The Bund: A century symphony from the riverside mudflats to the Eastern Wall Street

The origin of the place name - the tidal flats of "Coat"
The name "The Bund" originated from its original geographical location. Before the opening of Shanghai as a trading port, this was a natural tidal flat by the Huangpu River, where boatmen trod out a winding path for pulling ropes. After Shanghai was opened as a port in 1843, this area was incorporated into the British concession. As it was located in the northern suburbs of the then Shanghai county (today's Old Town area), it was habitually called "the beach outside the North Gate" by the locals, or simply "the Bund". There is also a saying that the docks and roads built by early foreign residents here were regarded by the locals as the "coat" of the city (the word "Bund" in the colonial context refers to "roads along the river"), hence the name.

The Road of Transformation - From the Mudflats to the World's Forefront
The evolution of the Bund is a miniature history of modern and contemporary China, witnessing the dramatic changes from passive opening up to active leadership.
- The First Cry of Jiang 'an (1840s-1910s) : In the early days of the port's opening, foreign trading firms, docks and warehouses were established here first. The early buildings were mostly in the colonial corridor style, with wooden or brick-wood structures, laying the foundation for the rudimentary form of the riverside interface.
The Golden Age (1920s-1930s) : As Shanghai's status as the financial center of the Far East was established, foreign banks, headquarters and newspapers all competed to build skyscrapers here. The various architectural styles such as classicism, Renaissance, and Art Deco vie with each other in beauty, forming the main outline of the "International Architectural Complex" seen today, and the Bund has truly become the "Wall Street of the Far East".
- Silence (1940s-1970s) : Through wars and the changes of The Times, the role of the Bund once faded, but its buildings have been preserved as city landmarks.
- Century Dialogue (1990s to Present) : With the development and opening up of Pudong, the Lujiazui Financial District has risen up across the river from it. The Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin MAO Tower, Shanghai Tower and other skyscrapers form a brand-new city skyline. The Bund has undergone multiple comprehensive renovations. The functions of its historical buildings have been updated, and the waterfront public Spaces have been fully opened. It has formed a breathtaking "dialogue of the century" with the modern wonders on the opposite bank, becoming the most symbolic landscape in Shanghai.

> In-depth Understanding: Explore More Modern Chinese Historical and Cultural Districts >> [Wudadao, Tianjin] [Shamian, Guangzhou]

Natural creation - The water of the Huangpu River and the skyline Painting
The "natural" landscape of the Bund is essentially a dynamic panoramic painting jointly created by the city and the river.
The Huangpu River Bend: The Bund is precisely located on the concave bank of a gentle "S" -shaped bend of the Huangpu River. This unique geographical location offers an extremely wide view of the scenery. The river bends here, as if deliberately providing a natural stage for this city to showcase its two sides - history and the future.
- Weather and light: The weather on the Huangpu River changes rapidly, adding endless drama to the Bund landscape. On a clear day, the glass curtain wall building on the opposite bank and the blue sky and white clouds are reflected in the river, presenting a magnificent scene. When the mist is thick and hazy, the buildings of Lujiazui are faintly visible, like a mirage. When the street lamps first come on, the banks are ablaze with lights, dyeing the entire river into a golden spectral band. This is the supreme hall of urban landscape photography in China.

