Shanghai: One of Asia’s Best Night Views
Shanghai ranks alongside Hong Kong and New York among the world’s premier night view cities. The combination of 1920s colonial architecture and 21st-century supertall towers—separated by the Huangpu River—creates a visual drama unlike anywhere else.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|
| Best Time | 6:00 - 10:00 PM |
| Lighting Hours | 6:30 PM - 11:00 PM (seasonal) |
| Essential Route | Bund → Lujiazui → Cruise |
| Budget | ¥100-300 |
Lighting Schedule
Shanghai’s building illumination varies by season:
| Season | Lights On | Lights Off |
|---|
| Spring/Fall | 6:30 PM | 10:30 PM |
| Summer | 7:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Winter | 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Special Events | 5:30 PM | 12:00 AM |
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before lights turn on to capture the transition from golden hour through blue hour to full night illumination.
Route 1: The Bund Classic (2-3 hours)
The most popular classic night view route.
Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|
| 5:30 PM | Nanjing East Road Station | Arrive, Metro Lines 2/10 |
| 5:45 PM | The Bund | Stake out position before sunset |
| 6:00-7:00 PM | The Bund | Golden hour photography |
| 7:00-8:00 PM | Night photography | Full lighting |
| 8:00-9:00 PM | Nanjing Road | Neon signs and evening shopping |
Best Photo Spots on The Bund
| Location | Features | Rating |
|---|
| North end (Huangpu Park) | Tripod-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Waterfront platform | Close to river | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Waibaidu Bridge | Bridge + skyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Peace Hotel entrance | Art deco + skyline | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Photography Timing
| Time | What to Capture |
|---|
| Just after sunset (blue hour) | Blue sky, lights beginning |
| Full lighting | Vivid colors, reflections |
| After 10 PM | Fewer crowds, long exposures |
Route 2: Lujiazui Observatory (3-4 hours)
See the night view from above.
Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|
| 4:00 PM | Lujiazui Station | Arrive, Metro Line 2 |
| 4:30 PM | Shanghai Tower | Enter observatory |
| 5:30-7:00 PM | 118th floor | Sunset + night view |
| 7:30 PM | Binjiang Avenue | Riverside walk |
| 8:30 PM | IFC Mall | Dinner |
Observatory Comparison
| Tower | Height | Price | Best For |
|---|
| Shanghai Tower | 546m | ¥180 | Highest, sunset |
| SWFC | 474m | ¥180 | Glass floor |
| Jin Mao Tower | 340m | ¥120 | Budget option |
Booking Tips
Book online to skip ticket counter lines (30-60 min waits common).
Route 3: Huangpu River Cruise (1-2 hours)
See both sides of the skyline from the water.
Cruise Options
| Type | Duration | Price | Features |
|---|
| Standard cruise | 45 min | ¥80-120 | Basic route |
| VIP cruise | 60 min | ¥150-200 | Drinks, guaranteed seating |
| Dinner cruise | 2 hours | ¥300-500 | Meal included |
Recommended Cruises
| Cruise | Boarding | Booking |
|---|
| Pujiang Cruise | Bund Shiliupu Pier | WeChat mini-program |
| Huangpu River Cruise | Bund platform | Walk-up available |
Cruise Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|
| Timing | 7:00-8:00 PM departure recommended |
| Seating | Upper deck outdoor (bring jacket) |
| Clothing | Light layer for river wind |
| Photography | Handheld works better than tripod on moving boat |
💡 Pro Tip: Cruises only face one direction at a time—choose either Bund or Lujiazui side seating based on your priority. Sit opposite your desired view!
Route 4: Complete Night Tour (5-6 hours)
Maximum night view experience combining all elements.
Schedule
| Time | Location | Activity |
|---|
| 4:00 PM | Lujiazui Station | Arrive |
| 4:30 PM | Shanghai Tower | Observatory (sunset) |
| 6:30 PM | Binjiang Avenue | Riverside walk with Bund view |
| 7:30 PM | Ferry to The Bund | River crossing (¥2) |
| 8:00 PM | The Bund walk | Classic skyline |
| 9:00 PM | Nanjing Road | Neon lights |
| 10:00 PM | Dinner | Nanjing Road area |
Transportation
| Segment | Method | Time | Cost |
|---|
| Lujiazui → Bund | Ferry | 15 min | ¥2 |
| Lujiazui → Bund | Sightseeing Tunnel | 5 min | ¥55 |
| Bund → Nanjing Road | Walk | 10 min | Free |
Hidden Night View Spots
1. Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥)
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | North end of The Bund |
| Features | 1907 iron bridge + skyline |
| Best for | Serious photographers |
2. 1933 Old Millfun (1933老场坊)
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | Hongkou District |
| Features | Former slaughterhouse → art space |
| Best for | Unique architecture + night lighting |
3. Wukang Road Night
| Info | Details |
|---|
| Location | French Concession |
| Features | Retro street lamps, plane trees |
| Best for | Romantic atmosphere |
Photography Guide
Equipment Recommendations
| Gear | Use |
|---|
| Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) | Full skyline |
| Standard lens (24-70mm) | Versatile |
| Tripod | Night photography |
| Image stabilization | Handheld/cruise shots |
Camera Settings
| Situation | Recommended Settings |
|---|
| Tripod | ISO 100, f/8-11, 1-30 sec |
| Handheld | ISO 800-3200, f/2.8-4, 1/60 sec |
| Smartphone | Night mode, use tripod |
Smartphone Tips
| Tip | Details |
|---|
| Night mode | Auto long exposure |
| Pro mode | Lower ISO, longer shutter |
| Tripod | Phone clip holder helps |
| Post-processing | Adjust brightness, contrast |
Weather Considerations
| Weather | Recommendation |
|---|
| Clear | All routes excellent |
| Cloudy | Reflections harder, observatory still good |
| Rain | Cruise cancellation likely, indoor bars |
| Smog | Skip observatory, Bund only |
💡 Pro Tip: Right after rain offers the clearest air and most vivid night views!
Dining with Views
Near The Bund
| Restaurant | Type | Price | View |
|---|
| M on the Bund | Western | ¥400+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Mr & Mrs Bund | French | ¥300+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Nanjing Dafandian | Chinese | ¥150 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Near Lujiazui
| Restaurant | Type | Price | View |
|---|
| IFC restaurants | Various | ¥100-200 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Peace Hotel Bar | Bar | ¥150+ | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best season for night views?
Autumn (September-November)—clear skies, pleasant weather. Summer is humid; winter is cold but often has clear air.
Cruise or observatory?
Cruise: See both sides up close
Observatory: Full panoramic view from above
Different experiences—do both if time permits!
Is The Bund free?
Yes, completely free. Just walking the promenade gives you world-class views.
Is it safe solo at night?
Very safe. The Bund and Lujiazui are well-lit, heavily patrolled, and crowded with visitors.
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Lighting schedules and cruise times may vary.
