The Bund
The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer stretch along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, is the city’s iconic promenade and a UNESCO-recognized “Heritage Corridor.” Built between 1845 and 1937, this former colonial concession blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture with modern skyscrapers, earning it the nickname “the Museum of World Architecture.” Once a hub for foreign trade and banking, it now symbolizes Shanghai’s rise as a global metropolis, offering panoramic vistas of the Pudong skyline and historical landmarks like the Customs House Clock Tower and Peace Hotel.
Historical Overview
- Concession Era (1845–1943):
1845: The British established the Shanghai International Settlement, transforming the mudflats into a financial district.
1893: The Customs House (1893) became Asia’s largest port authority, its clock tower a symbol of colonial power.
1920s: The Peace Hotel (originally Cathay Hotel) opened, hosting luminaries like Charlie Chaplin.
- Post-Liberation (1949–1990):
1950s: The Bund transitioned to state-owned enterprises; its grandeur faded under socialist reforms.
1980s: Renovations began, restoring facades while preserving historical integrity.
- Modern Era (1990–Present):
1994: The Bund’s first pedestrianization project launched, reclaiming the riverside for public use.
2010: The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and Oriental Pearl Riverfront Promenade expanded accessibility.
2018: A $740 million renovation restored 19 historic buildings and added green spaces.
Structural Layout
The Bund is divided into three zones:
- Northern Bund (Waibaidu Bridge to Huangpu Park):
Waibaidu Bridge (1907): Shanghai’s first steel bridge, linking the Bund to Hongkou District.
Russian Orthodox Church (1883): A Byzantine-style cathedral with gilded domes.
- Central Bund (Huangpu Park to Yan’an Road):Customs House (1893):
A 69-meter-tall clock tower with chimes modeled after London’s Big Ben.
Peace Hotel (1929): Art Deco masterpiece with the Jazz Bar, a 1930s-era nightlife venue.
Bank of China Building (1937): A Gothic Revival skyscraper with flying buttresses.
- Southern Bund (Yan’an Road to Nanpu Bridge):
Franklin House (1916): A Renaissance Revival mansion, now the Bund Finance Center.
Three on the Bund (2004): A luxury complex housing galleries and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Major Attractions
Customs House Clock Tower: Ascend for 360° views of the Bund and Pudong.
Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Hear live 1930s-style swing in the world’s oldest surviving hotel jazz lounge.
Bund Observation Deck: A 500-meter riverside walkway with interactive light displays at night.
Bund History Museum (Customs House basement): Exhibits on colonial trade and maritime history.
Shanghai Pudong Skyline: Photograph the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower from the Bund.
Rockbund Art Museum: A converted 1932 warehouse hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Evening Stroll (2–3 Hours):
Start: Waibaidu Bridge (sunset photos) → Walk south to the Customs House → Dinner at M on the Bund (terrace seating) → Night tour via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.
Highlights: Golden-hour lighting, riverfront dining, and neon-lit skylines.
Heritage & Architecture Tour (4–5 Hours):
Start: Russian Orthodox Church → Peace Hotel (lobby tour + Jazz Bar cocktail) → Customs House Museum → Bank of China Building → Rockbund Art Museum → End at Three on the Bund.
Highlights: Colonial-era interiors, Art Deco design, and art curation.
Day-to-Night Transitions (Full Day):
Morning: Huangpu Park (statue of Chen Yi, first mayor of Shanghai) → Bund History Museum → Lunch at Mr & Mrs Bund (French bistro fare).
Afternoon: Walking tour of 19th-century facades → Tea at Fairmont Peace Hotel’s Jasmine Lounge.
Evening: Sunset cruise on the Huangpu River → Dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (multi-sensory dining).
Ticket Purchase
Free Attractions: Bund promenade, Huangpu Park, and public building facades.
Paid Experiences:
Customs House Tower: ¥100 (includes guided tour + rooftop access).
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: ¥70 (one-way), ¥90 (round-trip).
Huangpu River Cruise: ¥120–150 (day), ¥180–220 (night with light show).
Rockbund Art Museum: ¥100–200 (varies by exhibition).
Online Booking: Reserve river cruises via Ctrip or Trip.com 24 hours in advance.
