Ultimate Guide to the Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou

Hi, I’m Alex Chen! As a Chinese traveler who loves independent trips, I often get asked by friends: is there a night activity that’s both affordable and romantic? Well, this time, I’m excited to introduce one of my personal experiences—the Pearl River Night Cruise in Guangzhou. Whether it’s your first time in the city or you’re simply looking for a relaxed way to enjoy the evening, this night cruise on the Pearl River is absolutely worth your time. In this post, I’ll share everything you need to know from the perspective of a budget-savvy traveler exploring China, and guide you through this beautiful urban river experience.

About the Pearl River

The Pearl River in Guangzhou, officially known as the Guangzhou section of the Pearl River, is considered the mother river of the city. It is the main waterway of the Pearl River Delta network in Guangdong Province, located in the south-central part of the delta. The river flows through central Guangzhou, passing districts including Baiyun, Liwan, Yuexiu, Tianhe, Haizhu, and Panyu. Its main channel stretches 128 kilometers, with an average width of 525 meters along the rear channel, and an average annual water flow of 57.8 billion cubic meters as it reaches the Humen estuary.

• Location: Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps / Amap)
• Opening hours: Open 24 hours; night cruise boats typically operate from 18:30 to 22:50
• Lighting schedule: 19:30–22:30
• Recommended visit duration: 50 to 90 minutes
• Best seasons: All year round
• Cruise ticket prices: 88–218 CNY
• Where to buy tickets: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

Pearl River Night Cruise Detailed Guide: Routes, Prices, and Locations

Most tourists feel confused the first time they plan to take a Pearl River Night Cruise. That’s because there are eight operational piers along the river and over a dozen route options. On top of that, you need to choose a boat and seat, making the decision more complex. I’ve carefully selected several recommended routes. These represent the highlights of the Pearl River Night Cruise and are the most popular among visitors. All of them are excellent choices. Depending on your hotel location and schedule, just pick the pier and departure time that works best for you.

• Route selection tip: If you’re unsure where to begin, go with Tianzi Pier, which is close to Beijing Road. For seating, the second level is good enough—you don’t really need to go for the third deck. Since the ride is short, you’ll likely spend most of your time outside taking photos. But definitely avoid the first deck, as it doesn’t allow you to go upstairs. Any time after 19:30 is ideal. There’s no need to pay for the buffet; the food is average at best.
• Ticket advice: Always buy your ticket in advance. There are almost no tickets available at the pier. Also, with so many different piers, make sure you confirm your departure location ahead of time. I recommend using third-party online platforms. Although tickets are available via WeChat mini programs, many unofficial and fake accounts exist—it’s easy to get confused.

Tianzi Pier (Recommended)

• Highlight: The oldest operating pier! Located right next to the Beijing Road pedestrian street. Shop by day, cruise by night—a top pick for families.
• Pier address: Yanjiang Middle Road No. 200, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Tianzi Pier – Jiangwan Bridge – Haixin Bridge – Zhongda North Gate – Xinghai Concert Hall – Ersha Island – Guangzhou Bridge – Canton Tower – Haixinsha Asian Games Park – Haixin Bridge – turnaround at Liede Bridge – return to Tianzi Pier
• Operating hours: 18:40–22:10
• Cruise duration: 70–80 minutes
• Price: 108–168 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals, KKday Offers

Haixinsha West Pier

• Highlight: Best spot for Canton Tower views. Focuses on themed cruises.
• Pier address: Haixinsha Asian Games Park, Zhujiang New Town, Tianhe District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Haixinsha Pier – Canton Tower – Haixinsha Asian Games Park – Haixin Bridge – Guangzhou Bridge – Ersha Island – Xinghai Concert Hall – Zhongda North Gate – turnaround at Haixin Bridge – return to Haixinsha West Pier
• Operating hours: 18:45–21:40
• Cruise duration: 50–60 minutes
• Price: 108–148 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals

Xidi Pier

• Highlight: Longest route, most attractions, best value for money.
• Pier address: Yanjiang West Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Xidi Pier – Provincial Headquarters Pier – Haizhu Bridge – Tianzi Pier – Jiangwan Hotel – Haixin Bridge – Ersha Island – Xinghai Concert Hall – Zhongda North Gate – Guangzhou Bridge – Canton Tower – Haixinsha Park – Haixin Bridge – turnaround at Liede Bridge – return to Xidi Pier
• Operating hours: 19:00–21:30
• Cruise duration: 80–90 minutes
• Price: 108–148 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts

Zhongda Pier

• Highlight: Reaches Canton Tower early in the cruise.
• Pier address: Binjiang East Road No. 163, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Zhongda Pier – Liede Bridge – Haixinsha Park – Canton Tower – Haixin Bridge – Guangzhou Bridge – Ersha Island – Xinghai Concert Hall – turnaround at Haixin Bridge – return to Zhongda Pier
• Operating hours: 19:30–22:10
• Cruise duration: 60 minutes
• Price: 108–138 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals

Dashatou Pier (Recommended)

