Shanghai, China

Cruises to-from Shanghai

Shanghai - China's largest city and the main maritime gateway to East Asia. It is a megacity that welcomes millions of travellers every year. This municipality under direct central government administration spreads across the Yangtze River Delta, right where the Huangpu River flows into the East China Sea. Here, more than 1,250 years of port history intertwine with some of the world's most cutting-edge architecture: the colonial-era Bund promenade gazes straight across the water at the futuristic skyline of Lujiazui, and a stroll down Nanjing Road can easily flow into dinner with a view of the world's busiest container port. 
For a cruise traveller, Shanghai is far more than a stop on the map. It is East Asia's leading cruise hub, from which liners set sail for Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and even world cruises operated by premium brands. In 2025, more than 1.85 million cruise passengers passed through the Port of Shanghai — 35% more than the year before — while the number of ship calls grew by 17.5%, reaching 544 voyages. These figures confirm Shanghai's standing as China's largest cruise port and one of the leading ports in the entire Asia-Pacific region. 🚢

📋 Before you set sail on a cruise from Shanghai or step ashore for a few hours in port, here's what you need to know:
🇨🇳 Country: People's Republic of China
📍 Region: Shanghai — a provincial-level municipality under direct central administration, Yangtze River Delta, East China
👥 Population: about 24.9 million residents (metropolitan area — over 34 million)
📐 Area: 6,340.5 km²
🗣️ Languages: Standard Mandarin (Putonghua, official); locals often speak Shanghainese, part of the Wu Chinese group; English — limited, mainly in tourist areas
💰 Currency: Chinese yuan renminbi (CNY)
🕐 Time zone: China Standard Time (UTC+8), no daylight-saving shift — 5 hours ahead of Kyiv time in summer and 6 hours ahead in winter
☀️ Climate: humid subtropical, with hot and humid summers (+28…+33 °C) and cool, damp winters, often with temperatures close to freezing (0…+8 °C)
✈️ Nearest airport: Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) — the city's main international hub and one of the busiest airports in the world
⚓ Official name of the port: Shanghai Port, operated by Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. (SIPG)
🗺️ Scale of the port: the world's busiest container port (over 50 million TEU in both 2024 and 2025); cruise ships are served by three dedicated terminals

🏛️ The history of Shanghai — from a fishing village to the world's largest port
⏳ Over 1,250 years of port history
The history of Shanghai is essentially the story of a modest fishing village transforming into the largest port on Earth. The first settlers reached the mouth of the Yangtze roughly 6,000 years ago, living by fishing and hunting, and a trading settlement gradually took shape here during the Qin and Han dynasties. In 751, Huating County was established along with Qinglong Port, which conducted maritime trade with Japan and Korea until the silting of the riverbed forced commerce to shift closer to today's city centre.
In 1267, «Shanghai Town» was founded as one of seven official maritime customs bureaus of China at the time, and in 1292, under the Yuan dynasty, Shanghai County was established. By the 18th–19th centuries, the port had grown into the largest in southern China, welcoming merchants from Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and the Arab world. 
⚔️ From treaty port to global megacity
The turning point came in 1842: after the First Opium War, the Treaty of Nanjing opened Shanghai to foreign trade, and by 1843 the city had officially become a treaty port. This is when the International Settlement and the French Concession emerged — entire districts under foreign jurisdiction where banks, trading houses, and Asia's first skyscrapers quickly rose. In July 1921, the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China convened right here in Shanghai, and by the 1930s the city had earned the nickname «Paris of the East» for its glamour, cosmopolitanism, and status as the region's financial capital.
1937 brought the Japanese occupation, and the foreign concessions were finally dissolved in the mid-1940s. After the founding of the People's Republic of China in 1949, the city's foreign trade stalled for decades, and it was only the «Reform and Opening-up» policy of 1978 that returned Shanghai to the world stage. The 1990s brought a true renaissance: in 1990, development began on the new Pudong district, turning former rice paddies into the futuristic Lujiazui financial quarter, and in 2010 the city hosted the World Expo — drawing more than 73 million visitors, a record for such events that still stands today. 🏙️

⚓ The Port of Shanghai — Asia's maritime gateway
📊 Scale and structure of the port
Today's Shanghai Port is far more than its cruise terminals — it is the largest container port on the planet. It comprises the deep-water Yangshan area, linked to the mainland by the Donghai Bridge, river terminals along the Huangpu, and the container complex at Waigaoqiao. Shanghai overtook Singapore back in 2010 to become the world's busiest container port, and in 2024 and 2025 it set a world record two years running, handling over 50 million TEU annually.
For cruise travellers, three dedicated passenger terminals matter most. The Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, in Baoshan District at the confluence of the Huangpu and Yangtze rivers, opened in 2011 and earned the nickname «Eye of the East» for its silvery, wave-shaped facade. Its waterfront stretches for 1.6 km and can host up to four liners of up to 150,000 GT simultaneously; since opening, it has welcomed more than 2,400 ship calls and 15 million passengers. The Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, on the North Bund in Hongkou District, is the closest to downtown (just 5 km) and handles smaller and luxury liners of up to 70,000–80,000 GT. And the Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal, in Pudong, serves the world's largest liners — up to 200,000 GT — and can accommodate up to five ships at once. ✨

🚢 How many liners the port can handle
In 2025, Shanghai's three terminals together handled 544 cruise ship calls — 17.5% more than the year before — and welcomed a record 1.85 million passengers (up 35% on 2024). On peak days, the port can host three liners simultaneously: the record-breaking weekend of 28–29 March 2026 brought nearly 5,900 foreign passenger visits in a single day and more than 20,000 passenger movements overall, with 91% of foreign visitors entering China visa-free.