Humanistic craftsmanship - Frozen music and flowing history
The Bund complex (stretching from the Waibaidu Bridge in the north to Yan 'an East Road in the south) is the core of the core. Each building is a museum of architecture, carrying weighty stories.
- "The First Building on the Bund" - Asia Building (No. 1, Zhongshan East 1st Road) : Located at the starting point of the Bund complex, it is known as the "First Interface" and was once the site of Asia Kerosene Company, which monopolized the kerosene business in Asia. The combination of its neoclassical and Baroque styles is solemn and magnificent, setting the grand tone for the buildings along the Bund.
- "Copper Lion Guardian" - HSBC Building (No. 12, Zhongshan East 1st Road, now Pudong Development Bank) : It is hailed as "the most exquisite building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait". In its magnificent domed hall, there were Mosaic dome paintings that were extremely rare in the world at that time. The pair of copper lion statues "Stephen" and "Stitt" at the entrance, having weathered many storms, have become one of the symbols of the Bund.
- "Art Deco Peak" - Sassoon Building (No. 20, Zhongshan East 1st Road, now the North Tower of Peace Hotel) : The former "Hua MAO Hotel", a perfect crystallization of the Chicago School Gothic style and Art Deco. The dark green copper top of the pyramid is one of the most recognizable symbols of the Bund. The jazz bar inside the hotel still features performances by an elderly jazz band to this day. Time seems to flow backward here.
- "Skyline Revolutionary" - Customs House (No. 13, Zhongshan East 1st Road) : The most eye-catching features are the clock tower at the top and the large clock with a diameter of 5.4 meters, which was once the largest clock in Asia and the third largest in the world. The steady chimes echoed over Shanghai for decades and are the most historically significant sound symbol of the Bund.
- "Neoclassical Monuments" - Youli Building (No. 4, Zhongshan East 1st Road), etc. : Strolling along the street, the Renaire-style Dongfeng Hotel (formerly the Shanghai Headquarters), the neoclassical Bank of China building, etc., together form a "frozen symphony" that is undulating, harmonious in style and distinctive in each.

Photography Tips:
Classic panoramic viewing position: The middle section of the Bund Observation Deck, which offers a panoramic view of both the international architectural complex and the entire Lujiazui area. The night view is particularly stunning.
Unique perspective camera position
1. Waibaidu Bridge: With the bridge as the foreground, capture the "three-piece set" of Lujiazui, which is highly structural and aesthetically pleasing.
2. Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal: Take a 2-yuan ferry ride and take pictures of both banks in the middle of the river to get a dynamic panoramic view.
3. At the intersection of Beijing East Road: The street and the Oriental Pearl Tower form a perfect frame and depth, making it a popular check-in spot.
Special Note: There are strict regulations on drone flights in the city center. Please do not fly without approval.

Five must-do things to Unlock a Complete Bund Tour
1. Complete a time-traveling architectural stroll
- Method: Start from the Waibaidu Bridge (the filming location of "Deep Love in the Misty Rain"), head south along Zhongshan East, and measure each classic building with your feet. It is recommended to use a mobile tour guide APP or rent a voice guide to listen to the financial, commercial and cultural stories behind the buildings.
- In-depth Exploration: Step into the Bund Source (the area around Yuanmingyuan Road and Huqiu Road), where earlier concession buildings are preserved and the atmosphere is relatively quiet and elegant.
2. Collect a panoramic view of the Huangpu River during the alternation of day and night
The key point: Day and night at the Bund are two completely different pictures. Be sure to arrive before sunset and witness with your own eyes the process of the sky gradually darkening, the lights gradually coming on, and the city changing from golden to brilliant.
- Best viewing spots: The Bund Viewing Platform (near Chen Yi Square), Pudong Riverside Avenue (where the Bund's international buildings are illuminated).
3. Experience a two-yuan cross-century ferry
- Classic Route: Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal ↔ Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal, approximately a 10-minute journey, is the most cost-effective way to tour the Huangpu River. On the swaying ferry, watching the surging river and the slowly changing scenery on both banks is an excellent experience to feel the daily life of Shanghai citizens and the pulse of the city.
4. Savor a feast of Shanghai cuisine that blends Chinese and Western flavors
- Local classics: You can look for time-honored brands on Nanjing East Road or Fuzhou Road and taste classic local delicacies such as xiangyou eel paste, crystal shrimp, and braised 𫠔 ” fish
- Shanghai-style Western pastry: Head to the jazz bar at Peace Hotel for a drink or take a break at a cafe in the Bund Source to experience the elegant atmosphere of old Shanghai.
- Snack Tasting: The time-honored snacks on Nanjing East Road, such as Shen Dacheng's green rice balls and Taikang Food's fresh meat mooncakes, are full of the flavor of daily life.
5. Listen to a piece of urban music flowing in the veins
Urban Symphony: Listen to the chimes of the customs clock, the whistles of the ferries, and the background music of the light show along both banks of the Huangpu River at night.
- Echoes of History: Visit the Bund History Memorial Hall (located underground in Chen Yi Square) to gain a systematic understanding of the century-old vicissitudes of the Bund.
- Voice of Art: Follow the exhibitions at the Rockbund Art Museum in Shanghai or nearby galleries to experience the collision between contemporary art and historical districts.

