The Bund
Image source: Flickr; license credits as shown.
Overview
The Bund is a famous urban landmark along the western bank of the Huangpu River, featuring over 50 historical European-style buildings, known as the 'International Architecture Exhibition of the Bund'. The architectural complex stretches approximately 1.5 to 1.8 kilometers from the Waibaidu Bridge in the north to Jinling East Road in the south, encapsulating a century of change in Shanghai from 'the Wall Street of the Far East' to a modern financial center. This area was once the core of the foreign concessions, bustling with banks, trading houses, and consulates, and today many buildings serve as headquarters for banks and business offices, open for tourists to admire. Standing at the Bund, one can simultaneously gaze at the skyscrapers of Pudong across the river, creating a striking contrast between the old and new city skylines.
Getting There
The most convenient way to reach The Bund is to take the Shanghai Metro to 'East Nanjing Road Station', and then walk about 4 to 10 minutes to Zhongshan East 1st Road along the Bund. Alternatively, you can choose to get off at 'Tiantong Road Station' and walk about 7 minutes to the northern section near Waibaidu Bridge, or take several bus routes to get off at stops along Zhongshan East 1st Road, Yan'an East Road, or Henan Middle Road and walk from there.
Highlights
The core feature of The Bund is the row of 52 historical buildings along Zhongshan East 1st Road, each with its unique style, celebrated as the 'International Architecture Exhibition'. The architectural styles include Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, Eclectic, and Art Deco, showcasing a microcosm of early 20th-century Western architecture in Shanghai. This area was once the Shanghai Public Concession and the 'Far East Financial Center', with iconic buildings like the HSBC Building and the Customs House witnessing the history of modern Shanghai's integration with the world. After nightfall, the skyline along the Huangpu River becomes particularly magnificent, making it one of the best spots for photographing the historical buildings of Puxi alongside the skyscrapers of Pudong.
What to See
The main attractions of The Bund are concentrated along the historical buildings on Zhongshan East 1st Road, as well as the bridges and parks at the northern end. 1. Customs House: An eight-story building constructed in 1927, famous for its 'Big Bell' clock tower, it still serves as the Shanghai Customs office and is one of the most recognizable landmarks of The Bund. 2. Former HSBC Building (now Pudong Development Bank Building): Located south of the Customs House, it was the former site of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and is regarded as one of the grandest buildings on The Bund, showcasing a magnificent Neoclassical facade, now serving as the headquarters of Pudong Development Bank. 3. Buildings of Various Banks and Companies: Along the street, you can see the former banks and trading houses of the UK, US, Japan, Russia, etc., many of which have now been converted into insurance companies, Chinese bank headquarters, and business offices, while retaining their original historical appearance. 4. Waibaidu Bridge and Suzhou River Mouth: The Waibaidu Bridge at the northern end of The Bund is a steel structure bridge, a famous spot for photographing The Bund's architectural complex and the Pudong skyline. The nearby Suzhou River mouth is also a popular area for sightseeing and walking. 5. Huangpu Park and Historical Memorials of The Bund: Located at the northern end of The Bund, Huangpu Park is one of Shanghai's earliest parks, featuring memorial facilities and sculptures that showcase the history of The Bund, allowing visitors to understand its formation and changes over time. 6. The Bund Viewing Promenade and Waterside Platform: The wide promenade and viewing platforms built along the Huangpu River are perfect for walking, jogging, and photography, providing a complete view of 'The Bund's First Facade' and the panorama of Lujiazui in Pudong.
Hours & Admission
The Bund is an open urban landscape, with the promenade and building exteriors accessible to the public 24 hours a day for free, without an admission fee. Most historical buildings are currently banks, insurance companies, or office buildings, and the interiors are generally not open for public visits, allowing only outdoor viewing and photography. Huangpu River cruises, sightseeing buses, or exhibitions and dining within individual buildings require separate tickets or purchases, with prices varying by operator and type of boat or time of day. It is recommended to book in advance at the pier or online for night cruises to secure a seat and get the latest ticket price information.
Address
Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to Jinling East Road in the south)
Travel Tips
The best time to visit The Bund is during the evening to night, allowing visitors to enjoy the sunset, the gradual illumination of the evening lights, and the complete night view, providing the best experience. The climate in spring and autumn is relatively comfortable, with clear visibility, suitable for long walks and photography; summer nights tend to be crowded, while winter requires attention to warmth due to the cold river breeze. To avoid crowds, consider walking along The Bund on weekday mornings or late at night; holiday and weekend evenings can be very busy, so allow extra time for photography and movement. Travelers can combine their itinerary with visits to East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yuyuan Garden, or Lujiazui across the river (such as the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, etc.), arranging a half-day to full-day city walking route. For night photography, it is advisable to bring a stabilizer or tripod (complying with on-site management regulations) and to be mindful of personal belongings and the riverbank railings, avoiding leaning too much or climbing over obstacles.
Nearby Dining
The Bund and nearby neighborhoods are home to numerous high-end restaurants, scenic bars, and specialty cafes, where you can enjoy meals while taking in views of the Huangpu River and the city skyline. Along Zhongshan East 1st Road and adjacent streets, there are several Western restaurants, exquisite Chinese dining, and themed bars, with relatively high prices, suitable for celebrations and dates. For those preferring affordable and local flavors, you can walk to East Nanjing Road, Fujian Middle Road, or Henan Middle Road, where there are more local dishes, noodle shops, snack stalls, and chain dining options. Travelers may also opt for a simple meal nearby in the evening before strolling along The Bund or taking a Huangpu River night cruise to capture the best night views.
FAQ
Q: Is there an admission fee for The Bund? A: The Bund, being an open urban landscape, does not charge an admission fee, and visitors can freely explore the building exteriors along the promenade and streets. However, Huangpu River cruises, sightseeing buses, and exhibitions or dining within individual buildings are chargeable and require separate tickets or purchases. Q: What is the best time to visit The Bund? A: The best time to visit The Bund is during dusk to night, allowing visitors to enjoy the sunset, the darkening sky, and the illuminated night view of the buildings and Pudong skyline. If you want to examine the architectural details and take photos with fewer crowds, it is recommended to visit on weekday mornings or during non-peak daytime hours. Q: How do I take the subway to The Bund? A: The most common way to reach The Bund is to take the Shanghai Metro to 'East Nanjing Road Station', and after exiting, walk about 4 to 10 minutes to the middle section of The Bund. You can also get off at 'Tiantong Road Station' and walk about 7 minutes to the northern section near Waibaidu Bridge, or transfer to a bus to get off at stops near Zhongshan East 1st Road. Q: What are the must-see representative buildings at The Bund? A: The most representative buildings at The Bund include the Customs House, famous for its Big Bell, and the former HSBC Building (now Pudong Development Bank Building). Additionally, the former sites of various banks along the street and the diverse styles of the 'International Architecture Exhibition' itself are major highlights, allowing visitors to enjoy different periods of European architecture while strolling. Q: Can I capture the night view of Pudong from The Bund? A: The eastern bank of the Huangpu River opposite The Bund is the Lujiazui financial district in Pudong, where you can clearly photograph the night view of modern skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl Tower from the Bund promenade. Many travelers choose to take photos near Waibaidu Bridge, viewing platforms, or along the river railings, capturing both historical buildings and modern skyscrapers in the same frame, creating classic Shanghai skyline photos.