🏢 Which cruise lines operate from Shanghai
Ships from leading international and Chinese brands sail from the Port of Shanghai: MSC Cruises (MSC Bellissima, MSC Magnifica), Royal Caribbean International (Spectrum of the Seas), and TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff), as well as Shanghai's own home-grown Chinese brand, Adora Cruises, with its ships Adora Magic City and Adora Flora City — the first cruise vessels ever built in China. Shanghai is also increasingly hosting liners on world cruise itineraries, cementing its role as one of the key hubs for travel across Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia. 🌏

💡 Fascinating facts about Shanghai and its port
Getting to know the city is even more rewarding once you know a few lesser-known details:
🌉 The Bund and Lujiazui are two banks of the same river — and two entirely different eras. On one side of the Huangpu stand colonial-era buildings from the early 20th century; on the other, the towers of Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
🚄 The Shanghai Maglev is the fastest commercial magnetic-levitation train in the world. It covers the 30 km from Pudong Airport to the city in under 8 minutes, reaching speeds of up to 431 km/h.
🏗️ Standing 632 metres tall, Shanghai Tower is the world's second-tallest skyscraper and the tallest building in China.
🌸 The city's official flower is the white yulan magnolia, which also appears on Shanghai's emblem.
🚇 The Shanghai Metro is the longest subway network in the world, spanning more than 800 kilometres of track.
📦 The Port of Shanghai has been the world's busiest container port since 2010, and in both 2024 and 2025 it broke the world record two years in a row, surpassing 50 million TEU annually.
🚢 Adora Magic City is the first large cruise ship ever built entirely in China. In 2025 alone, it completed 170 voyages and carried around 672,000 tourists.
🎭 It was in Shanghai, in July 1921, that the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China took place — an event that changed the country's history.
🏯 Yu Garden, a classical Chinese garden from the Ming dynasty, hides in plain sight among the skyscrapers of the historic centre.

📍 Shanghai's must-see landmarks for cruise travellers
A cruise ship's stay in Shanghai typically lasts between 8 and 12 hours, so it pays to set your priorities in advance. A detailed list with photos, addresses, and opening hours can be found in the «Landmarks and Places of Interest» section — below is a brief overview of the iconic locations that define the city's character.
🌉 The Bund — a historic 1.5 km waterfront promenade lined with early 20th-century colonial buildings, offering the best views of futuristic Lujiazui.
🏙️ Lujiazui — the financial district on the opposite bank of the Huangpu, home to the skyscrapers Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, the SWFC (the «bottle opener»), and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
🏯 Yu Garden — a classical 16th-century Chinese garden surrounded by an old bazaar full of shops and street food.
🛍️ Nanjing Road — China's main pedestrian shopping street, running from People's Square all the way to the Bund.
🏛️ The French Concession — plane-tree-lined streets with colonial villas, boutiques, and cafés — the city's most atmospheric district.
💧 Zhujiajiao — an ancient water town about an hour from downtown, with canals, stone bridges, and Ming-dynasty architecture.
🎡 Shanghai Disneyland — one of Asia's largest theme parks, a great option for a family cruise stop if you have a longer time in port.
🏛️ Shanghai Museum, on People's Square — home to one of the world's richest collections of classical Chinese art.

✨ Why choose a cruise from Shanghai
Shanghai — is one of those rare megacities where everything comes together perfectly for a cruise traveller.
First, the logistics are seamless: Pudong Airport receives direct and connecting flights from dozens of countries worldwide, while the high-speed maglev and metro get you downtown in minutes. ✈️
Second, the choice of routes is remarkable: cruises from Shanghai head to Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia, alongside world voyages run by premium brands. 🌊
Third, the port itself is an experience in its own right: even if you've arrived just in time to board, it's worth setting aside a day beforehand to take in the contrast between the Bund and Lujiazui, stroll through Yu Garden, and try dim sum in the old town. 🥟

The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you choose the ideal liner, itinerary, and cabin, take care of airport transfer details and Chinese visa arrangements, and offer exclusive rates from MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Adora Cruises, and other leading brands we work with as a priority partner in Ukraine. 🤝

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general reference and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the professionals

How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Shanghai

Shanghai — one of the world's largest megacities, and getting to the cruise terminal here has its own nuances. Unlike most European ports, the city welcomes liners at two separate terminals located more than 20 kilometres apart: Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in the industrial Baoshan district, where the vast majority of mega-ships dock, and the compact Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal on the North Bund — just 5 km from the famous Bund waterfront. Below is a verified step-by-step guide with all transfer options, up-to-date prices and tips from the Four Gates Group cruise specialists. 🎯

📍 Where exactly is the Shanghai cruise port located
Shanghai operates two main cruise terminals, and your entire transfer route depends on which one is listed on your cruise voucher:

⚓ Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal (吴淞口国际邮轮港, Baoshan District) — the main hub for mega-ships, located where the Yangtze, Huangpu and Yunzaobang rivers meet:
• Serves mostly large liners: Royal Caribbean (Spectrum of the Seas), MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Holland America Line, AIDA Cruises, TUI Cruises (Mein Schiff)
• Can accommodate several large liners at once, with a 774-metre-long quay
📌 GPS address: No. 1 Baoyang Road, Baoshan District, Shanghai
🚶 Distance to city centre: about 24–25 km from the Bund waterfront

⚓ Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (上海港国际客运中心, North Bund, Hongkou District) — a compact terminal in the heart of the city, facing the Lujiazui skyline:
• Serves mostly smaller and luxury liners: Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Azamara, Silversea, Viking Ocean Cruises
• Can accommodate up to three ships of 70,000–80,000 tons at once
📌 GPS address: No. 500 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai
🚶 Distance to city centre: about 5 km from the Bund waterfront — a 10–15-minute walk

⚓ Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal — a third, backup terminal in the newer Pudong district, used for select sailings during peak season. Located 26 km from the city centre.

