History of The Bund Shanghai
The Bund, located on the bank of the Huangpu River in Huangpu District, Shanghai, also known as Wai Huangpu Tan, is a historical and cultural street in China. Since 1844 (the 24th year of the Daoguang reign in the Qing Dynasty), the area of The Bund was designated as a British concession, becoming a true portrayal of Shanghai's cosmopolitan scene and the starting point of both the old Shanghai concession areas and the modern city of Shanghai as a whole.
North Bund Shanghai No-Backtracking Citywalk
Source from CGTN
If you wanna avoid crowds to see the river and skyline view, i suggest you to go to North bund instead of the bund, much less crowded and same view there with a more casual vibe. It’s not too far walking distance from the bund. Here’s a North Bund citywalk route — less crowded and more chill than the Bund! Save this now: Jianqiao Bookstore → North Bund Greenbelt Binjiang → Liuliu Market → Little Egg → Manner Coffee (Portman Binjiang) → Waibaidu Bridge
The Bund Shanghai | Jianqiao Bookstore
A beautifully retro wooden-themed bookstore and café. Their book collection is frequently updated with high-quality selections — Yu Hua’s works even have a dedicated shelf! You’ll find everything from bestsellers to niche reads. I visit multiple times a year; it’s the perfect quiet spot to enjoy a coffee for hours. Plus, there’s a whole wall of Jellycat on the second floor — this store absolutely gets it!
The Bund Shanghai | North Bund Greenbelt Binjiang
Right outside the bookstore, this riverside green space stretches along the Huangpu River. Well-designed with clear running and cycling paths, lush greenery, and a direct view of the Oriental Pearl Tower. Compared to the Bund or Xuhui Binjiang, it’s much quieter and seriously chill!
The Bund Shanghai | Liuliu Market
A summer-style market set within the Greenbelt Binjiang, featuring food, drinks, games, and handmade crafts. It was still pretty lively when I visited, though I had to dodge a sudden rain shower!
The Bund Shanghai | Little Egg
A trendy new landmark in North Bund! Many visitors come specifically for photos here — it has such a Korean vibe and is super photogenic!
The Bund Shanghai | Manner Coffee (Portman Binjiang)
Unbelievably, the prices here are the same as other Manner branches. For just ¥20, you can enjoy a coffee with a full view of the river and the “Three Pieces” skyline. The value is unbeatable! Seating is available both indoors and outdoors — try visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds.
The Bund Shanghai | Waibaidu Bridge
Perfect for a stroll around dusk. Every time I visit, it reminds me of the scene from Meteor Gardenwhere Yiping and Shuhuan watch the sunset (though the drama was actually filmed at a studio in Cheduan). It’s also a great spot for night views!
Feel free to use this for a relaxed, scenic, and Instagram-worthy tour of Shanghai’s North Bund! 🌆
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The Bund Shanghai One-Day Route
The Bund Shanghai Route Overview
Jinchao Bā Nòng (lunch at Zhuang’s Longxing 🍽️) → Shanghai Postal Museum → Zhapu Road Bridge & Waibaidu Bridge → Shamei Building → New World Daimaru Department Store → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Lihe Foreign Trading Company → The Bund → ¥2 Ferry (Jinling East Road Ferry Pier → Dongchang Road Ferry Pier) → Pudong Art Museum (sunset viewing 🌅) → Lujiazui (“Three Pieces” skyscrapers) → Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple
The Bund Shanghai One-Day Route | Shanghai World Financial Center
The Shanghai World Financial Center is a skyscraper located in Lujiazui, Shanghai, China. It was completed on August 29, 2008. Standing at 492 meters tall with 101 floors above ground, it is currently the third tallest building in China (as of 2014) and the world's tallest flat-roofed building. The developer of the Shanghai World Financial Center is "Shanghai World Financial Center Co., LTD." It was constructed in 1995 under the leadership of Mori Building Co., Ltd. of Japan.
- Ticket prices: 160 yuan, 180 yuan
- Opening hours: 8:00-23:00 (Latest entry at 22:00)
- Transportation: Shanghai Metro Line 8 Zhonghua Art Palace Station
The Bund Shanghai One-Day Route | The Old City God Temple
"If you go to Shanghai and don't visit the City God Temple, it's as if you haven't been to the big city of Shanghai." " It is evident that the Old Town God Temple holds a significant position and has considerable influence in Shanghai. The City God is the protective deity of the city in Taoism. There are currently nine halls in the temple, namely the Main Hall, the Jiazi Hall, the Wealth God Hall, the Ci Hang Hall, the City God Hall, the Lady Hall, the Parents Hall, the Guan Sheng Hall and the Wen Chang Hall. The snacks in the City God Temple are very famous. The most renowned ones are Nanxiang crab roe Xiaolongbao, five-spice beans and sweet rice balls. Shanghai Old Street: Also known as Little East Gate; It was originally an important venue for foreign trade and small commodity trading in Shanghai, witnessing the economic and social development of the city.
