The Bund in Shanghai (上海外滩) is a road along the Huangpu River, known as Zhongshan East 1st Road. Along this road, there are 52 buildings in various architectural styles, including Gothic, Baroque, Greek, Spanish, and a blend of Chinese and Western styles. This collection of diverse structures is often referred to as the “Exhibition of World Architecture.”
In the morning, The Bund serves as a place for people to exercise; during the day, it becomes a bustling and lively tourist destination; and at night, it transforms into a romantic haven for couples. The stunning “Love Wall” has amazed visitors from around the world. As night falls and the lights illuminate, the buildings on The Bund glow brightly, resembling magnificent crystal palaces. The illuminated “Exhibition of World Architecture” is a dazzling spectacle, with each building’s unique style becoming particularly striking in the evening. At the same time, the beautiful nightscape of Lujiazui Financial District across the river is also fully visible.
Between The Bund and Lujiazui in Pudong lies a cross-river sightseeing tunnel. Inside the tunnel, various patterns, scenes, and background music reflecting characters, history, culture, technology, and landscapes are displayed, making the crossing an engaging, entertaining, and thrilling experience.
Travel Information about the Bund
Admission and Opening Hours
Admission: Free
Opening Hours: Open all day
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Shanghai is during the spring and autumn seasons, typically from March to May and September to October.
How to Get There
Location: Zhongshan East 1st Road, along the Huangpu River in the center of Shanghai.
Transportation: Take Metro Line 2 and get off at East Nanjing Road Station, then walk to The Bund.
Attraction Ratings
- Romantic: ★★★★★
- Beautiful: ★★★★
- Unique: ★★★★
- Relaxing: ★★★★
- Cultural: ★★★★
- Thrilling: ★★★
Useful Tips
Due to its connection to the sea, the Huangpu River experiences noticeable tidal effects, with significant high and low tides occurring twice a day. The water level can vary by more than 4 meters within a single day, and during astronomical high tides, the fluctuation can be even greater. It’s important to be cautious while strolling along the river, especially during these times.
Highlights of the Bund, Shanghai
Asia Building & Shanghai Club
The Asia Building, also known as the “First Building on The Bund,” is located at No. 1 The Bund. Constructed in 1906, it was originally named the McBain Building. Standing eight stories tall, the building’s exterior features an eclectic architectural style. The façade is divided horizontally and vertically into three segments, with the lower and upper sections designed in Baroque style, while the middle section reflects modernist architecture. The building is grand and imposing, combining simplicity with a sense of opulence, making it both luxurious and elegant.
The building at No. 2 The Bund was once home to the most luxurious club in Shanghai, the Shanghai Club. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Shanghai Municipal Government took over the building and converted it into an International Seamen’s Club. In 1971, it was transformed into the Dongfeng Hotel.
HSBC Building & Shanghai Customs House
No. 10–12 The Bund was originally the Shanghai branch of the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and is now home to the Pudong Development Bank. This building, constructed in 1923, features a Neo-Grecian architectural style. The octagonal entrance hall’s ceiling, located over 20 meters above the ground, showcases eight murals made from hundreds of thousands of tiny mosaic tiles, each just a few square centimeters in size. The building also boasts 28 Italian natural marble columns, each 13 meters tall, with four of them being single, unjointed monoliths. It is said that only six such columns exist in the world, with the other two located in the Louvre in France.
The Shanghai Customs House, located at No. 13 The Bund, is often referred to as the “sister building” to the HSBC Building. Constructed in 1927, this grand and towering structure complements the elegance of the HSBC Building. The Customs House combines elements of European classicism and Renaissance architecture, with a Neo-Grecian design. Its upper section features a clock tower in the Gothic style, standing ten stories tall. The clock is a replica of Big Ben in London’s Houses of Parliament and reportedly cost over 2,000 taels of silver to construct. It is the largest clock in Asia and one of the most famous in the world. The Shanghai Customs House stands proudly on the banks of the Huangpu River, with its resonant chimes symbolizing solemnity and purpose.
Related Details:
- The HSBC Building is one of the few buildings on The Bund that is open for public visits. Upon entering, visitors can admire eight colorful mosaic murals on the ceiling of the entrance hall. Please note that photography is not allowed inside the building.
- The large clock outside the Shanghai Customs House is known as the “Largest Clock in Asia.” Every hour, it chimes to the tune of “The East is Red.”
No. 20 The Bund – Peace Hotel
No. 20 The Bund is now known as the Peace Hotel. The South Building is designed in a Renaissance Revival style, featuring a symmetrical and elegant façade. The North Building’s exterior is constructed with granite blocks. Upon entering the hotel through the revolving doors, visitors are greeted by a lobby adorned with creamy marble floors and an ornate bronze chandelier, creating a luxurious and sophisticated atmosphere.
The hotel boasts a variety of themed suites from nine different countries, a grand restaurant, and opulent lobby decor. It is also renowned for hosting the Shanghai Old Jazz Band, which performs beloved international classics, offering guests a unique experience where world culture and classic art seamlessly blend.
No. 23 The Bund – Bank of China
No. 23 The Bund is currently home to the Bank of China. Unlike many of the European-style buildings on The Bund, this structure is unique as it was designed and built by Chinese architects. It stands as one of Shanghai’s most successful skyscrapers.
The building comprises a main tower and an annex, with its exterior made of granite. The roof features a gently sloping, square-shaped spire, while the east façade showcases coin-shaped, perforated window frames that transition from high to low. Above the main entrance, there was originally a stone relief depicting Confucius’s travels, telling captivating stories. Inside, the lobby ceiling was once adorned with a “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea” motif, contributing to the rich and traditional atmosphere of the space.
Related Details:
- Due to its proximity to other buildings on The Bund, photographing No. 23 The Bund often requires focusing on its details. Since the building’s charm lies significantly in its clean lines, using a wide-angle lens can help emphasize its architectural texture. Additionally, the nighttime views are spectacular, so a tripod and shutter release are essential for capturing the best shots.
- From the southern end of The Bund, you can take a boat cruise on the Huangpu River, with options including river tours and water buses. Alternatively, you can use the city ferry, which is now primarily used by cyclists crossing the river.
Huangpu Park – Chen Yi Square
Huangpu Park, one of The Bund’s main attractions, is Shanghai’s earliest European-style garden, established in the seventh year of the Qing Dynasty’s Tongzhi reign (1868). It stands as a testament to over a century of The Bund’s history. Today, the Shanghai People’s Heroes Monument stands proudly in the park, and the Bund Historical Museum, located at the base of the monument and free to the public, chronicles a century of the Chinese nation’s struggles and achievements.
At the end of Nanjing Road, Chen Yi Square commemorates Chen Yi, Shanghai’s first mayor of New China. The square features a prominent bronze statue of Chen Yi, standing 5.6 meters tall, mounted on a 3.5-meter red polished granite base. The statue, facing south, captures Chen Yi in the act of inspecting his work, reflecting his dedication and tireless service as a public servant.
Related Details:
- Along the Huangpu River near Huangpu Park, you’ll find a “Lover’s Wall” with an observation deck facing the river. The riverfront features 32 semi-circular flower-patterned iron railings and various artificial marble benches for resting. It’s a great spot to relax after a stroll.
- Every weekend, a grand and lively music concert is held in front of the Chen Yi statue. Additionally, there’s a fountain south of the statue where water jets dance in response to the music, varying in height and intensity. The pool’s bottom is equipped with colored lights, creating a stunning display of red, yellow, blue, and green beams at night.