China Cruise Ports Guide
Looking to cruise China? You’ve got options! Shanghai leads the pack with three bustling terminals handling over 500 ships yearly.
Beijing cruisers actually dock at nearby Tianjin, while Hong Kong wows visitors with its Ocean and Kai Tak terminals overlooking that iconic harbor.
Don’t overlook Xiamen and Dalian – both solid choices with decent facilities.
All these ports offer modern amenities and good transport connections to get you where you need to go.
Shanghai has become China’s cruise capital for good reason, while Hong Kong really shines during peak season (October-March) with those jaw-dropping Victoria Harbour views.
For something different, check out smaller ports like Ningbo, Haikou, or Zhoushan – great jumping-off points for cultural sites and island adventures throughout the country.
Shanghai Cruise Ship Port Guide
Shanghai: Your Cruise Gateway to China
Shanghai sits where the mighty Yangtze meets the Huangpu River, offering three cruise terminals to start your Asian adventure.
Wusongkou Terminal in Baoshan District sits about 25km from downtown and handles the biggest ships with its massive 160-hectare harbor. Shanghai Port International is conveniently located in Hongkou near the city center, while Waigaoqiao sits across the river in Pudong.
Taxis are your best bet for getting to the terminals – public transport exists but will eat up precious vacation time. Make sure to show up at least 2 hours before sailing, and double-check your visa situation. Many travelers can take advantage of the 15-day visa-free entry or 144-hour transit exemptions.
Shanghai’s docks welcomed over 500 ships in 2023, making this bustling metropolis the perfect jumping-off point for exploring Asia’s most exciting destinations.
Beijing (Tianjin) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Though Beijing is China’s capital, your ship will actually dock at Tianjin International Cruise Home Port, about 170 km southeast of the city. This huge 761,000 m² facility is basically Beijing’s gateway to the sea, and it welcomes big cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Costa.
Getting to Beijing takes some planning because the port is pretty far out:
- Bullet train: Hop on at Beijing South to Tianjin Station (30 mins), then grab a taxi (around ÂĄ150)
- Private transfer: Book ahead from Beijing airport (costs about ÂĄ1,200-1,500)
- Coach transfers: Many hotels run shuttles (~$48 per person)
Watch out for taxi scams – always make them use the meter!
Hong Kong Cruise Ship Port Guide
Hong Kong Cruise Ship Port Guide
Hong Kong welcomes cruise passengers at two fantastic terminals: Ocean Terminal right in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui and the newer Kai Tak Cruise Terminal built on the old airport runway.
Ocean Terminal puts you smack in the middle of the action, handling ships up to 50,000 tons. You’ll step off your ship and find yourself at Harbour City with over 450 shops to empty your wallet! Kai Tak is the big ship specialist, taking vessels up to 220,000 tons, and features a gorgeous rooftop garden worth checking out.
Getting around is easy – grab a taxi from the airport (expect to pay HK$260-320), hop on the iconic Star Ferry, or catch the free shuttles that run from Kai Tak to nearby MTR stations. For the best cruising weather, book between October and March. And don’t forget – sailing into or out of Victoria Harbour is half the fun with those jaw-dropping skyline views!
Xiamen Cruise Ship Port Guide
Welcome to Xiamen, your gateway to southeastern China’s gorgeous coastline! This bustling port isn’t just one of China’s busiest – it’s also one of the prettiest. You’ll pull into the modern three-story terminal just 3km from downtown, where even massive ships up to 225,000 GT can comfortably dock in the natural deep-water harbor.
Getting around from the port is a breeze:
- Hop on buses 51, 59, or L5 to zip into town
- Catch a quick 5-minute ferry to Gulangyu Island (it’s UNESCO-listed and totally worth it!)
- Need anything before heading out? The massive 82,000m² terminal has got you covered with restaurants, shops, and all the customs services
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out Nanputuo Temple and grab some incredible seafood at the famous No. 8 Seafood Market!
Dalian Cruise Ship Port Guide
Welcome to Dalian, northeastern China’s biggest cruise and ferry spot! This ice-free port sitting on the Liaodong Peninsula handles over 5 million travelers each year, offering a cool mix of Russian, Japanese, and Chinese vibes.
You’ll dock at either the new Dalian Cruise Terminal with its sea-themed museum and waterfront shops, or the older terminal about 4km from the city center. Free shuttle buses will take you to Zhongshan Square, or just hop in one of those blue/white-light taxis if you’re in a hurry.
Coming in 2025, watch out for the Oceania Regatta hitting town in May and the Seven Seas Explorer showing up in November. If you’re island-hopping, daily ferries connect to South Korea and other Chinese spots during the busy season from April through October.
Qingdao Cruise Ship Port Guide
Qingdao’s monster port is a true Chinese maritime powerhouse, handling a whopping 372 million tons of cargo each year and sitting pretty as the world’s 8th-largest container hub. The cruise terminal is super convenient – just 3km from downtown, with three berths that can take ships up to 220,000 GT.
While you’re here, check out:
- The massive 5-km² shopping district right next to the terminal with sweet duty-free deals
- Day trips to the famous Tsingtao Beer Museum and the gorgeous Badaguan Scenic Area
- Mt. Laoshan excursions for some jaw-dropping coastal mountain scenery
Ships that call Qingdao home can score big subsidies up to CNY 3 million – just one more reason this port rocks as your Northeast Asia cruise stop.
Sanya Cruise Ship Port Guide
While Qingdao rules China’s northeastern cruise scene, Sanya delivers a totally different vibe down south. This tropical getaway on Hainan Island—nicknamed “China’s Hawaii”—greets visitors with over 20 km of gorgeous beaches and warm weather all year.
