The Bund

🌆 The Bund

The Bund (外滩, Waitàn) is Shanghai's most recognizable landmark — a 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River that faces the ultramodern Pudong skyline across the water. On one side: 52 colonial-era buildings in Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, and Art Deco styles, built between 1880 and 1937. On the other side: the futuristic Lujiazui skyline with the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and World Financial Center.

It's one of those places that genuinely captures the essence of Shanghai — old and new, East and West, in constant dialogue.

Essential Info

History

The Bund was the center of Shanghai's foreign concessions from the 1840s to the 1940s. British, American, French, and other powers established trading houses, banks, and consulates here. The buildings you see today — the Peace Hotel, the Customs House, the Bank of China — are the surviving monuments of that era.

The name "Bund" comes from the Hindi/Urdu word band (بند), meaning "embankment." It's a reminder that Shanghai's history was deeply international.

What to See

The Promenade

The walking path along the river is perfect for a stroll. At night, the Pudong buildings light up and the reflections on the Huangpu River are magical.

Colonial Architecture (West Side)

Buildings worth noting as you walk south:

• No. 1 — the former Shanghai Club (now Waldorf Astoria)
• No. 2 — the former Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China
• No. 3 — the Customs House (now Shanghai No. 1 Society)
• No. 7 — the former Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
• No. 12 — the former Utilities Building

Many of these are now hotels or restaurants. Some are open to the public; others require a booking.

Pudong Skyline (East Side)

Looking east across the river you see Lujiazui, Shanghai's financial district, built in the 1990s on what was farmland:

• Oriental Pearl Tower (东方明珠塔) — the iconic TV tower with the spheres
• Shanghai Tower (上海中心大厦) — the tallest building in China at 632m
• Shanghai World Financial Center (环球金融中心) — the "bottle opener" building
• Jin Mao Tower (金茂大厦) — elegant pagoda-style skyscraper

Waitanyuan (Bund Heritage Area)

The southern end of the Bund blends into Waitanyuan, a cluster of carefully restored colonial buildings including the former British Consulate, Consulate-General of France, and several historic hotels.

Photography Tips

Best viewpoints:

• The promenade railings — classic shot with Pudong skyline behind
• Longer exposures at night — smooths the water and captures the light trails from boats
• From the Pudong side looking back at the Bund — the colonial buildings lit up are spectacular

Best time:

• Blue hour / sunset — the sky changes color and both sides of the river are illuminated
• After dark — 9–10 PM when the LED shows on buildings are still on

What to Do Nearby

• Nanjing Road (南京路步行街) — Shanghai's main pedestrian shopping street, 5 min walk west
• Yuanmingyuan/Beijing Road — for antique markets and old book shops
• Xintiandi — 10 min south, restored Shikumen houses with bars and restaurants
• French Concession — 15 min south, tree-lined streets and colonial villas

FAQ

Is the Bund free? Yes, the Bund promenade along the Huangpu River is completely free and open 24 hours. Some historic buildings require paid entry if you want to go inside.

How do I get to the Bund? Metro Line 2 or 10 to Nanjing East Road station (南京东路), then walk 5–10 minutes east. Metro Line 2 to East Nanjing Road (南京西路) also works.

Is The Bund better at day or night? Night is more iconic — the Pudong skyline is fully lit and reflections on the water are beautiful. Day has its own charm for seeing the colonial architecture clearly.

Can I walk from the Bund to Pudong? You can cross the river via the Pearl明珠 tunnel (underground) or take the metro (Line 2 crossing the river). The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (外滩观光隧道) is a tourist-focused monorail that runs between the Bund and Pudong.

Cost Summary

Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023

Bobby

Living in Chengdu since 2023. Writes about practical China travel from firsthand experience. About me →