- Ticket price: 10 yuan for incense money.
- Opening hours: 8:30-16:30.
- Transportation Guide: The address is No. 1, Yicheng Road, Huangpu District. Buses No. 11, 42, 64, 66, 126 and 926 can get you there.
The Bund Shanghai One-Day Route | Yu Garden
Yu Garden is renowned as the "urban mountain forest" and is also said to be "the most beautiful and unique in the southeast". It is a famous classical garden in the south of the Yangtze River in Shanghai, with a history of over 400 years and is a key national cultural relic protection unit. The Yuyuan Garden referred to nowadays usually includes several bustling streets leading into the garden as well as its landmarks such as the Nine-Bend Bridge and the Pavilion in the middle of the lake.
- Ticket price: 40 yuan. Each primary and secondary school student and child under 1.4 meters tall is charged 10 yuan.
- Opening hours: 8:30-17:00. Ticket sales stop at 16:40.
- Transportation Guide: Yuyuan Garden is located to the north of Chenghuang Temple, at No. 132, Anren Street, Huangpu District. Buses No. 11, 26, 64, 66, 920, 926, 929, 930, etc. can get you there.
Huangpu River Cruise on The Bund Shanghai
- Purchase tickets and board the ship at Shiliupu Wharf. Navigate to the Shiliupu Wharf Ticket Center. Children under 1.3 meters tall receive free tickets (a children's ticket will be issued). Arrive 20 minutes before departure. The ship departs on the hour.
- The cruise lasts 45 minutes with audio commentary along the route. The ship has three decks: beverages and snacks are sold on the second deck, and the third deck offers premium viewing seats for an additional fee (can be purchased onboard). There is no sunshade, and it can feel windy in winter.
- Parking suggestion: Use the BFC Bund Financial Center parking lot.
- Flight times are not fixed and are subject to change daily. Online bookings must be purchased before 5:00 PM on the same day for the best prices.
The Bund Shanghai Sight Seeing Tunnel
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a tunnel that crosses the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The so-called "sightseeing" refers to riding a track car and watching various lighting effects on the inner walls of the tunnel.
The Puxi entrance is located underneath the Bund and is not particularly conspicuous (see Image 2). The Pudong entrance is near the Oriental Pearl Tower in Lujiazui, sharing the same location as the Dragon Exploration Museum.
The ticket price is 50 RMB per person. The experience from entry to exit takes about 30 minutes, excluding waiting time.
The Dragon Exploration Museum is a dinosaur-themed exhibition hall featuring dinosaur models, fossils, and a 4D cinema experience. It’s quite impressive and suitable for both adults and children. Each session can only accommodate 10 people, with each session lasting about six minutes. Be prepared to queue during busy times.
The entire hall is relatively small, with an estimated experience time of around 30 minutes. The original ticket price is 40 RMB.
Best Time to Visit The Bund Shanghai
Source from Unsplash
The Bund Shanghai | Best Season: Autumn (Mid-September to November)
This is universally considered the absolute best time to visit Shanghai and The Bund.
- Weather: The weather is nearly perfect. You'll enjoy comfortable temperatures, low humidity, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rainfall. It's ideal for pleasant strolls along the waterfront.
- Experience: The clear, crisp air offers excellent visibility for photography, both during the day and at night. The skies are often blue, making the contrast between the historic Bund buildings and the modern Pudong skyline stunning.
The Bund Shanghai | Second-Best Season: Spring (March to May)
Spring is a very close second and also an excellent time to visit.
- Weather: Temperatures are mild and pleasant. However, be prepared for more unpredictable weather, including occasional rain showers and some humidity.
- Experience: The city starts to bloom, and the atmosphere is vibrant. This is a great time for comfortable exploration.
The Bund Shanghai | Times to Avoid
- Summer (June to August): This is the hottest and most humid time of year, with frequent heavy rain and the potential for typhoons. The heat and mugginess can make walking outdoors very uncomfortable. However, summer evenings can still be lively.
