The Bund: Where Shanghai's Past and Future Collide
Stand between 1920s colonial grandeur and Pudong's futuristic skyline. Free 24/7 access, best photography spots, river cruises, and insider tips.
Standing at the Crossroads of Time
The first time you step onto The Bund, you understand why this strip of waterfront has captivated travelers for over a century. Behind you, 52 grand European buildings whisper stories of 1920s Shanghai—the Paris of the East. Ahead, across the Huangpu River, the Pudong skyline erupts in a symphony of glass and steel that didn’t exist forty years ago. You’re standing in two centuries at once.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Essential Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Admission | Free - 24/7 access |
| Length | 1.5 km promenade |
| Best Time | Sunset to 10 PM |
| Nearest Metro | East Nanjing Road (Lines 2/10) |
A Walk Through History
The Colonial Legacy
The Bund’s name comes from an Anglo-Indian word meaning “embankment.” From the 1840s through the 1940s, this waterfront served as the financial heart of Asia. British, French, American, and Japanese banks built their headquarters here, each trying to outdo the other in architectural grandeur.
| Building | Style | Year | Don’t Miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peace Hotel | Art Deco | 1929 | Jazz bar with 1920s ambiance |
| Customs House | Neo-Renaissance | 1927 | Big Ben-style clock tower |
| HSBC Building | Neoclassical | 1923 | Restored dome murals inside |
| Bank of China | Chinese-Western | 1937 | Unique cultural fusion |
The Peace Hotel deserves special attention. Originally called The Cathay, it was the most luxurious hotel in Asia when it opened. After a meticulous restoration completed in 2010, it now operates as the Fairmont Peace Hotel. The Jazz Bar on the ground floor features musicians who’ve been playing here for decades.
The View That Defines Shanghai
When you face east across the river, you’re looking at one of the world’s most recognizable skylines. The Oriental Pearl Tower’s pink spheres, the twisted form of the Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building at 632m), the “Bottle Opener” silhouette of the World Financial Center, and the pagoda-inspired Jin Mao Tower all compete for your attention.
What makes this view extraordinary isn’t just the height of the buildings—it’s the contrast. You’re standing among structures built when horses pulled carriages, looking at towers that didn’t exist when the iPhone was invented.
Best Times to Visit
The Golden Hour Experience
I’ve walked The Bund at every hour, and the magic happens in stages. First, the golden light of late afternoon paints the colonial buildings in warm tones. Then comes the blue hour—that brief window when the sky deepens to cobalt and the first lights flicker on across the river. Finally, full darkness arrives and both skylines blaze with illumination.
| Time | What You’ll Experience | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Tai chi practitioners, soft morning light | Nearly empty |
| 4:00-5:30 PM | Golden afternoon on historic buildings | Moderate |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Blue hour transition—the best photography | Heavy |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Full lighting spectacle | Peak crowds |
Lighting Schedule (2026)
| Season | Lights On | Lights Off |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May-Sep) | 7:00 PM | 11:00 PM |
| Winter (Oct-Apr) | 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
| Holidays | Extended | Midnight |
💡 Insider Tip: The sweet spot is Tuesday through Thursday evenings, arriving about an hour before sunset. You’ll catch the golden hour, watch the lights come on, and actually have space to breathe.
Getting There
By Metro (Recommended)
| Station | Lines | Exit | Walk Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanjing East Road | 2, 10 | Exit 7 | 10 min |
| East Nanjing Road | 2, 10 | Exit 2 | 8 min |
| Lujiazui (Pudong side) | 2 | Exit 1 | Via ferry |
From Major Landmarks
| From | Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| People’s Square | Walk via Nanjing Road | 25 min | Free |
| Yu Garden | Walk | 15 min | Free |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | Sightseeing Tunnel | 5 min | ¥55 |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | Ferry | 10 min | ¥2 |
💡 Pro Tip: The ¥2 ferry across the Huangpu River offers spectacular views and authentic local vibes—much better value than the pricey sightseeing tunnel.