❗ Important: always check exactly which terminal is listed on your cruise voucher — Wusongkou and Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal are more than 20 km apart, and mixing them up means losing several hours of precious time. Cruise lines sometimes change the terminal a few weeks before departure, so verify the details 48–72 hours before boarding.

✈️ From Shanghai's airports to the cruise terminal
Shanghai is served by two international airports. Pudong International Airport (PVG) handles almost all international flights, including those from Ukraine (via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, Warsaw and other hubs), while Hongqiao International Airport (SHA) mostly serves domestic and regional Asian routes. The journey from the airports to the port takes anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the terminal and mode of transport.

🚕 Taxi — the simplest option
Official Shanghai taxis queue up at the arrivals exits; the meter starts running immediately.
• Pudong (PVG) → Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal: 50–65 minutes, 150–200 CNY
• Pudong (PVG) → Wusongkou: 50–70 minutes, 180–220 CNY
• Hongqiao (SHA) → Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal: 30–35 minutes, 70–90 CNY
• Hongqiao (SHA) → Wusongkou: about 50 minutes, 130–150 CNY
• Payment: cash (yuan) or card
• App: DiDi — the local equivalent of Uber, the easiest way to book a car in advance
💡 Four Gates tip: keep the terminal's name and address printed in Chinese characters — not all drivers understand English.

🚐 Private transfer — the most comfortable option
A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign, helps with your luggage and takes you straight to the right terminal for a fixed price.
• Cost: from 350 CNY for a sedan (1–3 people), from 550 CNY for a minivan (4–8 people) from Pudong Airport
• Travel time: 50–70 minutes depending on the terminal
• Benefits: fixed price, flight monitoring, English-speaking driver, no queuing for a taxi
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply share your flight number when booking your cruise.

🚄 Maglev + metro — a fast and unusual option from Pudong
Pudong Airport is connected to Longyang Road metro station by the world's fastest passenger train — the Shanghai Maglev, which reaches speeds of up to 431 km/h.
1️⃣ Maglev from the airport terminal to Longyang Road station — 8 minutes
2️⃣ Transfer to metro Line 2 or Line 7 towards the city centre
3️⃣ Then continue according to the route for your terminal (see the «From central Shanghai» section)
Cost: maglev — 50 CNY one way, 80 CNY round trip; metro — 4–8 CNY depending on distance
Travel time: about 1.5–2 hours to the port including transfers

🚇 Metro — the budget option
• To Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal: metro from the airport to International Cruise Terminal station (Line 12) with transfers — 70–90 minutes, 6–10 CNY
• To Wusongkou: metro to Baoyang Road station (Line 3), then a free shuttle to the terminal (every 15 minutes) — about 1.5–2 hours in total, 6–8 CNY
⚠️ Important: the Shanghai metro isn't well suited for large luggage — narrow turnstiles, frequent transfers, and crowded carriages during rush hour.

🚂 From the railway station to the cruise terminal
If you're arriving in Shanghai by high-speed train (from Beijing, Hangzhou, Suzhou or other Chinese cities), you'll arrive at either Shanghai Railway Station (the central station) or Hongqiao Railway Station (the high-speed rail hub in the west of the city, integrated with the airport of the same name).

From Shanghai Railway Station:
• To Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal: taxi — 20 minutes, 25–35 CNY; metro (Line 1 → Line 12) — 30–40 minutes, 4–6 CNY
• To Wusongkou: taxi — 40–45 minutes, 80–100 CNY; metro (Line 3 to Baoyang Road + shuttle) — about 1.5 hours, 6–8 CNY

From Hongqiao Railway Station:
• To Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal: taxi — 30–35 minutes, 70–90 CNY
• To Wusongkou: taxi — about 1 hour, 130–150 CNY
💡 Tip: if you have heavy luggage and your train arrives at Hongqiao while your terminal is Wusongkou, it's easiest to book a direct transfer in advance — going via metro transfers will take too long.

🏙️ From central Shanghai to the cruise terminal
If you've spent a night or a few days at a hotel in the city centre — around the Bund, People's Square or Nanjing Road — your options for reaching the ship differ significantly depending on the terminal.

To Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal (North Bund):
• 🚕 Taxi/DiDi: 10–15 minutes, 20–35 CNY — the terminal is practically in the city centre
• 🚇 Metro: Line 12 to International Cruise Terminal station — the exit leads directly to the terminal building
• 🚌 Bus: routes 37, 135 or 330 to the Dongdaming Road Lüshun Road stop
• 🚶 On foot: from the Bund — about 10–15 minutes along the Huangpu River

To Wusongkou:
• 🚕 Taxi/DiDi: 40–60 minutes depending on traffic, 80–120 CNY
• 🚇 Metro + shuttle: Line 3 to Baoyang Road station, then a free shuttle bus to the terminal (every 15 minutes) — about 1.5–2 hours in total
• ⚠️ Important: during rush hour (7:30–9:30 and 17:00–19:00), even a taxi ride to Wusongkou can take up to 90 minutes — build in extra time

🛴 Rental bikes and scooters (Hellobike, Meituan): popular in the city centre, but not suitable for reaching either cruise terminal — the distance is too great, and access to the port area is closed to them.

🚗 By car with a driver — parking near the port
Self-driving a rental car in Shanghai is difficult for foreign tourists, since it requires either a local licence or an international driving permit recognised in China (the list of eligible countries is limited), so this option mainly suits those using a private driver or a hotel transfer.

🅿️ Parking at Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal:
• Short-term parking for dropping off and picking up passengers — right by the terminal, at posted rates
• Long-term parking for the duration of the cruise — available only outside the terminal grounds, at nearby car parks
• ❗ The terminal is not responsible for theft of or damage to vehicles left in the car park

🅿️ Parking at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal:
• Underground and surface parking right next to the terminal building, convenient for a short stop
• For long-term parking during your cruise, using a hotel car park in the North Bund area is recommended

💡 Tip: parking rates change regularly and aren't always available in English — carry an Alipay or WeChat Pay card, or small amounts of cash in yuan.

