China · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips & Cruises in China

56 tours  ·  from $15 a head

Harbour junks in Hong Kong, the Bund after dark, karst towers from a bamboo raft and three days through the Yangtze gorges. These 15 range from twenty-minute crossings to full sailings, each priced and clear on what is included.

Hong Kong: Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour - Searching for dolphins in open water
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Lantau Island & Big Buddha Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour

1.Dolphin Cruise, Big Buddha & Lantau Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 1,512 reviews · 7 hours · from $35Our pick

Spend seven hours exploring Lantau Island with an English-speaking guide such as Grace, Lok Lok, or Eva. Ride local transport, cruise for pink dolphins, visit Tai O’s stilt houses and floating market, climb to the Big Buddha, and choose the cable car for wide mountain and water views. Lunch and cable car access may depend on your booking option.

“Lok Lok was a wonderful guide. Though we did not see any dolphins, we had a great trip!”

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Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride - The private ride from Shanghai
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride

2.Shanghai Private Tour: Zhujiajiao Water Town and Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 661 reviews · from $148Top rated

Leave Shanghai by private air-conditioned vehicle for Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town. Your guide, often Kalvin, Snow, Caroline, or Xin, leads you through old streets, markets, gardens, historic bridges, and canals before returning you to your hotel. Choose a morning or afternoon departure, and add lunch or early dinner.

“Snow provided a comprehensive tour of Zhujiajiao. She was punctual and accommodating and friendly to my family. Appreciative!”

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Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow - Choosing the right departure time
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Huangpu River Cruises, Tour Reviews, Tours in Shanghai

Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow

3.Huangpu Night Cruise: Cozy Vibe & Modern Shanghai Glow

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 520 reviews · 1 day · from $21Best value

Cruise the Huangpu River for about 45 minutes, with the historic Bund on one side and Lujiazui’s towers on the other. Choose a daytime or evening departure, then collect your paper ticket at the pier with your passport and 8-digit code. Indoor, semi-open, and open-air areas are available, though the best seats may cost extra.

“It was a beautiful journey down the river to see the sights of the river. I recommend paying the additional 100CNY on board to get seating and a better view.”

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Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden - The drive from Shanghai takes about an hour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden

4.Zhujiajiao Private Tour w/ Boat Ride & Garden

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 460 reviews · 5 hours · from $139

Travel from Shanghai by private car to Zhujiajiao, a thousand-year-old water town. Walk across its historic bridge, browse stone-paved markets, visit Qing-era Kezhi Garden, and ride a private boat through the canals. Guides such as Michael, Cassie, Robert, Lea, Annie, and Sunny are praised for clear English, local insight, patience, and help with food, photos, and translation.

“Everything was tremendous and cannot fault a thing. Michael our guide was brilliant and so knowledgeable. The pick up and transportation was also tremendous and so much better than expected. Well done all and thank you for a great experience.”

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From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride - The private car ride from central Shanghai
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

From Shanghai: Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride

5.Private Zhujiajiao Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 334 reviews · 5 hours · from $171

Travel from your central Shanghai hotel to Zhujiajiao in a private air-conditioned vehicle, then walk old lanes, visit bridges and gardens, sample local food, and take a canal boat. English-speaking guides such as Snow, Kalvin, Caroline, and Jenny explain the town’s past and daily life. Lunch is included with selected options.

“Our guide Snow was excellent. She was very knowledgeable, friendly and exceptionally helpful and patient as my husband required some additional assistance. I can highly recommend her.”

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Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience - What you see from the boat
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

6.Shanghai Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 324 reviews · from $155

Spend about three hours seeing the Bund and Pudong skyline from the Huangpu River, then dine at a local Xinjiang halal restaurant. Your private vehicle, cruise ticket, dinner, drinks, and guide are included. Guides such as Caroline, Queena, Kalvin, and Xin are praised for clear English, local insight, and thoughtful help with ordering.

