Yes, you read that right: you can cross the Huangpu River on a public ferry for just 2 Yuan (around $0.28 USD). We’re going to break down step-by-step how to enjoy this spectacular skyline view right from the water aboard the public ferry running between The Bund and Pudong (and vice versa).
You are in Shanghai, you have seen hundreds of photos of the boats sailing down the Huangpu River during the evening light shows (which start at dusk), and you decide to look for one online or head over to ask in person. To your surprise, you come across tours priced from $27 USD (€25), which feels a bit steep. But don’t worry! You are going to love this alternative. Just make sure to get your camera ready—it crosses slowly, but it doesn’t stop!
Dongjin Line: The 2 Yuan Public Ferry
There are several ferry lines that cross from one side to the other, but the one we care about for this route is the Dongjin Line. This public ferry line operates a simple round-trip service between The Bund and Pudong (and vice versa); the journey takes about 10 minutes, with boats departing every 30 minutes. Best of all, it only costs 2 Yuan ($0.28 USD).
If you want to catch the ferry from The Bund side, look for the East Jinling Road Ferry Station (金陵东路渡口). If you are starting from the Pudong side, the station is called Dongchang Road Ferry Station (东昌路渡口).
We recommend using one of the Chinese mapping apps we mention in this article. Even though the ferry terminals appear on Google Maps, their coordinates are offset—often showing up “in the middle of the river”—so the app won’t be able to navigate you there correctly.
Even though this service rarely makes it into the major travel guides, plenty of tourists use it. Right inside the terminal, there was even an English guide explaining where to tap in Alipay to generate the QR code for your ticket. If you’re still planning your trip, we show you how to set up Alipay step-by-step, so you won’t run into any payment issues.
In our case (going from The Bund to Pudong), the line was surprisingly short. The staff member at the turnstiles took over and set up the code on our phone in about 15 seconds—we certainly weren’t the first or last tourists needing a hand! We paid our 2 Yuan ($0.28 USD), tapped through the turnstiles, and waited at the dock. It really is that easy.
💡Pro Tip: When queuing up to board, try to stay near the front of the line so you can head straight to the upper deck. This gives you the best chance of snagging a spot right by the railing to photograph the iconic skyline.
Granted, it’s a much briefer experience compared to the full sight-seeing cruises on the Huangpu River. However, if you just want to snap a few great photos and keep moving, it’s a brilliant alternative that will save you a solid stack of cash. On the other hand, you could try a relaxing dinner cruise on the water with endless photo opportunities.
If you cross from The Bund over to the Pudong side, you’ll have the perfect opportunity to top off your night with a visit to the Pearl Tower, which is roughly a 25-minute walk from the ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can brave a ride up to the world’s highest observation deck at the Shanghái Tower, located just a 15-minute walk from the pier.