Suggested tour route
Half-day "Classic Essence" Tour (Suitable for Those with tight Schedules)
Arrive at the Bund Source at 4 p.m. → Stroll along Yuanmingyuan Road and Beijing East Road to admire the early historical buildings → Officially enter the Bund viewing Platform from the Waibaidu Bridge → Walk southward all the way, focusing on the Sassoon Building, the Customs House and the HSBC Building → Wait for the sunset and lighting near Chen Yi Square (about 5 p.m. in winter) (Around 7 a.m. in summer) → After enjoying the complete night view, leave at the intersection of Nanjing East Road.
IntoTravelChina reminds you: This itinerary requires you to manage your walking and sightseeing time well. During holidays, the number of people at the viewing platform is extremely large. Please pay attention to safety.

One-day "In-depth Cultural" Tour (Highly Recommended)
In the morning: Conduct an in-depth exploration of the Bund Source area, visit the former Xin Tian 'an Hall, Yuanmingyuan Apartment and other places, and enjoy brunch at a boutique cafe.
In the afternoon: Officially start the walk of the Bund buildings. Besides enjoying the exterior, you can choose to enter the hall of Pudong Development Bank (formerly HSBC) to view the dome paintings, or visit the Shanghai Bund History Memorial Hall. Then take the Jinling East Road ferry to Pudong.
From evening to night: Take a walk along Pudong Riverside Avenue and look back at the full view of the Bund buildings from the opposite bank. After all the lights come on, you can choose to have a meal at a restaurant in Lujiazui or take a ferry back to the Bund to experience the charm of the night view from different angles.
IntoTravelChina's advantages: We can book the most suitable accommodation for you, arrange the connection of all activities, and provide detailed architectural interpretation materials and the best photography spot maps, allowing you to have a deep and worry-free trip.

Professional Guide: IntoTravelChina can offer you a private customized itinerary, including a dedicated tour guide, transportation and activity arrangements, allowing you to enjoy a deep and worry-free trip. >> [Consult for Customization Now]

How to Get There: A Seamless Connection Guide
The Bund is located in the absolute center of Shanghai, and its public transportation network is extremely developed.
- Subway (most recommended) :
Take Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, exit from Exit 7, and walk for about 10 minutes to reach the core viewing platform of the Bund.
Take Line 14 to Yuyuan Station and then walk to the southern end of the Bund after visiting the City God Temple.
- Bus: It is the terminal station of many bus routes or passes through stops such as "Zhongshan East 1st Road - Nanjing East Road" and "Zhongshan East 1st Road - Hankou Road".
- Taxis/ride-hailing services: You can locate "The Bund Viewing Platform (at the intersection of Zhongshan East 1st Road and Nanjing East Road)", but the surrounding roads may be very congested during rush hours and holidays.
- Water transportation: You can take a ferry directly from the Dongchang Road Wharf in Pudong and other places.
Important reminder: Parking Spaces in the Bund area are tight and expensive. It is strongly not recommended to drive there.

Best visiting time
The Bund is suitable for all seasons and offers beautiful scenery day and night, but the best time to experience it is on a clear evening in spring and autumn.
- Spring and Autumn golden seasons (March to May, September to November) : The climate is pleasant and the sky is clear. Both the details of buildings during the day and the colors of lights at night can be presented in the best way. Especially in autumn, when the sky is high and the clouds are sparse, it is particularly comfortable.
- Summer Splendor Season (June - August) : The days are hot, but the night is cool and comfortable with a gentle river breeze. The night lights are turned on relatively late (usually after 7 p.m.), allowing you to enjoy the long-term changes in the sky. It is necessary to pay attention to heatstroke prevention and cooling down, and be on guard against sudden thunderstorms.
- Winter quiet season (December to February) : There are relatively fewer tourists, and the Outlines of buildings stand out particularly clearly in the cool air. The lighting decorations during holidays (such as New Year's Day and the Spring Festival) have a unique charm. It's windy by the river. Please keep warm.

