Welcome to The Bund, Shanghai's most famous landmark and a must-visit for every traveler. Known for its breathtaking night views and rich historical charm, The Bund offers a unique blend of cultural heritage and modern skyline views. Stretching from Waibaidu Bridge to Jinling East Road along the Huangpu River, The Bund is a popular spot for both relaxing strolls and Instagram photos.
Walking in The Bund, you'll find the lined European-style buildings on your left, while the Huangpu River flows on your right. Across the river is the breathtaking skyline. Whether you're visiting Shanghai for the first time or returning for another adventure, The Bund is a must-see for experiencing the city's nightscape and historical charm. In this guide, we explore the history, architecture, attractions, food, and travel tips for The Bund.
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The Bund: Cheap Flights to Shanghai
The Bund: Stay Connected in Shanghai with eSIM
The Bund: From Colonial Trading Hub to Modern Icon
The Bund is not only a symbol of Shanghai but also one of the most representative landmarks in China. It has witnessed the city's transformation from a small fishing village to an international metropolis. When Shanghai opened its port in the mid-19th century, The Bund gradually became a part of the British concession--banks, trading houses, and clubs from various countries were established, creating a spectacular "World Architecture Expo" and earning The Bund the nickname "China's Wall Street." In 1943, Shanghai reclaimed the public concession, ending The Bund's colonial history. After 1978, The Bund regained its vitality and became a symbol of China's reform and opening-up. Today, The Bund bears witness to China's political, economic and cultural changes and to Shanghai's rich historical memories and cultural heritage.
The Bund's Architectural Marvels
The architecture of The Bund combines both Eastern and Western styles, reflecting the history of Shanghai's development. The diverse, fused architecture is concentrated from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, blending local elements with Baroque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Romanesque styles.
For example, Fairmont Peace Hotel adopts the Baroque style, with luxurious decorations and gracefully curved lines. The HSBC Bank Building is typically Gothic, with stained glass windows and towering spires giving it a mysterious aura. Shanghai Customs House is Renaissance in style, with symmetrical layouts and clean lines.
Attractions at The Bund
Shanghai People's Heroes Monument
Located at the northern end of The Bund, the Shanghai People's Heroes Monument is a memorial structure built to honour the revolutionary martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Shanghai since 1840. The Monument consists of a peninsular platform, a sunken circular plaza, the tower body, an inscription stele, and sculptures. The three granite tower bodies stand at a height of 60 metres.
Address: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening Hours: Open all day
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Adjacent to The Bund, Nanjing Road is a 1,200-metre pedestrian street lined with shops on both sides. Modern buildings mix with old European-style buildings, and neon lights flash under the night sky, creating a unique atmosphere. Here you can explore the many department stores and old brand shops, buy specialty products, and even take a ride on the "Dangdang Car", a miniature version of the old tram, to get a taste of old Shanghai. Adjacent to The Bund, Nanjing Road is a 1,200-metre pedestrian street lined with shops on both sides. Modern buildings mix with old European-style buildings, and neon lights flash under the night sky, creating a unique atmosphere. Here you can explore the many department stores and old brand shops, buy specialty products and even take a ride on the "Dangdang Car", a miniature version of the old tram, to get a taste of old Shanghai.
Address: Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening Hours: Open all day
Yu Garden
Once the private garden of a Ming Dynasty official, Yu Garden boasts over 400 years of history. Pavilions, towers, rockeries, and ponds are all present, forming its ancient elegance in the city centre. Yu Garden also houses hundreds of plaques and stone carvings by famous artists, as well as a stone sculpture exhibition hall with numerous collections. Yu Garden will be beautifully decorated to welcome visitors from all over the world during Chinese traditional festivals such as the Lantern Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, and Mid-Autumn Festival.
Address: Shanghai Yuyuan Tourism Business District
Opening Hours: 09:00-16:30 (Last entry at 16:00)
Food at The Bund
Xiao Long Bao - Rich Broth Filling
Xiao Long Bao is undoubtedly Shanghai's signature cuisine-- you even tasted it before you knew about Shanghai. This steamed bun is famous for its thin, delicate wrapper and tender meat filling that contains rich broth. To deal with the soup-filled nature of Shanghai Xiao Long Bao, you need to eat like a local: First, slightly bite the wrapper to sip the broth; Second, add some vinegar with ginger strips to cool down the temperature of the meat filling; Third, put the whole Xiao Long Bao in your mouth and enjoy the rich taste levels created by flour, pork and broth.