🛣️ GPS route (from Pudong Airport to Wusongkou): A20 motorway (Outer Ring) → tunnel → Tongji Road → Baoyang Road to the end.

♿ Accessibility for passengers with reduced mobility
Both of Shanghai's cruise terminals are modern, multi-storey complexes built with the needs of passengers with reduced mobility in mind:
✅ Ships dock directly alongside the quay — tender boarding is not used
✅ Terminals are equipped with lifts and ramps for moving between check-in, customs and boarding areas
✅ The free shuttle to Wusongkou is wheelchair-accessible
✅ Terminal staff assist with boarding on request — notify your cruise line of any special needs in advance
✅ The Line 12 metro stations near Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal are equipped with lifts
⚠️ The lanes of the historic centre (Tianzifang, the old Yuyuan Garden) have uneven surfaces and steps — plan your route in advance if you're using a wheelchair.

⏰ When to arrive at the cruise terminal
Your arrival plan depends on whether Shanghai is your port of embarkation (the start or end of your cruise) or a port of call (a stop of a few hours during your itinerary).

🛳️ If Shanghai is your port of embarkation:
🕐 Check-in usually opens 3–4 hours before the ship's departure — there's no point arriving earlier, as the terminal won't yet be accepting passengers
🕑 Because of additional passport and customs checks (Shanghai is an international port of entry to China), allow 30–60 minutes more for formalities than at European ports
🕒 Boarding deadline: usually 60–90 minutes before departure
🪪 Carry your passport and cruise voucher; if you're travelling as part of an organised group, you should also carry proof of participation in the programme — this is required for the group visa-free arrangement for cruise passengers

⚓ If Shanghai is a port of call:
🕓 The stop usually lasts 8–12 hours — go by the exact time stated in your cruise voucher rather than general guidelines
🕔 The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on board 60–90 minutes before the stated departure time
🕕 If you're planning an independent excursion without an organised group, check with your cruise operator in advance about the entry conditions for your nationality — these depend on exactly how your trip is arranged
❗ The deadline for returning to the ship is especially critical in Shanghai: the city is vast and rush-hour traffic is unpredictable. Allow at least 2 hours of buffer time for the journey back to the port.

💡 Tips from the Four Gates Group experts
Over years of working with Shanghai, our cruise specialists have gathered a set of tips that will save you time, money and stress:

📱 Install the apps in advance: DiDi (taxis), Alipay (payments almost everywhere). Google Maps and WhatsApp don't work in China without a VPN or a roaming eSIM — sort this out before you fly.

💴 Carry cash in yuan. Although Shanghai is practically a cashless city, small vendors near the port and old-school taxi drivers sometimes accept cash only.

🌅 Fly in a day before your cruise. A long-haul flight and a possible delay are too great a risk to arrive on the same day. Shanghai is worth spending at least one night in before departure.

💼 Book your transfer in advance, especially if your terminal is Wusongkou: the taxi queue at the airport during peak hours can take 30–40 minutes, plus another hour on the road.

🪪 Carry a copy of your passport and entry stamp. In China, you may be asked to show this at your hotel, a museum, or even on the metro.

🗣️ Have the names of terminals and key locations written in Chinese characters. Show the driver the text instead of pronouncing the name — it will make your trip much quicker and easier.

☕ Don't rush to the terminal 5 hours before boarding. Shanghai's terminals have limited cafés and waiting areas — it's better to spend your time in the city centre, especially if your terminal is Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, just 10 minutes from the Bund.

🏨 Choose a hotel in the North Bund area or central Pudong if you're boarding at Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal — from there it's 10–15 minutes to the port, making it easy to plan activities both before and after your cruise.

📞 Contacts for Shanghai's cruise terminals
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal: +86 21 6659 3501
Shanghai taxi dispatch (Dazhong Taxi): +86 21 96822
Shanghai tourist hotline: +86 21 6439 3615
National tourist complaints hotline: 12301
China's emergency services: police — 110, ambulance — 120, fire brigade — 119
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients): +38 097 653 05 53

Cruise logistics in Shanghai are more complex than at most European ports — mainly because of the distance between the two terminals and the language barrier. But even here, there's a well-established, predictable transfer system once you know the right option for your situation. The Four Gates Group cruise experts help our clients with every step, from choosing the best flight to Shanghai to arranging a private transfer with a name sign in the arrivals hall. Get in touch with our manager — and your cruise from Shanghai will start without a single moment of stress. 🛳️✨

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and is accurate as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises from the Professionals

Shanghai Landmarks and Places: A Complete Guide for Cruise Travelers

Shanghai — a city where you can see three centuries of history in a single day: the colonial architecture of the Bund, Buddhist temples with gilded roofs, and Asia's tallest skyscrapers, which have risen from rice paddies in less than a generation. Here, a 12-million-strong megacity lives to the rhythm of neon signs and high-speed elevators, yet an hour's drive from the centre hides century-old water towns with stone bridges and canals. The main thing for a cruise traveller to know about Shanghai is the distance: the Wusongkou cruise terminal lies well outside the city centre, so the itinerary needs planning in advance. Below is a verified guide to the key landmarks, with up-to-date 2026 prices, opening hours, and precise directions from the Wusongkou cruise port to every site. 🎯

🌉 1. The Bund (Waitan)
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Bund is Shanghai's calling card and Asia's most famous waterfront: along 1.5 kilometres beside the Huangpu River stand more than 50 buildings in Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical styles, built by British and other foreign architects in the early 20th century. This ensemble was once nicknamed the «Wall Street of the East» — it housed the leading foreign banks and trading houses. Today the contrast between the historic «European» bank and the futuristic silhouette of Pudong on the opposite shore is one of the most photographed views in the world. 📸
🔹 Before 1843 the site of the promenade was simply a muddy riverbank — development began after Shanghai opened to foreign trade.
🔹 The buildings are illuminated every evening: from May to October between 19:00 and 23:00, and from November to April between 18:00 and 22:00.
🔹 Across the river, Pudong has the largest concentration of skyscrapers in Asia — the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower and Jin Mao Tower are all visible straight from the promenade.
🔹 Entry to the Bund is free and it is open around the clock — one of the few 24-hour public spaces in the megacity.