Accommodation options
- The Bund and its Surroundings (Ultimate Experience) :
1. Historical and legendary hotels: Such as the Peace Hotel, they are themselves landmarks of the Bund and part of its history. Upon check-in, you can experience the legend and enjoy exclusive river views and historical Tours. The price is high and advance booking is required.
2. High-end riverside hotels: Along the Bund and in the North and South Bund areas, there are numerous international luxury hotel brands, almost all of which offer magnificent views of Lujiazui directly.
Suitable for: Tourists who pursue the ultimate urban landscape, historical atmosphere and commemorative day experience.
- Nanjing East Road/People's Square Area (Convenient Option) :
- Experience: Located on the west side of the Bund, it is within walking distance (10-20 minutes). The hotel options range from luxury to economy, and it is extremely convenient for dining, shopping and subway transportation.
Suitable for: Most tourists who wish to balance the convenience and cost-effectiveness of their visit.
- Lujiazui Area, Pudong (Modern Perspective Choice) :
- Experience: Living in a modern skyscraper, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the historical buildings along the Bund from the opposite bank with a unique perspective. It is also dominated by high-end hotels.
Suitable for: Tourists who prefer a modern urban style and wish to view the Bund from different perspectives.

IntoTravelChina Accommodation Booking Suggestions
We strongly recommend that you plan your trip and book your preferred riverside accommodation at least 1-2 months in advance, especially popular hotels like Peace Hotel. By booking through us, you can not only get real-time room availability and the best view room types, but also package accommodation, exclusive guided Tours, and special dining experiences. You often get combined discounts. Tell us your budget and requirements, and we will match the most suitable "Shanghai Window" for you. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]

The Bund is the heart of Shanghai and an excellent starting point for exploring the urban civilization of the Yangtze River Delta. The following two carefully designed classic routes will help you efficiently appreciate the unique charm of Shanghai, which combines the East and the West and blends the ancient and the modern.

Shanghai Classic Condensed One-day Tour: Morning: Yu Garden - Noon: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street - Afternoon to Evening: The Bund - Night: Huangpu River Cruise. This route can be called a "quick overview of the essence of Shanghai". Within one day, it connects the classical gardens representing the culture of the old city, the bustling commercial street of China, and the historical features of buildings from various countries. It concludes with a flowing night banquet on the Huangpu River, providing an efficient experience of the essence of Shanghai's Shanghai-style culture. Check out the classic one-day tour routes in Shanghai

Two-day Classic In-depth Tour of Shanghai: Day1: In-depth stroll of the historical buildings along the Bund - Cruise on the Huangpu River (day or night) - Day2: Lujiazui Financial City - Summit of the Oriental Pearl Radio and Television Tower - Pudong Riverside Avenue. This route slows down its pace. On the first day, it provides an in-depth interpretation of the century-old vicissitudes of the Bund in Puxi. On the second day, it crosses the Huangpu River and climbs up the Oriental Pearl Tower. From the clouds and along the riverside, one can experience the modern wonders of Pudong's development from multiple perspectives, completing a "Shanghai dialogue" that transcends time and space. Check out the classic two-day tour routes in Shanghai

The story of the Bund is about the rise of a city, the memory of a nation and the leap of an era. IntoTravelChina is dedicated to creating in-depth, personalized and worry-free travel experiences in China. Our travel experts can help you
Tailor-made itinerary: Based on your interests and time, we design a perfect route that includes in-depth interpretation of the Bund and perfect Tours of Shanghai and even the Yangtze River Delta.
One-stop service: Handling special hotels, dedicated cultural guides, internal visit reservations, and ticket sales for the Huangpu River cruise.
Exclusive Experience: Arrange a historical tour of the Peace Hotel, explanations accompanied by experts on the Bund architecture, and visits to off-the-beating-path viewing spots, etc.

Let your trip to the Bund be more than just taking photos and checking in, but a profound dialogue with the century-old history, architectural aesthetics and the spirit of the city.
Start planning your journey right away
Welcome to contact our professional travel consultants. We will provide you with a customized itinerary plan and quotation within 24 hours. [Click to contact IntoTravelChina Travel Consultant]