For authentic Shanghai Xiao Long Bao, we recommend Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant located in Yu Garden. Established in 1900 during the Guangxu period of the Qing Dynasty, this restaurant has branches in mainland China, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia, the original store in Yu Garden is always crowded, with many tourists queuing up for their famous fresh meat Xiao Long Bao and crab roe Xiao Long Bao.
Address: 85 Yuyuan Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 8:30-21:00
PaiGuNianGao - Savory&Sweet, Crispy&Tender
PaiGuNianGao is a classic Shanghai snack, PaiGu meaning spare ribs, and NianGao refers to the small, thin rice cake. The spare ribs and rice cake strips are covered with savory-sweet sauce made from rock sugar, soy sauce, and cooking wine. One bite, you'll feel the crispy cover, but next is the tender filling. That's because the PaiGuNianGao is cooked before oil-frying.
To find the most authentic PaiGuNianGao, we recommend "Xian DeLai," known as the "King of PaiGuNianGao." Xian DeLai has multiple branches in Shanghai, and you can visit the Yunnan South Road branch near The Bund to experience this delicacy.
Address: 36 Yunnan South Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Opening Hours: 7:00– 22:00
Savory Mooncakes - Must-Eat Warm!
Wanna try mooncakes off-season? Shanghai's old-fashioned bakeries will fulfill your wish. Savory Mooncakes are made in the Suzhou style, different from the Cantonese style, it has a delicate, snow-white wrapper, and a red stamp on it notes the fillings in Chinese. If you love the buttery, crispy crust of croissants, you'll love Savory Mooncakes too, but remember, the flavor will greatly reduce when it cools down.
Near The Bund, "Zhen Lao Da Fang Food Company" is a must-visit for Savory Mooncakes. In addition to Savory Mooncakes, they offer radish shreds, crispy cakes, pickled vegetables, shrimp, and other old Shanghai snacks.
Address: 536 Nanjing East Road (near Fujian Middle Road), Shanghai
Opening Hours: 10:00-21:00
Where to Stay on The Bund
From now until stock last, you can enjoy up to 8% off hotel deals on Trip.com when you register as a member on desktop or app!
Shanghai Hotel Recommendations #1: Treasury Hotel
No. 678 Hankou Road
Shanghai Hotel Recommendations #2: Hotel Chalet
No. 558 Hankou Road
Shanghai Hotel Recommendations #3: Riverside Treasury Hotel
No. 988 Dongdaming Road
The Bund at Night: Iconic Skyline Views
How to Get to The Bund
The Bund is easily accessible by metro, bus, or taxi.
- Metro: Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, then walk approximately 15 minutes to reach The Bund.
- Bus: Several buses can take you to The Bund, including routes 20, 37, 42, 55, 71, and 921.
Best Spots to Enjoy Shanghai's Nightscape
The Bund offers numerous vantage points for enjoying Shanghai's night views. The best location to appreciate the nightscape is the promenade along the Huangpu River, which is free and a popular spot for tourists to take photos. Here are some recommended viewing spots:
Puxi Viewing Spot: Baidu Bridge
This century-old bridge is a landmark of The Bund, offering panoramic views of the area.
Puxi Viewing Spot: Broadway Mansions Hotel
No. 20 North Suzhou Road
Located next to Waibaidu Bridge, the terraces on the 16th, 17th, and 18th floors provide stunning views of Shanghai's nightscape.
Pudong Viewing Spot: Oriental Pearl Transparent Observatory
From the observation deck, you can overlook The Bund's historical buildings and the bustling modern cityscape.
Pudong Viewing Spot: Museum of Art Pudong
The riverside promenade around the museum is also a great place to enjoy The Bund's night views.
Must-Buy Souvenirs from The Bund
White Rabbit Creamy Candy
White Rabbit Creamy Candy is a nostalgic childhood memory for many in Shanghai. Its predecessor dates back to the 1930s as "ABC Mickey Mouse Candy," and its formula has been continuously improved to become the familiar White Rabbit Creamy Candy we know today. With its unique milky flavor and perfect texture, it has won over countless consumers. It's an excellent souvenir to share with friends and family, especially those with children who will love this treat.
