The Bund
The Bund, a 1.5-kilometer stretch along Shanghai’s Huangpu River, is the city’s iconic promenade and a UNESCO-recognized “Heritage Corridor.” Built between 1845 and 1937, this former colonial concession blends Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture with modern skyscrapers, earning it the nickname “the Museum of World Architecture.” Once a hub for foreign trade and banking, it now symbolizes Shanghai’s rise as a global metropolis, offering panoramic vistas of the Pudong skyline and historical landmarks like the Customs House Clock Tower and Peace Hotel.
Historical Overview
- Concession Era (1845–1943):
1845: The British established the Shanghai International Settlement, transforming the mudflats into a financial district.
1893: The Customs House (1893) became Asia’s largest port authority, its clock tower a symbol of colonial power.
1920s: The Peace Hotel (originally Cathay Hotel) opened, hosting luminaries like Charlie Chaplin.
- Post-Liberation (1949–1990):
1950s: The Bund transitioned to state-owned enterprises; its grandeur faded under socialist reforms.
1980s: Renovations began, restoring facades while preserving historical integrity.
- Modern Era (1990–Present):
1994: The Bund’s first pedestrianization project launched, reclaiming the riverside for public use.
2010: The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and Oriental Pearl Riverfront Promenade expanded accessibility.
2018: A $740 million renovation restored 19 historic buildings and added green spaces.
Structural Layout
The Bund is divided into three zones:
- Northern Bund (Waibaidu Bridge to Huangpu Park):
Waibaidu Bridge (1907): Shanghai’s first steel bridge, linking the Bund to Hongkou District.
Russian Orthodox Church (1883): A Byzantine-style cathedral with gilded domes.
- Central Bund (Huangpu Park to Yan’an Road):Customs House (1893):
A 69-meter-tall clock tower with chimes modeled after London’s Big Ben.
Peace Hotel (1929): Art Deco masterpiece with the Jazz Bar, a 1930s-era nightlife venue.
Bank of China Building (1937): A Gothic Revival skyscraper with flying buttresses.
- Southern Bund (Yan’an Road to Nanpu Bridge):
Franklin House (1916): A Renaissance Revival mansion, now the Bund Finance Center.
Three on the Bund (2004): A luxury complex housing galleries and Michelin-starred restaurants.
Major Attractions
Customs House Clock Tower: Ascend for 360° views of the Bund and Pudong.
Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Hear live 1930s-style swing in the world’s oldest surviving hotel jazz lounge.
Bund Observation Deck: A 500-meter riverside walkway with interactive light displays at night.
Bund History Museum (Customs House basement): Exhibits on colonial trade and maritime history.
Shanghai Pudong Skyline: Photograph the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, and Jin Mao Tower from the Bund.
Rockbund Art Museum: A converted 1932 warehouse hosting contemporary art exhibitions.
Suggested Itineraries
Classic Evening Stroll (2–3 Hours):
Start: Waibaidu Bridge (sunset photos) → Walk south to the Customs House → Dinner at M on the Bund (terrace seating) → Night tour via the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.
Highlights: Golden-hour lighting, riverfront dining, and neon-lit skylines.
Heritage & Architecture Tour (4–5 Hours):
Start: Russian Orthodox Church → Peace Hotel (lobby tour + Jazz Bar cocktail) → Customs House Museum → Bank of China Building → Rockbund Art Museum → End at Three on the Bund.
Highlights: Colonial-era interiors, Art Deco design, and art curation.
Day-to-Night Transitions (Full Day):
Morning: Huangpu Park (statue of Chen Yi, first mayor of Shanghai) → Bund History Museum → Lunch at Mr & Mrs Bund (French bistro fare).
Afternoon: Walking tour of 19th-century facades → Tea at Fairmont Peace Hotel’s Jasmine Lounge.
Evening: Sunset cruise on the Huangpu River → Dinner at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (multi-sensory dining).
Ticket Purchase
Free Attractions: Bund promenade, Huangpu Park, and public building facades.
Paid Experiences:
Customs House Tower: ¥100 (includes guided tour + rooftop access).
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: ¥70 (one-way), ¥90 (round-trip).
Huangpu River Cruise: ¥120–150 (day), ¥180–220 (night with light show).
Rockbund Art Museum: ¥100–200 (varies by exhibition).
Online Booking: Reserve river cruises via Ctrip or Trip.com 24 hours in advance.
Transportation
Subway: Line 2/10 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 3), 5-minute walk to the Bund.
Ferry: The Tung Chung Line (¥2) crosses the Huangpu River from Jinling East Road Pier to Dongchang Road Pier.
Taxi: Drop-off at East Zhongshan Road (avoid rush hour 7:30–9:30 AM, 5–7 PM).
Departure: Exit via Nanjing East Road (subway/taxis) or Jinling East Road Pier (ferries).
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 8–10 PM (light show crowds); visit 5–7 PM for sunset-to-night transitions.
Crowds: Weekends and holidays are packed; weekdays offer quieter photo ops.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) for mild temperatures.
Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (cobblestone paths in sections).
Bring a light jacket (river breezes can be chilly).
Photography: Use a wide-angle lens for skyline shots; tripods prohibited without permits.
Prohibited: Drones, loudspeakers, and commercial filming without permits.
The Bund Scenic Spots Guide
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