Evening river cruises pass beneath the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge and along the lit-up Xiaguan waterfront.
The Yangtze River night cruise in Nanjing departs from piers around the Yijiangmen area of the Xiaguan riverfront in Gulou District, Jiangsu province, and runs for about one to one and a half hours on the river. The cruise passes beneath the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge, a landmark completed in 1968 and a symbol of the city, and follows the illuminated Xiaguan waterfront, where lit-up buildings and bridges are reflected on the water. The round trip covers roughly 10 km. The activity is classed as easy and is a passive sightseeing cruise rather than a physical adventure. There is no fitness requirement, no skill prerequisite and no formal age limit, and the cruise is suitable for families with children, older visitors and groups. Children should stay supervised on open decks. Vessels are operated by local Nanjing Yangtze River cruise operators based at Xiaguan-area piers. Standard tickets normally include boarding and access to open decks and indoor seating, and life jackets are stored on board as required by river-transport rules. Visitors should bring a light jacket, since the decks are breezy even on warm evenings, and a camera or phone with mobile payment for the ticket counter. Crew members give a short announcement about safety and lifejacket locations, and the vessels are subject to river-transport regulations, with rescue coverage provided through port and maritime authorities. In an emergency, passengers can call 110 or 120, and crew can contact the port authority. Tickets typically cost about ¥80-150, depending on the vessel, deck class and whether dinner or a performance is included. The cruise runs year-round, with May to October evenings the warmest and most pleasant. Winter evenings can be cold and windy, and cruises can be delayed or cancelled in strong wind, heavy rain, fog or high water. Sailings sometimes vary with the season and operator, so visitors should confirm departure times at the pier on the day. Sunset departures give both daylight views of the bridge and the night lighting.
| Price | ¥80-150 (approx $11.94-22.39) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1-1.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | Year-round; May to October evenings are warmest |
| Address | Yijiangmen area, Xiaguan riverfront, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China |
Activity facts
- Where
- Xiaguan riverfront, Gulou District, Nanjing
Equipment
- Light jacket for breezy decks
- Camera
- Phone with mobile payment
Location
Yijiangmen area, Xiaguan riverfront, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210011, China
32.0846, 118.7500 View on map
Highlights
- Passes beneath the Nanjing Yangtze River Bridge
- Lit-up Xiaguan waterfront viewed from the river
- Departures from the Yijiangmen riverfront area
- Suited to families, groups and older visitors
Tips for visiting
- Choose a sunset departure to see the bridge in daylight and after dark.
- Bring a light jacket; the river decks are breezy even in summer.
- Confirm departure times at the pier on the day, as schedules shift with season and weather.
- Buy tickets at the pier office and check what deck class the price covers.
- Expect cancellations in fog, strong wind or high water.
When to visit
Evenings from May to October are warmest. Sunset departures show both daylight and night views.
Accessibility
Access depends on the pier and vessel; boarding usually involves ramps or steps, and open decks can be uneven. Visitors with mobility needs should ask the operator before buying tickets.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Yangtze night cruise?
Cruises last roughly 1-1.5 hours and cover about 10 km on the river.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes. There is no age limit, but children should be supervised on open decks.
How much does a ticket cost?
Prices are typically around ¥80-150 depending on the vessel and deck class.
Does the cruise run in winter?
Cruises run year-round but can be cold and are sometimes cancelled in bad weather.