- Winter (December to February): It can be very cold, damp, and windy on the waterfront. While you'll avoid the largest crowds, the grey skies and biting wind can detract from the experience. Chinese New Year (late Jan/early Feb) is a mixed bag: the city is decorated beautifully, but it is also one of the busiest domestic travel periods, meaning huge crowds.
The Bund Shanghai | Best Time of Day to Visit
To get the full experience, many visitors go to The Bund twice—once during the day and once at night.
- Dusk until Night (The Must-See Time):
- Why: This is non-negotiable for the iconic view. As the sun sets, the skyscrapers of Pudong (across the river) light up in a spectacular light show. The contrast between the glowing neo-classical buildings of The Bund and the futuristic skyline is breathtaking. The atmosphere is electric.
- Timing: Arrive around 30-60 minutes before sunset to secure a good spot by the railing and watch the transformation.
- Early Morning (6:00 AM - 8:00 AM):
- Why: For a completely different, peaceful experience. The area is almost empty. You can enjoy the architecture without crowds, watch locals practicing Tai Chi, and see the city wake up. The morning light is also beautiful for photography.
Food Recommendations near The Bund Shanghai
The Bund is not only about stunning views of colonial architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline—it's also a culinary hub where you can find everything from time-honored local flavors to world-class fine dining. Here’s a curated list of must-try food experiences:
The Bund Shanghai | Traditional Shanghainese Cuisine
- Zhuang’s Longxing (庄氏隆兴)
📍Location: Near Nanjing East Road
Must-try: Crab roe noodles, crab roe soup dumplings, crispy crab roe rice
Avg. price: ¥120-150
Why go: Authentic crab-based dishes made with fresh ingredients—a local favorite! - Old Jesse (老吉士)
📍Location: Tianping Road (close to The Bund)
Must-try: Braised pork belly, drunken chicken, soy-braised tofu
Avg. price: ¥200-250
Why go: A classic spot for refined Shanghainese home-style cooking.
The Bund Shanghai | High-End Dining with a View
- Mr & Mrs Bund
📍Location: The Bund (6th Floor, No.18 Zhongshan East 1st Road)
Must-try: Modern French cuisine, lemon tart, slow-cooked lamb
Avg. price: ¥800-1,200
Why go: Rooftop views of Pudong + innovative dishes. Perfect for special occasions. - Hakkasan
📍Location: Bund 18
Must-try: Dim sum, roasted silver cod with champagne honey
Avg. price: ¥600-900
Why go: Elegant Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine in a glamorous setting.
The Bund Shanghai | Local Street Food & Snacks
- Yunnan Road Food Street (10 mins walk from The Bund)
Must-try: - Shengjian (pan-fried pork buns) at “Yang’s Fry Dumpling”
- Xiaolongbao (soup dumplings) at “Jiajia Soup Dumplings”
- Braised pork rice at “Zhengxing Fried Bun”
Avg. price: ¥20-50 per snack
The Bund Shanghai | Rooftop Bars & Nightlife
- Bar Rouge
📍Location: Bund 18
Must-try: Signature cocktails like “Rouge Mule”
Avg. price: ¥100-150 per drink
Why go: Legendary rooftop bar with dazzling night views of Pudong. - The Captain Bar
📍Location: No.37 Fuzhou Road
Must-try: Craft beer and affordable cocktails
Avg. price: ¥60-90
Why go: Cozy vibes and a hidden rooftop with Bund views.
Location of The Bund Shanghai
How to get to The Bund Shanghai
Mode of Transport | Route Details |
Bus | Take bus No. 576, 317, or 868 and get off at Zhongshan East 1st Road Guangdong Road Station. |
Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Nanjing East Road Station, then walk to The Bund. | |
- Regular ferry: Departs from Jinling East Road Ferry Pier to Dongchang Road Pier in Pudong. | |
Fare | - Regular ferry: ¥2 |
Hotels near The Bund Shanghai
FAQs about The Bund Shanghai
Why is Bund in Shanghai so famous?
The Bund is famous for its grand, Western-style buildings that were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The buildings feature architectural styles from Neoclassical to Beaux-Arts to Gothic to Baroque. The Bund has a controversial history of Western colonialism.Is the Bund worth visiting?
The Bund (Wai Tan) is the face of Shanghai-and often, the face of China. It's the city's most iconic attraction, and a must-visit the moment you arrive. No trip to Shanghai is complete without a photo along its famous waterfront skyline.What to do on the Bund in Shanghai?
At the Bund in Shanghai, you can walk the waterfront promenade to see its historic buildings and skyline, take a Huangpu River cruise, witness the nightly light show, explore nearby attractions like Yu Garden, and take the unique Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to the Pudong side.