Shanghai’s dining scene delivers incredible value by combining local food with stunning city views. The evening Huangpu River cruises are among the best ways to experience both – you’ll get fantastic shots of the illuminated Bund while enjoying dinner in climate-controlled comfort. I’m especially fond of the VIP seating options, which offer prime viewing spots of the city’s iconic skyline.
Local food tours really shine when combining traditional spots with entertainment. The combination of watching Chinese acrobats while tasting specialty dishes like soup dumplings (xiaolongbao) makes for an unforgettable evening. My favorite tours include stops at family-run restaurants in the French Concession, where you’ll taste authentic Shanghai cuisine away from tourist crowds.
Check out these top-rated dining experiences that showcase the best of Shanghai’s food culture:
Key Points
- Combination of authentic local dining and scenic Huangpu River cruises offers a unique dining and sightseeing experience in Shanghai.
- Specialty cuisine experiences, such as Xinjiang dishes, Shanghai soup dumplings, and Peking roast duck, provide immersive culinary adventures.
- Comprehensive tours of Shanghai include visits to major landmarks and traditional meals, enhancing the cultural experience.
- Riverside dining and scenic tours in Xitang Water Village offer a relaxing and authentic Chinese culinary experience.
- Nighttime Huangpu River cruises with buffet dinners provide an exceptional dining experience with breathtaking views of the city skyline.
Shanghai Authentic Dinner and Night River Cruise With Rooftop Bar Hopping Option
This Shanghai dining experience blends an authentic local dinner with a captivating nighttime cruise along the Huangpu River, offering visitors a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic sights and flavors.
Priced from $139.60 per person, with flexible reservation options and free cancellation, the tour provides a private and wheelchair-accessible format. Guests can expect a smart casual dress code, with vegetarian options available.
The experience includes a stop at a rooftop bar with a complimentary drink and showcases Shanghai’s stunning skyline. Highly-rated guides provide in-depth cultural insights, while reviews praise the quality of the food and overall value of the tour.
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Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seat With Authentic Dinner
What better way to experience the vibrant nightlife of Shanghai than a VIP river cruise paired with an authentic local dinner? For $168 per person, this 3-hour tour offers an upgraded VIP seating area on the 50-minute cruise along the Huangpu River, showcasing iconic landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.
The package also includes a convenient pickup, a professional local guide, and a delightful dinner at a nearby restaurant featuring traditional dishes like Shanghai soup dumplings and Peking roast duck.
Travelers praise the exceptional service, delicious food, and stunning views. With flexible booking and free cancellation, this is an unbeatable way to savor Shanghai’s sights and flavors.
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Shanghai Dinner and Acrobatics Show
Enjoy the captivating world of Chinese acrobatics with this 3.5-hour dinner and show experience in Shanghai.
Beginning at 5:00 PM, you’ll enjoy a private tour with round-trip transport from downtown Shanghai. Indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine at a popular local eatery before marveling at the acrobat theater performance featuring aerial walking and bowl balancing.
This non-refundable experience ensures your group is the only one participating, with wheelchair-accessible facilities available. Priced at $190.00 per person, the cost may vary based on group size.
Confirm your attendance before the date, as no exceptions are made to the cancellation terms.
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Shanghai in 5 Hours: River Cruise, Shanghai Tower & Dining
Exploring Shanghai’s diverse offerings in just 5 hours, this comprehensive tour whisks visitors through the city’s most iconic landmarks and culinary delights.
Priced at $179.24 per person, the tour covers all the essentials, including a visit to the Yuyuan Bazaar, a ride up the Shanghai Tower, and a picturesque Huangpu River cruise.
Along the way, guests enjoy a Shanghai-style lunch featuring regional specialties.
With a live English-speaking guide, private transportation, and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, the tour ensures a seamless experience.
Positive reviews highlight the guide’s expertise and the tour’s ability to pack a lot into a short time, making it an excellent choice for those short on time.
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Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai
Although the tour packs a lot into a short timeframe, the Din Tai Fung Dinner and VIP Class River Cruise Experience in Shanghai offers an unparalleled opportunity to savor the city’s culinary and scenic delights.
Spanning 4-4.5 hours, the experience includes a private tour, round-trip hotel transfers, a VIP-class cruise along the Huangpu River, and a traditional xiaolongbao dinner at the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant.
Guests can admire the Bund and Pudong skyline illuminated at night, enjoy the convenience of an instant mobile ticket, and choose from English, German, or Mandarin language options.
With a professional private guide and a private driver and car, this tour provides a seamless and exclusive experience.
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Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour With Xinjiang Style Dining
This Shanghai night river cruise tour with Xinjiang-style dining provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the city’s iconic waterway and indulge in the rich culinary traditions of China’s Xinjiang region.