Transportation
Subway: Line 2/10 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 3), 5-minute walk to the Bund.
Ferry: The Tung Chung Line (¥2) crosses the Huangpu River from Jinling East Road Pier to Dongchang Road Pier.
Taxi: Drop-off at East Zhongshan Road (avoid rush hour 7:30–9:30 AM, 5–7 PM).
Departure: Exit via Nanjing East Road (subway/taxis) or Jinling East Road Pier (ferries).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 8–10 PM (light show crowds); visit 5–7 PM for sunset-to-night transitions.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are packed; weekdays offer quieter photo ops.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) for mild temperatures.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths in sections).
Bring a light jacket (river breezes can be chilly).
Photography: Use a wide-angle lens for skyline shots; tripods prohibited without permits.
Prohibited: Drones, loudspeakers, and commercial filming without permits.
The Bund Scenic Spots Guide
FAQ
How do I get to the Bund from the airport?
I. From Shanghai Pudong International Airport Maglev + Metro (Fastest) Take the Maglev Train (Pudong Airport Station → Longyang Road Station, ~8 minutes, fare ¥50), transfer to Metro Line 2 (towards Xujing East) to Nanjing East Road Station (Exit 5), then walk about 8 minutes to the Bund (total journey ~40 minutes, total cost ¥57). Direct Metro Take Metro Line 2 directly from Pudong International Airport Station to Nanjing East Road Station, about 1 hour 10 minutes, fare ¥7. Taxi Approximately 50 minutes by car (non-peak hours), fare ¥160-190, with direct drop-off at hotels along the Bund. II. From Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport/Hongqiao Railway Station Direct Metro Take Metro Line 10 from Hongqiao Railway Station/Airport Terminal 2 Station to Nanjing East Road Station, about 50 minutes, fare ¥6. Taxi Approximately 30 minutes by car, fare ¥80-100, suitable for travelers with large luggage. For a hassle-free arrival, you can book our English-Chinese airport pickup service: Dedicated Car Service: Drivers meet you with name signs, 5-70-seat vehicles available, transparent pricing with no detours. Itinerary Customization: Simultaneously book hotels near the Bund, reserve view restaurants, or arrange English-Chinese guided tours of the Bund’s history.
What are the must-see attractions at the Bund?
The Bund, Shanghai’s iconic waterfront, features these must-see attractions: Historic Bund Buildings (外滩万国建筑群) A collection of 52 classic 19th–20th century buildings showcasing Gothic, Renaissance, and Art Deco styles. Key spots include: Peace Hotel (和平饭店): A landmark since 1929, famous for its jazz bar and historical significance. Shanghai Customs House (上海海关大楼): Features a clock tower with Westminster chimes. HSBC Building (汇丰银行大楼): Known for its grand marble hall and lion statues. Huangpu River Promenade (黄浦江观景台) The best spot to admire the Bund’s skyline and Pudong’s modern skyscrapers, including the Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower, and Jin Mao Tower. Night views are stunning, with light shows typically from 19:00–22:00. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街) Adjacent to the Bund, this bustling street offers shopping, historic department stores (e.g., Sincere Department Store), and local snacks like shengjianbao (pan-fried dumplings). Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) A historic steel truss bridge featured in films, offering scenic views of the Bund and Suzhou Creek. Pudong Skyline Viewing (浦东天际线观景) Take a ferry across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui for close-ups of modern landmarks, or visit the Shanghai Tower’s 118th-floor observatory (“Top of Shanghai”). Into Travel China’s Services: Provide bilingual guided tours to uncover the history behind the buildings. Reserve tables at Bund view restaurants (e.g., Mr & Mrs Bund, Unico) with English menus. Customize day-night itineraries combining the Bund, Lujiazui, and hútòng (alley) experiences. Contact for bookings: Email: service@intotravelchina.com | Whatsapp: +86 17790278341 (Let us help you explore Shanghai’s past and present!)
What local dishes should I try?