“Amazing River and Food Tour!! Super recommendable! Queena took care of us from pickup from our hotel to the river cruise and to the dinner! They took us to a really nice restaurant and VIP section of the river cruise. Queena is very knowledgeable and nice. Our best tour ok our first trip to China!”

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Hong Kong: Dukling , Antique Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour - The 45-minute route around Victoria Harbour
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong: Dukling , Antique Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour

7.Dukling , Antique Boat Tour in Victoria Harbour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 233 reviews · from $30

Sail Victoria Harbour aboard Dukling, a historic Chinese junk boat with a 70-year past. This 45-minute cruise includes harbor commentary, a complimentary soft drink, beer, or packaged drink, and views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Weekend departures use an in-person guide, while weekday trips use an audio guide.

“Great short tour of the water way, showing off the island and main land. The amount of high rise buildings surrounding the entire area is indescribable.”

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Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining - Why the cruise time matters
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai

Shanghai: Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

8.Night River Cruise Tour with Xinjiang Style Dining

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 210 reviews · 3 hours · from $153

Spend three hours seeing Shanghai by night from the Huangpu River, then sit down to Xinjiang-style halal food in Pudong. A private car, English-speaking guide, cruise ticket, dinner, soft drink or beer, and hotel return are included. Guides such as Caroline, Queena, Snow, and Xin are praised for local insight and personal care.

“Amazing! The hype is real - Caroline the guide is the one you want to request. She is bubbly, fun, energetic and knows a ton about her city. This was an awesome tour — but take my advice and do the night cruise after 6pm! The lights come on for the buildings at 7pm and that’s when you want to be on the water.”

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Hong Kong Fisherman’s Wharf: Aberdeen Fishing Village Boat Tour - Meeting the boat at Pier 6
Cruises & Boat Tours, Fishing, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Fisherman’s Wharf: Aberdeen Fishing Village Boat Tour

9.Hong Kong Fisherman’s Wharf: Aberdeen Fishing Village Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 202 reviews · from $30

Meet at Aberdeen Fisherman’s Wharf Pier 6 for a short Chinese-style teak boat ride through the fishing village. You’ll see Tai Pak Floating Restaurant, visit the Aberdeen Houseboat museum, and finish at Pier 6 with exhibits, snacks, drinks, and sachima. Packages may include fish-based boat noodles or a seafood meal.

“We enjoyed it every much. The price is right. Beautiful night light. We loved the small group. Highly recommended.”

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From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride - Kezhi Garden offers a quieter pause
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

From Shanghai: Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

10.Zhujiajiao Water Town Private Tour with Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 173 reviews · from $139

You’ll leave downtown Shanghai by private air-conditioned vehicle for Zhujiajiao, a 1,700-year-old water town of stone bridges, old lanes, gardens, temples, and canals. An English-speaking guide such as Jun, Robert, Lucy, or Shirley leads the walk and boat ride. Choose a lunch or dinner option if you want local food included.

“This tour was very well organised and Jun was an excellent tour guide. She was very knowledgeable and friendly and made our tour experience very enjoyable.”

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Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong - Choosing a later cruise for the full night view
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hong Kong

Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

11.Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 160 reviews · from $30

Sail Victoria Harbour aboard Aqua Luna, a restored traditional Chinese junk, for about 45 minutes. Choose a sunset or nighttime departure from Tsim Sha Tsui or Central, enjoy one complimentary drink, and watch Hong Kong Island and the harbour lights from the open deck. This is a calm sightseeing cruise, not a party boat.

“Nice cruise on the river with lovely view of Hong Kong city. Tour operator was kind to change our booking on short notice.”

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Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong - Music, drinks, and the onboard atmosphere
Cruises & Boat Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours in Hong Kong

Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong

12.Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 155 reviews · from $42

Sail Victoria Harbour for about 45 minutes aboard the Aqua Luna, a traditional Chinese junk with lanterns, lounge seating, music, and skyline views. The cruise begins and ends at Tsim Sha Tsui Pier No. 1 and includes one complimentary drink. The 20:00 Symphony of Lights show is the main event.