Priced at Kč 3,462 per person, the 3-hour excursion includes a private cruise with views of landmarks like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, as well as a Xinjiang-style halal dinner featuring dishes like Dapanji, lamb kebabs, and naan.
The tour is wheelchair accessible and comes with English-speaking guides who enhance the experience with local insights.
With a perfect 5/5 rating based on 156 reviews, this tour is an ideal choice for travelers with limited time in Shanghai.
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Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating With Private Transfer and Dinner Option
For those seeking a truly immersive night on Shanghai’s iconic waterways, the Shanghai Night River Cruise VIP Seating With Private Transfer and Dinner Option provides an unparalleled experience.
Priced from $130 per person, this tour offers flexible group rates and a lowest price guarantee. Guests can easily book their preferred date and number of travelers, with free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours in advance.
The 3-4 hour experience includes private pick-up and drop-off, VIP seating on the river cruise, and dinner at a local restaurant.
While not wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate. Cancellations made up to 24 hours prior qualify for a full refund.
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Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour With Xinjiang Style Dining Experience
Priced at $155 per person, the Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour With Xinjiang Style Dining Experience combines a picturesque cruise along the Huangpu River with a delectable Xinjiang cuisine dining experience.
With a duration of approximately 3 hours, the tour offers pickup options from various locations and instant mobile ticketing. Guests can enjoy the iconic landmarks, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and World Financial Center, while a guide provides menu translation during the Xinjiang dining portion.
The tour boasts a 5.0-star average rating from 263 reviews, with highlights including stunning views and delicious food.
Travelers can take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee, free cancellation, and reserve now, pay later options.
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Shanghai Private Tour With River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner
A Shanghai Private Tour With River Cruise, Shanghai Tower, and Lunch or Dinner provides travelers a comprehensive exploration of the city’s iconic landmarks and culinary delights.
Starting at $176.50 per person, the price varies based on group size with a lowest price guarantee. Highlights include visits to Yuyuan Bazaar and Shanghai Tower, as well as a Huangpu River cruise. Customers can choose between a classic Shanghai lunch or dinner.
With an average 5.0-star rating from 24 reviews, the tour’s knowledgeable and friendly guides, quality food, and comfortable transportation have received high praise.
Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later.
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Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour With Riverside Dining Experience From Shanghai
Travelers embark on an enchanting Xitang Water Village Sunset Tour with a riverside dining experience, departing from Shanghai.
The 8-hour tour includes a 7-hour exploration of the historic water town, providing guests with round-trip transport, dinner at a local riverside restaurant, and opportunities to discover alleyways featured in “Mission Impossible 3.”
The experience highlights the culinary delights of traditional Chinese dishes, complemented by local beverages and live entertainment. Guided by knowledgeable hosts, guests enjoy the town’s rich history and cultural heritage, capturing scenic views and making lasting memories.
With an overall 5-star rating and diverse positive feedback, this tour offers an authentic and unforgettable experience in Shanghai.
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Evening Thai Dinner and Huangpu River Cruise in Shanghai
Embark on an enchanting evening in Shanghai with the Thai Dinner and Huangpu River Cruise. Priced from $165 per person, this 3.5-hour experience showcases the city’s illuminated landmarks.
Enjoy a delicious Thai dinner and a VIP cruise on the Huangpu River. The tour includes pickup and drop-off, plus availability in English and Mandarin.
With a 5-star rating from 11 reviews, this tour is praised for excellent communication, safety, and the quality of the Thai food. Customers also highlight the superior VIP cruise experience compared to other cities.
Secure your spot with the reserve now, pay later option and take advantage of the Lowest Price Guarantee.
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Wuzhen and Xitang Water Town Private Full Day Trip From Shanghai With Lunch and Dinner
Visitors embarking on this private full-day excursion from Shanghai will discover the enchanting water towns of Wuzhen and Xitang.
This 11-12 hour tour features a flexible schedule to accommodate visitor preferences, with pickup service and mobile ticketing included.
Explore the ancient architecture, canals, and cultural performances of Wuzhen, then experience the unique covered walkways and night scenery of Xitang.
Enjoy traditional Chinese meals with local specialties, and benefit from knowledgeable, friendly guides who provide engaging historical insights.
With high customer ratings, this personalized day trip is a highly recommended experience for immersing in rural Chinese life and capturing picturesque views.
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Din Tai Fung Dinner Experience and Acrobatics Show in Shanghai
Dinner at the renowned Din Tai Fung restaurant and an evening of captivating acrobatic performances await guests on this immersive Shanghai experience.
Priced at $168 per person, the experience offers a lowest price guarantee and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior. It includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an instant mobile ticket, and language support in English and one additional language.
Guests can savor soup dumplings, wontons, and other Chinese specialties at Din Tai Fung, followed by a show featuring martial arts, circus tricks, and magic acts by the Shanghai Acrobatics Troupe.
Positive reviews highlight smooth arrangements, knowledgeable guides, and the quality of the dinner and show.
