Huangpu River tour offers lunch and relaxation

A new 90-minute sightseeing cruise on the Huangpu River will be launched on Friday in Shanghai's latest effort to make the iconic river cruise a world-class attraction.

The route will be operated by the No. 2 Sightseeing Cruise Ship of Huangpu River which has a capacity of 450, a four-star ship accredited by the city's tourism and transport authorities based on indexes such as service, environment, safety and hygiene. 

The cruise features traditional Shanghainese dishes and will run during the day and at night. 

It will be the first time a cruise on the Huangpu River has included a lunch after many tourists expressed a desire for a more relaxed and slower tour. Tourists will visit some other attractions in the afternoon, said Wu Weiqi with operator Shanghai Huangpu River Cruise Co.

During the tour, tourists can enjoy views of Lujiazui and the Bund, and Nanpu and Yangpu bridges. 

Dishes such as babaolajiang, a Shanghai-style dish made from eight ingredients including pork, peanuts and bamboo, and Shanghai-style fried pork chops will be served. 

The route will be run by other tour operators on the river later based on the same standard and even the same menu. 

The ship will operate from 12pm to 1:30pm, and 6pm to 7:30pm. It starts from the Cruise Dock of Shiliupu in Huangpu District. 

A gift containing Shanghai snacks and souvenirs will be given to passengers after the tour. 

A daytime tour costs 180 yuan (US$27) per person, and 160 yuan at night.