Shanghai, Shanghai, China cruise port
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Shanghai, Shanghai, China

Where colonial grandeur faces a forest of supertall towers across the Huangpu River — Shanghai packs more contrast into a single skyline than almost any city on earth. One shore day barely scratches the surface.

⚓ Docked (pier)🕒 Typical call: 8-10 hrs💴 Chinese Yuan (CNY)🗣️ Mandarin Chinese
Docking
Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Baoshan — 25–30 km from city center
Walk to center
Not walkable; taxi or ship shuttle ~45–60 min to The Bund
Best For
History, street food, contrasting architecture, day trips
Don't Miss
The Bund waterfront promenade and Yu Garden bazaar

Getting Ashore

Most large cruise ships berth at Wusongkou International Cruise Terminal in Baoshan District — a solid 45–60 minutes from the city core. Plan transportation before you disembark.

Getting from Wusongkou to the City

  • 1
    Ship shuttle or private transferMany cruise lines run a paid shuttle to People's Square or The Bund area. Pre-booked private minibuses are often the best value for groups of 4+.
  • 2
    Taxi from the terminalLicensed taxis queue outside the terminal. The metered ride to The Bund costs roughly ¥100–130; confirm the meter is running. DiDi (China's Uber equivalent) works if you have a Chinese phone number.
  • 3
    Metro from WusongkouThe terminal is not close to a metro station — the nearest, Youyi Road (Line 3), is ~2.7 km away. Take a free terminal shuttle or local bus to a Line 3 station (e.g. Baoyang Road), then ride south and transfer toward the center. Budget option, but a taxi is far simpler than the multi-leg metro journey.
  • 4
    Payment heads-upShanghai runs almost entirely on WeChat Pay and Alipay. International cards are rarely accepted in shops or markets. Carry cash Yuan or link a foreign card to Alipay before you arrive.

💡 Pro move: Some luxury lines (Silversea, Crystal) may dock at the more central Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal in Hongkou — confirm with your line, as this terminal is only 15 min from The Bund.

Piers & Tendering by Cruise Line

Shanghai has three cruise terminals; Wusongkou handles the vast majority of large international ships.

Cruise LineTypical Berth / ArrivalDock or Tender
MSC, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, most large shipsWusongkou International Cruise Terminal, Baoshan District📍Docked
Silversea, smaller luxury shipsShanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, Hongkou District📍Docked
Select callsWaigaoqiao International Cruise Terminal, Pudong📍Docked

Top Excursions

Shanghai rewards every interest — art deco waterfront, classical Ming gardens, buzzing street food lanes, and nearby ancient water towns.

Iconic

The Bund & Pudong Skyline

Stroll the 1.5 km Bund promenade along the Huangpu River, soaking up the colonial-era banking facades opposite the sci-fi Pudong skyline. Cross the river to the observation deck of the Shanghai Tower (China's tallest and the world's third-tallest building) for jaw-dropping views.

⏱ 2–3 hrs🚶 Easy walk📷 Iconic views
Find Bund & Skyline tours →
Culture

Yu Garden & Old Town Bazaar

Yu Garden (Yuyuan) is a 16th-century Ming Dynasty classical garden of rockeries, pavilions, and koi ponds. The surrounding bazaar is packed with xiaolongbao stalls, silk shops, and souvenir vendors — arrive early to beat the crowds.

⏱ 2–3 hrs🚶 Easy🍜 Great street food
Find Yu Garden tours →
History

French Concession & Tianzifang

The former French Concession retains tree-lined avenues, 1930s villas, and art galleries. Tianzifang's warren of shikumen (stone-gate house) lanes is now full of indie cafes, boutiques, and studios — one of Shanghai's best wanders.

⏱ 2–3 hrs🚶 Easy stroll☕ Great cafes
Find French Concession tours →
Nature

Zhujiajiao Water Town Day Trip

About 50 km southwest of Shanghai, Zhujiajiao is an 1,700-year-old canal town with 36 stone bridges, riverside teahouses, and gondola rides. An ideal half-day escape from the megacity bustle.

⏱ 4–5 hrs with transport🚣 Boat ride included📷 Scenic
Find Zhujiajiao day trips →
History

Jade Buddha Temple

One of Shanghai's most celebrated Buddhist temples, housing two carved white jade Buddha statues brought from Myanmar in 1882. Active monastery with resident monks, incense-filled courtyards, and peaceful halls away from the tourist bustle.

