What is the Bund in shanghai, china? The Bund is a walking sightseeing zone on the west bank of the Huangpu river in the center of Shanghai. About 1.5 kilometers long, it is one of the most symbolic attractions of Shanghai. To the east is the Huangpu river – the mother river of Shanghai, and on the other side of the river stands the Oriental Pearl Tower, Lujiazui Three-Piece Set (Jinmao Tower, World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower) and other famous skyscrapers in Shanghai Pudong.
To the west, there is a concentration of financial and foreign trade institutions of old Shanghai. There are 33 buildings in different styles on the Bund from the Waibaidu Bridge in the north to the Jinling Donglu in the south. They are also known as the “Exotic Building Clusters in the Bund of Shanghai”.
So why is the Bund so popular? Nowadays, the Bund is a significant and splendid historical site and representative complex which integrate the classicism and modernism in modern China. Its unique geographical location, rich historical background, modern urban landscape and beautiful night view all attracts people travel to Shanghai.
Fast Facts about the Bund, Shanghai
- Chinese Name: 外滩
- The Bund Location: Waibaidu Bridge to the north, Shiliupu Pier to the south, along Zhongshan Dongyilu, Huangpu District, Shanghai City
- Opening Hours: All Day(Opening time of landscape lights: 19:00-23:00 in summer, 18:00-22:00 in winter)
- Time Needed: 1-3 hours
History of the Bund
The Bund was in British concession from 1844, which is also the starting point of the concession district of Shanghai in old times and the modern city of Shanghai. Since the 1840s, concession was occupied by Britain, France and other countries, and then these countries operated, managed and constructed this area in their own ways. When business and financial enterprises had a solid foundation in the Bund, they began to construct different kinds of buildings. And the majority of buildings of the Bund have been reconstructed for three times or more until now.
In the 20th century, with the development of architectural technology and the growth of economic strength, there were many multi-storey and high-rise buildings in various styles springing in the Bund area, such as classic style and neo-classic style of Britain, the Asia Building in Renaissance style of Britain, Shanghai Club Building, the building of Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, Classic style of France, Gothic style, Baroque style and so on, showing a coexistence picture of different styles of architectures from all over the world. These buildings have become the epitome of Shanghai’s century-old history.
What to See on the Bund
Main Attractions
There are many attractions in the Bund Shanghai. For example, in the northernmost, there is the Huangpu Park and the Monument to the People’s Heroes stands tall and upright, and at the bottom of the tower is the Bund Historical Memorial Hall that is free for tourists. Besides the Huangpu Park, there is the renowned Garden Bridge of Shanghai (Waibaidu Bridge) that is also the confluence of Huangpu River and Suzhou River.
In the middle part of the Bund , there are Chen Yi Square, Waterfall Clock, Lovers Wall and the entrance of the Sightseeing Tunnel connecting East and West of the Huangpu River. What’s more, the southernmost is the Shiliupu Pier which is the most famous wharf of the Bund with a history of 150 years. And the abundant urban sculpture groups with different features cannot be missed by tourists.
Night View at the Bund
The Bund night view is also a must-see attraction for Shanghai tours. When night falls, magnificent skyscrapers of various shapes are decorated with colorful neon lights and reflected on the surface of the Huangpu river. Along the Bund waterfront, there are also green belts, fountains, flower beds, squares, sculptures, seats and all kinds of courtyard lamps, which forms a zone of charming night scene showing the unique urban scenery of Shanghai.
Featured Experience on the Bund – Things to Do
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
With a length of 646.7 meters, the tunnel connects the Bund in Puxi and the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong. You can take a fully-transparent sightseeing train to cross the Huangpu River in a tunnel with constantly changing colors, as if traveling through time and space.
| Single Trip | CNY 50 per person |
| Round Trip | CNY 70 per person |
Opening Time: 09:00-22:30
Huangpu River Cruise
Take the Huangpu River cruise at the the Shiliupu Pier and sail along the Huangpu River to enjoy the buildings and scenery on both sides of the river. The night cruise on the Huangpu River allows you to experience the ultimate charm of Shanghai’s night scenery. The whole journey takes about 45 minutes.
Asides from the above, tops things to do on the Bund Shanghai also include seeing a beautiful sunrise, going to the Peace Hotel for afternoon tea, walking on the Waibaidu Bridge, taking breathtaking photos, etc.
How to Buy Entrance Tickets?
The Bund Tickets
The Bund is free for tourists to visits all day, while the 7 classic historical buildings on the Bund Shanghai are open to the public for free appointment (including NO.1 Waitanyuan, Shanghai Peace Hotel, Bank of China Building, Pudong Development Bank Building, The Bund Hall of Shanghai Municipal Archives, Shanghai Telecom Museum, and Shanghai Bund Historical Memorial Hall).
Top Hotels on the Bund
Fairmont Peace Hotel Shanghai
Established in 1929 and renovated in 2010. As one of the iconic buildings on the Bund, the Peace Hotel is an excellent choice to experience Shanghai classic style.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
The hotel was formerly the Shanghai General Chamber of Commerce. Adjacent to Exotic Building Clusters, backed by the beautiful scenery of Huangpu River, with a typical British style.
