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The Bund

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Landmark
—°15
The Bund (China)

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The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a world-renowned waterfront promenade located on the western bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, serving as a symbol of the city's cosmopolitan past and rapid modernization. This 1.5-kilometer-long stretch is lined with 52 historical buildings constructed in various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco, earning it the nickname 'Museum of International Architecture.' From the mid-19th century until the mid-20th century, the Bund was the premier financial and trading hub of East Asia, hosting major international banks and commercial houses. Notable landmarks include the former HSBC Building with its magnificent dome and the Customs House, which features a clock tower modeled after Big Ben. Today, the Bund provides a dramatic visual contrast between the colonial-era facades and the futuristic skyscraper skyline of the Pudong district across the river. It remains Shanghai's most popular tourist destination, providing dramatic panoramic views that capture the essence of China's most dynamic city.

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 is a waterfront promenade in Shanghai, freely accessible at any time. The historic buildings along the Huangpu River can be viewed from outside.
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Typical hours
The promenade is open 24/7, but the buildings are only accessible during business hours. Evening illumination is especially spectacular.
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Photography
Photography is allowed anytime, with best shots of the buildings and Pudong skyline. A tripod is usually fine on the promenade.
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Time needed
A walk along the Bund takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on pace. If you examine the buildings and take photos, allow 1.5 hours.
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Combine with
Combine the Bund with a Huangpu River cruise and a visit to the Oriental Pearl Tower. Nanjing Road is also within walking distance.
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Getting there
The Bund is located in central Shanghai, reachable by metro (Line 2, East Nanjing Road station). Taxis and buses are also good options.
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Insider tip
Visit the Bund in the evening when the Pudong skyline glows in colorful lights. Walk a bit north for a quieter view.

Geography

Coordinates
31.23800, 121.48100

Facts

  • The promenade spans a total length of 1.5 kilometers.
  • Features 52 buildings reflecting diverse architectural styles.
  • The Customs House clock is a replica of London's Big Ben.
  • Evolved into Asia's financial hub starting in the 1840s.
  • Located on the western bank of the Huangpu River.
  • Known globally as a 'museum of international architecture'.

Explore nearby

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Yangshan Deep-Water PortYangshan Deep-Water Port75 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town The Bund (15)

Museum of Oriental Musical Instruments🏛 museum

Operated by the local conservatory, this specialized museum displays a vast array of traditional Chinese and Asian acoustic instruments.

🕒 Mo-Sa 09:00-16:00

Luhanbin Typewriter Museum🏛 museum

This unique gallery showcases a meticulously curated collection of vintage typewriters from various historical eras and global manufacturers.

Shanghai Textile Museum🏛 museum

Located in a former cotton mill, this museum chronicles the deep industrial history and evolution of the regional textile industry.

Shanghai Municipal People's Government🏺 historical

This massive administrative complex, characterized by its imposing modern architecture, serves as the main civic headquarters for the metropolis.

Shanghai Concert Hall🎭 culture

Originally built as a cinema, this heritage-listed venue features elegant neoclassical architecture and fine acoustic halls.

Saint Joseph's Church⛪ religious

Consecrated in 1860, this heritage Roman Catholic church features classic Gothic Revival architecture with a striking bell tower.

Holy Trinity Cathedral⛪ religious

Dating back to 1869, this historic Anglican cathedral features intricate red-brick masonry and impressive stained-glass windows.

Huangpu Theatre🎭 culture

This heritage-listed theatre in the-bund-landmarks-v2 opened its doors in 1934.

Henan Road Bridge📍 landmark

This urban bridge in the-bund-landmarks-v2 was constructed in 2009 to facilitate city traffic.

Fuxing Park📍 landmark

A renowned park in the-bund-landmarks-v2 known for its notable French-style gardens and open spaces.

Jing'an Temple📍 landmark

A well-known Buddhist temple in the-bund-landmarks-v2, recognized for its golden roof and rich history.

♿

Hengshan Park🌳 park

A notable urban park in the-bund-landmarks-v2 recognized for its landscaped walkways and trees.

Jing'an Park🌳 park

A popular green space in the-bund-landmarks-v2 situated closely to the famous nearby temple.

Changfeng Park🌳 park

A well-known park in the-bund-landmarks-v2 featuring a large artificial lake and green landscapes.

Huxi Mosque⛪ religious

A prominent Islamic place of worship in the-bund-landmarks-v2 serving the local community.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for The Bund?
No, the waterfront promenade is public and free of charge for all visitors.
When do the lights turn on?
Lights are typically turned on between 7:00 PM and 10:00 PM (until 11:00 PM in summer).
What's the best time for photos?
The blue hour shortly after sunset is convenient for spectacular skyline photos.
How do you cross to the other side of the river?
You can take the ferry, the subway (Lines 2 or 10), or the Tourist Tunnel.
Are there restaurants there?
Yes, along the Bund there are many high-end restaurants with views of Pudong.
The Bund: where is it located?
The Bund is located in China.
The Bund: what is there to see?
Highlights include Museum of Oriental Musical Instruments, Luhanbin Typewriter Museum, Shanghai Textile Museum.
The Bund: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
The Bund: why is it worth visiting?
The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a world-renowned waterfront promenade located on the western bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, serving as a symbol of the city's cosmopolitan past and rapid modernization.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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