An evening cruise on the Pearl River is the perfect opportunity to discover the vibrant riverbanks and the grandeur of Guangzhou. With its gleaming skyscrapers and illuminated bridges, the city offers a truly spectacular light show not to be missed during your trip to Guangzhou.

History

The Pearl River, or Zhujiang, derives its name from an island called Haizhu, which means "pearl of the sea," located in the heart of the river. Though it no longer exists, this island was said to resemble a smooth and lustrous pearl when observed from afar.

Legend has it that a merchant stole his country's treasure and traveled to Guangzhou to sell it. The king ordered his envoys to retrieve the treasure and bring it back. On their return journey by boat, the king's envoys dropped the treasure into the river. It was then that a giant, shining stone appeared and formed an island in the river.

Pearl River Cruise

The Pearl River stretches from west to east over a distance of 2,124 kilometers. It ranks as the third largest river in Chine.

During a stay in Guangzhou, it's difficult to overlook the river that divides the city in two. The riverbanks are lively and offer sumptuous walks. As night falls and the city is adorned with its most beautiful lights, the river's edge offers a dazzling spectacle that can be appreciated even more with a boat cruise. The lights reflecting on the water add further charm to the journey.

Several embarkation piers line the river and offer short cruises lasting 1.5 to 2 hours. From Tianzi Pier, Fangcun Pier, or Xidi Pier, you can enjoy a pleasant boat ride and discover another side of Guangzhou. The cruise will take you under the Jiangwan Bridge, the Haizhu Bridge, the Liberation Bridge, and the Canton Bridge while passing in front of the iconic Canton Tower.

Onboard the boat, you can enjoy a light meal or simply sit outside and contemplate the scenery.

There are also several piers built specifically for tourism, such as Tianzi Pier, Fangcun Pier, and Xidi Pier. You can choose from a dozen large boats for cruises. The boats all depart from Tianzi Pier.

Tianzi Pier

Address: On Yanjiang Road in Taikang Street.

Take buses no. 2, 4, 57, 61, 128, 131B, 186, 194, 208, or 219 and get off at Haizhu East Station.

Xidi Pier

Address: On West Yanjiang Road.

Take buses no. 2, 31, 38, 57, 64, 128, 131A, or 186 and get off at Nanfang Building Station.

Dashatou Pier

Address: On East Yanjiang Road 466.

Take buses no. 2, 12, B21, 35, 36, 57, 61, or 80 and get off at the station near Dashatou Pier.

Fangcun Pier

Address: On Changdi Road 20.

Take buses no. 782, 990 and get off at Fangcun Pier Terminal Station.

Zhongda Pier

Address: On West Xingang Road 135.

Take buses no. 1, 2, 8, 11, 24, 121, 121A, 131A, 131B, 182, 229, 247, or 266 and get off at Beimen Zhongda Station.

Hours and Rates