The Jinling Road ferry across the Huangpu

The Dongjin line ferry runs between Jinling East Road on the Bund side and Dongchang Road in Pudong, and it costs around two yuan. Locals use it to commute rather than to sightsee, which is exactly why it is such a good thing to do.

It also solves a logistics problem: it gets you from the Bund area to Pudong quickly, cheaply and with a view.

How it works

Buy at the terminal — cash or scan code — wait a short while, board, cross in about eight minutes. Pay, go upstairs, stand outside.

It runs frequently through the day with reduced service in the evening. Verify the current schedule before relying on it late.

Ferry versus cruise

The night cruises from Shiliupu are more comfortable, longer, involve commentary and cost considerably more. They are fine if you specifically want a cruise.

For the view, the ferry gives you most of it for a fraction of the cost, and you can cross repeatedly if you want different light.

Combining it

Bund walk at dusk, ferry across to Pudong for dinner and to see fireworks of light from the far side, ferry back. That is a very good evening for around twenty yuan of transport.

Verdict

Do it. Everyone should cross this way at least once.

Skip it if

Nothing. It costs less than a bottle of water.