When visiting Shanghai, here are classic local dishes to try for a taste of "thick sauce and red oil" Shanghainese flavors: Shanghai-style Red Braised Pork Slow-braised with rock sugar and soy sauce until tender, this dish features fatty pork that melts in your mouth, balancing sweet and savory notes. Recommended at Lanxin Restaurant, often served with tofu knots or bamboo shoots for authenticity. Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Dumplings, 生煎包) These dumplings have a soft top and crispy bottom, filled with juicy pork (or shrimp) that bursts with flavor. Must-visit spots include Xiao Yang Shengjian (chain) for the classic soup-filled version and Da Hu Chun for the traditional non-soupy style. Nanxiang Xiaolongbao (Steamed Soup Dumplings, 南翔小笼包) Thin-skinned dumplings stuffed with sweet, savory broth. Dip in black vinegar to cut through the richness. Head to Nanxiang Mantou Dian in Yuyuan Garden for these dumplings made with intangible cultural heritage craftsmanship. Yanduxian (Salted Meat and Bamboo Shoot Soup, 腌笃鲜) A springtime specialty, this soup combines cured pork, fresh bamboo shoots, and tofu knots for a light, umami-rich flavor. Laojishi Restaurant is praised for its homestyle rendition. Congyou Banmian (Scallion Oil Noodles, 葱油拌面) Noodles tossed with crispy fried scallion oil and soy sauce, often served with a soft-boiled egg or marinated duck. The signature dish at Dingtele Congee & Noodle Shop is a must-try. Into Travel China’s Services: We can reserve tables at these restaurants, provide English menu translation, and customize food tours based on your preferences (e.g., old-school heritage spots or alleyway snack experiences). For assistance, contact: Email: service@intotravelchina.com | Whatsapp: +86 17790278341 (Let your taste buds explore Shanghai’s street food culture and refined local cuisine!)
When is the night view of the Bund the most beautiful?
The best viewing period for the Bund's night scenery is from sunset to 22:30, with specific times adjusted by season: Spring/Autumn: 18:30–22:00 (When twilight falls, the lights of the architectural complex intertwine with the sunset glow.) Summer: 19:00–22:30 (Extended lighting hours, cooler with river breezes). Winter: 17:30–21:30 (Lights turn on early, warm-toned lighting creates a cozy atmosphere). Highlight Periods: Hourly Light Shows: On select holidays and weekends, Pudong skyscrapers (e.g., Shanghai Tower, Oriental Pearl Tower) host themed light displays. Check official announcements in advance or consult our travel advisors. Late-Night Serenity: After 22:00, crowds thin out. Experience the lesser-known "nighttime version" of the Bund at Waibaidu Bridge or Jinling East Road Ferry, where Huangpu River reflections and architectural silhouettes offer a cinematic vibe. Into Travel China Services: Provide bilingual guided night tours of the Bund, explaining the stories behind building lighting designs. Book Pudong riverside view restaurants or Waitanyuan terrace seats for dining with panoramic views. Assist in reserving Huangpu River night cruise tickets (including VIP deck access) to bypass queues and reach prime viewing spots.
How to purchase tickets for the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel?
There are three ticket purchasing methods: On-site ticketing: One-way tickets (50 RMB) and round-trip tickets (70 RMB) are sold at the Pudong and Puxi terminal windows. Mobile payment is supported. Online booking via the official mini-program or platform: Enjoy a 10% discount for reservations made at least 1 hour in advance. Into Travel China's agency booking: Book through our agency for express access and worry-free guided tour packages! For assistance, contact: Email: service@intotravelchina.com Whatsapp: +86 17790278341
What are some hidden photo spots on the Bund?
The rooftop of Bund 22, the staircase of the Peace Hotel, and the Jiujiang Road area offer unique angles for photos.
What is the most economical way to travel from Lujiazui to the Bund?
Take the 2-yuan ferry from Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal to Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal.
What subway lines are near the Bund?
Lines 2 and 10 stop at East Nanjing Road Station, while Line 12 connects to Tiantong Road Station.
What are the "Three Pieces" referred to on the Bund?
The Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower, iconic skyscrapers in Pudong.
What is the difference between the "First Facade" and "Second Facade" of the Bund?
The "First Facade" refers to the riverfront buildings like the Peace Hotel and HSBC Bank, while the "Second Facade" includes non-riverfront structures like those on Jiujiang Road, highlighting architectural diversity.