“This is a perfect harbor cruise to see the skyline of Hongkong. Definitely recommend to first timers in Hongkong.”

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Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights - A 7 PM start in Yuyuan Old Street
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Huangpu River Cruises, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, VIP

Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights

13.Private Evening Tour: VIP Huangpu River Cruise and Shanghai Lights

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 150 reviews · from $128

Start with a 7 PM hotel pickup and explore Yuyuan Old Street, the Huangpu River, Lujiazui, and Xintiandi with a private guide and driver. The VIP cruise deck gives you an open view of the Bund lights. Guides including Tom, Mary, Autumn, Linda, and Roy are praised for clear English, local insight, and help with photos.

“Tom was a great tour guide with vast knowledge of Shanghai history and provided a meaningful tour. We both enjoyed this cruise and private tour and recommend it to anyone wanting to see Shanghai!”

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1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver - The 8:30 a.m. pickup and drive to Zhujiang Dock
1-Day Tours, Cruises & Boat Tours, Guided, Li River Cruises, Private, Private Drivers, Tour Reviews, Tours in Guilin

1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver

14.1 Day Li River Cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo with Private Guide & Driver

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 148 reviews · from $209

Start with hotel pickup in Guilin, then cruise four hours down the Li River past famous karst peaks. Your private English-speaking guide, such as Tony or Jeff, helps explain the scenery. Lunch is served aboard, followed by Yangshuo’s West Street, countryside touring, and a private transfer back to Guilin.

“The river cruise was a fantastic way to see the famous Guilin karsts, and the visit to Yangshuo and the charming surrounding countryside was wonderful. Tony was a great guide, patiently answering our questions and giving us plenty of time to enjoy our walk after the cruise. Highly recommended!”

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Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai - Walking into the 600-year-old water town
Cruises & Boat Tours, Half-Day, Private, Tour Reviews, Tours, Tours in Shanghai, Water Town Tours, Water Town Tours in Shanghai

Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai

15.Half-Day Private Zhujiajiao Water Town Tour with Boat Ride from Shanghai

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 144 reviews · from $160

Travel from Shanghai with a private guide and driver to Zhujiajiao, a 600-year-old water town. Walk its lanes, cross Fangsheng Bridge, visit Kezhi Garden and the old post office, and ride a canal boat. Guides such as Tom, Vicky, David, and Cindy are praised for clear English, local insight, and flexible pacing.

“Very great experience to walk around the ancient town! We could not do the boat ride but overall it was a great experience!”

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New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.0Night Cruise on Outer Qinhuai River for AdultsFrom $214 reviews
★ 4.7Li River Cruise with Yangshuo Countryside ToursFrom $12813 reviews
★ 3.1Leshan Buddha boat and food half day tripFrom $1293 reviews
★ 3.5Luxury West Lake Cruise+Santan Yinyue Island TicketFrom $1911 reviews
★ 4.8Li River Cruise with Buffalo and Tour of YangshuoFrom $22212 reviews
★ 4.8Night Cruise on Two Rivers & Four Lakes with Lights5 reviews
★ 4.2Private Full-Day Li River Cruise and Liusanjie ShowFrom $26327 reviews
★ 4.6Li River Cruise, Yangshuo Biking & Flexible Pricing20 reviews
★ 4.0Four Lakes Night Cruise with Round-trip TransferFrom $6018 reviews
★ 4.91-Day Cave, Xianggong Hill, Bamboo Boat & Show36 reviews
★ 4.93-Day Private Tour with Longsheng&Cruise to YangshuoFrom $3285 reviews
★ 3.8Pearl River 1-hour Night Cruise (Optional Piers)From $1539 reviews
★ 4.7Roundtrip Cruise Night View from Canton TowerFrom $3016 reviews
★ 4.9Guangzhou Day Tour By Metro & BoatFrom $1399 reviews
★ 5.0Chongqing Night Tour: River Cruise and Hidden ViewsFrom $1423 reviews

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