The Bund — Attraction in Shanghai

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The Bund, Shanghai - What to See, Expert Tips, Map

Discover the Bund, Shanghai's most popular place (aka Waitan), with it's colonial buildings and skyscraper views, using our travel tips and tour map.

For a century, the Bund has been one of the most recognizable symbols and the pride of Shanghai. The architecture along the Bund is a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s. You've never been to Shanghai if you haven't seen the Bund.

Chinese: 外滩 wài tān /why tan/ "Outer Beach"

Length: 1.5 kilometers (0.93 mile)

Popular activities: photography, walking, seeing the night scenery, taking a cruise

Suited to: history lovers, photography enthusiasts

Time needed: 1-2 hours



The Best Things to Do on the Bund

The historical buildings on the Bund

Walk Along the Bund to Appreciate the Historical Buildings

The Bund is a mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River. To the west of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings".

The best way to appreciate the buildings is to have a walk along the Bund. Roaming among the architectural complexes, you'll have a better understanding of the century-long charm of this city.

We have specially designed a 2½-hour in-depth Bund culture discovery tour for those who want to learn more interesting stories about the Bund and old Shanghai...

Start: Broadway Mansions

Finish: Meteorological Signal Tower

Distance: 1.3 kilometers

Time needed: 2½hours

What you should not miss: a museum in Astor House Hotel; a movie poster gallery in Peace Hotel; the beautiful mosaic ceiling of Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank; Lovers' wall or the Valentine wall.

Best times to walk: It can be done either by day or night; during the evening the buildings are closed but the night view of the Bund is amazing.

Bring an umbrella or a rain coat in rainy seasons, and a hat and sun cream on sunny days. Prepare some water and food.



For more details see for example Day 1 of our customizable 2-Day Shanghai Essence Tour itinerary.



Take a Huangpu River Cruise

After a walk along the Bund, you can consider taking a Huangpu River cruise. On the cruise, you will see the historical architecture on the Bund, as well as the modern skyscrapers opposite the Huangpu River, giving you a distinctive contrast between modern life and the past.

There are several tour lengths you can choose from, from a 30-minute cruise to a 3½-hour cruise.

You are recommended to take a night cruise and you will be impressed by the enchanting night view of Shanghai.

If your time is limited and you want to save some money, you can take a ferry across to Pudong. It costs 2 yuan but still provides an opportunity to see the scenery on both sides of the river.



Watch the Locals Doing Their Morning Exercises

Watch the locals doing their morning exercises at the Bund.

The Bund is not just a place for tourists but is also a great place for the local people to do their morning exercises. If you wake up early, you can go to the Bund and watch the locals practicing tai chi, jogging, and more. It is a way to experience the real lifestyle of the local people.

Spend Some Time in Huangpu Park

At the northern end of the Bund is Huangpu Park. It is like a small oasis situated between the Bund and busy shopping areas. The manicured lawn and gardens particularly stand out as there is not much green space in this part of Shanghai.

It is a wonderful place to have a rest and to take photos, day or night.

Photography Tips

Where to Shoot Panoramic Views of the Bund?

View the Pudong skyscrapers from the Bund.

There are three ideal locations to see the full view of the Bund: Pudong Binjiang Avenue, on a Huangpu River Cruise, and one of the skyscrapers in Pudong like Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower.

If you want to take beautiful photos of the Bund, we advise you to hire a guide who can...

What a great way to experience the old and modern architecture of Shanghai. Local friends of ours told us that Sundays and Monday tend to be quieter days in the city. It was for us. The other pointer we had up front was that we needed to see The Bund both during the day and at night. Thus the afternoon arrival.

It is honestly hard to even describe how incredible the transformation is. Pictures do not do it justice. The city is honestly beautiful with one side of the river having European influenced buildings and the other side being ultra-modern. It is almost like being in two worlds.

The best view of the Shanghai Tower was from the far end of the walk. It was the only time for us that the top was not in the clouds, even when we were standing practically right under it. But the best view of the Pudong portion of the city is from the crowded part of the walkway. The view is fantastic with the water and the boats and the buildings. The diversity of the tourist is also pretty amazing. I think we heard about 10 different languages along the walkway.

