Jinjiang Night Tour
The Jinjiang Night Cruise offers a captivating journey along the scenic Jin River in Chengdu, illuminated by a myriad of colorful lights that reflect off the water's surface. As the boat glides through the night, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of the city's skyline, historic landmarks, and vibrant riverside activities. This enchanting experience provides a unique perspective on Chengdu's beauty, blending natural serenity with urban allure under the starry night sky.
Introduction & Features
The Chengdu Jinjiang Night Cruise is a poetic journey through the heart of Chengdu, blending historical charm with modern light-artistry. Spanning 4.4 kilometers from Dongmen Wharf to Hejiang Pavilion, the cruise features glass-bottomed boats adorned with traditional black awnings and colorful decorations. It passes iconic landmarks including the 1,200-year-old Hejiang Pavilion, 339 TV Tower, and Lan Kwai Fong Bar Street, offering panoramic views of illuminated bridges, ancient temples, and skyscrapers. Integrated with English audio storytelling, the cruise revives Chengdu’s Tang Dynasty waterway culture while showcasing contemporary urban vibrancy. Recognized as a "China Top 10 Night Tour" attraction, it draws over 1 million annual visitors seeking a fusion of culture, nature, and technology.
Structural Layout
The cruise route follows Jinjiang River’s natural curve, connecting historic and modern zones:
- East Bank: Dongmen Wharf cultural plaza with lantern Festivals, drum performances, and costumed greeters.
- Central Section: Navigates past 339 TV Tower (illuminated nightly), Lan Kwai Fong Bar Street (vibrant nightlife hub), and Hejiang Pavilion (UNESCO-recognized Tang-era architecture).
- West Bank: Riverside promenades with tea houses, street food stalls, and art installations.
Boats operate daily from 19:00–22:00 (night field) and 13:00–18:00 (day field), with capacity limited to 500 tickets per day to ensure safety and quality.
Major Attractions
- 339 TV Tower Light Show: A 30-minute spectacle of dynamic LED displays synchronized with music, visible from the river.
- Hejiang Pavilion: A Tang Dynasty relic with intricate wooden architecture, hosting cultural exhibitions and moon-viewing events.
- Lan Kwai Fong Bar Street: 50+ venues offering Sichuan Opera performances, craft beers, and international cuisine.
- Dongmen Wharf Cultural Festival: Weekly events featuring lantern parades, traditional drumming, and historical reenactments.
- Jinjiang Riverfront Park: Scenic trails for cycling and photography, with seasonal cherry blossoms (April) and ginkgo leaves (November).
Ticket Information
- Day Field (13:00-18:00): ¥60/person.
- Night Field (19:00-22:00): ¥120/person.
- Packages: Combo tickets include cruise + hotpot dinner (¥280–¥450) or guided tours (¥350).
- Discounts: Children (under 1.2m free), students/seniors (50% off), military/disabled (free).
- Booking: Official WeChat mini-program, travel agencies, or phone (028-84542250).
Transportation Guide
- Subway: Line 2 Dongmen Bridge Station (Exit B), 3-minute walk to Dongmen Wharf.
- Bus: Routes 256, 1093 to Zhimin Road East Station (160m walk).
- Taxi/Ride-Hailing: Direct to Dongmen Wharf or Music Plaza Wharf; surge pricing may apply during peak hours (18:00–23:00).
- Car Parking: Underground lots at Taikoo Li Chengdu or Wangjiang Tower Park (¥5–10/hour).
- Bicycle: Shared bike stations at major entrances; dedicated cycling lanes along Jinjiang Riverfront.
Best Time & Tips
- Optimal Timing: Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–November) for mild weather and clear reflections. Weekdays 19:00–21:00 to avoid crowds.
- Photography: Use wide-angle lenses at Hejiang Pavilion for architectural details; slow shutter speeds for light trails.
- Seasonal Highlights: Spring cherry blossoms in Riverfront Park; autumn ginkgo corridors.
- Dining Tips: Try "Dan Dan Noodles" at Chen Mapo Tofu or "Sichuan Hot Pot" at Xiaolongkan.
- Prohibited Items: Large luggage, professional tripods (without permit), and drones.
- Weather Notes: Check forecasts; cruises may cancel during heavy rain or floods.
Related Recommendations
- Nearby Attractions: Jiuyan Bridge (nightlife hub), Taikoo Li Chengdu (luxury shopping), Kuanzhai Alley (historic lanes).
- Combined Itineraries:
- Morning: Jinjiang Riverfront Park cycling + Hejiang Pavilion meditation.
- Afternoon: Taikoo Li luxury shopping + Jinli Ancient Street cultural exploration.
- Evening: Jinjiang Night Cruise + Lan Kwai Fong bar hopping.
The Jinjiang Night Cruise exemplifies Chengdu’s "slow life" philosophy, offering a sensory journey through history, culture, and urban innovation. As a UNESCO-recognized cultural experience, it remains a must-visit for travelers seeking to uncover the soul of Tianfu Land.
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What Our Clients Say?
Based on 10,000+ traveler reviews
Daniel Dorothea
Canada
Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
Destination(s):
Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2024
Elvis Eva
Canada
Reviewed on June 20,2025
As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories.
Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
Destination(s):
Beijing Xian Zhangjiajie Shanghai
Date of
Experience:
June 02,2025
Simon
America
Reviewed on May 29,2025
Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic!
Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale.
For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return.
A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
Destination(s):
Zhangjiajie
Date of
Experience:
May 08,2025
