The Bund
The Bund (which means the Embankment) refers to Shanghai's famous waterfront running along the west shore of the 114-kilometer Huangpu River (a tributary of Yangtze River), forming the eastern boundary of old downtown Shanghai.
In 1844, this area was zoned out as the British concession, making up the lively portrayal of Shanghai ten miles of concessions. Just across the wide avenue (Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu) that parallels the promenade is Shanghai's signature cityscape, a long wall of colonial-era European buildings erected by foreign governments, trading houses, and expatriate millionaires, mostly been built during the prosperous and notorious 1920s and 1930s.
Today it consists of a marvelous promenade, stretching from Suzhou Creek in the north to Jinling Lu in the south, the perfect platform for strolling along the busy river. These architectures, along the Bund are unanimously regarded as a "World Architecture Fair".
On the other side of the river, casting the shadow of Shanghai's future over its colonial past, are the modern towers of the city's remarkable economic boom: the skyscrapers of the Pudong New Area that include some of Asia's and the world's tallest structures, the high-tech pagodas of the 21st century.
Across the Waibaidu Bridge, it’s the Shanghai Broadway Mansions. On the 22nd Floor of the Mansions, you will find yourself above the tree line, and unfurling below you, a marvelous view of the bustling city of Shanghai with a sea of buildings in all their majesty. Opposite the Bund, that is Pudong Lujiazui district (Pudong new area), which stands symbolic modern buildings of Shanghai, such as the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and so forth, representing the development of China's reform and opening up policy and giving a epitome of Shanghai's modernization drive.
Facts
- In Chinese: 外滩
- Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
- Opening time: all day
- Best time to visit: before sunset
- Ticket price: free (sightseeing tunnel: RMB50 for one way; RMB70 for round way)
- Length: 1.5 km (0.93 mile)
What to Do?
1. Explore different styles of antique architectures and designs and sculptures. Beyond commerce and business, the most impressive things are the architecture and the streetscape. The street architectures of the bund section are particular about individuality and aesthetic appreciation, constituting the effect of collage scenes. Not only Neoclassical wall and Baroque gable wall are colorful and outstanding, but also buildings in British, Italian, French, Spanish styles and so on. These decorative and artistic forms are examples of architecture with distinct personalities. It makes the Bund a must-photo place when you visit Shanghai.
2. Take Huangpu cruise to view the night scene. Huangpu River cruise is one of the top cruise trails in China. The night view along Huangpu River is stunning with pretty light show and exquisite buildings. Steeping yourself on the cruise will be a nice relaxing time.
3. Experience the Huangpu River tunnel for sightseeing in the bund. This tunnel crosses Huangpu River, connecting the Bund and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. The 647-meter-long sightseeing tunnel is a magical world of colorful dreams created by high-tech means. You can feel marvelous about it when you take a visit in an eco-friendly carriage.
4. Wander along Huangpu River and catch distinctive sense of both sides. A leisure trip is wandering around the Bund on walking paths slowly in the afternoon. You seem to be standing at the crossroads of history, on your right hand, it’s historical memory; on your left hand, it’s modern development.
5. Enjoy exquisite dishes and dims in deluxe hotels or MICHELIN restaurants. There are many famed hotels and restaurants located around the Bund, trying various tastes of them.
6. Learn about Shanghai’s colonial memory in Huangpu Park. It is the earliest European-style garden in Shanghai, built in 1886. Inside, the Bund historical museum displays many stories of wars and China’s revolutions.
How to Get There?
Metro Line 2 or Line 10 will take you to East Nanjing Road Station, and then walking about 15 minutes you can see the Bund.
Visiting the Bund by sightseeing bus is also a nice choice. Both Red Line and Blue Line bus can bring you to the right place conveniently. You can also take Bus 20, 26, 33, 37, 42, 55, 65, 123, 135, 145, 147, getting off at around and walking a few minutes to get to the Bund.
We don’t recommend to drive there because it’s hard to find a proper parking place if you’re not familiar with the place.
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