The Bund Shanghai: Guide to Shanghai’s Most Iconic Attraction

The bund in Shanghai is about 1.5 km long along the western bank of the Huangpu River, which is the main waterway for transport and trade.

This 20th-century spot offers worldwide visitors a futuristic skyscraper of Pudong, with popular attractions like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

In this guide, I’ll guide you through everything about the Bund Shanghai from historic facts to cultural highlights. Read on!

History of the Bund, Shanghai

Credit: from Yiran Ding, Unsplash | The Bund illuminated at night

The Shanghai Bund (外滩, Wàitān) is a historic waterfront area located along the Huangpu River in central Shanghai. It developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Shanghai became an international trading port.

Many Western powers established banks, consulates, and trading houses there, leading to the Bund’s famous mix of Gothic, Baroque, and Neoclassical architecture. Today, the Bund remains one of Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks. The promenade offers views of both the old colonial buildings and the futuristic skyline of Pudong.

Top Reasons to Visit the Bund in Shanghai

🌇 Shanghai Skyline Views

Take in the sight of Shanghai’s skyline along the Huangpu River. Historic and modern buildings are scattered on both sides of the bund. Consider a Huangpu River night cruise for a sparkling view with gentle ripples on the river.

🏛️ Aesthetics of the Architecture on the Bund

Known as an “outdoor museum of architecture,” the Bund features more than 50 historic buildings in styles like Baroque, Gothic, and Art Deco.

View from the Peace Hotel, Shanghai

• Shanghai Customs House (1927) – With its iconic clock tower.
• Fairmont Peace Hotel (1929) – Art Deco elegance and live jazz nightly.
• Bank of China Building – Blending Chinese motifs with modernist lines.
• Waldorf Astoria Hotel – Once the Shanghai Club, now a heritage hotel.

🚶‍♀️ Perfect Waterfront Walking Vibe

The long walkway on the bund is lined with benches, decorative lamp posts, marble, and bronze statues of historical figures. Take a walk after dinner and soak up the casual vibe by the river.

You might encounter the Bund Bull, symbolizing Shanghai’s financial vitality, at 5.2 meters long, 3.2 meters tall, with a reddish hue, facing forward with a confident stance.

🥂 Rooftop Dining

Leave yourself an incredible dining experience along Shanghai’s Bund. You can explore more on Trip.com for recommendations of rooftop dining in Shanghai.

Credit: from Time Out Shanghai | Pop on the Bund view

• Flair Rooftop Restaurant & Bar: Situated on the 58th floor, it provides panoramic views of the river with a chic vibe. The cocktail is a must-try!
• POP on the Bund: Located on the 7th floor of No. 3 The Bund, this modern American-style restaurant offers delicate dishes and desserts. Grab a casual drink and enjoy the city view by the river.
• GULF 5: Situated on the rooftop terrace overlooking the Bund and the modern Lujiazui area, it offers a picturesque setting for dining and photography.

Best Time to Visit the Bund Shanghai

How to Get to the Bund Shanghai?

 Pro Tip: The best approach is to walk from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

10 Facts about the Bund in Shanghai

Credit: from kosublog | Shanghai Bund walkway

• The Bund, also called Waitan, stretches about 1.5 km along the Huangpu River.
• It was part of Shanghai's International Settlement, established after the First Opium War in 1842.
• The area was once East Asia’s financial heart, with banks and trading houses from multiple countries.
• The Bund has 52 historic buildings showcasing Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and Beaux-Arts styles.
• The former Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank is known as "the grandest building east of the Suez."
• The Bund’s riverside promenade is a favorite spot for both tourists and locals for walking and sightseeing.
• At night, the historic buildings are beautifully illuminated, contrasting with Pudong’s modern skyline.
• A 3.3 km underground road was built in the 1990s beneath the river to ease traffic between districts.
• Located at the northern end, it’s Shanghai’s oldest public park, dating back to 1886.
• The Bund hosts major events and celebrations, such as New Year festivities, making it a lively urban landmark.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Bund Shanghai

• Go early or late: Take stunning pictures for sunrise at the Bund in the early morning. Or visit during the night for dazzling lights of the modern skyline!
• If it rains: Bring an umbrella or wear a light raincoat — the Bund’s open promenade offers little shelter. Rain can actually make for dramatic photos with reflections on the wet pavement.
• Best views: For the best view of the Bund, head to the Pudong side (Lujiazui area), especially the Binjiang Avenue waterfront. From there, you’ll see the full row of historic buildings.
• Stay nearby: Consider staying at a Bund-side hotel like the Peace Hotel or Fairmont for easy access and great views.
• Watch your belongings: The area is safe but crowded; keep an eye on your bag, especially when taking photos.
• Explore beyond the riverfront: Wander into nearby streets like Fuzhou Road or Nanjing East Road for delicate cafés, local shops, and Shanghai food.

Best Hotels to Stay Near the Bund Shanghai