Shanghai Night Tours – Top 7 Night Activities

As the sun goes down and the bustle of the day gives way to night, Shanghai takes on a new and exciting perspective. The top 7 night activities to do in Shanghai include a visit to the Bund, a Huangpu River cruise, a tour along Nanjing Road by sightseeing bus and the night market around Old City God Temple. Undoubtedly, these will give you a far different experience compared with any during day time. You can explore the other side of Shanghai and appreciate the stunning night views of the city.
 

1  

The Bund & Night Cruising on Huangpu River

Shanghai Night Tour
As the landmark of Shanghai, the Bund flaunts a cluster of exotic buildings. At night, the scenery is even more gorgeous. Besides wandering along the road to appreciate the buildings, a one-hour night cruise on the Huangpu River can be enjoyable. On the east side of the river stand the eye-popping tall skyscrapers while the west side witnesses the splendid past of Shanghai. You can enjoy one of the most beautiful night views in the whole of China from the river.  

 Cruise Route 1:
Shiliupu Wharf near the Bund – Yangpu Bridge – Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) – Jin Mao Tower – International Convention Center – Nanpu Bridge – Oriental Pearl Tower – Waibaidu Bridge – Monument to the People's Heroes – Observatory on the Bund – Shiliupu Wharf  

Location: Shiliupu Wharf, No. 481, East Zhongshan Road
Cruise ships available: 18:00 - 22:00
Ticket Fare: CNY 120

 Cruise Route 2:
Qinhuangdao Wharf – Waibaidu Bridge – Monument to the People's Heroes – Observatory on the Bund – Shiliupu Wharf  – Yangpu Bridge – Oriental Pearl Tower – Nanpu Bridge – International Convention Center – Jin Mao Tower– Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) – Qinhuangdao Wharf

Location: Qinhuangdao Wharf, No. 32, Qinhuangdao Road
Cruise ships available: 18:50 - 21:55
Ticket Fare: CNY 120

 Recommended Tour:  2 Days Shanghai with Huangpu River Night Cruise from $309

 Huangpu River Cruise Booking
2 

Night Tour on Nanjing Road by Dang-dang Sightseeing Bus

Nanjing Road at Night
Nanjing Road, featuring a variety of commodities and ancient buildings, is one of the most famous streets in Shanghai. In the evening, the whole street is illuminated by colorful neon lights. Taking a Dang-dang Sightseeing bus from either the east or west end of Nanjing Road, you can appreciate the fabulous street within several minutes. The 1.5 km long busy street lined with shops in various styles offers you a glimpse of Shanghai at night.

Available time of sightseeing bus: 08:00 – 22:30
Bus fare: CNY 5
3 

Enjoy Night View from Shanghai Tower

Overlooking the City from Shanghai Tower
Enjoy night views on Shanghai Tower is one of the best Shanghai night tours. Shanghai Tower is the tallest building in China, whose height is around 632m (2,074ft). Standing on the 118th floor with the height of 546m (1,791ft), you can not only overlook other skyscrapers, but also enjoy a panoramic night view through the clear glass. Also, the fastest elevator in the world with the speed of 20.5 m/s is impressing.

Open Time: 08:30 - 21:30
Price: CNY 180 for adults; CNY 90 for children between 1.0m - 1.4m; Free for children under 1.0m

 Book a Shanghai Tower ticket.
 Read more on Lujiazui Area in Pudong, gathering a cluster of skyscrapers.
4 

Night Market around Yu Garden & Old City God Temple

Yuyuan Mart at Night
Apart from enjoying the exquisite Yu Garden in the day time, strolling around the night bazaar near Yu Garden and Old City God Temple can be a must do activity in Shanghai at night. The night market which is famous for tasty snacks, small wares and traditional artifacts opens till around 22:00. It is a good place to purchase some souvenirs and learn about the Shanghai’s old traditions. The ancient buildings decorated with brilliant lights make it a good choice for Shanghai night tour.
 Book a Yu Garden Ticket.
5 

Night Life in Xintiandi

Xin Tian Di at Night
Xintiandi is transformed from the old-style Shikumen residences and now you can still see these unique buildings. Today, Xintiandi has become one of the most popular places in Shanghai as there are so many famous fashion brands, fancy restaurants and a variety of bars. It’s a top place for Shanghai night tour where you can have a drink with friends or enjoy performances at night clubs.
6 

Light Show of Pavilions of Expo 2010 Shanghai

Shanghai Expo Site at Night
This is the place where the World Expo in 2010 was held. At present, only 4 pavilions and the Expo Axis remain, and the Expo Axis has been converted into a large shopping center – Shiboyuan, also known as the River Mall. You can witness a fantastic light show after enjoying your shopping. The colored lights outside the pavilions change continuously and leave you with a deep impression. The China Art Museum in the distance was the former national pavilion of China, whose night view is also very beautiful.
 
7 

Shanghai Circus World

Shanghai Circus World
Going to see a performance of “ERA Intersection of Time” is one of the best things to do in Shanghai at night. Reckoned to be the No. 1 circus of China, Shanghai Circus World’s most exciting performance is undoubtedly “ERA Intersection of Time”. The performance consists of 8 shows and combines elements of acrobatics, dance, drama, music and world-class multimedia technology. Differing from other circus performances, it has the characteristics of traditional Chinese ethnic art together with creative international choreography. The breath taking performances are definitely a feast for the eyes.

Time: 19:30 - 21:00
Ticket Price: CNY 180/280/380/480/580  

 ERA-Intersection of Time Show Tickets Booking  
 Read more:
15 Free Things to Do in Shanghai
10 Non-Touristy Things to Do in Shanghai
Places of Interests in Shanghai: 12 Historical Sites to Explore​
- Last updated on Feb. 29, 2024 by Kate Liu -