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The Bund, Shanghai

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The Bund, Shanghai (China)

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The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a world-renowned waterfront area extending 1.5 kilometers along the western bank of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai. This historic district serves as a profound symbol of the city's transformation from a local trading port into a global financial powerhouse during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The promenade is lined with 52 buildings of various Western architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco, earning it the nickname 'the museum of world architecture.' Originally a muddy embankment, the area was developed following the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing, which designated Shanghai as a treaty port. For decades, it housed the most prestigious banks and trading houses of Britain, France, and the United States. Today, the Bund remains a focal point of Shanghai’s identity, offering a remarkable panoramic view of the futuristic Pudong skyline across the river, while preserving the colonial grandeur that defined the city's past.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C461015212529292519147
Rain mm67788895105195148173137777153

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Bund in Shanghai is a riverside promenade that is freely accessible at any time. You can stroll along the Huangpu River and admire the historic buildings. There is no entry fee as it is a public space.
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Typical hours
The promenade is open 24 hours. The buildings are lit up at night, making an evening visit particularly appealing. The best time for a walk is late afternoon to catch the sunset.
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Photography
Photography from the promenade is allowed any time and has spectacular shots of the Pudong skyline and historic buildings. Night shots are especially impressive. A tripod is recommended for long exposures.
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Time needed
Allow about one and a half to two hours for a stroll along the entire Bund. If you stop to enjoy the view or sit at a cafe, you can budget three hours or more.
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Combine with
Combine the Bund visit with a boat ride on the Huangpu River to see the skyline from the water. Nanjing Road, one of the busiest shopping streets, is also just a short walk away.
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Getting there
The Bund is in central Shanghai and is easily accessible by metro. East Nanjing Road or Lujiazui stations are just a few minutes' walk away. Buses and taxis are also options, but the metro is fastest.
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Insider tip
Visit the Bund both during the day and at night to experience the completely different impressions. Plan a stroll in the late afternoon to see the sunset and stay until the buildings are lit up.

Geography

Coordinates
31.24100, 121.49100

Facts

  • The Bund promenade stretches for exactly 1.5 kilometers (0.93 miles).
  • It features a collection of 52 buildings displaying diverse international architectural styles.
  • The area was established as a British settlement following the 1842 Treaty of Nanjing.
  • The Custom House bell, installed in 1927, was cast in the same foundry as London's Big Ben.
  • The Peace Hotel, completed in 1929, remains one of the finest Art Deco structures in the city.
  • A major redevelopment in 2010 expanded the pedestrian walkway and added new flood defenses.

Explore nearby

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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Sights in the town The Bund, Shanghai (8)

Aurora Art Museum🏛 museum

A notable museum in shanghai-bund-history-v2 recognized for its collection of ancient Chinese antiquities and jades.

Former Rowing Club📍 landmark

A historic riverside attraction in shanghai-bund-history-v2 that originally served the local expatriate boating community.

Bund History Museum🏛 museum

A dedicated museum in shanghai-bund-history-v2 detailing the chronological evolution of the renowned local waterfront.

♿

Jardine Matheson Building📍 landmark

An iconic stone-faced attraction in shanghai-bund-history-v2 built for a prominent historical trading company.

Sassoon House📍 landmark

An iconic Art Deco structure in shanghai-bund-history-v2 famed for its historic hotel and green pyramidal roof.

Roundabout with Oriental Pearl Tower🌿 nature

A designated viewpoint in shanghai-bund-history-v2 giving visitors an unobstructed perspective of the distinct television tower.

Shanghai Municipal History Museum🏛 museum

A well-known museum in shanghai-bund-history-v2 displaying vivid dioramas of the city's past.

The Pearl🎭 culture

A unique cabaret theatre in shanghai-bund-history-v2 occupying a historically refurbished former Buddhist temple.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Bund in Shanghai?
A famous waterfront promenade with colonial architecture facing the modern skyline.
When are the lights turned on?
Usually daily from 19:00 to 22:00 (slightly later in summer).
Does visiting the Bund cost an entry fee?
No, walking along the promenade is completely free.
What's the best way to get there?
Take metro line 2 or 10 to 'East Nanjing Road' station.
Are there ferries across the river?
Yes, cheap commuter ferries connect the Bund with the Pudong district.
The Bund, Shanghai: where is it located?
The Bund, Shanghai is located in China.
The Bund, Shanghai: what is there to see?
Highlights include Aurora Art Museum, Former Rowing Club, Bund History Museum.
The Bund, Shanghai: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
The Bund, Shanghai: why is it worth visiting?
The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a world-renowned waterfront area extending 1.5 kilometers along the western bank of the Huangpu River in central Shanghai.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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