Top Things to Do in the Bund Shanghai, Transportation & Best One-Day Route
The Bund Shanghai boasts both bustling pedestrian streets and the serene and artistic former French Concession, as well as the modern Oriental Pearl Tower. It can be said that the city's attractions encompass most of the standard tags for urban travel. Here are a completed guide for you to explore the Bund Shanghai. Save the article and make it easier for you to plan a trip!
See all flights
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
✅ Get fast Data in China with access to blocked apps like X/INS/YT/Whatspp, etc. in China. (No VPN needed in China anymore!)
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! 🌆
See all attractions
756271 booked
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
Reviews of Shanghai World Financial Center
4.7/5
600 reviews
5/5
I bought my ticket through Trip.com after arriving at the Shanghai Financial Center! It seems it costs 150 yuan on site, so buying it online was cheaper! I was worried because I heard that the 100th-floor skywalk had been closed since last year, but it was reopened and I was able to go to the 100th-floor skywalk! The skywalk is a bargain at this price.
5/5
A really fun experience!
5/5
Really beautiful.
5/5
A thrilling experience, from the lightning-fast elevator ride to the wait for the Skyline to light up. A must-do if you're in Shanghai—the view is breathtaking!
5/5
It was a good experience being on top of this very famous infrastructure in Shanghai.
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.
Reviews of The Old City God Temple
4.7/5
597 reviews
5/5
A very beautiful garden, a must visit in Shanghai.
5/5
Shanghai City God Temple is a great place to experience the city's traditional culture and history. The temple itself is beautifully maintained, with detailed architecture, peaceful courtyards, and a calm atmosphere despite the busy surroundings. I enjoyed walking through the nearby old streets, where there were many local snacks, souvenir shops, and traditional-style buildings to explore. It was easy to spend a few hours wandering around and taking in the lively atmosphere. The contrast between the historic temple and Shanghai's modern skyline made the visit even more memorable. Whether you're interested in culture, photography, or local food, Shanghai City God Temple is definitely worth visiting.
5/5
After visiting City God Temple of Shanghai at night, I recommend arriving around sunset so you can see the area transform as the lights come on. The illuminated traditional buildings create a beautiful atmosphere and are perfect for photography. Although the area is lively and can get crowded, the vibrant night market is part of the experience. Wear comfortable shoes because you’ll be walking through the surrounding streets and food stalls. Bring a light jacket if the weather is cool, and keep your belongings secure in busy areas. Take time to try some local snacks and enjoy the evening atmosphere instead of rushing through the visit.
5/5
Magnificent. Magical. A truly wonderful time. I highly recommend it at night.
5/5
A very beautiful place, conveniently located (7 minutes from the metro). There are a few souvenir and food stalls around. This place is a must-see.
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.
Reviews of Yu Garden
4.7/5
7146 reviews5/5
I barely made it into Yewon right at closing time, but it seems they are being a bit lenient. Bought it cheaply.
4/5
A rather monotonous garden, with a large number of paths. The views don't change much, but there are some really interesting photo spots. Two things spoil the impression:
1. There are so many people that in some places it's difficult to even see them, let alone take a nice photo.
2. I was with a baby in a stroller, and navigating around there was downright unpleasant.
On the plus side: the tickets are very cheap, and the old-style neighborhood itself is quite beautiful.
4/5
Beautiful garden, a must visit.
5/5
I went during the day, but I think it would be really pretty to go at night too.
4/5
Yu Garden is beautiful and historically important, with elegant traditional architecture and classic Chinese landscaping. However, I found it so crowded that it was difficult to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere the garden was designed to create.Instead of feeling like a tranquil oasis in the middle of Shanghai, it felt more like moving through a constant stream of tourists. After visiting other parts of China, I found the gardens in smaller towns to be much more relaxing and authentic, where you can truly enjoy their beauty and serenity.If you have plenty of time in Shanghai, Yu Garden is worth a visit. Otherwise, just be prepared for very large crowds.
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.
Reviews of Huagpu River Cruise
4.5/5
395 reviews5/5
I had absolutely no trouble getting my ticket by following the instructions on the app!! Since it was July, it was very hot outside even though it was dark, but it was great that the air conditioning on the first floor worked well. I went up to the third floor to take photos whenever I wanted, and came back down to sit and enjoy the night view when it got too hot. You can see everything outside through the glass windows even from the first floor, so it is great for enjoying the night scenery~~
5/5
A worth cruise ride with excellent skyline glitters if the night lights or sky scrapers around. Very refreshing and impacting experience
5/5
I really enjoyed it! Although you have to stand for 45 minutes. I went during the 6:50 p.m. session—it was perfect. There weren't many people yet, but the lights were already on. I highly recommend it!