Address: Guan Sheng Yuan Food, Nanjing Road, Shanghai
Butterfly Pastry
Shanghai Butterfly Pastry, one of Shanghai's specialty pastries, is beloved for its crispy texture and unique flavor. It's not only a perfect choice for afternoon tea but also a classic souvenir to gift to friends and family. The origin of Butterfly Pastry can be traced back to France as a puff pastry. In Shanghai, local chefs have refined it to create a distinctive Shanghai Butterfly Pastry with more layers, a crispier texture, and added butter for a richer taste.
Recommended Stores: Park Hotel Shanghai, Shanghai Harbin Food Factory
Snow Cream (Xue Hua Gao)
Shanghai Snow Cream, a classic skincare product from old Shanghai, carries many fond memories. This fine-textured, highly moisturizing skincare product is not only a beauty secret for older generations but also a cultural icon of Shanghai. It embodies the elegance and refinement of old Shanghai and represents a healthy, natural skincare concept. If you want to experience the beauty of old Shanghai, try Shanghai Snow Cream.
Recommended Stores: Souvenir shops on Nanjing West Road, specialty supermarkets
What You Need to Know Before Visiting The Bund
1. Currency & Payments in Shanghai
- Mobile payments preferred: Alipay/WeChat Pay cover most of the transactions (even street vendors)
- Cash Backup: Small vendors near The Bund may accept cash, but prepare small bills (￥50/20 notes)
2. Staying Connected at The Bund
- eSIM convenience: Purchase a Shanghai eSIM in advance to get instant connectivity upon arrival
- Public WiFi option: Look for "i-Shanghai" city-wide networks.
- Internet access: Access to Google/Instagram may be limited in China
3. Important Tips
- The Bund can be crowded with tourists, so it's advisable to avoid peak holiday periods.
- Consider using public transportation to reach The Bund.
Must-Have Apps for Traveling in The Bund
- WeChat: WeChat is essential for communication and payments in China. You can use it to apply for payment, order taxis, and order food using your phone number! Transactions under 200 RMB don't require a handling fee, and it's recommended to bind a credit card with high overseas rewards.
- Alipay: Alipay is incredibly convenient, allowing you to complete all payment operations by scanning codes, including dining, transportation, shopping, and entertainment. Credit cards can now be linked to Alipay accounts for direct top-up usage.
- Gaode Map: In mainland China, Google Maps is not commonly used; instead, Gaode Map is the go-to app. It provides detailed directions, including walking distances and transfer points.
- Dianping: If you're looking for dining or entertainment options, Dianping is the app to use! You can find everything, with user reviews and restaurant discounts available. To avoid disappointment, refer to Dianping's travel destination reviews.
- Meituan: Meituan allows you to order food delivery, view restaurant menus, reviews, prices, and place orders. It also offers shopping, movie ticket purchases, and reservations for attractions, tickets, and hotels.
- Didi: Calling a taxi is convenient and affordable with Didi. You can easily book a ride through the app without worrying about hidden fees.
Check out the articles below to find out more about The Bund's essential travel apps!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting The Bund
What are the best times to visit The Bund to avoid crowds?
The Bund can be quite crowded during peak tourist seasons and holidays. For a more relaxed experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the evening on weekdays. Avoiding major Chinese holidays like Golden Week can also help you enjoy a quieter visit.Are there guided tours available at The Bund?
Yes, there are several guided tours available on Trip.com that provide insight into the history and architecture of The Bund. They often include visits to nearby attractions and offer online booking alternatives.What local foods should I try when visiting The Bund?
The Bund is surrounded by a variety of restaurants offering local Shanghai specialities. Be sure to try Xiao Long Bao, PaiGuNianGao, and Savory Mooncakes. These dishes provide a taste of Shanghai's rich food culture.How can I get around Shanghai efficiently during my visit?
Shanghai offers a comprehensive public transportation system, including metro, buses, and taxis. The metro is often the fastest way to get around, with signs in both Mandarin and English. Apps like Gaode Map and Didi can assist with navigation and transportation bookings.