⏱ 1–2 hrs🚕 Short cab ride🙏 Active temple
Find temple & culture tours →
Food

Shanghai Street Food & Nanjing Road

Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), sheng jian bao (pan-fried pork buns), and scallion pancakes are Shanghai's iconic bites. Combine a food walk in the Old Town with a browse along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street — China's busiest shopping strip.

⏱ 2–3 hrs🥟 Must-eat🛍️ Shopping
Find Shanghai food tours →

Self-Guided Walks & Hikes

The Bund area is the most rewarding self-guided walk — combine it with the Old Town for a full half-day on foot.

The Bund to Yu Garden

3–4 km | 1.5–2 hrs | Easy flat terrain

Start at the northern end of the Bund near Waibaidu Bridge, walk the full promenade south past the Peace Hotel and Customs House, then cut inland through Nanjing Road East to Yu Garden Bazaar. Finish with a xiaolongbao stop at one of the street stalls near the Huxinting Teahouse.

  1. StartWaibaidu Bridge, Shanghai
  2. StopThe Bund, Shanghai
  3. StopNanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Shanghai
  4. EndYu Garden, Shanghai
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

French Concession Stroll

2–3 km | 1–1.5 hrs | Easy

Start at Fuxing Road Metro Station and wander west along Fuxing Middle Road past garden villas and plane trees. Turn into Tianzifang's alleyways for coffee and craft shops, then finish on Xintiandi's stone-paved plaza.

  1. StartFuxing Road, Luwan, Shanghai
  2. StopTianzifang, Shanghai
  3. EndXintiandi, Shanghai
🗺️ See full route in Maps →

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Climate normals for Shanghai, Shanghai, China (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainy Days
Jan49°F / 9°C35°F / 2°C8
Feb51°F / 11°C37°F / 3°C9
Mar60°F / 16°C44°F / 7°C11
Apr68°F / 20°C52°F / 11°C10
May77°F / 25°C62°F / 17°C11
Jun82°F / 28°C70°F / 21°C16
Jul88°F / 31°C77°F / 25°C19
Aug88°F / 31°C78°F / 26°C16
Sep81°F / 27°C70°F / 21°C13
Oct73°F / 23°C60°F / 16°C7
Nov64°F / 18°C51°F / 11°C10
Dec52°F / 11°C38°F / 3°C7

Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)

Insider Tips

  • 💴
    Carry cash CNY. Shops, markets, and most restaurants in Shanghai run on WeChat Pay or Alipay — international credit cards are frequently refused. Exchange currency onboard or use an ATM at the terminal.
  • 📱
    VPN before you land. Google Maps, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China. Download offline maps (Maps.me or MAPS.ME with Shanghai pack) and set up a VPN before your phone connects to Chinese networks.
  • 🚖
    Budget 45–60 min travel each way from Wusongkou to the city center. Factor this into your departure deadline — missing all-aboard is an expensive lesson.
  • 🎫
    Visa-free entry for cruise groups. Since May 2024, foreign tourist groups entering China by cruise at coastal ports (including Shanghai) can qualify for a visa exemption. Confirm your eligibility with your cruise line well in advance.
  • 🥟
    Eat xiaolongbao at the source. Din Tai Fung (multiple locations) is the well-known chain, but local spots near Yu Garden do excellent versions for a fraction of the price.

Cruises Calling Here

Upcoming cruises that call at Shanghai, Shanghai, China. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.

Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 15 Jun 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jun 15
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Seoul Cruise
  1. 15 Jun 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 17 Jun 07:00 - 19:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 19 Jun 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$543from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 19 Jun 16:00 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Jun 19
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Jeju Busan Cruise
  1. 19 Jun 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 21 Jun 07:00 - 17:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 22 Jun 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  4. 24 Jun 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$753from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 24 Jun 17:30 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jun 24
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 24 Jun 17:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 26 Jun 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 28 Jun 05:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$543from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 28 Jun 16:00 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Jun 28
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Jeju Busan Cruise
  1. 28 Jun 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 30 Jun 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 01 Jul 07:00 - 17:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  4. 03 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$838from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 03 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 03
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Seoul Cruise
  1. 03 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 05 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 07 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 07 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 07
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 07 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 09 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 11 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 11 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 11
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Seoul Cruise
  1. 11 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 13 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 15 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 15 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 15
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Jeju Cruise
  1. 15 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 17 Jul 07:00 - 17:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 19 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$762from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 19 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 19
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 19 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 21 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 23 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 23 Jul 17:30 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 23
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Seoul Cruise
  1. 23 Jul 17:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 25 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 27 Jul 05:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 27 Jul 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 27
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 27 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 29 Jul 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 31 Jul 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$915from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 31 Jul 16:00 20263 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Jul 31
View itinerary · 3 ports
3 days, round-trip Jeju Cruise
  1. 31 Jul 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 01 Aug 11:59 - 22:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 03 Aug 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$501from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 03 Aug 16:00 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 03
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Busan Yeosu Cruise
  1. 03 Aug 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 05 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 06 Aug 08:00 - 19:00Yeosu, Korea
  4. 08 Aug 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$923from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 08 Aug 16:30 20268 nights5 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 08
View itinerary · 5 ports
8 days, round-trip Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya Tokyo
  1. 08 Aug 16:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 10 Aug 14:30 - 11 Aug 15:30Kobe-Osaka, Kyoto, Japan
  3. 12 Aug 10:30 - 19:30Nagoya, Japan Aichi
  4. 13 Aug 11:00 - 22:00Tokyo, Japan
  5. 16 Aug 07:00Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$1725from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 16 Aug 16:00 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 16
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Fukuoka Busan Cruise
  1. 16 Aug 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 18 Aug 07:00 - 18:45Hakata-Fukuoka City, Japan Fukuoka
  3. 19 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  4. 21 Aug 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$1047from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 21 Aug 16:00 20263 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 21
View itinerary · 3 ports
3 days, round-trip Jeju Cruise
  1. 21 Aug 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 22 Aug 11:59 - 22:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 24 Aug 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$469from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 24 Aug 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 24
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 24 Aug 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 26 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 28 Aug 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$763from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 28 Aug 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Aug 28
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Seoul Cruise
  1. 28 Aug 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 30 Aug 07:00 - 19:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 01 Sep 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$514from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 01 Sep 16:00 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 01
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Busan Yeosu Cruise
  1. 01 Sep 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 03 Sep 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 04 Sep 08:00 - 19:00Yeosu, Korea
  4. 06 Sep 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$638from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 06 Sep 17:30 20265 nights4 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 06
View itinerary · 4 ports
5 days, round-trip Seoul Jeju Cruise
  1. 06 Sep 17:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 08 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 09 Sep 11:59 - 20:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  4. 11 Sep 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$638from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 11 Sep 16:30 20268 nights6 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 11
View itinerary · 6 ports
8 days, round-trip Best Of Japan Cruise
  1. 11 Sep 16:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 13 Sep 09:00 - 19:00Sakaiminato-Matsue, Japan Tottori
  3. 14 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Maizuru, Japan Kyoto
  4. 15 Sep 08:00 - 17:00Niigata City, Japan Niigata
  5. 16 Sep 07:30 - 19:00Hakodate, Japan Oshima
  6. 19 Sep 07:00Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$1169from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 19 Sep 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 19
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Jeju Cruise
  1. 19 Sep 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 21 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 23 Sep 04:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$672from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 23 Sep 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 23
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Busan Cruise
  1. 23 Sep 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 25 Sep 07:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  3. 27 Sep 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$543from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 27 Sep 16:00 20264 nights3 portsDeparts 2026 Sep 27
View itinerary · 3 ports
4 days, round-trip Jeju Cruise
  1. 27 Sep 16:00Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 29 Sep 07:00 - 17:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  3. 01 Oct 06:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$543from / pp
Spectrum Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean Cruises
Round-trip from Shanghai
⚓ Calls 01 Oct 16:30 20266 nights5 portsDeparts 2026 Oct 01
View itinerary · 5 ports
6 days, round-trip Seoul, Jeju Busan Cruise
  1. 01 Oct 16:30Departing from Shanghai, China
  2. 03 Oct 07:00 - 17:00Incheon, Seoul, Korea
  3. 04 Oct 13:00 - 21:00Jeju Island, Seogwipo-Jeju City, Korea
  4. 05 Oct 09:00 - 19:00Busan, Korea
  5. 07 Oct 04:30Arriving in Shanghai, China
Find this cruise to book →
$1318from / pp
See more cruises visiting Shanghai →

Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.