- The Bund, known in Chinese as 外滩 (Wàitān), is Shanghai’s historic waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River, about 1.5 km long.
- It is famous for 52 well-preserved Western-style buildings dating from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Across the river sits the modern Lujiazui skyline, making the Bund a place where old and new Shanghai meet.
- Top experiences include strolling the waterfront, cruising the Huangpu River, and admiring landmarks such as the Custom House and the old HSBC Building.
- The Bund is easy to reach by metro, bus, or ferry, with Nanjing Road East Station the most convenient stop.
The Bund—Shanghai’s prominent waterfront promenade—is a must-see for travelers to China’s most dynamic metropolis. Visiting the Bund offers an unforgettable window into the history and modern ascension of one of the world’s largest cities.
With its preserved colonial-era buildings on one bank and a futuristic skyline on the other, the Bund ranks among the best places to visit in China. It rewards a slow walk, a river cruise, and a little curiosity about the stories behind each façade.
The area is also a rich cultural and historical experience, which makes it a rewarding stop for anyone who wants to Learn Chinese in China while soaking up real-world context. Read on to discover what to do, what to see, and how to make the most of your visit.
01 A brief introduction to the Bund
The Bund, also known as 外滩 (Wàitān), is a protected, historical waterfront area in Shanghai, China, that measures 0.93 miles (1.5 km) long. It runs along the eastern section of Zhongshan Road (中山路 Zhōngshānlù), which borders the western banks of the Huangpu River.
History of the Bund
During the colonial period, the Western powers made various attempts to dominate China and open the country to trade and Western settlement. China under the Qing dynasty government resisted.
After losing the First Opium War to the British in 1842, however, China was forced to open up five of its major ports, including Shanghai, to foreign trade. As a result, the British were granted the right to settle along the Huangpu River where the Bund is today.
In 1863, the British and the Americans worked together to establish the International Settlement, which saw the Bund grow further. Between the 1860s and 1930s, the Bund was the most government-protected foreign establishment in the whole of Shanghai.
In the late 19th century, British colonial style and neoclassical buildings were built along the Bund. The early 20th century saw the construction of buildings housing offices of important financial institutions, including the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and the Imperial Bank of China.
Today, the Bund features a host of historical Western-style buildings built in a variety of architectural styles.
02 What makes the Bund famous?
The Bund is famous for being home to 52 historical Western-style buildings that date from the late 19th to early 20th centuries. These buildings include representative examples of Romanesque, Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Neoclassical Revival styles.
This collection includes the Asia Building, which once housed the offices of the Asiatic Petroleum Company, and the Union Building, which initially housed insurance companies but is now a shopping complex. The old HSBC Building is now home to the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank.
Another notable building on the Bund is the China Merchants Bank Building. Overall, the 52 historical buildings serve as a reminder of the role of Western colonial influence in the city’s history and development.
Today, these buildings are a living museum, and collectively they make up one of the most visited destinations for travelers in China.
03 Must-dos at the Bund
The Bund has so much to offer. Check out the following list to discover some of the most popular sites and activities on this storied stretch of road.
1. Stroll along the Bund
There is no better way to appreciate the architectural beauty of all 52 historical buildings than to walk along the 0.93-mile (1.5-km) stretch of waterfront they occupy. It will likely take you around two and a half hours, but these may be your most memorable hours in Shanghai.
Strolling along the Bund lets you explore its timeless structures while looking across the Huangpu River to the iconic Lujiazui skyline. That skyline features some of the city’s most famous buildings, like the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower.
Just remember to carry some water and an umbrella or raincoat in case the weather changes.
2. Cruise along the Huangpu River
If you don’t like the idea of walking for two and a half hours, consider a ferry cruise along the Huangpu River. A cruise lets you marvel at the contrast between the Bund’s historical buildings and the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui.
If you want to save money and experience the Bund like a local, you can take a ferry across the Huangpu to Pudong from the Bund. This lets you explore both sides of the river for only 2 Chinese yuan.
Alternatively, you can cruise the Huangpu in a modern boat and even enjoy a traditional Shanghainese meal. These cruises last 30–50 minutes and run day and night, with a 30-minute cruise costing about 150 yuan ($22).
