Hotels near The Huangpu River Ferry

Public ferries have crossed the Huangpu River since 1911 and still run as ordinary commuter transport rather than as a tourist service. The Jinling East Road to Dongchang Road crossing takes about eight minutes, costs CNY 2 with a transport card, and delivers the same Pudong and Bund skyline that the sightseeing cruises charge upwards of CNY 120 for.

The boats are working vessels with scooters parked on the lower deck and commuters reading on the upper one. Services run roughly every 15 minutes from early morning until around 10pm. It is the most efficient way to combine the Bund and Lujiazui in one afternoon without doubling back through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or the metro.

Pro Tip: Ride eastward at dusk with the light behind you and the Pudong towers ahead. Stand at the bow rail on the upper deck rather than sitting inside, and avoid the 8am and 6pm commuter peaks when the deck fills with scooters.