Where do the Pearl River night cruises depart from?

Most boats leave from Tianzi Pier and Dashatou Pier on Binjiang East Road in Haizhu District. Tianzi Pier is closest to Beijing Road, has the most frequent departures, and tends to be cheapest. Boats run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes between about 6:30pm and 10pm.

Which class of boat ticket should I buy?

Economy is the cheapest but standing-room only, standard gives you an indoor seat plus an open outdoor deck, and the luxury class adds a multi-course Cantonese dinner at a much higher price. For first-time visitors who mainly want photos, the standard class with deck access is the sweet spot.

Do I need to book the cruise in advance?

On weekends and holidays, yes — buy ahead through Trip.com or at the pier window earlier in the day, as popular departures sell out. Standard and luxury boats accept Visa and Mastercard. Board around 7 to 7:30pm to be on the water when the riverside LED light show is in full swing.

Pearl River Night Cruise, Guangzhou: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

A 1-hour boat cruise past Canton Tower, the Two Banks One River light show, Haixinsha, and the historic Bund. The classic Guangzhou night out.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 珠江夜游 (Zhūjiāng Yèyóu)
Opening hours: 6:30 PM – 10 PM
Time needed: 1.5-2 hours
Best time to visit: Boarding 19:00-19:30 to catch the 19:45 light show in full swing
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Visa, Mastercard
Entry: Passport booking recommended
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）

See Pearl River Night Cruisetickets & tours

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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.

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

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Board the 7 to 7:30pm sailing so you are mid-river when the 'Two Banks One River' LED show lights up the towers.
▸Sit or stand on the open upper deck, not behind glass — reflections ruin night photos shot through cabin windows.
▸Pick a boat departing from Tianzi Pier for the most sailings and lowest fares; skip pricier dinner cruises if you only want the views.
▸Bring a light jacket even in summer — the river breeze on deck stays cool once the boat picks up speed.
▸For the best low-angle Canton Tower shot, position yourself on the right side of the boat as it heads downstream.
▸Use a phone with a dedicated night mode; the moving deck blurs ordinary long exposures of the bridge lights.
▸If you skip the boat, the riverside walkway near Haixinsha gives a free, stable view of the same light show.

Photos

ferris wheel near body of water during night time

Illuminated riverside building in Guangzhou with colorful reflections at night.

a large body of water with a bridge in the background

Illuminated skyscrapers of Guangzhou reflecting on the water under a night sky.

A vibrant view of Guangzhou's illuminated skyline reflecting over the Pearl River at night.

landscape photography of bridge near high-rise buildings

Breathtaking view of Canton Tower glowing against the night sky in Guangzhou, China.

Modern cityscape with illuminated tower and boat at dusk

Stunning night view of Guangzhou's Liede Bridge and cityscape, showcasing vibrant urban lights and architecture.

A boat sails under a modern bridge at dusk.

Stunning night view of Liede Bridge over Pearl River in Guangzhou with modern architecture and city lights.

A brightly lit boat floats on the water at night.

Illuminated boat cruises the Saigon River at night, showcasing Ho Chi Minh City's lively skyline.

What travelers say (5 reviews)

Rebecca W.·TripAdvisor·5/5

The 2-hour cruise with dinner was a stunning night. Canton Tower from the water + the light show on both banks = magical.

2026-04-11

珠江夜游打卡·Xiaohongshu·5/5

天字码头标准舱100块，19:30上船刚好赶上灯光秀，性价比拉满。建议二楼露天位。

2026-03-04

Daniel K.·Google Maps·4/5

Skip the dinner cruise — Cantonese food is meh. Standard ticket and eat dim sum beforehand on Beijing Road.

2026-02-22

Sophie M.·TripAdvisor·5/5

Bring a light jacket — it's breezy even in summer. The riverside light show at 19:45 is the highlight, don't miss it.

2026-01-08

NightCruise_Hub·YouTube·5/5

Best 50 RMB you'll spend in Guangzhou. Economy seats are fine — the views are the same as luxury class.

2026-03-26

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Frequently asked questions about Pearl River Night Cruise

Where do the Pearl River night cruises depart from?: Most boats leave from Tianzi Pier and Dashatou Pier on Binjiang East Road in Haizhu District. Tianzi Pier is closest to Beijing Road, has the most frequent departures, and tends to be cheapest. Boats run roughly every 30 to 60 minutes between about 6:30pm and 10pm.
Which class of boat ticket should I buy?: Economy is the cheapest but standing-room only, standard gives you an indoor seat plus an open outdoor deck, and the luxury class adds a multi-course Cantonese dinner at a much higher price. For first-time visitors who mainly want photos, the standard class with deck access is the sweet spot.
Do I need to book the cruise in advance?: On weekends and holidays, yes — buy ahead through Trip.com or at the pier window earlier in the day, as popular departures sell out. Standard and luxury boats accept Visa and Mastercard. Board around 7 to 7:30pm to be on the water when the riverside LED light show is in full swing.