📜 History:
After the First Opium War of 1842, Shanghai became one of the first «treaty ports» opened to foreign trade. The British, and later the French and American concessions, were granted land along the Huangpu River, and it was here that foreign banks, trading companies and consulates began building their showcase headquarters. By the 1930s the Bund had become the financial centre of all East Asia. In 1943 the foreign concessions were abolished, and after 1949 the buildings passed under the control of the Chinese state. A large-scale renovation of the waterfront and the construction of an underground tunnel beneath the roadway in 2010 (ahead of the World Expo 2010) turned the Bund into a modern pedestrian boulevard while preserving its historic façades.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 50–60 minutes, 100–130 yuan depending on traffic. GPS address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District
• Metro: free shuttle to Baoyang Road station (Line 3) → 1–2 transfers to East Nanjing Road station (Lines 2/10) → 5–10 minutes on foot. Total time about 1.5 hours, 8–10 yuan
• Private transfer: the most convenient option given the distance — the driver takes you straight to the promenade with no transfers

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry to the promenade: free, open 24 hours
• Huangpu River cruise (daytime): from 100 yuan, 40–60 minutes
• Huangpu River cruise (evening, illuminated): from 150 yuan
⚠️ Important: the best view of the Pudong skyline is from the Bund side, not the other way around, so it's best to photograph it in the evening when both banks light up.

🏯 2. Yu Garden & Yuyuan Bazaar
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Yu Garden is one of the best-preserved classical gardens of southern China, a true «jewel box» among the skyscrapers: pavilions, carp ponds, fantastical rockeries and galleries packed into just 2 hectares, laid out so cleverly that the space feels far larger than it is. Its name translates as «Garden of Happiness and Health» — it was built by a wealthy official for his elderly parents. 🏮
🔹 The garden's centrepiece is the Dragon Wall, topped with a ceramic dragon's head that, according to legend, protects the garden from evil spirits.
🔹 The garden holds the Exquisite Jade Rock — a unique porous boulder that an emperor himself is said to have once coveted.
🔹 Around the garden lies the Yuyuan Bazaar — a maze of Ming-dynasty-style lanes with hundreds of shops, teahouses and food stalls selling Shanghai's signature xiaolongbao soup dumplings.
🔹 In the evening the garden and bazaar are lit up with lanterns, creating an atmosphere completely different from daytime.

📜 History:
Construction of the garden began in 1559 under Pan Yunduan, a Ming-dynasty official who wanted to create a peaceful retirement retreat for his parents. The work took almost 20 years and was completed in 1577. The garden later changed hands several times, falling into disrepair and being restored again: in the 19th century it served as the headquarters of the rebel Small Swords Society, and part of the buildings were damaged during the Opium Wars. A major restoration in 1956–1961 returned the garden to its historic appearance, and it has been open to visitors ever since as a site of national significance.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 50–60 minutes, 100–130 yuan. Address: 218 Anren Street, Huangpu District
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to Yuyuan Garden station (Lines 10/14) → Exit 1. Total time about 1.5 hours

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Adults: 40 yuan
• Students and seniors 60+: 20 yuan (with valid ID)
• Children under 6 or under 1.3 m tall: free
• Opening hours: daily 9:00–16:30 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays (except public holidays)
⚠️ IMPORTANT: the garden itself closes in the evening, but the surrounding Yuyuan Bazaar is free and open all day — a great option if you're short on time.

🏙️ 3. Lujiazui — the financial district and its skyscrapers
💡 Interesting facts and background:
As recently as the early 1990s, Lujiazui was an ordinary suburb of rice paddies and cotton fields. Today it is one of the world's most striking financial districts, where three giants stand just a few hundred metres apart: the Oriental Pearl Tower (468 m), Jin Mao Tower (420.5 m) and Shanghai Tower (632 m, the world's second-tallest building after the Burj Khalifa). 🏗️
🔹 Shanghai Tower has an observation deck on the 118th floor at 546 m, and its elevators are among the fastest in the world, reaching the top in under a minute.
🔹 Oriental Pearl Tower has been the symbol of the new Shanghai since 1994; it consists of 11 spheres of varying sizes linked by vertical columns and has a glass floor on its observation level.
🔹 Jin Mao Tower (1999) blends the motifs of a traditional Chinese pagoda with 88 «floors of fortune» — the number 8 is considered China's luckiest.
🔹 From the Bund on the opposite bank you get the classic view of the whole skyscraper ensemble — one of the most iconic sights in modern Asia.

📜 History:
In 1990 the Chinese government declared Pudong (the eastern bank of the Huangpu River, which includes Lujiazui) a special economic development zone, envisioned as the country's new financial hub. In under 35 years, the marshy suburb turned into a district with more than a thousand skyscrapers. The Oriental Pearl Tower, built in 1991–1994, became the first symbol of the new district. Jin Mao Tower opened in 1999, the Shanghai World Financial Center in 2008, and Shanghai Tower, the tallest of them all, was completed in 2015 and officially opened to visitors in 2016. Today Lujiazui is home to the headquarters of dozens of international banks and stands as a symbol of China's economic rise.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 55–65 minutes, 110–140 yuan. Shanghai Tower address: 501 Yincheng Middle Road, Pudong
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to Lujiazui station (Line 2). Total time about 1.5–1.75 hours

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Shanghai Tower (118th-floor observation deck): 180 yuan (199 on public holidays), students — 120 yuan. Daily 8:30–22:00 (last entry 21:30)
• Oriental Pearl Tower (main package with museum): 199 yuan, with a river cruise — 255–318 yuan. Daily 9:00–21:00
• Children under 1 m: free at both attractions
💡 Tip: if you only have time for one observation deck, choose Shanghai Tower — it's taller, and the view includes the Oriental Pearl Tower itself.