The Shanghai EDITION
Located on the bustling Nanjing Road pedestrian street, it takes only 5 minutes to walk to the Bund. The room offers beautiful views of the Bund and Lujiazui, known as a peaceful oasis in the metropolis for its modern, simple and fashion design.
W SHANGHAI – THE BUND
Located on the North Bund, it has oversized floor-to-ceiling windows, which can provide a glimpse of the bustling urban landscape and the beautiful scenery of Huangpu River. Unique design and cultural charm, comprehensive leisure experience.
Best Restaurants on the Bund
Jean-Georges (Bund No.3)
Legendary French chef Jean Georges Vongerichten’s flagship restaurant in China. As a benchmark of French restaurants, it is luxurious and elegant, with french windows facing the skyline of Lujiazui.
Mr & Mrs Bund (Bund No.18)
Upgraded version of French chef Paul Pairet’s pub. One of the most famous Western restaurants in Shanghai, renowned for its elegant environment and top-notch cuisine. The terrace with river views needs to be reserved several months in advance.
Mercato
High-end Italian countryside style, open kitchen + industrial style design, suitable for business banquets and dates. Recommend black truffle pizza and seafood platter.
Hongling Restaurant
Address: No. 29 Sichuan Nanlu
A vintage local restaurant hidden deep in the alleys of Shanghai, where every dish showcases the Shanghai people’s dainty lifestyle and taste!
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Is the Bund better at night or day?
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Visit the Bund at daytime
Visiting the Bund during the day allows for a clearer appreciation of architectural details, Huangpu River views, and the surrounding urban scenery. At this time, the flow of people is relatively low, making it suitable to take a slow walk and savor the history and culture of the Bund. During the day, you can also visit the interiors of some open historical buildings.
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Visit the Bund at night
The Bund at night is a different scene, with dazzling lights and great viewing value. The night view of the Bund is a major highlight of Shanghai. So the recommended visiting time of the Bund Shanghai is toward evening (19:00-20:00), because the Bund becomes more attractive and charming with decoration of neon lights. It is likely for tourists to feel shuttling between the past and today with the modern high-tech neon lights and a variety of classical architecture enhancing each other’s beauty and charms.
Tips: The Bund Shanghai has strong winds at night, so it is recommended to bring a jacket to keep warm.
Time to avoid visiting
Visitors had better avoid the official holidays in China, because many Chinese citizens choose to travel on official holidays to ease the pressure of their work. As a result, many Chinese tourist attractions are overcrowded and traffic jams are common. Therefore, visiting China at this time will bring tourists a less pleasant travel experience.
Official Holidays in China
| Chinese New Year | Around January or February |
| Winter vacation | January-February |
| Labor Day | May1st -3rd |
| Summer vacation (for students) | July-August31st |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Around mid-September |
| National Day | October 1st-7th |
Practical Travel Tips of The Bund
Recommended photo locations
- Huangpu Park/Bund Viewing Platform: spacious and suitable for taking amazing
- Waibaidu Bridge: an iron bridge with a sense of time, suitable for taking photos in a retro style.
- At the end of East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street: The street view is matched with the background of the Bund, creating a strong atmosphere.
- Chen Yi Square: Take a photo with the statue of Mayor Chen Yi, with the background of the Bund architectural complex.
- Yanan DongluPedestrian Overpass: With the Lujiazui Three-Piece Set as the background, it is easy to capture amazing photos.
Comfortable to wear
The Bund tour takes a long time, so it is recommended to wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
How to Get to the Bund?
By Bus
- Take Bus No.37, 307, 330 and 868 and get off at Zhongshan Dongyilu BeijingDonglu Station.
- Take Bus No.33, 55, 65, 305, 307 and 317 and get off at Zhongshan Dongyilu NanjingDonglu Station.
- Take Bus No.33, 55, 65, 123, 135, 145, 305, 317, 576 and 934 and get of at Zhongshan Dongyilu Hankoulu Station.
- TakeBus No.20 and get off at Hankoulu Sichuanzhonglu
- Take Bus No.71and get off at Yanan Donglu Waitai Station.
- Take Bus No.311, 316 and 320 and get off at Yanan Donglu Zhongshan Dongyilu Station.
- Take City Sightseeing Bus Line 1, 3 and 5 and get off at Waitan Haiguan Dalou Station.
By Subway
Take Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at East Nanjing Road (Metro Station), then walk along the East Nanjing Road to get to the Bund.
How to get from shanghai airport to the Bund?
- Departing from Hongqiao Airport: Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 7) and walk there. The entire journey takes about 50 minutes.
- Departing from Pudong Airport: Take Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 7) and walk there. The entire journey takes approximately 75 minutes.
Attractions Nearby the Bund, Shanghai
- Yuyuan Garden – The Best Place to Explore Ancient Shanghai
- Oriental Pearl TV Tower: The Most Photographed Landmark in Shanghai
- Nanjing Road: The Best Street to Go Shopping in Shanghai
