The Huangpu River

Overview
 

Location
It originates from the Tai Lake, runs eastwards through the Dianshan Lake in Qingpu County and then flows to Minhang District in Shanghai.
 
Introduction
The Huangpu River is the symbol and embodiment of Shanghai, just like the Thames of London, the Seine of Paris and the Danube of Budapest. This river is synonymous with the History of Shanghai, being inextricably intertwined with the social and economic life of the city and having nurtured its prosperity and witnessed its honors and disgraces. 

The Huangpu River is a must for travelers to Shanghai. Huangpu River, mother river of Shanghai, is a branch of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It is an average of 400 meters wide and 9 meters deep. The Huangpu River is not only the mother river of Shanghai, but also assembles the splendid tourist attractions of the city. In Shanghai, the Huangpu River cruise is a traditional tourist program. Cruises are available everyday, including the shorter cruises (navigating the main waterfront area between the Yangpu Bridge and the Nanpu Bridge) and the complete cruises (meandering eastward along the golden waterway, over a distance of 60 kilometers or 37 miles). 

The Huangpu River divides Shanghai into two parts – east and west. Sailing down the river, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery on both sides including such sights as the Yangpu Bridge, the Nanpu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. In addition, the varied western architecture on the west bank of the Huangpu River and the towering modern buildings on the east bank present a spectacular contrast, increasing the beauty and magnificence of the river. Cruising down Huangpu River, Shanghai’s mother river, is a wonderful experience. The cruise begins at the Bund, which is known as a "museum of architecture" and slowly cruises toward the Nanpu Bridge. At the bridge, the ship makes a u-turn and passes under the Yangpu Bridge. The ship then cruises to the Wusong Kou before returning to the bund. Wusong Kou is the confluence of the Huangpu and Yangtze Rivers, and the East China Sea. 

During flood season, the yellow water of the Yangtze River meets the Green water of the East China Sea and since the two waters are so distinct, you can watch the two colors flow side by side. The best time to take a cruise on the Huangpu River is at night. The buildings along the river are lit up and the Western styled buildings of the bund looks extremely majestic. It is a wonderfully romantic experience for visitors to Shanghai.

During the cruise, you can find the obvious differences of architecture between the east bank and the west bank. On the west bank, a lot of western-style buildings can be seen, full of exotic flavor, while on the east bank, rows of skyscrapers spring up and rise above the clouds. Whether it is in the daytime or at night, the views along the river are the same beautiful. The great modern skyscrapers and the characteristic buildings in different architectural styles are the best records of the development of the city and the Huangpu River, the birthplace of Shanghai, is the faithful eyewitness.

Features
The symbol and embodiment of Shanghai