🛍️ 4. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Nanjing Road is Shanghai's main shopping artery and one of the most visited streets in the world: according to city statistics, up to a million visitors pass through on peak days and public holidays. The pedestrian section stretches 1,033 metres from People's Square to the Bund, so the route naturally links several landmarks in a single walk. 🛒
🔹 The street was paved and closed to traffic in 1999, turning it into a pedestrian boulevard.
🔹 A 4.2-metre-wide «Golden Belt» runs its entire length, lined with benches, information kiosks and decorative features.
🔹 All 37 manhole covers along the street have a unique design depicting Shanghai's landmark buildings from the past 100-plus years.
🔹 A small sightseeing tram (2 yuan per ride) runs along the street from 8:00 to 22:30 for anyone who's tired of walking.
🔹 The western section, Nanjing West Road, offers an entirely different, premium level of shopping with large malls.

📜 History:
The street emerged in the mid-19th century as «Park Lane» — a road leading to a new English park on the bank of the Huangpu — and quickly became the main shopping street of the International Settlement. It received its official name, Nanjing Road, in 1865, after the city of Nanjing. Throughout the 20th century it was home to China's first Western-style department stores, cinemas and hotels, and the street became a symbol of «Shanghai chic». In 1999 the central section was permanently closed to vehicle traffic and turned into the pedestrian zone it remains today.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 50–60 minutes, 100–130 yuan to People's Square
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to East Nanjing Road station (Lines 2/10) or People's Square (Lines 1/2/8)
• From the Bund — 10–15 minutes on foot along the whole street

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Walking the street: free, open 24 hours
• Sightseeing tram: 2 yuan one way
• Most shops are open daily from roughly 10:00 to 22:00

🏛️ 5. Shanghai Museum & People's Square
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Shanghai Museum is one of China's four greatest museums and a true treasure trove: over 145,000 artefacts span more than 5,000 years of Chinese history, from Shang-dynasty bronzes to the finest Qing-dynasty porcelain. 🏺
🔹 The museum building is designed in the shape of a traditional bronze «ding» vessel — round on top and square at the base, symbolising «a round heaven and a square earth» in Chinese cosmology.
🔹 The star exhibit is the Da Ke Ding bronze tripod from the Western Zhou period (roughly the 11th–8th centuries BC), weighing 201.5 kg and bearing a 290-character inscription — one of China's most important archaeological artefacts.
🔹 The museum offers free audio guides in eight languages and free luggage storage.
🔹 Right next door is People's Square, the city's main public square, surrounded by City Hall, the Shanghai Grand Theatre and the Urban Planning Exhibition Center.

📜 History:
The museum was founded in 1952, originally in a different building, before moving to its current home on People's Square in 1996. Over more than seven decades the collection has grown into one of the most comprehensive in the world for Chinese art — bronzes, ceramics, calligraphy, painting, jade and Ming- and Qing-dynasty furniture. People's Square itself was once a racecourse from the days of the International Settlement, and after 1949 it was transformed into the central public space of the new Shanghai.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 50–60 minutes, 100–130 yuan. Address: 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu District
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to People's Square station (Lines 1/2/8), exit straight to the museum

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry: free, but advance online registration is required (via the WeChat app) or on-site with your passport at the tourist centre
• Opening hours: daily 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00), closed Mondays (except public holidays)
⚠️ Tip: since entry is free, queues can be long on weekends and public holidays — plan your visit for a weekday or early morning.

🎨 6. The Former French Concession & Tianzifang
💡 Interesting facts and background:
The Former French Concession is Shanghai's greenest and most atmospheric district: shaded streets beneath plane-tree canopies, European-style villas from the 1920s–1930s, and dozens of boutique cafés tucked into side lanes where the megacity beyond barely seems to exist. 🌳
🔹 At the heart of the district lies Tianzifang — a maze of narrow lanes lined with «shikumen»-style houses built behind stone gateways reminiscent of European entrances.
🔹 Tianzifang took its present name in 2001, in honour of the legendary artist Tian Zifang from the Warring States period, considered one of the earliest recorded painters in Chinese history.
🔹 Today it is home to more than 200 shops, galleries, cafés and studios — unlike the polished, purpose-built Xintiandi nearby, Tianzifang keeps its authentic character, right down to the electrical wires still strung overhead.
🔹 In 2006 developers nearly demolished the quarter, but it was saved by a campaign led by local residents and artists, including the celebrated painter Chen Yifei.

📜 History:
The French Concession was established in 1849 as a separate administrative zone with its own police, courts and urban planning, distinct from the neighbouring Anglo-American International Settlement. It was the French administration that planted the plane trees along the streets, which still form the district's signature green canopy today. Tianzifang began life as an ordinary working-class neighbourhood in 1933 under the name «Zhicheng Fang» («realisation of ambition»), and remained an unremarkable residential quarter until the late 20th century, when cheap rents drew in artists and designers.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 55–65 minutes, 110–140 yuan. Tianzifang address: Lane 210, Taikang Road, Huangpu District
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to Dapuqiao station (Line 9)

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entering and walking the district: free, open 24 hours
• Shops and cafés are mostly open daily from 10:00 to 22:00
• Entry to individual museums and galleries in the district — 20–40 yuan depending on the venue

🛕 7. Jing'an Temple
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Jing'an Temple is an unexpected oasis of Buddhist calm right in the middle of the skyscrapers and malls of the city's most expensive district. Its main treasure is China's largest jade statue of the Buddha, brought from Myanmar in the early 20th century. 🙏
🔹 The main hall houses a Ming-dynasty (1368–1644) bronze bell weighing over 3 tonnes.
🔹 The main hall's roof is covered in gold leaf — a rare sight for a Buddhist temple in the very heart of a modern megacity.
🔹 The temple blends Buddhist and Taoist elements — statues of deities from both traditions can be seen here.
🔹 Entry is free twice a month, on the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar, considered the most auspicious days to visit.

