China offers a variety of cruises and boat tours that allow visitors to explore its beautiful waterways and stunning scenery. Here are some of the most popular options:
Yangtze River Cruise: This is one of the most popular cruises in China, taking visitors along the Yangtze River and showcasing some of the country’s most beautiful natural wonders, such as the Three Gorges and the Qutang Gorge. Most cruises also stop at cities along the river, including Chongqing and Yichang.
Li River Cruise: This cruise takes visitors along the Li River in southern China, starting from Guilin and ending in Yangshuo. The scenery along the way is breathtaking, with towering karst mountains and lush greenery.
Pearl River Night Cruise: This cruise takes visitors through the heart of Guangzhou, allowing them to see the city’s stunning skyline illuminated at night. The tour also includes a traditional Cantonese dinner.
Overall, China offers a variety of cruises and boat tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s natural wonders or its vibrant cities, there’s a cruise or boat tour that’s right for you.
Best China Cruises & Boat Tours
| Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour | Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining | Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour and Huangpu River Cruise | |
|---|---|---|---|
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| Duration | 8 hours | 3 hours | 9 hours |
| Starting Time | 8:30 AM - 9:30 AM | 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM | 12:00 PM |
| Meeting Point | Pickup from hotels | Pickup from hotels | Pickup from hotels |
| Includes | Transportation , Pick-up and drop off, Chinese lunch, Entrance fees | Shanghai River Cruise Ticket, Xinjiang style halal dinner, Soft Drink or Beer, transportation | Entrance ticket to Zhujiangjiao Water Town, Huangpu River Cruise ticket, Dinner , Guide |
| More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking | More Details & Tour Booking |
Quick Answer: The 7 Best China Cruises & Boat Tours For [2024]
- Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour
- Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
- Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour and Huangpu River Cruise
- Zhujiajiao Water Village: Private Tour from Shanghai
- Full-Day Relaxing Li River Cruise Tour
- Guilin: Private Full-Day Li River Cruise and Liusanjie Show
- Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside Tour
Best China Cruises & Boat Tours Reviews
#1. Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour
The Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour is a popular day trip that allows visitors to explore some of the most iconic landmarks and attractions in Shanghai, as well as the charming water town of Zhujiajiao. Here’s what you can expect from this tour:
- Pickup: Your tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Shanghai and take you to the first destination.
- The Bund: You’ll start the tour with a visit to the Bund, a waterfront area in central Shanghai that features a stunning collection of colonial-era buildings, as well as panoramic views of the city skyline.
- Yu Garden: Next, you’ll head to Yu Garden, a traditional Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The garden features beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and ponds, as well as a bustling bazaar where you can shop for souvenirs.
- Old French Concession: You’ll then explore the Old French Concession, a historic neighborhood in Shanghai that features tree-lined streets, beautiful colonial architecture, and trendy cafes and boutiques.
- Zhujiajiao Water Town: After lunch, you’ll drive to Zhujiajiao Water Town, a picturesque water town located on the outskirts of Shanghai. Here, you can stroll along the ancient canal streets, admire the traditional architecture, and take a boat ride along the canals.
- Return to Shanghai: After your tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town, you’ll be driven back to Shanghai and dropped off at your hotel.
- Overall, the Shanghai Highlights and Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour is a great way to see some of the most iconic landmarks in Shanghai, as well as experience the charm and history of a traditional Chinese water town.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#2. Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining
A night river cruise tour in Shanghai is a must-do experience, especially if you want to see the city’s spectacular skyline illuminated at night. Here are some of the highlights of a night river cruise tour with Xinjiang-style dining:
- Huangpu River: The Huangpu River is the main river in Shanghai, and it flows through the heart of the city. A night river cruise tour allows you to see the city’s skyline from a unique perspective, with stunning views of the city’s iconic landmarks such as the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the Shanghai Tower.
- Xinjiang-style dining: Xinjiang is a region in northwest China that is known for its unique cuisine. A night river cruise tour with Xinjiang-style dining allows you to sample some of the region’s most delicious dishes, including lamb skewers, hand-pulled noodles, and Xinjiang-style rice pilaf.
- Entertainment: Many night river cruise tours in Shanghai also include entertainment options, such as traditional Chinese music performances or acrobatic shows. These performances add an extra layer of excitement and culture to your tour.
Overall, a night river cruise tour with Xinjiang-style dining is an excellent way to experience Shanghai’s iconic landmarks, delicious cuisine, and rich culture all in one unforgettable evening.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#3. Full-Day Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour and Huangpu River Cruise
A full-day tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town and a Huangpu River cruise is a great way to experience two of Shanghai’s most popular attractions in one day. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:
- Zhujiajiao Water Town: Zhujiajiao is an ancient water town located about an hour outside of Shanghai. It is known for its beautiful canals, stone bridges, and historic architecture. A full-day tour allows you to explore the town’s highlights, including the Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and the ancient Fangsheng Bridge.
- Huangpu River Cruise: After exploring Zhujiajiao Water Town, the tour takes you back to Shanghai for a Huangpu River cruise. This allows you to see the city’s iconic landmarks, such as the Bund, the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, and the Shanghai Tower, from a unique perspective.
- Lunch: Many full-day tours include a lunch break, allowing you to sample some of Shanghai’s delicious cuisine.
- Guide: A guide will accompany you on the tour, providing information about the history and culture of both Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai.