4/5
Although the weather was unpredictable due to the passing typhoon, enjoying the night view from the ferry was extremely comfortable. The area around the Bund is very crowded, so being able to comfortably enjoy the scenery from a boat instead of walking is a great advantage. However, you have to stand for about an hour to admire the view. Therefore, if you want to sit at the bow for a more leisurely view, you must pay an additional 100 yuan (approximately 20,000 KRW). You can choose between ice cream or beer, and enjoy simple snacks while the drinks are lukewarm. I recommend this to anyone who does not want to walk along the Bund, squeezing in among crowds to find the perfect moment to take a photo.
5/5
Everything was fine✌🏼
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.
Reviews of The Bund Shanghai Sight Seeing Tunnel
4/5
376 reviews5/5
A very interesting tunnel. Nothing special, but you can easily travel from one side of the river to the other in small open cabins. There's a light show along the way. The journey takes about 5-7 minutes.
5/5
This bridge is located under the river, or rather, a tunnel, not a bridge. If anyone's hoping to ride and see what's going on beneath the river, I'm disappointed. But the illuminations are quite beautiful, and the sounds of the action are also accompanied, like lava or the sea. Children will especially enjoy the ride. I bought a one-way ticket, and it seemed interesting, but at the same time, I clearly felt something was missing. Still, it's worth the ride.
5/5
The lights were incredibly spectacular.
4/5
We pumped into this while we where wandering in Shanghai. It’s a sweet experience. I thought it would be more fun if it was a bit faster. I don’t think it’s a great value for money because you will have to pay again to go back to the bund (if that’s your target destination) but otherwise, I like it
5/5
The Bund sightseeing offers a unique experience to travel between the coasts ( Bund and Pudong ) with a immersive experience of light projections, audio visual interactions. The place is well maintained, clean and very convenient to travel especially if you plan to visit the Shanghai tower and oriental tower. Give it a try if you have time in the coast
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 |
Tour & Tickets in Shanghai
See all attractions
![[Shanghai Travel Card] 2/3/5Days●a city pass for international tourists traveling in shagnhai](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0580912000n3nrnzmAD7A_C_568_320.jpg)
Hotels near The Bund Shanghai
Hotels near The Bund, Shanghai
See All Hotels
FAQs about The Bund Shanghai
-
Why is Bund in Shanghai so famous?
-
Is the Bund worth visiting?
-
What to do on the Bund in Shanghai?
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Trending Searches
-
Top Flight Routes
-
Popular Hotels
-
Popular Attractions
-
eSIM/SIM card
-
Featured guides
- Tongren to Shanghai Flights
- Fukuoka to Shanghai Flights
- Lijiang to Shanghai Flights
- Jiuzhaigou to Shanghai Flights
- Singapore to Shanghai Flights
- Guilin to Shanghai Flights
- Almaty to Shanghai Flights
- Seoul to Shanghai Flights
- Shenzhen to Shanghai Flights
- Ulaanbaatar to Shanghai Flights
- Foshan to Shanghai Flights
- Dali City to Shanghai Flights
- Taipei to Shanghai Flights
- New York to Shanghai Flights
- Sydney to Shanghai Flights
- The Bund Puyan Hotel, Shanghai
- Mercure Shanghai Yu Garden On the Bund
- Da Zhong Airport Hotel
- Toy Story Hotel
- Wow Executive Hotel
- Hotel Chalet Shanghai
- Intercity Hotel Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street The Bund
- Shanghai People's Square Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street Treasury Hotel
- Rezen Meta Tree Hotel (City Center & The Bund, Shanghai)
- Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund
- Madison Hotel Shanghai Baoshan Wanda Plaza
- Magnificent International Hotel(Xintiandi People's Square)
- Moxy Shanghai Putuo
- Shanghai Dream Island Homestay
- OPARTMENT The Far Eastern Hotel
- JI Hotel (Shanghai The Bund Jinling East Road)
- IntercityHotel Shanghai Xujiahui
- Orange Crystal Shanghai Bund Jinling East Road Hotel
- Ramada Shanghai Pudong International Airport East Station
- baseLITE HUANGXING Serviced Apartment
- Forbidden City Tickets
- Tokyo Disneyland Ticket
- Universal Studios Japan
- Shanghai Disneyland Ticket
- Puffing Billy Tickets
- Shanghai Tower
- Canton Tower
- Yu Garden
- Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Canggu Bali
- Universal Beijing Resort
- Hong Kong Disney Land
- Taronga Zoo Sydney minisite
- Sydney Aquarium Ticket
- China Harbin Ice and Snow World