The Bund - History, Facts, and Things to do

The Bund, the gallery and most symbolic place of Shanghai, faces the Huangpu River in the east and "museum of buildings" formed by 52 buildings in various architectural styles. The quiet river, the long promenade, the green belts, and the characteristic building complex create Shanghai's unique urban landscape. In the morning, the Bund is a place where locals come for exercise. In the daytime, it becomes a bustling tourist spot. At night, it's a place of romance. The Bund is all illuminated when night comes, and the old-fashioned buildings seem more glittering and splendid. Here, you can feel the real pulse and prosperity of Shanghai.

Facts of the Bund

• Name: the Bund (外滩)
• Location: West Coast of Huangpu River, Huangpu District, Shanghai
• Opening Hours: All Day 
• Entrance Ticket: Free
• Length: 1.5km
• Climate: subtropical monsoon climate
• What to see: the river scene, parks, old buildings
• Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Night View of the Bund

History of the Bund, Shanghai

One hundred fifty years ago, Shanghai was only a small town adjacent to the sea. Huangpu River, the biggest river in the Shanghai area, created a large piece of shoaly land. Local boat trackers threaded a winding path, later called Boat Track, on the beach, which became the earliest road on the Bund. In the mid 19th century, the

The Bund

British empire pioneered the first foreign settlement in Shanghai, and a vast expanse of land on the west of the Bund was made the British concession. Later, Englishmen established dozens of banks, commercial buildings, hotels along the Huangpu River. Following the English steps, other foreign powers came in. More stylish buildings emerged, for example, the British Greco-roman building, classic French architectures, Gothic buildings, baroque architectures, etc., people regard the place the “museum of buildings." The Bund also become the political, financial, commercial, and cultural center of western powers in China. Even after the foreign colonial powers being eradicated from Shanghai in the 20th century, the Bund remained to be one of the most important financial centers of China. 

Things to do on the Bund

Appreciate the Museum of Buildings 

Museum of Buildings

The visual feast brought 52 buildings with different styles is astonishing. The world-famous Bank of China Building, Peace Hotel, Shanghai Customs House, HSBC Building, and so many more are the representatives of the old "oriental Wall Street." Surprisingly, these buildings were neither designed by the same designer nor built in the same period. Yet together, they created a unique beauty and became an important historical relics in modern China. Whether looking far away or wandering in the buildings, you can always feel the architectures' vigor, grace, and magnificence. 

Take a Huangpu River Cruise 

Huangpu River Cruise

The most splendid scenery of the river and the buildings on both sides are fully unveiled to you if you take a cruise on the Huangpu River. With the breeze blowing gently by, the Bund is never more beautiful with modern brilliantly illuminated skyscrapers towering on one side and the elegant Outer Baidu Bridge on the other side. You will see numerous visitors and photographers with cameras in their hands, eager to shoot the Bund's best photos. There are several cruise options and routes. Different services are offered based on the charges. You can choose whichever you want.

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a passage connecting the Puxi Bund and the Pudong

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Lujiazui two tourist areas. It takes the advantages of high technology and offers you a thrilling audio-visual feast. The whole tunnel is composed of Time Tunnel Zone, Erupting Magma Zone, Shuttling Zone, Whirlpool Zone, and Time Zone. You will ride a closed sightseeing carriage and see the skies and oceans, drive through the mantle and core, listen to the majestic sound of the earth, and witness the grandeur of the time. 

Opening hours： 19:00 - 22:30 (May- October); 17:00 - 22:00 (November - April).

Bund Valentine Wall 

Bund Valentine Wall

The Bund Valentine Wall, despite its name, is actually a concrete wall for flood control. However, it was the most romantic place in Shanghai from the 1970s to the 1980s. When night falls, hundreds of young men and women would appear on the Bund and express their love here. It carries the romantic memories of a generation. In 2010, the wall underwent renovations, and the wall we see today adds more splendor to the Bund. 

Bund City Sculptures

The beauty of a city is often composed of pf architectures, sculptures, and greeneries.

Shanghai City

On the Bund, there are three stainless steel sculptures, the "浦江之光(the Light of Huangpu River)," "帆(Sail)," and "风(Wind)." The sculpture of "the Light of Huangpu River" has a novel shape, and the vertical water drops and waves are like jumping notes singing for the river. The sculpture of "Sail" symbolizes that the fleet of ships is sailing in all directions. While the sculpture of "Wind" symbolizes the wind of the Chinese opening and reform policy that is blowing all over the country.

Bund History Memorial Hall

It's a great place to gain insight into Shanghai's development history from the perspective of the Bund's history. You will see many precious historical photos, archives, and materials. 

Two Recommended Travel Routes

Route A

Start from the crossings of the Nanjing Road and the Xizang Road. You can wander on the pedestrian street of Nanjing Road first. At the end of the street, you will reach the Bund. Nearby the Xinkaihe Road, you can take a turn to Chenghuangiao, a place of

Shanghai Bridge

small wares and local snacks. Replete with food, you can return to the Bund at night and enjoy the dazzling night view.

Route B

If you have half a day on the Bund, route B is better for you. Go directly to the Bund and enjoy the breathtaking scenery there. Then, pass the Sightseeing Tunnel to Pudong area and enjoy a perfect view of the whole Shanghai standing on the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jinmao Tower, or World Financial Center. Afterwards, tour to the aquarium and insect house nearby. Finally, take a Huangpu River Cruise and finish your evening strong.

Travel Guide 

Shanghai Night

How to get to the Bund?

Bus: There are many bus stations nearby the Bund. You can take bus 37, 147, 307, 868, 33, 55, 305, 330, 805, 921, 65, 123, 145, 317, 576, 934, 135, and 307.

Metro: You can take metro line 2 or line 10,  get off at the Nanjing East Road Station, and walk for about 600m.

Sightseeing Bus: Sightseeing Bus 1 has stops nearby the Bund.

When is the best time to visit the Bund?

Spring and fall are the best times to visit the Bund, while in a day, different times will reward you with the different views.

Recommended time: evening or early night

We recommend visiting the Bund in the evening or at night when the views are the best, especially on weekends or during holidays. All the buildings on the Bund will be lit, and the scene is just brilliant.

Coast of the Bund

Travel Tips

1. The Bund can be windy in the evening, particularly so if you visit outside summer. Please keep warm at such times.
2. Many internationally top-notch brands, popular restaurants, bars, and galleries settled in the creative industry park (No.18 of the Bund), making the place a new spot of the Bund.
3. The major sights and the best photographing spots are located in the northern section of the Bund. You can cover the section if you have limited time.

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