Pearl River Cruise

Pearl River Cruise

The third longest river, the Pearl River, measures 2,129 meters in length. The Guangzhou section of the river is where Guangzhou's most scenic spots are located. Many famous sights are clustered along the river and are the reasons for many people taking a trip to Guangzhou.

The Pearl River got its name from a huge rock island. When the thousand-meter long Pearl River cut through Guangzhou City, a large rock island in the centre of the river was scoured over. Over time this became smooth and bright like a pearl, hence the rock being named "Sea Pearl Rock" and the river "Pearl River". An interesting legend offers an alternative explanation of the rivers name. It was said that an Arabian merchant stole the valueless pearl of his country and came to sell it in Guangzhou. Since the pearl was the treasure of his nation, the Arabian State ordered his people to Guangzhou to bring the pearl back. However, on their ship home, the magical pearl suddenly flew up and fell into the river. Later the pearl changed into a huge shining rock. The river was later named as Pearl River.

The river has a long history and nourishes the civilization of south China. Today standing on the banks of the river are star-graded hotels and commercial buildings, White Swan Hotel, Hotel Landmark Canton, Nanfang Mansion, Aiqun Hotel, Guangzhou Hotel, Gitic Riverside Hotel, all like sky-scrappers. In the evening, both banks are lit brightly joined occasionally by the bright moon hanging in the sky. Full of passengers, pleasure boats for the Pearl River cruise travel from the west to the east elegantly on the river, like playing happy melodies all together.

The evening cruise on the Pearl River is one of the tourist highlights in Guangzhou. The beauty of the Pearl River at night can be compared with that of Hong Kong's Victoria Park. The cruise section from the White Goose Pool to Guangzhou Bridge is the highlight of the Pearl River cruise. Scenery along this part is so fascinating, with jade-colored water and colored lights on shore.

During your cruise you can enjoy beautiful scenery with such romantic names as "Night Moon over the Goose Pool", "Misty Rain over the Twin Bridge", "Red Heart of the Pearl River", "Autumn Moon over the Pearl River", "Clear Waves on the Pearl River" and many more. To help you understand what you are seeing there is a detailed introduction to the 30-odd historical and cultural sites given on board by speakers, thus enabling you to sample a brief taste of the colorful local culture.

Hi, I'm Lynn Ye
I updated this article on March 18, 2013
See My travel blog
Send feedback to me about this article
follow this pageChina Highlights
Planning a trip? Ask us here 800-2682918 (USA & CA)
86-773-2831999 (Int'l)
Do you want to book a tour/hotel/Wi-Fi. etc.
Your Name Your Email
Q: Anand Asked on 2013-04-15 Reply
Hi , i am planning a trip to guangzohu in june for 4 days starting 28 june. My family consistes of myself , my wife and my 2 sons..age 10 n 6 respectively. What are the things we can see in GZ. Whats the best price for pearl river cruise. I am travelling on low budget, hence plz advise me the best options so that my kids and family can enjoy. I heard some chimelong circus, safari..cost.? Regrds.
Dear Anand, We listed some attractions on our website for reference. Please click: http://www.chinahighlights.com/guangzhou/attraction/ We don't book the ticket for pearl river cruise or entrance fee of the park, I suggest you could ask the staff of your hotel to book it for you when you arrive in Guangzhou. They might provide this service or they will tell you how to buy it. Chimelong Holiday Resort is an interesting place for children,the entrance fee ranges from CNY125 to CNY250(US$20- US$40), please click here to realize it: http://www.chimelong.com/engroup//guangzhou-chimelong-holiday-resort.htm Lussie Lu Replied on 2013-04-16
Q: Wissam Harb Asked on 2012-10-31 Reply
how much it cost for two perosn with good food ofered
Hi nancy i would like to have those travel packages you provide in GZ. i''ll be heading to GZ in march. would like to know more about the tour. guest Replied on 2013-01-08
Dear Wissam, Thanks for your further information. I send a 2-day Guangzhou trip to you alreday. Please check it and let me know your idea. Nancy Nancy Deng Replied on 2013-01-09
Dear Wissam, Thanks for your question. My name is Nancy Deng. I am your travel advisor at China Highlights. I send a detail quotation of Pearl River Cruise including Chinese buffet on the boat for your reference. The Chinese buffet on the boat is quite simple, it is suggested that you bring some food and drink on your own. Please check you E-mail box and feel free contact me if you have any question. Nancy Nancy Deng Replied on 2012-11-01
Q: Ali Asked on 2012-10-17 Reply
HiPlease tell me what time the cruise starts and finish and where is the starting point

Hi Ali, the cruise stars from 18:45 to 23:00 at Dashatou Pier 大沙头码头. The duration is 1-2hrs.  

Add:  No.464, Yanjiang Dong Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou 广州市越秀区沿江东路464号

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-10-18
Q: raf Asked on 2012-09-28 Reply
how much the cost now for pearl river night cruise per person? how long it takes throughout the cruise?

Hi Raf,

 The night-cruise-along-the-pearl-river is about US$29 per person. It takes about 1.5 hours. If you visit with guide, you need to pay the guide’s entrance free. Please contact me at christyluo@chinahighlights.comif you are interesting in it and also tell me how many people you are.

Christy Luo Replied on 2012-09-28
Q: F Davies Asked on 2012-09-10 Reply
How long does it take to travel from Canton to Hong Kong by boat?

Hi Mr. Davies, it is about 2hrs. Please see details here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/transportation/guangzhou-to-hong-kong.htm

Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-09-11