By Boat in Shanghai

Boats leave from Shanghai's Wusong Passenger Terminal for destinations along the Yangzi River such as Wuhan and Chongqing; coastal cities such as Nantong, Dalian, and Ningbo; and the outlying island of Putuoshan. First-class cabins have comfortable beds and their own washbasin.

The Shanghai Ferry Company and the China-Japan International Ferry Company both operate services to Osaka, Japan, from the International Passenger Terminal at Waihongqiao. Boats leave at midday on Tuesday and Saturday, respectively; the trip takes around two days. There are restaurants, a game room, and even karaoke on board.

You can purchase tickets for both international and domestic services (in Chinese) at each terminal, or through China International Travel Service (CITS) for a small surcharge.

Information

China-Japan International Ferry Company (908 Dongdaming Lu, Hongkou. 021/6595-7988). China International Travel Service (CITS. 021/6289-8899. www.cits.com.cn). Pudong-Puxi ferry (Puxi dock, the Bund at Jinling Lu, Huangpu.) Shanghai Ferry Company (021/6537-5111. www.shanghai-ferry.co.jp).