The Bund Shanghai: History, Things to Do & Food Guide

Explore The Bund Shanghai’s rich history, practical transport, iconic architecture, night views and the immersive dining experience.

What Is The Bund, Shanghai

Locally known as Waitan, the Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic riverside landmark. It stretches 1.5 kilometres along the west bank of the Huangpu River, running from Yan’an East Road in the south to Wai Baidu Bridge in the north.

This area was part of Shanghai’s former International Settlement and served as the city’s primary financial and trade hub from the early 1900s through the 1940s. Lined along the waterfront are 52 well-preserved historic buildings that once housed headquarters for major banks and financial institutions across China. The entire public promenade is free to access all year round.

5 Best Things to Do at The Bund, Shanghai

1. Riverside Walk & Photography

Take a leisurely stroll along the 1.5km promenade and capture the iconic contrast between the Bund’s historic buildings and Pudong’s modern skyline. The best photo spots are:

• Near The Peninsula Hotel: Full Pudong skyline view (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower)
• Nanjing Road Intersection: Old + new Shanghai in one frame
• Wai Baidu Bridge: Vintage-style shots of the northern Bund

Best Time: Weekdays (avoid weekend crowds) | Duration: 30–45 mins

2. Peace Hotel & Historic Architecture Tour

Explore the Bund’s legendary buildings, with the Peace Hotel (No.20) as the centerpiece. Built in 1929 as Sassoon House, this Art Deco masterpiece with its green copper roof hosted Charlie Chaplin, George Bernard Shaw and Noël Coward, who wrote Private Lives here. Also visit:

• No.12 Former HSBC Building: Neoclassical dome, free interior mosaics
• No.13 Custom House: “Big Ching” clock tower (chimes every 15 mins)
• No.23 Bank of China Tower: Unique Chinese-Western fusion design

Duration: 45–60 mins | Highlights: Free public areas in most buildings

3. Public Ferry Ride (Budget River View)

Take the local ferry from Dongchang Road (Pudong) to Jinling East Road (Bund) for just CNY 2. This 10-minute ride offers unobstructed views of both riverbanks and lets you experience daily Shanghai life alongside locals.

Best Time: Evening (18:00–19:00) for lit-up buildings | Pro Tip: Avoid rush hour (17:00–19:00) for less crowding

4. Huangpu River Sightseeing Cruise

Book a 45-minute cruise from Shiliupu Wharf (10-minute walk from the Bund’s southern end). Cruises operate 18:30–21:30, departing every 30 minutes. The golden hour (18:30–20:00) is perfect for watching the sky transition and buildings light up.

Cost: CNY 100–150 | Duration: 45 mins

5. Nightlife & Nearby Heritage Exploration

After dark, the Bund’s buildings light up 18:30–22:30, creating Shanghai’s most famous night view. Visit:

• Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Historic live jazz performances
• Rooftop bars: Cocktails with river views
• Yuanmingyuan Road: Quiet heritage block with cafes and art spaces (5-minute walk)

Best Time: 19:00–21:00 | Duration: 1–2 hours

Where to Eat near the The Bund, Shanghai?

The area around the Bund has dining options for all budgets.

Lost Heaven Shanghai

A well-received Yunnan-style restaurant near the Bund. It serves authentic, rich-flavoured dishes from southwest China. The relaxed dining atmosphere makes it a great choice if you want to try distinctive regional Chinese food away from mainstream Shanghai cuisine.

Other Dining Options

• Upscale River-view Restaurants: Jean Georges, a Michelin-recommended restaurant serving French-Asian fusion food, with an outdoor terrace overlooking Pudong. Canton Table, another Michelin-starred venue specialising in modern Cantonese dim sum and roasted meats. Both are perfect for special occasions.
• Budget Street Food: Walk to Nanjing East Road for classic Shanghai snacks such as xiaolongbao (steamed soup dumplings) and shengjian mantou (pan-fried pork buns). Most dishes cost less than CNY 20.

How to Get to The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund Address: Zhongshan Rd (E-1), Waitan, Huangpu, Shanghai, China, 200002. Multiple transport options are available for different budgets and travel needs.

Pro Tip: Avoid taxis during evening peak hours (17:00–20:00) as traffic congestion often doubles travel time. The metro is always the most reliable option.

History of The Bund

1. Early Stage: From Muddy Shore to Foreign Settlement (1840s)

Before the 1840s, this riverside area was just a narrow muddy embankment and simple docks used by local fishermen and cargo boats. After Shanghai opened to foreign trade, the land along the Huangpu River was designated as the British Settlement. Foreign merchants started to build wharves, warehouses and small office buildings here, turning the wild shore into Shanghai’s earliest foreign trade zone.

2. Commercial Boom: Becoming a Regional Trade Center (Late 1800s)

Trade grew rapidly in the late 19th century. More foreign companies, banks and trading firms moved into the Bund. Low-rise structures were gradually replaced by formal Western-style buildings. At this time, the area already stood as the busiest commercial zone in East China, connecting shipping routes across Asia and Europe.

