Shanghai is China’s largest city. Buzzing with energy and rich in culture, it is also one of its most cosmopolitan. Shanghai Cruise Port is important not just because it provides the gateway to this incredibly fascinating destination but it is also a hugely popular port of call on many Far East cruises.
If you have a Far East cruise holiday booked that stops at Shanghai Cruise Port, you may be wondering what to expect when you arrive. Read on as we share everything you need to know to enjoy a spectacular visit.
In our Shanghai Cruise Port guide, we’ll explore questions such as:
Where do cruise ships dock in Shanghai, China?
How far is Shanghai from the cruise port?
Is there anything near Shanghai Cruise Port?
And what are the best activities by Shanghai Cruise Port?
With a stunning skyline that leaves visitors in awe and so much to see and do around every corner, Shanghai offers the most memorable experiences. Using our guide, you can plan your time here effectively to make the most of it all.
Where do cruise ships dock in Shanghai?
Shanghai Cruise Port has three cruise terminals: Wusongkou Cruise International Terminal, Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal and Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal.
Wusongkou Cruise International Terminal
If you’re sailing into Shanghai on a large cruise ship, you will likely dock at Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, also known as Baoshan Cruise Terminal. As one of the largest cruise terminals in Asia, it has the capacity for four cruise ships of 100,000 to 150,000 tons to dock simultaneously.
The terminal buildings and facilities around Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal are impressive. Designed to be futuristic, the buildings are covered with glass and steel and encompass shopping streets, restaurants, hotels and art centres for you to explore. Among the passenger facilities across the two terminal buildings, you will also find two inbound duty-free shops – the first of their kind to open in China.
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Closer to Shanghai’s city centre but smaller in size is Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal. It provides three berths for smaller ships of 70,000 to 80,000 tons that can sail up the Huangpu River. Most passenger facilities, such as cafes, bars and restaurants, are cleverly positioned underground, allowing for a scenic, terraced green park along the waterfront area.
Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal
The third of Shanghai’s cruise terminals is Shanghai Waigaoqiao Cruise Terminal. It is the furthest out of the city, about 6 km from Wusongkou Port, and also offers berths for larger cruise ships.
With three cruise terminals at Shanghai Cruise Port, knowing where your ship will be docking in advance is really helpful. As the distances from Shanghai Cruise Port to the city centre are not really walkable, having this information will help you plan your transfer to the city.
How to get to Shanghai from the cruise port
In Shanghai, getting around via taxi is a relatively easy and affordable option. There are usually plenty available when seeking to get from your terminal at Shanghai Cruise Port to the city centre. Look for those that use a meter and expect rates to start at 14 Yuan for the first couple of miles, which converts to about £1.50. Also, it’s helpful to write your destination down in Chinese, as you’ll find most taxi drivers don’t speak English.
Alternatively, cruise lines usually offer transfers, or you could book a private local transport option.
Wusongkou Cruise International Terminal
Shanghai’s primary cruise terminal, Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, is located in Paotaiwan Bay, where the Yangtze and Huangpu Rivers meet. This location is about 15 miles from downtown Shanghai, and when looking at how to get there, you have a few options.
As well as taxis and private transfers, there are free shuttle buses which will take you from Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal to Baoyang Metro Station (Line 3), where you can get onward travel around the city.
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal is just north of the Bund, a waterfront area in the famous Hongkou District. With the distance from this part of Shanghai Cruise Port to the city centre being about 3 miles, popular attractions are within easy reach. Plenty of taxis and public transport options are available to help you get around.
Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal
Waigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal is located further out of Shanghai at Waigaoqiao in the Pudong New Area. Taxis from here to the city centre will take around 50 minutes, and you should expect to pay approximately 96 Yuan or £10.50.
What to do in Shanghai on port days
Shanghai is a vibrant and diverse city with a wide range of activities and attractions for cruise guests visiting for a day or more. Here are some ideas when looking for what to do around Shanghai Cruise Port:
The Bund
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Bund, a historic waterfront area along the Huangpu River in the centre of Shanghai. You can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade and admire the colonial-era architecture showcasing various styles on one side and the modern skyscrapers on the other.
Shanghai Tower
If you’re a fan of skyscrapers, consider a visit to the Shanghai Tower. As the world’s second tallest building, its lift is the fastest, travelling at an incredible 46 miles per hour. It also has the highest observation deck in the world, which offers breathtaking views of the city.
Yu Garden
If you’re looking to soak up some traditional Chinese culture, a visit to Yu Garden is one of the best activities by Shanghai Cruise Port. You can explore the beautifully landscaped gardens and classical architecture, believed to have been developed over 400 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. Be sure to save time for a visit to the bustling bazaar nearby, where you can shop for souvenirs and local snacks.
Nanjing Road
For those who love to shop, one of the best activities by Shanghai Cruise Port is exploring Nanjing Road. As the world’s longest shopping district at 3.4 miles long, it stretches from the People’s Square to the Bund. This bustling shopping street attracts over 1 million visitors daily and is a fantastic place to shop for souvenirs and enjoy street food. It’s also home to modern shopping malls and department stores.
Jade Buddha Temple
This Buddhist temple is famous for its two jade Buddha statues brought from Burma. The original temple was built in 1882 but was destroyed during the revolution. Fortunately, the statues were preserved, and in 1928, the ornate Jade Buddha Temple was built.
When looking for what to do in Shanghai on port days, the Jade Buddha Temple offers a tranquil place to learn about Chinese Buddhism.
Shanghai Museum
For a deeper understanding of Chinese history and culture, visit the Shanghai Museum. With over 120,000 objects, including bronzes, sculptures, paintings and ceramics from the Neolithic era to the present day, it is a fascinating place to visit in Shanghai.