📜 History:
The history of a shrine on this site dates back to 247 AD, and the temple was moved to its current address in 1216, during the Song dynasty. Over the centuries the buildings were repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt. The temple suffered its heaviest blow during the Cultural Revolution, when the complex was converted into a plastics factory, and a major fire in early 1972 destroyed a large part of the structures. Restoration took place through the 1980s, and the temple was fully reopened to visitors only in the 1990s. Today's monumental gate, about 13 metres tall, is a modern addition built in the early 2000s.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi: 50–60 minutes, 100–130 yuan. Address: 1686 Nanjing West Road, Jing'an District
• Metro: shuttle to Baoyang Road (Line 3) → transfer to Jing'an Temple station (Line 2), Exit 1 — right at the entrance

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entry: about 20 yuan
• Opening hours: daily 7:00–17:00
• Free entry: the 1st and 15th days of the lunar calendar (dates vary — check in advance)

🚤 8. Zhujiajiao Water Town — the «Venice of Shanghai»
💡 Interesting facts and background:
Zhujiajiao is the best-preserved water town near Shanghai: canals, stone bridges and wooden boats set against Ming- and Qing-dynasty architecture, just an hour to ninety minutes from the megacity's skyscrapers. It's the most popular way to «escape the city» for anyone wanting a glimpse of traditional China. 🛶
🔹 The town has 36 old stone bridges, the most famous of which is Fangsheng Bridge, the largest stone arch bridge in Shanghai.
🔹 The town is made up of 9 old streets, the best preserved of which is North Street, with its authentic period buildings.
🔹 It is home to one of the best-preserved Qing-dynasty post offices in all of China.
🔹 The settlement's history spans more than 1,700 years, and it reached its peak during the Qing dynasty thanks to the canal network used to move goods.

📜 History:
A settlement existed on this site since ancient times, but Zhujiajiao only became a major trading hub under the Ming and, especially, the Qing dynasty (1644–1912), when an extensive canal network turned it into one of the key transport nodes of the Yangtze River delta — goods were delivered by boat straight to shopkeepers' doorsteps. In the 20th century, as major transport routes shifted to roads and railways, Zhujiajiao was bypassed by modernisation — and it is precisely because of this that it retained its authentic look, which is now protected as a historic site.

🚢 How to get there from Wusongkou port:
• Taxi or private transfer: 1.5–2 hours one way, 250–320 yuan — the only practical option given the distance and time in port
• Metro: theoretically possible (shuttle to Baoyang Road → several transfers → Line 17), but takes over 2.5 hours one way in total — not recommended for a single-day call
⚠️ Important: given the distance, visiting Zhujiajiao is only realistic with a port stay of 10–12 hours or more, and by forgoing other landmarks in the city centre

💶 Prices and opening hours:
• Entering the town (walking): free
• Ticket to 4 attractions: 30 yuan
• Ticket to 8 attractions: 60 yuan
• Ticket to 8 attractions + boat ride: 80 yuan
• The town is open all day; most paid attractions operate roughly from 8:30 to 17:00

🎎 9. Other landmarks worth a look
• 🏰 Shanghai Disneyland (Pudong, 60–75 minutes from the port) — mainland China's largest Disneyland. Tickets from 435 yuan. Realistic only with a port stay of 12 hours or more.
• 🎨 M50 Creative Park (Moganshan Road) — former textile mills converted into contemporary art galleries. Free entry.
• 🏙️ Xintiandi — a restored shikumen-style quarter with restaurants and boutiques, and the site where the first congress of the Chinese Communist Party was held in 1921. Free entry.
• 🌳 Century Park (Pudong) — Shanghai's largest city park, spanning 140 hectares, a quiet spot for a stroll among the skyscrapers. Entry 10 yuan.
• 🐼 Shanghai Zoo — a great option for families with children, home to giant pandas. Tickets around 50 yuan.
• ⛩️ Longhua Temple — Shanghai's oldest and largest Buddhist monastic complex, with a 10th-century pagoda. Entry 10 yuan.

🗺️ Three self-guided Shanghai itineraries for a 9–10-hour call
A cruise call in Shanghai usually lasts 8–12 hours, but unlike European ports, you need to allow at least 1.5–2.5 hours just for travel between Wusongkou port and the city centre and back. Realistically, you can see 2–4 top landmarks if you plan the route carefully and avoid long excursions such as Zhujiajiao or Disneyland on a short call. Below are three options depending on budget and preferences.

🥉 Route 1. Budget — up to 50 yuan per person
⏱️ Total time: 9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 40–50 yuan + food

🕘 08:30 — Leave the Wusongkou cruise terminal
Free shuttle to Baoyang Road metro station (Line 3), then transfer to People's Square station.

🕙 10:00–11:00 — People's Square and the Shanghai Museum
Free entry to the museum (with advance online registration), viewing the main bronze and porcelain collections.

🕚 11:00–12:00 — Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Walk from People's Square to the Bund along the whole street — a free stroll and window-shopping.

🕛 12:00–13:00 — The Bund
A walk along the promenade, photos with the Pudong skyline in the background, free of charge.