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Hot Pot Dining Experience With Hot Spring Bathing or River Cruise in Shanghai
This immersive Shanghai experience offers guests a choice between a relaxing hot spring bathing session or a scenic river cruise, complemented by a delectable hot pot dining experience.
Priced at $135 per person with a lowest price guarantee, the tour provides a 5-hour adventure with private transportation and instant mobile ticketing. Guests can expect exceptional service from friendly and knowledgeable guides, who assist with meal selection and logistics.
Reviews highlight the high-quality food, tranquil spa environment, and convenience of the experience.
With free cancellation and flexible booking options, this Shanghai tour provides an unparalleled opportunity to savor local cuisine and unwind in style.
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Shanghai Huangpu River Night Cruise With Buffet Dinner
For those seeking a captivating evening in Shanghai, the Huangpu River Night Cruise with Buffet Dinner provides an unparalleled opportunity to take in the city’s vibrant nightlife.
Priced from $129.07 per person, the experience can be booked with a pay-later option and features a flexible cancellation policy.
Over the course of 3-4 hours, guests will enjoy a scenic cruise along the Huangpu River, savoring a delectable dinner as they take in the breathtaking skyline.
Notable landmarks like the Bund, Peace Hotel, and Oriental TV Tower provide a stunning backdrop.
With door-to-door service and instant mobile ticketing, this private tour offers a convenient and unforgettable way to experience Shanghai’s nighttime splendor.
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Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience
As the sun dips below the horizon, Shanghai’s skyline illuminates the Huangpu River in a captivating display.
Travelers can experience this with the Private Shanghai Night River Cruise and Hot Pot Dining Experience. This 3-4 hour tour includes VIP seating on a river cruise and a hot pot dinner.
The private tour offers personalized service with an English-speaking guide and convenient hotel pickup and drop-off. Guests can expect confirmation at booking, operate in all weather, and have vegetarian options available.
With an overall 5.0 rating from 11 reviews, this unique dining experience is priced at $168 per person and comes highly recommended for its nighttime photography and culinary delights.
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Peking Duck Dining Experience With Amazing Shanghai Night Lights
Travelers looking to experience the dazzling lights of Shanghai at night can embark on the Peking Duck Dining Experience.
This private 4-hour tour includes a walking excursion through the city’s iconic landmarks and a traditional Peking Duck dinner with select drinks.
The tour starts with hotel pickup, followed by a visit to the Yu Garden Bazaar, Nine Zigzag bridge, and The Bund, where guests can admire the floodlit colonial buildings and illuminated skyscrapers.
The experience also includes a professional guide, private driver, and convenient mobile ticket.
Priced at €136.62 per person, this tour offers a lowest price guarantee, free cancellation, and reserve now, pay later options.
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Private Half-Day Shanghai Tour With Din Tai Fung Dining
Ideal for those seeking an immersive Shanghai experience, this private half-day tour whisks visitors through the city’s most iconic landmarks, culminating in a delectable dining experience at the renowned Din Tai Fung.
Priced at $178 per person, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and a lowest price guarantee, with round-trip private transportation included. Lasting approximately 5 hours, the experience provides personalized attention as guests explore Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and the French Quarter.
The highlight is the meal at Din Tai Fung, renowned for its exceptional soup dumplings. Booking is convenient, with mobile ticketing and a reserve now, pay later option available.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation Included in the Tour Package?
Transportation is not typically included in dining tour packages. Travelers usually need to arrange their own transportation to and from the restaurants. Some tour operators may offer optional transportation services for an additional fee.
Can I Customize the Dining Experience?
Yes, you can usually customize the dining experience. Many tour operators offer flexibility to adjust the menu, timing, and other aspects to suit your preferences. However, availability and additional costs may vary depending on the specific tour.
Are Vegetarian/Dietary Options Available?
Many restaurants in Shanghai offer vegetarian and dietary options to cater to various dietary needs. Customers can often customize their meals or request specific accommodations to suit their preferences.
What Is the Dress Code for the River Cruise?
The dress code for the river cruise is generally casual. Guests can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. There’s no need for formal attire, as the focus is on enjoying the scenic views along the river.
Is the Acrobatics Show Family-Friendly?
The acrobatics show in Shanghai is generally family-friendly, with performances suitable for all ages. It features talented acrobats showcasing impressive stunts and feats of strength, balance, and flexibility, making it an enjoyable outing for both children and adults alike.
The Sum Up
Shanghai offers an array of exceptional dining experiences. From authentic Chinese cuisine to awe-inspiring river cruises, there’s something to suit every taste. Whether you’re seeking a lively acrobatics show or a VIP river cruise, Shanghai’s culinary scene delivers unforgettable moments. Indulge in Peking duck, explore Din Tai Fung, or embark on a private night tour – Shanghai’s best dining experiences are sure to impress.