[PLACE] 20141222 Zhujiang Night River Cruise 珠江夜游 @ Haizhu, Guangzhou

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Zhujiang or commonly known as the Pearl River or Canton River among the locals, is the most extensive river system in Southern China. Guangzhou being one of the largest city at this region, is located directly on the Zhujiang Delta.

The Pearl River is also the third longest river in China, spanning across 2,400 km from the highlands of Xi Jiang. The river gets its name for the pearl shells that are found at the bottom of the river across Guangzhou.

Just like the early civilisations, the river banks of Zhujiang is well developed with famous landmarks especially at the Haizhu area where the Guangzhou IFC and Guangzhou Tower is located.

Some boat operators seize the opportunity to offer river cruises along the Zhujiang River especially during the night time. There are many piers located along the river which provides the night cruise services. Typical ticket prices ranges from RMB48 (RM28) until RMB108 (RM60). Some luxury cruises with dining or clubbing is also available.

I went to the one nearest to my hotel, which is the Xiti Pier 西提, nearby the Guangzhou Cultural Park (Wenhua Park) at Liwan district.

广州荔湾区沿江西路西堤码头
Nearest Metro Stations: Wenhua Park, Exit A
Telephone: +65 020-81215117
Opening Hours: First cruise sail at 07:30pm and last cruise at 10:30pm

TO GO


Disclaimer: Google services are barred in China. You need to either bypass the "Great Wall" or use a VPN. Alternatively, you may use their domestic sites such as Baidu Map.

The pier is accessible by taking the Metro Line 6 (Red) and exit at Wenhua Park Station, Exit A. Alternatively you may also opt to take public bus or electric tram (bus) to stop at nearby stations like Bus 102, 108, 7, 38 etc.


ATTRACTION


Just take a cab or public bus and drop off the bus stop once you see the river bank. It will be better if you know how to read Chinese or understand Mandarin. After that, walk some distance towers the river and you will be able to see a few ticketing counters. Just remember to buy from the official counter. There will be some girls standing nearby to give out flyers.


The cruises travel at hourly basis, with total cruise time of about 1 hour, even thou the sign board states 80 minutes (I think they cut short the cruise distance). It starts from Xiti Pier, along a few bridges and landmarks such as Guangzhou Bridge, IFC and the Guangzhou Tower. 


Ticket price is graded according to type of boat and the level of your viewing deck. Most cruise boats have three levels with the bottom deck being the cheapest and with the most crowd. My ticket is the cheapest at RMB48 (RM26). A bottle of mineral water and a packet of biscuits are included. Well, better than nothing.


While waiting for my boat, I saw many types of boats passing by the pier. Some of which are well decorated with LED lights and looked like a dragon boat.


There's also a map displayed on the travel routes if you are interested to know your whereabouts later.


Finally my boat arrives. The highest deck is the open air deck where you get to enjoy a very good 360° view of your surroundings. Unfortunately for the medium and the lower deck is covered by windows and worst still, the lower deck's view is blocked by the steel railings around the boat.

The mineral water and pack of biscuits are served once you are on board and present the ticket.


Off we go! It will be very stupid to stay inside of the deck as you don't get to feel the wind and don't get to see anything even thou a narrative recording was played to introduce the interesting scenes at both sides. Hence, I left my seat and went to the rear of the boat, which is an open air area. Unfortunately, you will be only able to enjoy the view, from the back with all the other people who is trying to fit into the small area. Just pray that the boat is not full when your visit otherwise you might end up fighting for a space to stand instead of enjoying the view. That's why I always like to travel off-peak.


The cruise will pass by several bridges like the Guangzhou Bridge, Haiyin Bridge and Jiangwan Bridge.


The cruise will travel through the famous landmark, i.e. the Guangzhou Tower. I managed to snap a view of the tower from the side of the boat at very high ISO and acceptable shutter speed.


Along the way you will get to see other cruise ships, some are sponsored by corporations just like the one above which was sponsored by IC*C, which was decorated very nicely with the theme of musical.

My cruise ended after reaching the Guangzhou Tower where the boat takes a u turn and travels back to the Xiti Pier where I initially boarded. The whole journey took about an hour and it's about 10pm. I carefully check the bus routes and headed back to hotel after a long tiring day around Baiyun area, visiting the Yuntai Garden, Baiyun Mountain and climbing up Moxingling.

SUMMARY


Taking the Zhujiang Night River Cruise is definitely one of the main thing that you must do as a visitor of Guangzhou. Even though the cruise was a bit bored, it is more to a symbolize of marking your footsteps in Guangzhou. Overall, given the ticket price of RMB48, it was a fair ride with pleasant experience. 

Attraction
☆☆☆☆☆
A must try when visiting Guangzhou
Cleanliness
☆☆☆
Acceptable
Entrance Fee
Min RMB48 (RM26)
Cheaper if book via online portal
Opening Hours
First boat starts 7:30pm and ends 10:30pm.
One boat every hour
Wifi
N/A
Parking
N/A
Website
http://prol.handtrip.com/

GPS: 23.106982, 113.251407

farscope

Malaysian lad, engineer by background, banker by profession whom passionate in photography, food and travelling.

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