3. Golden Era: Classic Buildings Take Shape (1920s – 1940s)

This is the most glorious period for the Bund. Over these two decades, nearly all of the 52 landmark buildings we see today were completed. Styles include Neoclassical, Gothic, Baroque and Art Deco, creating the famous “Exhibition of World Architecture”.
Many well-known landmarks date back to this time: the Former HSBC Building and Custom House opened in the 1920s, while the Peace Hotel (Sassoon House) was finished in 1929. The Bund became the top financial hub of the Far East, welcoming politicians, artists and celebrities from all over the world.

4. Turbulent Years & Functional Transition (1940s – 1980s)

During World War II, the whole area fell under occupation, and international business slowed down sharply. After the 1940s, most foreign financial institutions and foreign businesses withdrew. The historic buildings were repurposed for domestic government offices, banks and public services. The exterior of every building was well protected, so the classic streetscape stayed intact, though the area was no longer an international business center.

5. Modern Revival: Heritage Landmark of Shanghai (1990s – Present)

From the 1990s, large-scale restoration and renovation projects started on the Bund. Old buildings were carefully preserved while being given new functions: luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, museums and cultural venues.
Meanwhile, the rise of modern skyscrapers in Pudong across the river created a stunning contrast between old and new Shanghai. Today, the Bund is no longer just a business district, but a world-famous cultural and tourist symbol that carries over 180 years of Shanghai’s history.

Recommended Itineraries for Citywalk along The Bund

Route 1: The Bund Main Facade Architecture Walk

Distance: 1.5 km | Duration: 1 – 1.5 hours
This route focuses on the core waterfront historic buildings, suitable for visitors who want a classic Bund tour.

1. Start at Nanjing East Road Intersection. Take photos of the mixed old and new skyline here.
2. Move to No.12 Former HSBC Building, admire its neoclassical exterior and interior mosaics.
3. Walk to No.13 Custom House, listen for the chime of the Big Ching clock tower.
4. Stop by No.20 Peace Hotel to view its unique Art Deco roof and historic lobby.
5. Head to No.23 Bank of China Tower and notice the combination of Chinese and Western design details.
6. End the walk at Wai Baidu Bridge, and take vintage-style photos of the northern Bund.

Route 2: The Bund Second Facade Hidden Heritage Walk

Distance: 2 km | Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours
This route explores the lesser-known old streets behind the waterfront, for travellers interested in in-depth local history.

1. Start from the southern end of the Bund at Yan’an East Road.
2. Walk into Jiujiang Road, visit the former post office and old council buildings to learn about Shanghai’s early public facilities.
3. Continue to Jiangxi Middle Road, where many restored former bank buildings stand, recording the area’s financial history.
4. Move to Huju Road, home to old cultural societies and heritage buildings with distinctive styles.
5. Pass through Hankou Road, where you can see the former newspaper office and old municipal buildings.
6. Finish at Yuanmingyuan Road. Rest at a small heritage café before heading back to the main Bund promenade.

The Bund at Night & Nightlife

The Bund’s building lights switch on from 18:30 to 22:30, and the whole area transforms completely after dark. The lit historic buildings on the west bank and glowing modern towers in Pudong create the most stunning night view in Shanghai.

For nightlife lovers:

• Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Inside the historic Peace Hotel, it hosts regular live jazz performances. It is a classic spot to experience old Shanghai’s glamorous nightlife.
• Rooftop & River-view Bars: Many bars along the Bund and nearby streets offer outdoor seating. You can enjoy cocktails while looking out over the Huangpu River and the night skyline.

The atmosphere here is lively but not overly noisy, suitable for casual drinks and relaxing after a day of sightseeing.

The Bund - Shopping & Souvenirs

You can find everything from luxury goods to local handcrafted souvenirs around the Bund area.

Luxury & Brand Shopping

Nanjing East Road and the streets beside the Bund house flagship stores of top international luxury brands, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci. Many shops are set inside renovated historic buildings, blending retail with architectural charm.

Comprehensive Shopping Malls

• New World Daimaru: Close to the main promenade, with fashion, beauty and daily goods. Its iconic rotating dragon escalator is a popular photo spot for visitors.
• BFC Bund Finance Centre: Features trendy streetwear, high-end fashion and designs by local Chinese creators. It also sells home decorations and creative gifts.

Local Souvenirs & Daily Treats

• First Foodmall: Stocked with traditional Shanghai pastries, cured meat snacks and classic local food products, ideal for food souvenirs.
• Shen Da Cheng: Famous for rice cakes and traditional Shanghai dim sum, popular among both locals and tourists.

Small Trendy Items

Wander the lanes behind the Bund and Bund Central Plaza to find Pop Mart figurines, handmade jewellery, vintage ornaments and Shanghai-themed postcards. These small items make lovely keepsakes.

Best Time to Visit The Bund

Ideal Seasons

Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the best seasons. The temperature stays between 15°C and 25°C, with clear skies and little rain, comfortable for walking and taking photos. Summer is hot and humid, while winter can be cold and windy.

Recommended Time of Day

• 6:00 – 8:00 Early Morning: The quietest time of the day. Crowds are minimal, so you can enjoy the scenery and buildings peacefully.
• 17:30 – 19:30 Sunset (Golden Hour): Soft warm light creates perfect conditions for photography.
• 18:30 – 22:30 Evening: The full light display is on, showcasing the Bund’s famous night view.

General tip: Weekends, national holidays and summer vacation always bring huge crowds. Arrive early or choose weekdays for a better experience.

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