One thing we struggled with was finding food. We live in China, we do not speak the language, but we have gotten pretty good at navigating our way around with apps on our phones. Along The Bund, there are signs pointing to a food court, one of our daughters kept track and honestly, it just disappeared from the signage at one point, but we did not see it. We were all starving because we had not had breakfast. Eventually, we did find Subway on Google Maps (make sure you download a VPN before going to China--we use Express VPN and Nord--one will work). By the Subway, there are two coffee shops, one London Based and Starbucks, Subway, KFC, and two Chinese restaurants. Thank goodness we got food. This area was down by the street just under the walkway where all the buses drop everyone off.

Next to the food is the Tunnel to the other side of the water where you can get up close and personal to the Oriental Tower, the Shanghai Tower, and even arrange to go up both. The Tunnel has a little trolley that goes under the water for 50 yuan one way or 70 RT (roughly $10 USD). I will admit the ride was a bit unimpressive, but it was a quick, easy, non-crowded, inexpensive way to go between sides. You have to see the view from both sides.

There is a Disney store on the modern side, with the two towers, a mall, with a food court (we did not go inside.) Frankly, this could be a FULL day experience on the cheap. We were able to catch a DiDi or even could have caught a cab right in front of the Subway when we were ready to head back to our hotel.

You really do not need a tour guide. The signs are all in English and everyone spoke enough English for us to purchase tickets or get around. But that is one of the benefits of the Didi app. If you don't have the app or don't feel comfortable using it. Just be sure to look up where you want to go and have it on your phone with the address for the taxi.

One other thing we thought was really cool. At the bottom of the Pearl Tower, there was an electronic screen scrolling through the change in the Shanghai skyline from 1994 through today. It is dramatic.

The pictures say more than anything....

The Bund Walking Area is a magnetic tapestry of history, modernity, and vibrant energy. As you amble along this iconic stretch on the Huangpu River, the juxtaposition of colonial-era architecture and futuristic skyscrapers paints a mesmerizing panorama.

🏰 Architectural Grandeur: The Bund showcases a stunning collection of historical buildings, each narrating a tale of Shanghai's past. From the grandeur of the Peace Hotel to the classic charm of the Customs House, the architecture is a testament to the city's rich heritage.

🌆 Skyline Symphony: The opposite bank of the Huangpu River hosts a dazzling skyline, adorned with avant-garde towers. The contrast between the old and new creates a visual spectacle, especially as night falls and the cityscape transforms into a shimmering sea of lights.

🚶‍♂️ Riverside Strolls: Walking along the riverside promenade is a sensory delight. The gentle breeze carries whispers of the river, and the view of boats gracefully gliding along the water adds a touch of serenity to the bustling cityscape.

🍽️ Gastronomic Odyssey: The Bund is not just a treat for the eyes but also a feast for the palate. The area boasts a myriad of restaurants and cafes, offering diverse culinary experiences. Whether indulging in local delicacies or international cuisine, there's something to satisfy every taste.

🛍️ Luxury and Shopping: High-end boutiques line the Bund, providing a luxurious shopping experience. It's a haven for those seeking designer labels and upscale brands against the backdrop of Shanghai's cosmopolitan vibe.

🌃 Nighttime Splendor: As darkness descends, the Bund transforms into a glittering wonderland. The buildings illuminate, and the riverside promenade becomes a popular spot for an evening stroll, offering breathtaking views of the city lights.

💼 Business Hub: Beyond leisure, the Bund is a vital business district. Its strategic location and proximity to financial centers make it a hub for both commerce and culture.

In conclusion, the Bund Walking Area is a captivating fusion of tradition and modernity, offering an immersive experience that captures the essence of Shanghai's dynamism. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a foodie, or simply seeking a scenic promenade, the Bund delivers a memorable journey along the heart of this remarkable city. 🌇🚶‍♀️ #BundBeauty...