Pearl River Night Cruise

As the third largest river in China, the Pearl River measures 2,320 kilometers in length, with its name deriving from the Haizhu Rock (Sea Pearl Rock). When the As the river flows through Guangzhou Pearl River went through Guangzhou City, a huge rock island in the center of the river was scoured time and again and became smooth and bright like a pearl, called 'Sea Pearl Rock', hence the name 'Pearl River' for the river with this rock.

Dongjiang Rivers, Xijiang River, Beijiang River and other branch river constitute Zhujiang River. The scenery along Zhujiang River is wonderful. Cruise will set sail from multiple wharves including Tianzi Wharf separately, along the way tourists will pass Haiyin Bridge, Guangzhou Bridge, Haixinsha Islet, Guangzhou Tower, Liede Tower. The whole cruise duration is about 70 minutes.

 

 

Highlights of the Pearl River Night Cruise

• The Pearl River Night Cruise offers a dazzling visual feast, with Canton Tower’s 10-minute light show, uniquely styled cross-river bridges, and Zhujiang New Town’s synchronized architectural lights reflecting on the water.
• It doubles as a historical journey, passing Qing Dynasty’s Tianzi Wharf, Shamian Island’s European-style old buildings, and heritage structures like Nanfang Building to showcase Guangzhou’s past.
• Diverse cruise experiences cater to different needs, including luxury ships with comfortable facilities, themed cruises with cultural performances, and open-air decks for sunset views.
• The waterfront perspective provides a fresh look at Guangzhou’s landmarks, turning the blend of bridge lights, building glow, and river reflections into a moving, photo-worthy scene.

 

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreigners to Buy Pearl River Night Cruise Tickets

This guide breaks down the ticket-purchasing process into simple, actionable steps, with tips to avoid common troubles.

Step 1: Pick a Booking Method That Fits You

First, choose a method based on your schedule—online booking works best for advance planning (1–3 days early), while on-site purchases or hotel help are better for last-minute trips.

• Online platforms: Most convenient for checking schedules and avoiding long lines.
• On-site ticket offices: Ideal if you decide to go the same day and want to ask staff directly.
• Hotel concierge: Saves you from dealing with language or tech issues, especially if you stay at a mid-to-high-end hotel.
   

Step 2: Book Tickets (Detailed Steps for Each Method)

Below are clear steps for each common way to book, with English-friendly tips.

Option A: Book Online (Most Recommended)

1. Select an English-supported platform.Top choices include Ctrip (use its English app/website), Fliggy (switch to English in settings), or the official WeChat mini-program of the cruise company (search “珠江夜游” and find the English toggle).
2. Search for “Pearl River Night Cruise” and filter your options.Choose your preferred pier (e.g., Tianzi Wharf, Dashatou Wharf) and departure time—most cruises run from 19:00 to 21:30.
3. Fill in booking info and pay.Enter the number of travelers, then use Visa or Mastercard (international credit cards are accepted on major platforms).
4. Save the booking confirmation.You’ll get a digital ticket via email or the app—screenshot it, as you’ll need it for check-in.

Option B: Buy Tickets On-Site

1. Go to a major pier’s ticket office.Head to popular piers like Tianzi Wharf (near Beijing Road) or Dashatou Wharf (near Guangzhou Railway Station)—look for signs that say “Ticket Office.”
2. Communicate with staff (basic English works).You can say, “I want one ticket for the 8:00 PM cruise, please.” Most staff understand simple English and will show you price lists.
3. Pay and get your ticket.You can pay with Chinese yuan (cash) or international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
4. Keep the physical ticket safe—you’ll need to scan or show it before boarding.

Option C: Ask Your Hotel Concierge for Help

1. Visit the hotel’s front desk and make a request.Say, “Could you help me book a ticket for the Pearl River Night Cruise tonight?”
2. Provide necessary info.Tell them your preferred date, time, and number of people. They may ask for your passport number to record the booking.
3. Confirm details and collect the ticket.The concierge will check the pier and departure time with you. They may print the ticket or send a digital version to your phone.

Step 3: Prepare for Check-In (Critical!)

No matter how you book, you must bring one valid ID per traveler to check in. For foreigners, this is your physical passport—digital versions are not always accepted.

• Arrive at the pier 30 minutes before departure to avoid rushing.
• Follow signs to the “Boarding Gate,” then show your ticket and passport to staff.
   

Final Useful Tips

• If you can’t find the pier, use Google Maps or tell your taxi driver “Tianzi Matou” (天字码头) or “Dashatou Matou” (大沙头码头)—these are the most well-known.
• Ticket prices vary by ship type (standard vs. luxury) and season, usually ranging from 150 to 300 RMB per person.

 

Where to Take the Cruise

• Dashatou Wharf
Dashatou wharf locates at the downtown of Guangzhou, Donghu Park and Ershatou Physical Center in the east, and Dongdi Bridge and Haizhu Bridge in the west. Dashatou Wharf is the biggest wharf for tourist cruise in Guangzhou. Guangzhou government developed it into the biggest waterfront leisure square—Gangwan square (Harbor square). The Wharf can accommodate 12 cruises to berth at the same time.

Address: No. 466, Yanjiang East Road, Guangzhou, Guangzhou Province
How to get: take No.35、No.36、No.57、No. 61 bus to Dashatou Wharf bus stop

• Tianzi Wharf
Tianzi Wharf is used in the longest time in Guangzhou. Tianzi has the meaning of the first, and it was used as an exclusive wharf for officials. In those days, official Lin Zexu board at Tianzi Wharf to Humen to destroy Opium, which China opened a prelude to anti-aggression. And Sun Yat-sen board at Tianzi Wharf to work for revolution of China. Now the Tianzi Wharf is used for tourist cruise.

Address: the junction of Jiangzhou Road and Beijing Road, Yuexiu district
How to get: take No. 183 to Nanguan bus stop



Route 1: Tianzi Wharf→Baietang Pond→Liede Bridge→Guangzhou Tower→Tianzi Wharf

Route2: Tianzi Wharf or Dashatou Wharf→Liede Bridge→Guangzhou Tower→Tianzi Wharf or Dashatou Wharf

Route3: Tianzi Wharf→Guangzhou Tower→Tianzi Wharf