The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a central waterfront area in Shanghai, famed for its grand western-style buildings dating back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The Bund’s architectural style ranges from neoclassical to Beaux-Arts, Gothic, and Baroque, with 22 heritage art deco buildings built between 1920 and 1930. It is also a backdrop to the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in the Pudong District.
**History of the Bund**
The Bund’s history is marked by controversy. After losing the first Opium War in 1842, China was forced to open Shanghai under the Treaty of Nanking, granting Western powers trading rights and concessions. This led to the construction of wharves and trading houses along the Huangpu River. The British and American eventually joined to form the International Settlement in 1863, further developing The Bund.
Initially, The Bund was home to small offices, but by the late 19th century, larger neo-classical and British colonial-style buildings emerged. Trade companies were predominant, but as Shanghai’s trade grew, financial institutions became the city’s biggest industry by the early 20th century. The Imperial Bank of China opened in 1897, followed by other banks like the Hong Kong Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC).
**Things to see and do in The Bund**
The Bund offers a wealth of attractions and activities for visitors from around the world. Here are some of the best things to do:
– **Walk along the Bund**: To the west of The Bund, you’ll find a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical. Walking along The Bund allows you to appreciate the century-long charm and culture of this city.
The East Wind Hotel (No.2) was formerly known as the Shanghai Club, a social club for British nationals in Shanghai. Built in 1861, it was initially a three-storey red-brick building. In 1910, it was rebuilt with reinforced concrete in a neo-classical design.
The Shanghai Pudong Development Bank (No.12) was formerly the HSBC Building and later the People’s Government of the Municipality of Shanghai Building. Constructed from May 1921 to June 1923 in the neo-classicism style, it was designed by the British architecture firm, Palmer & Turner Architects and Surveyors. At that time, it was the second-largest building in the world. The base of the central dome is decorated with a triangular structure imitating Greek temples. Below the dome are six Ionic columns penetrating from the second to the fourth storey.
The North & South Building of Peace Hotel (No. 19 & 20). The south side of the Peace Hotel was founded in 1850 as the Central Hotel. It was restructured in 1906 and renamed as The Palace Hotel. When rebuilt, it was the tallest building on Nanjing Road. The north side of the Peace Hotel was the former Sassoon House, designed by Palmer and Turner Architects Limited. It was constructed from 1926 to 1929.
Some other known buildings are the Boardway Mansions, Union Church, Bund 18, etc.
After a walk, consider taking the Huangpu River cruise. The cruise allows you to see the historical architecture on The Bund and the modern skyscrapers opposite the Huangpu River, providing a distinctive contrast between modern life and the past. You can choose cruises ranging from 30 minutes to 3.5 hours. Usually, the ships are well-equipped with restaurants and bars, and some even offer audio guides of the sights in English and Mandarin. Note: There are currently two kinds of cruises available, Highlight Cruise and Classic Cruise. You can buy tickets at Shiliupu Wharf, a 15-minute walk south of the central area of the Bund. They cost between 75 to 150 RMB depending on the duration. If you have limited time and want to save money, you can opt for a ferry ride across Pudong. It costs as little as 2 yuan and still offers an opportunity to see the scenery on both sides of the river. Tip: The best time to take the ferry or cruise is in the evening after sunset when you can enjoy the lights on both sides.
The Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel is a subterranean passageway connecting The Bund to the Pudong District. It’s a great way to get to the other side of the river and a popular tourist attraction. In a transparent rail, it slowly takes you through the tunnel. The special effects are often described as ‘trippy’ as it is bathed in colorful, psychedelic projections. Usually, kids will love the Technicolor light show and the atmospheric sound effects.
Shanghai’s oldest park, Huangpu Park, is located at the northernmost tip of The Bund, offering a serene green space amidst the urban hustle. Within the park stands the Shanghai People’s Heroes Monument, a grand structure commemorating local revolutionary heroes. Adjacent to the monument is the Bund Historical Museum, where visitors can delve into the history of The Bund through photographs and artifacts.
The Bund is renowned for its morning exercise routines, particularly the tranquil practice of Tai Chi, which is a sight to behold against the backdrop of the city’s awakening.
Dubbed the “Paris of the East” and the “New York of the Orient,” Shanghai is a haven for shoppers. The Bund is home to an array of luxury designer boutiques and shops, including Giorgio Armani, Dolce & Gabbana, Cartier, Patek Philippe, Ermenegildo Zegna, Prada, Gucci, Ralph Lauren, and many more. For those interested in local crafts, there are domestic brands offering handcrafted silk slippers, porcelain tableware, and antiques. A tip for visitors is to purchase silk scarves or hand-painted, decorative souvenirs, and to sample China’s renowned green tea.
The Bund’s panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the gleaming financial towers of Pudong make it a photography hotspot. Travelers often head straight to The Bund for snapshots, and professional photo stalls are available for instant prints. For those with their own cameras, the ideal locations to capture the full view of The Bund are Pudong Binjiang Avenue, a Huangpu River Cruise, or from atop skyscrapers like the Shanghai World Financial Center, Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower.
The best time to visit The Bund is after sunset when the skyline is illuminated, although it can be crowded. An alternative is to visit during early morning when the sunrise enhances the beauty of the view. The optimal months to visit Shanghai are October to November, offering comfortable temperatures and the splendor of autumn.
Dining options in The Bund range from luxurious restaurants to those with the best views. Some restaurants with exceptional views include The Fellas, The Captain, and Mercato. Additionally, cruise restaurants and bars provide a unique dining experience.
The Bund in Shanghai is a raised promenade on the western bank of the Huangpu River. It’s a one-kilometer-long strip starting from the eastern tip of Yan’an Road on the south and passing through Waibaidu Bridge on the north, running parallel from north to south to Zhongshan East No.one Road.
There are many ways to reach the Bund. Hiring a car can be expensive and difficult due to limited parking. Public transport is convenient and inexpensive. The Shanghai Metro line is known for its connectivity and convenience. The nearest metro station is Nanjing Road East on line 2 & 10, within 5 to 10 minutes’ walking distance. Xiaonanmen station on Line 9 is at the southern end but 3 km away. Bus lines #20 & #30 from Zhongshan Park to the Bund via Nanjing Road West & Jiujiang Road are good options. There is also a ferry terminal on the southern end with a ferry every 10 minutes from Pudong.
There are many hotels with a direct view of the Bund, like Metropolo Classiq, Wanina’s Shanghai Skyline Apartment, and Sunrise on the Bund Hotel. Mingtown Nanjing Road Youth Hostel is popular and affordable, within walking distance. For budget travelers, there are budget hotels like Charms hotel and Shanghai Chi Chen Hotel. There are also home-stay options for an up-close experience of Chinese tradition and culture.
There are a lot of nice places to try delicious local cuisines, such as Shanghai Grandmother and Yueyue. Some must-try dishes are Pecking Duck, Dumpling Soup, Braised Pork, and Steamed Crab. Drinks to try include Chivas mixed with green tea, jasmine tea, and Jiuniang (Fermented sweet rice wine).
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