The Pearl River bisects Guangzhou, and a night cruise is the most relaxing way to see all the city's icons lit up at once. Three classes of boat depart from Tianzi Pier (天字码头) and Dashatou Pier (大沙头码头): economy (~¥50, no seats), standard (~¥100, indoor seats + outdoor deck), and luxury dinner cruises (¥300-500, multi-course Cantonese dinner). The route loops past Canton Tower, the Haizhu Bridge, Haixinsha Island (former Asian Games venue), Aiqun Hotel and the old Bund, before turning around at Liede Bridge. Departures every 30-60 minutes from 18:30-22:00. The nightly 'Two Banks One River' (一江两岸) LED light show on the Pearl River's high-rises runs roughly 19:30-21:30 and is best viewed mid-river. Buy tickets at the pier or via Trip.com / 同程旅行 in advance for weekends. Bring a light jacket — the river breeze is cool even in summer.

Address

Binjiang East Rd (Tianzi / Dashatou / Haixinsha Piers), Haizhu District

海珠区滨江东路（天字码头/大沙头码头/海心沙码头）

Highlights

Tianzi Pier (天字码头)Closest to Beijing Road; most departures + cheapest tickets
Two Banks One River Light ShowNightly LED show on riverside towers, 19:30-21:30
Canton Tower from the riverBest low-angle view; bring camera with night-mode capability
Old Bund Buildings1920s European architecture along Yanjiang Road — survived WWII
Sky Boat dinner cruise5-course Cantonese dinner on the luxury class boat — book ahead