The Bund in Shanghai

The Bund in Shanghai

Attractions Overview

Standing on the Bund are 52 classical revival buildings with different styles. Known as the Bund World Architecture Expo, the Bund is one of the important historical sites and representative buildings in modern China and one of the landmarks of Shanghai. In November 1996, the State Council listed it as the fourth batch of national key cultural relics protection units.

English Name: The Bund in Shanghai
Type: Shanghai Scenic Area, Shanghai famous spots & Shanghai attractions
Best Time: All Year Around
Recommended Visiting Hours: 2-3 hours

More Picture

Overview

The Bund (外滩), located along the west bank of the Huangpu River, is Shanghai’s most famous landmark and the city’s beating heart. Stretching for 1.5 kilometers, this waterfront promenade showcases a dramatic contrast: the colonial-era architecture of early 20th-century Shanghai on one side, and the futuristic skyline of Pudong on the other. It is the perfect place to witness Shanghai’s story – a city where history and modernity merge seamlessly.

History & Culture 📜

🏦 In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bund was the center of international trade and finance in Asia.

🏛️ The waterfront became home to more than 50 historic buildings, earning it the nickname “A Museum of International Architecture.” Styles range from Gothic and Baroque to Art Deco.

🎭 The Bund reflects Shanghai’s role as China’s “gateway to the world,” where East met West during the city’s golden era.

✨ Today, many of these old banks and trading houses have been transformed into luxury hotels, boutiques, restaurants, and bars.

Highlights of the Bund 🌟

🏙️ Skyline Views
Look across the Huangpu River to admire Lujiazui’s skyscrapers – the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and the soaring Shanghai Tower.

🌆 The Bund at Night
When the colonial facades glow golden and Pudong’s towers light up in neon, the Bund becomes one of the world’s most spectacular night views.

🚶 Riverside Promenade
Perfect for a stroll, morning jog, or romantic evening walk with breathtaking views.

🏛️ Architectural Landmarks
Visit iconic buildings like the Peace Hotel, the Shanghai Customs House, and the Bank of China Building.

⛴️ Huangpu River Cruise
Hop on a river cruise to enjoy the skyline from the water – an unforgettable way to see Shanghai’s two faces.

🌉 Waibaidu Bridge
Shanghai’s oldest iron bridge and a classic photography spot, especially at sunset.

Best Experiences 🚢

Morning Walk: Watch locals practicing tai chi or flying kites by the river.

Sunset Stroll: Golden light reflecting off the historic buildings is magical.

Evening Drinks 🍸: Enjoy rooftop bars like those at the Peace Hotel for stunning skyline views.

Night Cruise 🌙: Glide along the river surrounded by dazzling lights.

Photography 📸: From day to night, every angle offers a postcard-perfect shot.

Best Time to Visit ⏳

Daytime: Ideal for exploring architecture and history.

Evening/Night: The Bund at night is the ultimate Shanghai experience, with lights shimmering on the river.

Seasons: Spring and autumn are most comfortable, but the Bund is beautiful year-round.

Travel Tips 💡

🚇 Metro Access: Take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, then walk 10 minutes.

👟 Wear comfortable shoes – you’ll want to walk the entire stretch.

📷 Best photo spots: Waibaidu Bridge, the riverside promenade, and rooftop terraces.

🍲 Combine with nearby attractions: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yu Garden, and Shanghai Tower.

🏨 Stay at luxury hotels along the Bund for the ultimate experience of old-world glamour and modern comfort.

Why Visit the Bund? 🌏

The Bund is more than a riverside walkway – it is the soul of Shanghai. Here, you can feel the pulse of the city: the weight of its history, the elegance of its architecture, and the vibrancy of its future. With dazzling skylines, cultural depth, and endless photo opportunities, the Bund is the one place where Shanghai’s past and present truly come alive.

✨ A trip to Shanghai is never complete without experiencing the Bund – where tradition meets modernity, and East meets West. ✨

How to Get There

By Metro

Take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station. Then walk along East Nanjing Road for about 10 minutes.

By Bus

1. Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, 3 or 5 to Waitan Haiguan Dalou.
2. Take bus 33, 55, 65, 123, 135, 145, 305, 317, 576, or 934 to Zhongshan Dongyilu Hankoulu.
3. Take bus 37, 307, or 330 to Zhongshan Dongyilu Nanjing Donglu.

Useful Travel Tips

The best locations for taking a panoramic Bund view are the promenade, the Monument to the People’s Heroes in Huangpu Park, Waibaidu Bridge, and the Oriental Pearl Tower.

There is an eco-friendly mobile charging system with solar photovoltaic power generation at the photography point of the scenic area. It can provide the power of the computer for photographers to print the photos, as well as mobile phone emergency charging service for visitors.

The rainy season is from mid-June to early July, with continuous rain. From the end of August to the first half of September is the typhoon season, often with sudden storms, these two periods of travel to Shanghai must take umbrellas.

The entertainment life in Shanghai is quite rich. The modern facilities and natural scenery in major theme parks and parks make people feel relieved and happy. Shanghai, as the birthplace of Chinese movies and the host of one of the world’s nine major film festivals, has many cinemas with state-of-the-art audio and video equipment, which can experience incomparable viewing effects. If you are a fan and fan, then in Shanghai, a series of world-class art venues and theatres will definitely make you feel full of happiness.

You can buy a wide range of Shanghai specialties, snacks and handicrafts in Shanghai, such as spiced beans and pear paste candy from the Old City God Temple, which are generally available in local specialty stores and supermarkets.