Shanghai’s got three cruise terminals for you to know about: the downtown Shanghai Port International (right by the Bund), Wusongkou (about 25km north), and Waigaoqiao (roughly 30km northeast).
For other China Cruise destinations check out our China Cruise Ports Guide page.
Getting around? Grab a taxi or book a private transfer – prices range from ÂĄ85 to ÂĄ800 ($12-110), but public transit options are pretty limited, honestly.
Good news for short-stay visitors – there’s a 15-day visa-free deal if you’re arriving and leaving on the same ship.
Cruise-wise, the big players here are Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, MSC, and Costa, with tons of routes heading to Japan and South Korea.
Between sailings, check out the Bund or zip up the Shanghai Tower – both worth your time!
Map of Shanghai Cruise Ship Port
Terminal Facilities: Wusongkou, Shanghai Port International & Waigaoqiao
Shanghai’s waterfront has three different cruise terminals, each with their own perks depending on what you’re after.
Wusongkou is the big daddy of terminals with three berths that can handle ships up to 150,000 tons. It’s got China’s first duty-free shops in a cruise terminal and a pretty cool 180m observation tower to check out. If you’re looking to be close to the action, Shanghai Port International sits right downtown near the famous Bund. It takes medium-sized ships and you can’t miss its quirky glass “bubble” design, plus there’s shopping underground. Then there’s Waigaoqiao over in Pudong – it can fit the big ships but doesn’t try to impress with fancy extras. It’s more about getting you on and off efficiently.
One thing about all these terminals – they’ve tucked a bunch of stuff underground to keep things green above. Just keep in mind you’ll need to grab a taxi or arrange a transfer ahead of time, since public transport options aren’t great at any of them.
Getting To and From the Cruise Terminals
Getting To and From the Cruise Terminals
So you’ve figured out which of Shanghai’s three cruise terminals you’ll be using – now what? Let’s break down your options for getting around.
Transportation choices really depend on which terminal you’re using. Shanghai Port International is super convenient – just 3km from downtown with metro stations nearby. But if you’re sailing from Wusongkou (25km north) or Waigaoqiao (30km northeast), you’ll need to grab a taxi or book a private transfer.
Private transfers aren’t cheap but definitely make life easier. Expect to pay between ÂĄ380-800 ($53-110) depending on how fancy a vehicle you want. Regular taxis are more budget-friendly, running about ÂĄ85-180 ($12-25) from Wusongkou to downtown Shanghai. Public transit is doable but kind of a hassle – you’ll need to make connections and it’ll eat up at least 45 minutes of your day.
Visa Requirements and Entry Procedures for Cruise Passengers
Planning a cruise to China? Let’s talk visas – they’re a pain, but knowing the rules beforehand beats getting turned away at the dock.
Good news: you can skip the visa hassle with the 15-day visa-free option if you’re arriving and leaving on the same cruise ship. The catch? You need to travel with at least one buddy and book through an official Chinese travel agency.
If you’re using the 144-hour transit exemption instead, make sure you’ve got tickets showing you’re heading to another country afterward. This option lets you explore the Yangtze River Delta area while you’re there.
Don’t forget the basics: bring your passport (needs to be valid for at least 6 months), expect to get your fingerprints scanned, and don’t freak out when they keep your passport until you leave the ship. That’s standard procedure.
Major Cruise Lines and Popular Itineraries
With your visa sorted, it’s time to pick your floating hotel to Shanghai! Royal Caribbean’s Spectrum of the Seas runs the most trips and comes packed with cool stuff like robot bartenders and those wild skydiving simulators. Don’t count out Celebrity, MSC, and Costa though – they’ve all got their own vibe for cruising around East Asia.
Most trips are quick 3-5 night hops to Japan or South Korea, but you can go big with longer voyages all the way to Hong Kong.
- Nothing beats that first step onto Jeju Island’s volcanic landscape after just 3 nights at sea
- Dive into authentic Japanese culture when you hit multiple ports on the 5-night trips
- The longer Asia-Pacific routes create this awesome bubble of friends who all share your sense of adventure
See what’s on offer from the Port of Haikou for a different China Cruise destination.
Tourist Attractions Near the Terminals
Two fantastic cruise terminals serve Shanghai, each offering their own gateway to the city’s best sights. From Shanghai Port International, you’re just a short stroll from the Bund where old-world buildings face off against Pudong’s space-age skyline. Within a quick 5km trip, you can wander through the 1,700-year-old Yu Garden or shop till you drop on bustling Nanjing Road.
If you’re docking at Wusongkou Terminal, you’ve got different options nearby—take in the peaceful wetlands or head to the charming Zhujiajiao Water Town with its winding canals and old-world feel. Both terminals hook up to downtown via metro, but grabbing a taxi or joining a cruise excursion works great too. Make sure to hit Shanghai Tower’s observation deck or catch an evening boat ride on the Huangpu River for some jaw-dropping city views.
Economic Impact and Future Development Plans
Economic Impact and Future Development Plans
Shanghai’s not just a pretty face – behind those stunning attractions is a serious economic beast reshaping the entire region. You’re stepping right into China’s cruise revolution, with Shanghai driving 40% of the nation’s cruise market and raking in over $41.6 million just from ticket sales. That Wusongkou Port you’ll be checking out? It’s part of a massive $14 billion industrial chain that’s completely transforming Baoshan district.
- The cruise industry has created more than 4,000 new jobs here – your visit actually helps keep locals employed
- You’ll be joining nearly 600,000 other passengers who’ve made Shanghai their cruise jumping-off point in 2024
- You’re witnessing history in the making as China muscles its way into becoming a global cruise manufacturing heavyweight
Frequently Asked Questions
What Dining Options Are Available Inside the Terminal Buildings?
Looking for food inside the terminal? We’ve got plenty of choices! Grab a quick snack from the duty-free stations, enjoy coffee and fresh pastries at our cafes, or dig into some tasty noodles and dumplings at the quick-service counters. If you’re in a rush, swing by the self-service kiosks for sandwiches. And hey, if you plan ahead, you can even pre-order meal boxes – just give us a heads-up beforehand.
Are There Luggage Storage Facilities for Passengers Arriving Early?
Yes, we’ve got baggage storage options at the reception desks in Shanghai International Cruise Terminal (Baoshan). If you’re showing up early, you might also want to check out Vertoe’s insured storage spots near the ports, or just use the luggage offices at the railway station. Makes life a bit easier when you’re stuck with bags before check-in.
How Reliable Is the Wi-Fi Connectivity at the Terminals?
The airport Wi-Fi can be pretty spotty, to be honest. While you’ll get connected, remember you’re dealing with China’s internet blocks. Your best bet? Grab a local SIM card if you’re stuck waiting around – it’ll give you much better access than the terminal Wi-Fi.
What’s the Best Time of Year to Cruise From Shanghai?
Spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) are honestly your best bets for cruising from Shanghai. The weather’s pretty comfortable—around 15-25°C—with less rain to mess up your plans. Plus, the scenery looks amazing during these seasons. Just a heads-up though: skip the Chinese holidays unless you’re cool with paying more and dealing with bigger crowds.
Are Shore Excursion Bookings Available Directly at the Terminals?
No, you can’t book shore excursions right at Shanghai’s cruise terminals. You’ll need to book ahead of time – either through your cruise line, online tour operators, or Viator before you get there. Best to plan your Shanghai adventures in advance!
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Beijing (Tianjin) Cruise Ship Port.