🕐 13:00–14:00 — Lunch in the neighbourhood near the Bund
Local noodles or xiaolongbao dumplings at an inexpensive eatery — 25–40 yuan.

🕝 14:00–15:30 — Yu Garden and Yuyuan Bazaar
Walk, or 2 metro stops. The bazaar is free to walk around; entry to the garden itself is 40 yuan (optional).

🕞 15:30–17:00 — Return to the port
Metro to Baoyang Road → free shuttle to the terminal.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Metro round trip: 16–20 yuan
• Lunch: 25–40 yuan
• Buffer (drinks, sundries): 10–15 yuan
💸 TOTAL: 50–75 yuan per person (excluding a ticket into Yu Garden)

🥈 Route 2. Optimal — 400–550 yuan per person
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: 450 yuan + food

🕗 08:00 — Leave the port, taxi to Lujiazui
110–140 yuan, 55–65 minutes — straight to Shanghai Tower.

🕘 09:00–10:30 — Shanghai Tower, the 118th-floor observation deck
Ticket 180 yuan. A panorama over all of Pudong and the Bund.

🕥 10:30–11:00 — Transfer to the Bund
Taxi or metro through the river tunnel, 15–20 minutes, 20–30 yuan.

🕚 11:00–12:00 — The Bund
A walk through the historic architecture, photos against the skyline.

🕛 12:00–13:00 — Lunch at a restaurant near the promenade
60–120 yuan for a dish with a drink.

🕐 13:00–14:30 — Nanjing Road → Yu Garden and the bazaar
Walk the length of Nanjing Road, then Yu Garden (40 yuan) and a stroll through the bazaar.

🕞 14:30–15:30 — Jing'an Temple (optional) or free time for shopping
Taxi 15–20 minutes, 30–40 yuan. Temple entry 20 yuan.

🕟 15:30–16:30 — Return to the port by taxi
100–130 yuan, 50–60 minutes.

💰 Cost breakdown:
• Taxi there: 120 yuan
• Shanghai Tower: 180 yuan
• Taxi between locations: 30 yuan
• Yu Garden: 40 yuan
• Lunch: 80–120 yuan
• Taxi back: 115 yuan
💸 TOTAL: 565–605 yuan per person
💡 Swapping Shanghai Tower for the Oriental Pearl Tower (199 yuan) won't save much, but the view will still include Shanghai Tower itself.

🥇 Route 3. Premium — a private tour from 3,600 yuan per group
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: from 3,600 yuan for a group of up to 4 (plus personal shopping expenses)

🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet-and-greet with a private driver holding a sign right at the gangway
• ✅ A comfortable car/minivan for the whole day
• ✅ A professional Ukrainian- or English-speaking licensed guide
• ✅ Skip-the-line tickets to observation decks (no waiting)
• ✅ Restaurant table reservations
• ✅ A flexible itinerary — adjusted on the fly, including a trip out to Zhujiajiao

You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us directly by whichever channel suits you:

Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell):    +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar):   +380 97 653 05 53

Email us

Write to us

🕗 08:00 — Meet your driver and guide at the Wusongkou terminal

🕘 09:00–10:30 — The Bund and Lujiazui with your guide
A private tour explaining the history behind every building, photos from the best vantage points.

🕥 10:45–12:00 — Shanghai Tower (skip-the-line)
Priority access to the 118th-floor observation deck, no queuing.

🕛 12:15–13:45 — Lunch at a premium restaurant
Traditional Shanghai cuisine or dim sum at a well-known restaurant such as Lost Heaven or Din Tai Fung — from 200 yuan per person. Reservations handled by your guide.

🕝 14:00–15:30 — Yu Garden and the bazaar with your guide
A private, queue-free tour, with the symbolism of the garden and Ming-dynasty architecture explained.

🕞 15:45–16:30 — The French Concession and Tianzifang
A private walking tour through the shaded lanes, shopping at designer boutiques.

🕟 16:45–17:30 — Return to the port in your comfortable car

💰 Cost breakdown (for a group of up to 4):
• Private guide (9–10 hrs): from 1,200 yuan
• Driver with car (9–10 hrs): from 1,000 yuan
• Skip-the-line tickets (Shanghai Tower + Yu Garden): from 600 yuan
• Lunch at a premium restaurant: from 800 yuan for the group
💸 TOTAL: from 3,600 yuan per group (calculated for a group of up to 4, not per person)

🤝 Four Gates Group organises private Shanghai tours with licensed guides, transfers straight from the gangway, and a guaranteed return to the ship. Contact your cruise specialist, and your day in Shanghai will be planned perfectly to your taste. 🛳️✨

⚠️ Important to know before you go ashore
🕐 The «all aboard» rule: you must be back on the ship 60–90 minutes before departure. Given the distance to Wusongkou port, build in extra time for the return trip — traffic in Shanghai is unpredictable.
🪪 Documents: bring your passport (usually required on your person under the visa-free transit programme for cruise passengers) and your cruise Ship Card.
💴 Cash: carry 300–500 yuan in cash — many small businesses and markets in China still don't accept foreign bank cards, and payment apps like WeChat Pay and Alipay require a local bank account.
👟 Clothing: comfortable shoes — you'll cover 10–15 km. For temples (Jing'an, Longhua) wear neat clothing and try to keep shoulders covered.
📱 Internet: Google, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook are blocked in China — download a VPN in advance (before you arrive in the country), or an offline map from an alternative service, plus a translator app with offline capability.
🔐 Safety: Shanghai is one of the safest megacities in the world, with very low street crime, but as always it's worth keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places and markets.
☀️ Sun and humidity protection: summer temperatures reach +35 °C with high humidity. A hat, sunglasses and water are a must.
🚫 Language: English is mostly spoken in tourist areas and major hotels — a translator app with character recognition will come in handy for taxis and markets.

ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance only and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please confirm current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.

FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by professionals