Highlights
The first thing you absolutely cannot miss on the Bund is the 'World Architecture Expo' cluster along Zhongshan East First Road. Starting from the Yan'an East Road intersection and walking north, you'll see buildings in Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque, Renaissance, and many other styles. They're like frozen music, lining the riverfront into a beautiful skyline. Remember to look up at the details: the carvings, the columns, the domes. Every corner hides the ingenuity of craftsmen from a hundred years ago. I especially recommend pausing in front of the Shanghai Customs building to listen to the chime of its big clock. That is the Bund's 'Voice of Time.' The second key highlight is the Lujiazui skyline across the Huangpu River. The Oriental Pearl Radio & TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Jin Mao Tower together create a highly futuristic picture. By day, you appreciate the height and lines of the buildings. After dusk, when the lights come on, it becomes a dazzling light show. My best tip is to stand by the riverside railing, use the river as your foreground, and take a panoramic shot of 'one river, two shores.' That sense of time and space overlapping will instantly make you understand why Shanghai is called the 'Magic City.' The third thing worth paying attention to is Waibaidu Bridge at the northern end of the Bund. This old steel-framed bridge marks the end of the Bund and is a classic scene in many movies. Its signature light green paint makes it especially photogenic at sunset. Standing on the bridge and looking back at the Bund, you'll see a unique silhouette formed by the buildings and the bridge structure. It's a secret favorite spot for many photography enthusiasts.
Stories
The Bund has a very romantic old nickname: "Lovers' Wall." In the 1970s and 1980s, housing in Shanghai was tight, and young couples had nowhere to go on dates, so the riverside along the Bund became a dating hotspot. Every evening, the railings by the river would be lined with couples, facing the water with their backs to the road, forming the Bund's unique "Lovers' Wall" scene. Back then, there were no cell phones, so people just leaned against the railing, chatted, and counted the lights on the riverboats until late into the night. Later, as the city developed and the Bund was renovated, this "wall" gradually disappeared, but many old Shanghai residents still remember the romance of that era. There's another interesting story: the name "Waitan" actually comes from "Huangputan" in Shanghainese. "Wai" refers to the outer side of the Huangpu River, because the river bends here, so people called this stretch of riverbank "Waitan." These stories give the Bund not just architecture and lights, but also warmth and memory.
History
The history of the Bund is almost a microcosm of modern Shanghai's history. After Shanghai opened as a treaty port in 1843, the British established a concession here first, and the Bund area went from a muddy beach to a gathering place of docks and foreign firms. By the early 20th century, HSBC, Shanghai Customs, and Sassoon & Company all built grand buildings here, and the Bund suddenly became the most famous financial street in the Far East, known as the 'Wall Street of the East.' After 1949, these buildings were gradually nationalized, and many became government offices or workplaces. In the 1990s, with the development of Pudong, Lujiazui rose up across the river from the Bund. The Bund's role also shifted from a financial center to a city sightseeing landmark. Before the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, the Bund underwent a large-scale comprehensive renovation, turning the original roadways into wide pedestrian spaces. That's how today's comfortable and pleasant riverside promenade came to be. You could say that every change on the Bund corresponds to an important turning point in this city.
Travel Tips
For the Bund, I recommend spending 1.5 to 2 hours. The best time is from dusk into the evening. At sunset, the old buildings are bathed in gold, and then the lights gradually come on. The transition from dusk to night is especially charming. If you want to avoid the crowds, come in the early morning. The Bund is quiet and fresh then, perfect for taking your time with photos. For transportation, take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to Nanjing East Road Station, come out from Exit 6, and walk about 10 minutes to the riverfront. The Bund itself is free and doesn't require a reservation, but on holidays it gets extremely crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. A recommended route: start from Chen Yi Square at the southern end near the Yan'an East Road intersection, walk north along the riverside promenade to Waibaidu Bridge, then either turn back or continue north to explore the North Bund. It's windy by the river, so in autumn and winter, remember to wear a windproof jacket. If you want to take portraits, find a spot by the riverside railing or in the open space in front of the buildings, away from the pedestrian flow on the main road. There are malls and cafes nearby where you can rest, but prices are on the high side, so you can also bring your own water. A special reminder: ignore people on the street who try to pull you into taking 'instant photos' or 'river cruises.' Always choose official channels.
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