Exploring Beijing’s vibrant nightlife takes a magical turn with a cruise along the Liangma River. This stunning night cruise offers a unique view of Beijing’s illuminated skyline and riverfront, creating an unforgettable experience for visitors. In this “A Complete Guide to Liangma River Night Cruise“, we’ll cover everything from cruise routes, piers, booking details, ticket prices, and what to expect. Let’s dive in!
Why Take a Liangma River Night Cruise?
Beijing is known for its bustling energy and historical sites, but the Liangma River Night Cruise offers a relaxing, scenic way to enjoy the city at night. As the sun sets, buildings along the river and bridges light up in dreamlike colors, creating a surreal atmosphere. The river’s clear waters and the vibrant night lights make this cruise popular with couples, families, and friends alike.
The evening breeze, illuminated riverside, and calm waters combine to create a peaceful escape from the city’s busy streets. If you’re looking to experience Beijing in a new way, this cruise is the perfect option.
Main Cruise Piers: Solana Pier and Yansha Pier
There are two primary departure points for the Liangma River Night Cruise: Solana Pier and Yansha Pier. These piers serve as the starting points for different routes along the river. Each has its own unique offerings and is accessible by public transportation, making them convenient for tourists.
We highly recommend you use the Solana Pier for a loop night cruise since the boats from Solana Pier tend to be regular and on time ( see the blue line cruise route below).
Solana Pier 蓝港码头
- Location: Solana Pier is located near the Solana Shopping Mall, a popular shopping and dining spot in Chaoyang District.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 14 to Zaoying Station （枣营站）, exit at A, and follow signs to Solana Pier.
- Nearby Attractions: Solana Shopping Mall offers dining, shopping, and a beautiful light show at night, perfect for pre- or post-cruise activities.
Yansha Pier 燕莎码头
- Location: Situated close to the Yansha Friendship Mall, Yansha Pier provides easy access for travelers staying near Chaoyang Park.
- How to Get There: Take Subway Line 10 to Liangmaqiao Station, exit at C, and walk south for about two minutes.
- Nearby Attractions: Yansha Friendship Mall is an excellent spot for shopping, with various international and local stores.
Cruise Routes and Ticket Prices
The Liangma River Night Cruise offers two main routes, each with beautiful sights and exciting experiences. Here’s an overview of the popular routes and pricing information:
1. Solana Pier to Solana Pier ( the Blue Loop Line)
This is the most popular route, especially recommended for first-time visitors. The boat departs from Solana Pier, takes a scenic loop along the Liangma River, and returns to the same spot. This route showcases the best riverside views, including landmark bridges and dazzling light displays.
- Duration: Approximately 45-60 minutes ( see the blue line cruise Route on the map above )
- Ticket Price: 90-180 RMB for night cruises, with children’s tickets available at half price
2. Solana Pier to Yansha Pier Route
This route is a longer cruise along the river, allowing visitors to explore more of the scenic riverside. It’s ideal for those looking to extend their sightseeing.
- Duration: Approximately 70-80 minutes ( See the orange line cruise route on the map above )
- Ticket Price: Same as the Solana Pier loop, with additional seating options
Boat Types and Options
Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or a special someone, the Liangma River Night Cruise offers boat types to suit different needs and preferences:
Open-Air Boats (12 to 34 seats): These boats provide a breezy experience with unobstructed views, perfect for those who want a closer connection to the river and fresh night air.
Covered Boats (18 seats): Ideal for couples or small groups, these boats offer a cozy setting with shelter, creating a romantic atmosphere.
Luxury Boats (10 seats): For a premium experience, these boats come with a dinner table setup, offering exclusive comfort and services. Note that these boats have a higher price due to added amenities.
Cruise Timings: Day and Night Cruises
Liangma River Night cruises operate from Mid-March to Mid-November, with distinct schedules for day and night tours. Here’s a quick rundown
- Day Cruise: Operates from 15:00 to 18:30. Ideal for daytime sightseeing.
- Night Cruise: Runs from 18:30 to 22:00, with the last departure at 21:30. Night cruises offer the best views of Beijing’s illuminated skyline, and many recommend this option for its unique ambiance.
Note: The Liangma Night Cruise 2024 ends on November 11, 2024.
How to Book Liangma River Cruise Tickets
Booking your tickets for the Liangma River Night Cruise is simple and can be done online or at the pier:
- Online Booking: Tickets can be purchased through local travel sites or apps, as well as through official ticketing platforms. Online booking often provides the best availability, especially during peak times.
- On-Site Booking: If you prefer to purchase tickets in person, scan the QR codes displayed at the pier. Note that the cruise does not offer paper tickets, so your confirmation will be digital.
For a smooth experience, we recommend booking in advance, especially for night cruises, which are the most popular.
What to See on the Liangma River Night Cruise
The Liangma River cruise takes you past some of the city’s most beautiful night views. Here are a few highlights along the route:
Friendship Bridge: Known for its elegant lighting, this bridge offers a picturesque view as you glide beneath it.
The Bolong Lock (3D Art Display): This modern art installation projects dynamic, 3D effects on the water, adding an immersive artistic touch to the journey.
Good Fortune Bridge: Admire the beautiful bridge decorated with lights that resemble Van Gogh’s “Starry Night.”
Rainbow Reflections on the River: The reflections of colored lights on the river surface create a stunning “rainbow” effect, making the cruise feel surreal.
The cruise gives you ample time to enjoy and photograph these sights, creating lasting memories of your Beijing adventure.
Practical Tips for the Liangma River Night Cruise
Taking the Liangma River Night Cruise is a memorable experience, but a few practical tips can help you make the most of it:
- Arrive Early: Arriving 20 minutes before your scheduled departure gives you time to find your boat and settle in.
- Dress Comfortably: Evening temperatures can vary, so bring a light jacket, especially in early spring or autumn.
- Bring a Camera: With the stunning night views and lights, you’ll want to capture these moments.
- Consider the Weather: While the cruise operates rain or shine, the experience is best enjoyed on clear nights for unobstructed views.
- Plan a Meal Nearby: Both Solana Shopping Mall and Yansha Friendship Mall offer a wide selection of restaurants, making it easy to enjoy a meal before or after your cruise.
Nearby Attractions and Dining Options
After your cruise, there are plenty of things to do around the Solana and Yansha areas:
Solana Shopping Mall: Located next to Lanwan Pier, Solana Shopping Mall offers a variety of restaurants, bars, and shops. The mall itself features beautiful lights at night, making it a great spot to explore.
Chaoyang Park: Just a short walk from the pier, Chaoyang Park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, including boating, fishing, and even a small amusement park.
Yansha Friendship Mall: Near Yansha Pier, this mall has a selection of international and local brands, as well as dining options.
These nearby attractions make it easy to extend your evening outing after the cruise.
Taking a night cruise on the Liangma River is a one-of-a-kind way to experience Beijing. It combines the city’s vibrant nightlife with peaceful views along the water, offering a new perspective on the capital. With convenient pier locations, accessible ticket booking, and a variety of boat types, this cruise is suitable for any traveler looking for a unique evening activity.
Whether you’re visiting Beijing for the first time or a returning traveler, the Liangma River Night Cruise is well worth adding to your itinerary. We hope this complete guide to Liangma River Night Cruise helps you plan an unforgettable night on the water!