 7:00 PM – 9:30 PM.
Ticket Price: Standard night cruise ~150 RMB (~$20 USD). Themed or dinner cruises range from 200-500 RMB (~$28-$70 USD).
Booking: Book online in advance via platforms like “Huangpu River Official Tickets” WeChat mini-program or Ctrip. Exchange or validate your e-ticket at the pier.
Budget Tip: Take the public ferry for just 2 RMB (~$0.3 USD)! Try the Dongfu Line (Fuxing East Road Ferry ↔ Dongchang Road Ferry). The 10-minute ride is a fun, local way to cross the river.
Lujiazui Skywalk & The Oriental Pearl TV Tower
You’ve seen it from across the river. Now, step into the heart of the financial district. The circular Lujiazui Skywalk is a fantastic spot to photograph the “Three Giants” of Shanghai (Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Jin Mao Tower) and the Oriental Pearl.
Walk the skywalk and feel surrounded by giants. For the ultimate view, go up the Oriental Pearl Tower. The 259-meter transparent observation deck is thrilling—you stand on glass with the city below! The 263-meter main deck offers incredible 360° views. Don’t miss the historical photo exhibit comparing old and new Shanghai.
Opening Hours (Oriental Pearl): 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (last entry 8:30 PM).
Address: No.1 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong.
Transport: Metro Line 2 or 14 to Lujiazui Station.
Cost: Tickets required. Book via official or travel sites. The ticket includes the excellent Shanghai History Museum inside the tower’s base.
Tip: The tower’s lights usually turn off around 10:00 PM. Plan your visit accordingly.
Cultural Shanghai Night Tour Routes
If history and tradition call to you, these spots offer a different kind of nighttime beauty. They are perfect for those interested in historic shanghai tours after dark.
Yuyuan Garden & Old Street
Yuyuan is a 400-year-old classical Chinese garden. Seeing it at night is a special experience.
Join the “Yu Enjoy the Garden” night tour. This immersive, 50-minute guided walk takes you through the garden’s highlights. Lanterns softly illuminate pavilions, rockeries, and ponds. Even if you skip the tour, the surrounding Old Street is charming. White-walled buildings house teahouses, snack stalls, and craft shops. Find a classic teahouse and order “Yuanbao Tea,” served with two green olives for good luck. This area is also great for sampling authentic shanghai street food.
Night Tour Hours: Varies by season. Typically select evenings 6:30 PM – 9:50 PM. Book via the “Yuyuan” WeChat mini-program.
Old Street Hours: ~9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (until ~10:00 PM Fri/Sat).
Transport: Metro Line 10 or 14 to Yuyuan Garden Station.
Jing’an Temple
This dazzling golden temple sits right in the middle of the bustling Nanjing West Road shopping district. At night, its lights make it glow with a serene majesty. The contrast with the surrounding glass skyscrapers is unforgettable.
Admire the temple’s exterior and feel its peaceful vibe. Then, step right into the luxury boutiques and restaurants next door.
Night View: The exterior is beautifully lit until late.
Inner Visits: The temple interior closes at 5:00 PM.
Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing’an District.
Transport: Metro Line 2, 7, or 14 to Jing’an Temple Station.
Water Town Evenings: Zhujiajiao or Xinchang
For a peaceful escape, visit an ancient water town. Red lanterns reflect on quiet canals.
Zhujiajiao is a classic water town with stone bridges and narrow lanes. Take a boat ride or relax in a riverside teahouse. Reach it by Metro Line 17 to Zhujiajiao Station, then a 15-minute walk. Entry to the town is free.
Xinchang is less commercialized. Its evenings are tranquil and authentic. Explore small alleys with cozy bars and teahouses. It’s best reached by car or taxi from Metro Line 16’s Xinchang Station. Try local snacks like Xiasha steamed buns and ginger tea.
Level Up Your Shanghai Night Tour
Look for these special events to make your evening unique.
Museum Late Nights: Major museums like the Shanghai Museum sometimes host special late-night openings with markets and performances.
Outdoor Light Shows: Look for events like the “Jing’an International Light Festival” along Suzhou Creek, where buildings become canvases for art.
Park Night Events: Parks like Shanghai World Expo Culture Park host “Sparkling Nights” with open-air movies, music, and art.
Seasonal Lantern Festivals: Yuyuan Garden is spectacular during the Chinese New Year Lantern Festival.
Planning Your Shanghai Night Tour
Best Time: Start after 7:00 PM when lights are fully on. For river cruises, the 8:00 PM – 8:30 PM slot offers the best lighting.
Getting Around: Use the Metro combined with walking. Download the “Metro Daduhui” app for easy scan code rides. Taxis are hard to find and get stuck in traffic around popular spots like the Bund at night.
Where to Stay: For convenience, stay near Nanjing Road/People’s Square. For better value, choose a hotel near other stations on Lines 2 or 10 (like Jing’an Temple or South Shaanxi Road). Wondering how many days in shanghai you need? At least one dedicated evening for a proper Shanghai night tour is essential.
Sample Itineraries:
Classic Night: 6:30 PM Dinner on Nanjing Road → 8:00 PM The Bund → 9:00 PM Huangpu River Cruise → 10:00 PM Lujiazui Skywalk photos.
Cultural Night: 6:30 PM Yuyuan Old Street dinner & tea → 8:00 PM Yuyuan night tour or walk to the Bund → See Jing’an Temple lights.
Event Night: Build your evening around a special museum night, light show, or park event.
Leave the guidebook behind, let the city’s rhythm guide you, and watch as your own Shanghai night tour story unfolds. The city is waiting to show you its brightest side after dark.
