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Huangpu River

Huangpu River used to be one branch of the Suzhou River. However, it has become the largest river in Shanghai, and Suzhou River became its branch.

It is an average of 400 meters wide and 9 meters deep. Shanghai gets most of its drinking water from Huangpu, which thus plays an important part for the metropolis. It divides the city into two regions: Pudong (east) and Puxi (west). The Bund in Shanghai is located along the river.

The Huangpu River is no attraction itself. Yellow muddy waters run through it, thus its name, "huang," meaning yellow. When crossing the South Huangpu Bridge, the river is not exactly a sight to yell about, and the Chinese know it. But the river still flows proudly and peacefully through this great metropolitan and is no doubt the highest-grossing tourist spot in Shanghai.

So what exactly makes the yellow muddy river so popular? Well, it really is the boundless attractions, lights, and action surrounding it. Hordes of tourists and locals can be seen strolling along its never-ending riverbanks, at the famous Shanghai Bund, or waiting in line for a cruise along the serene river during the day, and even more during the night. This is the part of the city that never sleeps.

Cruise on the Huangpu River

The best way to see the perfect scenery of Shanghai and have a full view of Huangpu River is to take a boat trip. Cruising on the Huangpu River is a must for first time visitors. Huangpu tour boats sails from the dock on the Bund, north of the Peace hotel. The total boating distance is about 60 kilometers from the Bund to Wusong Kou. On the boat tour tourists can enjoy the views on both sides of the river, the new Nanpu Bridge, the new Yangpu Bridge, the Bund, the docks and the site of the ancient Wusong Fort at the mouth of the Huangpu River. There are several ways to tour the Huangpu River. If you have time, a 3-hour (60km) voyage along the Huangpu to the mouth of the Yangzi River and back allows for the most leisurely and complete appreciation of the river. There are also shorter river cruises (1 hour) that tours the main waterfront area between the two suspension bridges, Yangpu Qiao in the north and Nanpu Qiao in the south, and an even shorter (30 minutes.) cruise from Pudong. When the boat crosses the two sister bridges - Nanpu Bridge and Yangpu Bridge, you will find those two grand heroic bearing bridges attractive. Nanpu Bridge is situated in the south wharf of Shanghai is just like a giant dragon extending across the Huangpu River, while Yangpu Bridge more likens a rainbow arching across the river.

On a starry night, gazing from the boat, you can see the stately row of buildings at the Bund. This quintessential example of multi-national architecture gives off an aura of color, painting the night skyline. The splendid array of structures resembles misty ice palaces in a riot of colors-golden yellow, pure white and aquamarine blue. Constantly changing colors mesmerize its visitors and lure them to linger even longer. The scenic Huangpu River, the birthplace of Shanghai, invites you to enjoy its unique character and flavor.