Walking Route Guide
The Classic Walk (1.5 hours)
Start at Waibaidu Bridge in the north and walk south along the elevated promenade:
- Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) - Shanghai’s oldest iron bridge, opened 1907
- Russian Consulate - Elegant tsarist-era architecture
- Huangpu Park - Former “Public Garden” with river views
- Monument to the People’s Heroes - Revolutionary memorial
- Peace Hotel - Art deco masterpiece, catch live jazz in the evening
- HSBC Building - “The most luxurious building from Suez to the Bering Strait”
- Customs House - Listen for “Big Ching” bell chiming on the hour
- Bull Statue - Shanghai’s answer to Wall Street’s charging bull
- Chen Yi Square - Main plaza with statue of Shanghai’s first mayor
Photography Spots
| Location | What to Shoot | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chen Yi Square | Full Pudong skyline | Blue hour |
| Near Customs House | Oriental Pearl framing | Evening |
| Waibaidu Bridge | Bridge + skyline combo | Golden hour |
| Ferry terminal | Wide panorama | Anytime |
Crossing to Pudong
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
An automated pod ride under the river with flashing lights. Cheesy, but some visitors enjoy it.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥55 one-way, ¥70 round-trip |
| Duration | 5 minutes |
| Hours | 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
Touristy and overpriced. The ferry is better value.
Huangpu River Ferry
For authentic Shanghai vibes, take the public ferry:
| Route | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bund → Lujiazui | ¥2 | 10 minutes |
| Hours | 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Every 10-15 min |
Nearby Attractions
Within Walking Distance
| Attraction | Distance | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | 5 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| Yu Garden | 15 min walk | 2-3 hours |
| Xintiandi | 20 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| People’s Square | 25 min walk | 1-2 hours |
Recommended Itinerary
Evening Route (4 hours):
- 5:30 PM - Yu Garden (catch it before closing)
- 7:00 PM - Walk to The Bund as lights come on
- 8:00 PM - Bund promenade stroll
- 9:00 PM - Nanjing Road night shopping
Dining Options
On The Bund (Splurge)
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| M on the Bund | European | ¥500-800/person |
| Mr & Mrs Bund | French | ¥400-600/person |
| The Nest | Fusion | ¥300-500/person |
Nearby Budget Options
| Spot | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing Road food courts | Various | ¥30-80/person |
| Yunnan Road Food Street | Local snacks | ¥20-50/person |
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- Camera with good low-light capability
- Portable phone charger
- Light jacket (riverside can be breezy)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Weather Considerations
| Condition | Impact | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Clear skies | Perfect visibility | Ideal photo conditions |
| Light rain | Reflections on wet pavement | Bring umbrella, great mood shots |
| Heavy smog | Poor visibility | Check AQI before going |
| Strong wind | Can be chilly | Layer up |
Avoiding Crowds
- Best: Tuesday-Thursday evenings
- Good: Monday evening, Sunday early morning
- Busy: Friday-Saturday evenings
- Packed: National holidays, especially Golden Week
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bund free to visit?
Yes, the waterfront promenade is completely free. You only pay if you enter specific buildings or take cruises.
How long should I spend here?
For a leisurely walk and photos: 1-2 hours. Add time for dinner or river cruise as desired.
Is it worth visiting during the day?
Absolutely—the historic buildings are best appreciated in daylight. But if you can only come once, evening wins for the skyline views.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, public restrooms are located at several points along the promenade, though they can get crowded during peak hours.
Can I fly a drone here?
No. Drone flying is prohibited in central Shanghai, including The Bund area.
Related Guides
- Shanghai Tower Observatory Guide - Best view of The Bund from above
- Lujiazui Financial District - The other side of the river
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Full city exploration
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Lighting schedules may vary for special events and holidays.
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