No matter whether you opt for a ferry or a luxury cruise, consider taking your boat ride at night. Shanghai’s dazzling lights create the most magnificent display on the water after dark.
3. Relax at Huangpu Park
After a long walk or cruise, consider relaxing at Huangpu Park. This small oasis is one of the most tranquil places in the whole of Shanghai.
Its lush, well-maintained lawns are lovely for cooling off, meditating, or just taking some fantastic photos.
4. Watch the locals exercise
The Bund waterfront offers wide stretches of sidewalk that locals consider fantastic spots for exercising. If you visit at dawn or dusk, you can usually catch Shanghai residents on their morning jogs or evening tai chi (太极拳 tàijí quán) sessions.
You can observe from a distance or even join in if you want to burn some extra calories. Overall, exercising on the Bund is an exciting way to experience the local lifestyle.
5. Capture panoramic photos
A visit to the Bund provides the ultimate opportunity for taking panoramic photos of Shanghai’s impressive skyline.
By standing on the waterfront walkway or taking a cruise on the Huangpu River, you can capture amazing photos of iconic buildings across the water. These include Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center.
04 Must-sees at the Bund
Many people who visit the Bund simply come to take photos and view the façades of the historical buildings. Taking time to admire the interiors and visit some of the other attractions, however, adds a whole new level to the experience.
Keep in mind that most of the buildings are still in use and may not always be open to visitors. That said, it is often possible, and fascinating, to peek inside the lobbies of many of the Bund’s most historic buildings.
1. Old HSBC Building
The Old HSBC (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation) Building is a six-story neoclassical building that served as the HSBC headquarters from around 1923 to 1955. This impressive structure once held the distinction of being the second-largest bank building in the world and the largest in the Far East.
Currently, the building, situated at number 12, is home to the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. It is an architectural masterpiece that is likely to fascinate anyone with an interest in the history of globalization.
Its biggest attraction is its design, which features a large central dome in the entrance hall. The dome is decorated with colorful mosaics depicting scenery from important trading cities where HSBC had branches, including Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, New York, Bangkok, Paris, and Calcutta.
If you’re curious about what the Bangkok or Calcutta skyline looked like circa 1923, a visit to this building should be high on your list.
2. Custom House
The Custom House is an 8-story building that dates to 1927. Located just next to the old HSBC building at number 13, it is known for its iconic clock tower, which is modeled after Big Ben in London.
Interestingly, the Custom House still functions as a customs house today. Together with the Old HSBC Building, it is seen as a symbol of the Bund and the whole of Shanghai.
3. The Bund Bull (Shanghai Bull)
The Bund Bull, popularly known as the Shanghai Bull, stands 3.2 meters (10.5 feet) high and is about 5.2 meters (17 feet) long, making it almost identical in size to the Wall Street Bull.
Crafted by Italian-American sculptor Arturo Di Modica, the Bund Bull represents the vigor of China’s economy. It was unveiled on the Bund in 2010, just after the global financial crisis, as a reflection of the strength and energy of Shanghai’s economy.
4. Gutzlaff Signal Tower
Also known as the Bund Weather Tower, the Gutzlaff Signal Tower is a 36.8-meter-tall Art Deco–style signal station initially built to offer weather forecasts and typhoon alerts for the Huangpu River. Although it was rebuilt several times, the original tower was built in 1865.
Today, the tower houses a museum about the history of the Bund on its first floor and a café on its second.
5. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is an underwater passageway that connects the Bund to the nearby Pudong District. Its construction began in 1998, and the tunnel was launched in 2000.
Since then, it has been popular with visitors who want to explore the other side of the Huangpu River. You’ll love the sound and light effects that come with the tunnel adventure.
The ride to Pudong takes 3–5 minutes and offers a 360-degree view of the surroundings. A one-way ride costs about 50 RMB, while a two-way ride goes for 70 RMB, and you can enjoy it from 8 AM to 10 PM.
6. The Peace Hotel
The Peace Hotel is one of the most important and well-known historical landmarks on the Bund. A famous fixture of old Shanghai, this Art Deco masterpiece has been featured in several movies and novels and has hosted legions of international celebrities.