• Highlight: The largest pier, most cruise options, larger and fancier boats.
• Pier address: Yanjiang East Road No. 466, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Dashatou Pier – Haixin Bridge – Zhongda North Gate – Xinghai Concert Hall – Ersha Island – Guangzhou Bridge – Canton Tower – Haixinsha Park – Haixin Bridge – turnaround at Liede Bridge – return to Dashatou Pier
• Operating hours: 18:40–22:00
• Cruise duration: 60 minutes
• Price: 88–178 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals

Guangzhou Tower Fortune Wharf

• Highlight: The most expensive pier with the shortest route, but the most convenient boarding location.
• Pier address: East side of Yuejiang West Road No. 222, Haizhu District, Guangzhou (Apple Maps/Amap)
• Route: Guangzhou Tower Fortune Wharf – Canton Tower – Haixinsha Park – Haixin Bridge – Guangzhou Bridge – Ersha Island – Xinghai Concert Hall – Zhongda North Gate – turnaround – return to Guangzhou Tower Fortune Wharf
• Operating hours: 18:30–22:50
• Cruise duration: 50 minutes
• Price: 138–218 CNY/person
• Ticket purchase: Trip.com Discounts, Klook Deals

Recommended Hotels Near the Pearl River Night Cruise

If you’re looking for a convenient place to stay for the Pearl River Night Cruise, I recommend staying in Yuexiu District. It’s suitable for most travelers. One of the best areas is around the Gongyuanqian Metro Station, where Metro Line 1 and Line 2 intersect. This location makes it incredibly easy to reach almost all of Guangzhou’s major attractions and is also surrounded by a wide variety of local food options. You’ll be close to Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, and the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Getting to Canton Tower, Guangzhou Opera House, Guangdong Museum, and Baiyun Mountain Scenic Area is also convenient. In addition, travel to and from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport is hassle-free. For a full guide to hotels in the city, check out: Guangzhou Hotel Recommendations

CityNote Sino Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road Memorial Hall Metro Station)

• Location: 5-minute walk to Memorial Hall Metro Station, 10-minute walk to Yuanquian Metro Station.
• Price Range: 349 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials
• Rating: 4.6 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, triple rooms

Excellently situated near the A exit of Memorial Hall Metro Station. Starbucks and 7-11 are right downstairs, providing great convenience for accessing Beijing Road, Chen Clan Academy, and other attractions either by walking or a short taxi ride. Additionally, it’s a direct ride from Guangzhou South Station on Metro Line 2 without any transfers.

The rooms are satisfactory and comfortable. Although small, they are fully equipped with all necessary amenities. Delicious late-night porridge is also available.

Ying Shang Hotel (Guangzhou Beijing Road Pedestrian Street)

• Location: 9 minutes walk from Yuanquian Metro Station
• Price Range: 350 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: 4.7 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, laundry room, robot room service

The hotel is well positioned near Gongyuanqian Metro Station, nestled in a quiet area despite its proximity to the lively surroundings. Directly opposite the Yuexiu District People’s Government. Attractions like Beijing Road, People’s Park, and the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall are nearby, with the South Vietnam King Museum just a 10-minute walk away. The metro is also within short walking distance, with numerous dining options available just downstairs.

The hotel maintains a clean and orderly environment. The rooms are not only clean and odor-free but also offer a tranquil atmosphere that allows guests to quickly escape the hustle and bustle. Additionally, the breakfast is quite extensive and the service is exceptionally attentive.

Guangdong Guest House

• Location: 8 minutes walk from Yuanquian Metro Station, 12 minutes walk from Memorial Hall Metro Station
• Price Range: 591 RMB
• Check Room Rates: Trip.com Specials, Compare on Klook
• Rating: 4.8 on Trip
• Special Amenities: Gym, paid indoor swimming pool, triple rooms, family rooms

The Guangdong Guest House, situated on the site of a former royal residence, boasts a rich historical heritage. It is conveniently located for taxis and also near a metro station for those concerned about traffic. The hotel is also a short walk, approximately fifteen minutes, from Beijing Road Pedestrian Street.

Although the hotel’s exterior shows its age, the rooms are newly refurbished, spacious, and very clean. The beds and pillows are particularly comfortable. The hotel’s restaurant offers excellent dishes, especially the traditional Guangzhou morning tea.

How to Get to the Pearl River Pier from Downtown Guangzhou

Since there are several piers along the Pearl River, this section explains how to get to Tianzi Pier, one of the most popular ones. The easiest way is by metro. Once you exit the station, it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the pier.

By Metro

From downtown Guangzhou, take Metro Line 2 and get off at Haizhu Square Station. Exit from Exit A, then walk around 10 minutes to reach Tianzi Pier.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

A direct ride from downtown takes about 15 minutes and costs approximately 20 CNY.

How to Get to the Pearl River Pier from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport

Again, since there are multiple piers, this section focuses on directions to Tianzi Pier. There’s no direct shuttle from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to the pier, so the metro is the most reliable way.

By Metro

From the airport, take Metro Line 3 to Jiahewanggang Station, then transfer to Metro Line 2. Get off at Haizhu Square Station, exit via Exit A, and walk about 10 minutes to Tianzi Pier.

By Taxi or Ride-hailing

A taxi ride from Baiyun Airport to Tianzi Pier takes around 50 minutes. The fare will vary depending on traffic but expect a typical range for airport-city transfers.

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