You’ll pull into Phoenix Island International Cruise Terminal, just a quick 10-minute stroll from downtown. The port boasts seven berths that can handle huge ships up to 250,000 GT, so you’ll be joining fellow travelers from Royal Caribbean, Costa Asia, and Viking.
Make sure to check out Dadonghai Beach, Nanshan Temple, and the lush rainforests while you’re there. The cherry on top? Travelers from 59 countries can visit without a visa. Sweet deal!
Guangzhou (Nansha) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Guangzhou (Nansha) Cruise Ship Port Guide
Just a three-hour drive south of Guangzhou city, you’ll find the stunning Nansha Cruise Terminal – a shiny pearl of the Delta that looks like a massive whale boat. This cool spot is where Adora Cruises calls home, letting you hop off to Asian hotspots without visa headaches if you’re in a foreign tour group.
What’s great about sailing from Nansha:
- Super easy to reach – just grab the metro or train (nearest station’s only a 5-minute walk away)
- No crazy lines – they can handle 2,000 people per hour without breaking a sweat
- Real-deal Lingnan culture hits – from mouth-watering local food to fun themed activities onboard
Shenzhen Cruise Ship Port Guide
Nestled in Nanshan District, the Prince Bay Cruise Homeport has been China’s first proper cruise terminal since it opened in 2016. With two berths that handle over 100 ship visits each year, it’s become the beating heart of South China’s cruise scene.
Getting around is a breeze – you can hop on high-speed ferries to Hong Kong and Macau, catch Metro Line 2, or grab one of the shuttle buses. The terminal regularly welcomes impressive ships like Adora Cruises’ *Zhao Shang Yi Dun* and the *Costa Venezia*.
You won’t go hungry or disconnected here – the terminal has restaurants, places to exchange money, and free Wi-Fi. When you’ve had your fill of the port, check out Shekou Old Street and Sea World Plaza nearby for a real taste of local life.
Zhoushan Cruise Ship Port Guide
Zhoushan Cruise Ship Port Guide
Zhoushan’s got serious bragging rights as China’s biggest port by tonnage – it’s a bustling maritime hub where fancy cruise ships share waters with massive cargo vessels throughout the Ningbo-Zhoushan complex. Viking’s running some sweet 14-night “Best of China” trips in 2025, making it super easy to hit up the coolest cultural spots around.
While you’re in the area, make sure to check out:
- Mount Putuo with its killer Buddhist sites – Puji Temple and that jaw-dropping Grand Guanyin Statue
- Day trips to Huangsha and Lichen Villages (total time-warp vibes)
- Those gorgeous granite peaks and a peek into real-deal fishing life
The weather’s best from spring through fall, but watch out for typhoons July through September – they can really mess up your plans.
Ningbo Cruise Ship Port Guide
The impressive Ningbo Cruise Ship Port sits at the heart of China’s biggest port network by weight, right where the Yangtze and Qiantang Rivers meet before emptying into the East China Sea.
Arriving here connects you to more than 560 ports worldwide. Viking Cruises has recently started running international trips from this busy port. You can easily hop over to explore the five islands that make up the port area or jump on passenger ferries heading to Putuoshan, Taohuadao, and Shengsi Islands.
If you’re up for a bigger adventure, Shanghai’s cruise terminals are just 45km away across Hangzhou Bay.
Haikou Cruise Ship Port Guide
Haikou Cruise Ship Port Guide
Haikou’s marine gateway is made up of three different ports that work together to serve China’s southernmost province. If you’re taking a cruise to Hainan Island, you’ll probably dock at one of these specialized facilities that are set up for your comfort.
The port system includes:
- Xiuying Port – This is where passenger ferries arrive, with 11 berths for smaller boats and two berths that can handle 5,000-ton vessels
- Xinhai Port – Originally a cargo hub that’s now becoming more tourism-focused, featuring four berths that can accommodate 20,000-ton ships
- Macun Port – You can easily get here using city buses 1, 2, and 10 if you’re planning regional day trips
Frequently Asked Questions
Do China Cruise Ports Require Transit Visas for Day Trips?
Yes, you’ll definitely need a transit visa for day trips at Chinese cruise ports – unless you’re tagging along with an organized tour group. Those groups can skip the visa hassle and enjoy visa-free entry at 13 different ports for up to 15 days.
What Currency Is Accepted at Chinese Cruise Port Shops?
Chinese Yuan (RMB) is what you’ll need for most port shops. Sure, some fancy stores might take credit cards, but the local spots, markets, and cab drivers usually want cash RMB. Don’t expect to get by with USD in most places – it just won’t work.
Is Wi-Fi Available at Major Chinese Cruise Terminals?
Yes, you can get Wi-Fi at the big Chinese cruise terminals, but it’s hit or miss depending on where exactly you are. Just a heads-up – you’ll probably need to verify through SMS to log in. Look for the special Wi-Fi zones where fellow cruisers are huddled with their phones. Nothing fancy, but it gets the job done when you need to check in with folks back home.
Are There COVID-19 Testing Requirements for Cruise Passengers in China?
Nope, China ditched all COVID testing rules for cruise travelers back in November 2023. You’re in the clear unless your cruise company still has their own testing policies in place for the ship itself.
Which Chinese Cruise Ports Offer Free Shuttle Services to City Centers?
Worried about reaching downtown from the cruise port? No sweat! Shanghai’s Wusongkou Terminal, Yichang’s Maoping Port, and some spots in Tianjin and Xiamen hook you up with free shuttle buses to the city center. Getting around is actually easier than you might think!