Note that the Peace Hotel is actually a set of two buildings. First is the Swatch Art Peace Hotel, originally the Palace Hotel; second is the Fairmont Peace Hotel, which still functions as a luxury hotel today.
Even if you don’t plan to stay, consider dining at one of its six exquisite restaurants. Most of the first floor is open to visitors, and a small museum tells the story of the building.
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05 Best time of day to visit the Bund
The best time to visit the Bund is generally in the morning or afternoon on sunny, clear days. The view across the water to Lujiazui is most picturesque when the weather is good.
For those interested in looking inside some of the historical buildings, visiting during business hours on weekdays is a good idea.
06 How to get to the Bund
You can reach the Bund by bus, ferry, or metro. Brushing up on a few Chinese travel phrases before you set out can make asking for directions much smoother.
By bus
Catch bus number 133 or 135 from Zhongshan Park.
By ferry
Catch a ferry ride from Pudong across the Huangpu River.
By metro
There aren’t any metro stations directly on the Bund, but you can take the Shanghai metro to nearby Nanjing Road East Station (南京东路站 Nánjīngdōnglù Zhàn). Take Exit 2 and walk toward the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower for about 10 minutes to reach the Bund.
07 What to eat and drink at the Bund
The area around the Bund offers access to an array of exquisite restaurants and local eateries. Plan a visit or drop by one and taste some of the best cuisine China has to offer.
Must-try dishes include steamed crab, Peking duck, and braised pork, which you can pair with dumpling soup or a pot of Chinese green tea.
Many of the restaurants on or near the Bund can be quite expensive, so you might want to avoid them if you are on a budget.
08 Nearby attractions
After exploring the Bund, you can also visit several nearby attractions.
Nanjing East Road (南京东路 Nánjīngdōnglù)
Nanjing East Road, Shanghai’s busiest street, is lined with high-end shopping malls, local eateries, and name-brand stores.
A visit allows you to shop for traditional Chinese crafts and modern delights, with over 500 stores offering a variety of shopping experiences.
Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥 Wàibáidù Qiáo)
There’s no better spot near the Bund for watching the sunset than Waibaidu Bridge, a historical, Western-designed steel bridge that spans Suzhou Creek. Also called the Garden Bridge in English, the current bridge was built in 1907 and is the only example of a camelback truss bridge in China today.
The bridge offers spectacular views of the Bund and Shanghai at large, and it is a popular spot for shooting TV shows and movies. It has even been featured in several Chinese novels.
Yuyuan Garden (豫园 Yùyuán)
Yuyuan Garden, also known as Yu Garden, is a green oasis modeled after the famous Suzhou gardens. It lets visitors experience a vast collection of classical Chinese buildings scattered amidst charming ponds, bridges, and rockery.
The 20,000-square-meter garden dates back to the Ming dynasty and is a great destination for those looking to learn about traditional Chinese landscaping without leaving Shanghai. After visiting, don’t forget to stop by nearby Yuyuan Bazaar, a famous street featuring local restaurants and craft stores.
09 Useful Shanghai and Bund vocabulary
The following terms will help you recognize the place names and landmarks mentioned in this guide and talk about them on your visit.
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 外滩 | The Bund | |
| 上海 | Shanghai | |
| 黄浦江 | Huangpu River | |
| 陆家嘴 | Lujiazui, Shanghai’s modern financial district | |
| 东方明珠 | Oriental Pearl Tower | |
| 中山路 | Zhongshan Road | |
| 南京东路 | Nanjing East Road | |
| 豫园 | Yuyuan Garden | |
| 外白渡桥 | Waibaidu Bridge (Garden Bridge) | |
| 太极拳 | Tai chi |
10 The Bund: Where Shanghai’s past and future meet
The Bund, with its well-preserved Western-style historical buildings and stunning views of Shanghai’s modern Lujiazui skyline, is truly at the heart of the city. If you only have a couple of hours to spend in Shanghai, you should spend them here.
The Bund sits at the meeting point of East and West, past and future. Visit today to discover one of Shanghai’s most iconic spots.
After visiting Shanghai, we recommend making time for some nearby cities to get a more well-rounded understanding of modern China. Check out our travel guides on neighboring cities like Suzhou, Hangzhou, and Wuzhen to help you plan your trip.