Overall, a full-day tour of Zhujiajiao Water Town and a Huangpu River cruise is an excellent way to experience the beauty and history of Shanghai’s waterways, as well as its iconic landmarks, all in one day.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#4. Zhujiajiao Water Village: Private Tour from Shanghai
A private tour of Zhujiajiao Water Village from Shanghai is a great way to experience the history and beauty of this ancient water town. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:
- Zhujiajiao Water Village: Zhujiajiao is an ancient water village located about an hour outside of Shanghai. It is known for its beautiful canals, stone bridges, and historic architecture. A private tour allows you to explore the town at your own pace and see the highlights, including the Kezhi Garden, the Qing Dynasty Post Office, and the ancient Fangsheng Bridge.
- Boat ride: A boat ride along the canals of Zhujiajiao is a must-do experience, allowing you to see the town’s beauty from a unique perspective.
- Local food: There are many local food stalls and restaurants in Zhujiajiao that offer delicious snacks and meals, such as rice cakes, fried dough sticks, and soybean milk. A private tour allows you to sample the local cuisine at your own pace.
- Guide: A private tour of Zhujiajiao Water Village includes a guide who can provide information about the history and culture of the town, as well as answer any questions you may have.
Overall, a private tour of Zhujiajiao Water Village from Shanghai is an excellent way to experience the beauty and history of this ancient water town, at your own pace and with the flexibility to customize your itinerary to suit your interests.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#5. Full-Day Relaxing Li River Cruise Tour
A full-day relaxing Li River cruise tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty of Guilin and its surrounding areas. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:
- Li River: The Li River is one of the most famous attractions in Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscapes, clear waters, and picturesque scenery. A full-day relaxing Li River cruise tour allows you to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery.
- Local cuisine: Many Li River cruise tours include a local lunch or dinner, allowing you to sample some of the delicious cuisine in the area, such as Yangshuo beer fish, Guilin rice noodles, and stir-fried river snails.
- Yangshuo: The Li River cruise typically ends in the charming town of Yangshuo, known for its beautiful scenery, lively West Street, and outdoor activities such as cycling, rock climbing, and hiking. A full-day tour allows you to explore the town’s highlights, such as the Moon Hill and the Yulong River.
Guide: A guide will accompany you on the tour, providing information about the history and culture of the Li River and the surrounding areas, as well as answering any questions you may have.
Overall, a full-day relaxing Li River cruise tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guilin, as well as sample its delicious cuisine, all in one unforgettable day.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#6. Guilin: Private Full-Day Li River Cruise and Liusanjie Show
A private full-day Li River cruise and Liusanjie show tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guilin. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:
- Li River: The Li River is one of the most famous attractions in Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscapes, clear waters, and picturesque scenery. A private full-day Li River cruise allows you to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery.
- Local cuisine: Many Li River cruise tours include a local lunch or dinner, allowing you to sample some of the delicious cuisine in the area, such as Yangshuo beer fish, Guilin rice noodles, and stir-fried river snails.
- Yangshuo: The Li River cruise typically ends in the charming town of Yangshuo, known for its beautiful scenery, lively West Street, and outdoor activities such as cycling, rock climbing, and hiking. A private tour allows you to explore the town’s highlights, such as the Moon Hill and the Yulong River.
- Liusanjie Show: Liusanjie is a spectacular outdoor show that takes place on the Li River, featuring light displays, water fountains, and local minority performances. A private tour allows you to experience this unique cultural event at your own pace and with personalized attention from your guide.
- Guide: A private guide will accompany you on the tour, providing information about the history and culture of Guilin, as well as answering any questions you may have.
Overall, a private full-day Li River cruise and Liusanjie show tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Guilin, as well as sample its delicious cuisine and attend a unique cultural event, all in one unforgettable day.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
#7. Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside Tour
A Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside Tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and rural charm of Guilin. Here are some of the highlights of this tour:
- Li River Cruise: The Li River is one of the most famous attractions in Guilin, known for its stunning karst landscapes, clear waters, and picturesque scenery. A Li River cruise allows you to sit back, relax, and take in the beautiful scenery as you travel downstream towards the charming town of Yangshuo.
- Yangshuo Countryside: Once you arrive in Yangshuo, a countryside tour allows you to explore the rural charm of the area, including stunning rice paddies, bamboo forests, and small villages. You can take a leisurely bike ride or a walk through the countryside to fully immerse yourself in the scenery.
- Local cuisine: Yangshuo is known for its delicious local cuisine, such as beer fish, rice noodles, and stir-fried river snails. A Yangshuo countryside tour typically includes a local lunch or dinner, allowing you to sample some of the delicious cuisine in the area.
- West Street: Yangshuo’s West Street is a bustling pedestrian street lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, offering a lively atmosphere and a chance to interact with locals and fellow travelers.
- Guide: A guide will accompany you on the tour, providing information about the history and culture of Guilin, as well as answering any questions you may have.
Overall, a Guilin Li River Cruise and Yangshuo Countryside Tour is an excellent way to experience the natural beauty and rural charm of Guilin, as well as sample its delicious cuisine and immerse yourself in local culture.
More Details & Tour Booking
100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours in advance of the experience
Francis Porter is a seasoned traveler and tour guide with over 15 years of experience in the industry. I have explored countless destinations around the world and have a deep passion for helping others discover new places and cultures.