The Bund, the landmark of Shanghai, is a 1.5-kilometer (0.9-mile) long, narrow strip of waterfront along the Huangpu River in the city center, primarily composed of the riverside promenade and historic buildings of diverse architectural styles dating back a century. Featuring both retro and modern elements, and with its brilliantly illuminated and bustling night view being truly breathtaking, the Bund is regarded as the symbol of Shanghai and becomes one of Shanghai’s must-visit attractions.
 

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 Location: on the west bank of Huangpu River, stretches from the Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou River in the north to Yan’an East Road in the south. 

 Highlights: best night view in Shanghai; European style building clusters; perfect sightseeing spot along the waterfront

 Opening hours: it’s an all-year-round attraction and opens all day.

 Light opening hours: 19:00-23:00 from May to October, and 18:00-22:00 from November to April. During holidays such as New Year and National Holiday, or special events, the lights usually will be turned on earlier and turned off later.

 Time needed for sightseeing: 1-2 hours
 Before Shanghai was opened as a trading port in 1843, the Bund was just a muddy and rudimentary riverbank. Later, in the mid-late 19th century, with the establishment of the British and French concessions, the infrastructure of the Bund gradually improved. Today, many Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical style architectural complexes in this area originated from the masterpieces of British architects and foreign investors. These buildings used to be residences of international renowned financial institutions such as banks, trading companies and insurance companies during the concession period, which stimulated the economic development of the Bund and even Shanghai. Therefore, this region is also known as the “Wall Street of the East”. In 1943, the Bund ended its centurial concession period and gradually welcomed new large-scale improvements and developments. It has not only retained its historical and cultural heritage but also incorporated modern elements, becoming an image of Shanghai and China’s economy, and also a popular tourist destination for visitors.
 The best time to visit the Bund is in the early morning and at night. Strolling along the Bund in the early morning allows you to avoid the crowds and experience the genuine daily lifestyle of the local people; while visiting at night you will see a totally different version of the Bund that is bustling and embellished with golden neon lights. Lucky enough, you might even be able to witness a large-scale drone show.

Night Views of the Bund

  Elderly locals doing morning exercise have become a regular sight on the Bund. Here you can see them strolling, jogging, practicing Tai Chi or flying kites. Particularly, near the Huangpu Park, many energetic locals would wave the colorful dragon-shaped ribbons. Getting up early to join them is a delightful way to experience the authentic local way of life.
 The Bund is renowned for its unique collection of international architecture. From the eclectic Asia Building (now China Pacific Insurance Co., Ltd.) in the south to the Former British Consulate General Building in the north, each building narrates a timeless story in its own distinctive style. As you stroll along the Bund, you’ll first be captivated by the grand exteriors of these row upon row of structures. And if you learn their stories, it feels like watching a long yet unforgettable classical film.
 

Map of the Bund

  Buildings No. 1 - No. 12 

  Buildings No. 13 - No. 20

  Buildings No. 23 - No. 33

  Pictures of the Bund Buildings

 Looking across the Huangpu River, what catches your eye are high-rise buildings that are completely different from the Bund architectural complex and full of modern science and technology, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, the World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower and Shanghai Tower. These four buildings are the tallest skyscrapers in this city, dominating the skyline and forming an excellent backdrop for taking pictures on the Bund.

Pudong Seen from the Bund

Western-style Achitecture along the Bund

 Waibaidu Bridge, the first steel-framed bridge in China with a history of over a century, showcases the beauty of the industrial era. At sunset, the bridge’s unique triangular geometric structure, combined with the afterglow of the setting sun and the shimmering Suzhou Creek below, creates an excellent vantage point for you to take photos.
 There are many open-air restaurants along the Bund, which are perfect places to enjoy delicious food while taking in the beautiful views of the Bund. For instance, the terraces of the Bund No.3, No.5 and No.6 offer various styles of dining options for you. Here, you can enjoy a romantic dining atmosphere and take some wonderful photos of the Bund and the modern skyline of Pudong Area.
 The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel crosses the Huangpu River, connecting the Bund and the Lujiazui commercial district in Pudong New Area. This is the first cross-river sightseeing tunnel in China, integrating transportation and tourism functions. Inside the tunnel, different themed experience scenarios are set up through advanced technologies. Tourists can take the transparent sightseeing cable car and experience the futuristic tunnel while speeding across both banks of the Huangpu River at high speed.

Sightseeing Maglev in the Sightseeing Tunnel

East Nanjing Road

 Shanghai Bus / Metro Search  
 Take Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at East Nanjing Road Station. Then walk east along East Nanjing Road for about 10 minutes.
 

Monument to the People's Heroes

1.    Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, 3 or 5 to the Bund No. 13 Shanghai Customs House
2.    Take Bus No. 33, 55, 65, 123, 135, 576, 921, or 934, get off at Zhongshan East 1st Road-Nanjing East Road Station, then walk about three minutes along Zhongshan East 1st Road toward the riverside.
3.    Take Bus No.71 or 320 and get off at the Yan’an East Road Bund Station. Then walk east along Yan’an East Road for about 5 minutes and turn right at the intersection of Zhongshan East Road. 

See more: How to Get from Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station to the Bund
   1. On the Bund, some people claiming to be photographers may approach you to take photos. After the shoot, they could demand a high fee. If this happens, simply refuse and ignore them.

2. The Bund is particularly crowded at night, so be sure to keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables secure to prevent pickpocketing.

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