Travel Plan
The Bund

Home China Shanghai The Bund

ATTRACTION GUIDE · SHANGHAI

The Bund

Shanghai's historic riverfront of colonial-era buildings facing the futuristic Pudong skyline.

Tickets & tours Open in Google Maps
Time needed
2 hours
Entry
Free
Best time
Night
Area
Huangpu

A riverside promenade lined with historic buildings, facing the Pudong skyline.

Where it is & how to get there

Address: Zhongshan East 1st Rd, Huangpu, Shanghai

  • Metro: East Nanjing Road (lines 2 and 10), 10 minutes' walk.
  • Promenade: An elevated riverside walkway runs about 1.5 km.
  • Lights: Skyline lights usually switch on at dusk and off around 10–11 pm.

The story of the Bund

The Bund (Waitan) was the heart of Shanghai's international settlement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Banks and trading houses built grand buildings in Gothic, Baroque, Art Deco and neoclassical styles.

Across the Huangpu River rises Lujiazui, with the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower — one of the most famous city views in Asia.

Best time to visit

Best season

Spring and autumn.

Best time of day

After dark, when both sides are lit.

Holidays

Extremely crowded on national holidays.

Tips before you go

  • Come at night when the towers light up.
  • Walk the Bund at night, then take the ferry across to Pudong.
  • Take a Huangpu River cruise.

Best hotels near the Bund

Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.

The Peninsula Shanghai

Hotel on the Bund.

See prices

Park Hyatt Shanghai

High-floor hotel in the World Financial Center.

See prices

Fairmont Peace Hotel

Historic Art Deco hotel on the Bund.

See prices
All hotels near the Bund

What's around the Bund

  • Nanjing RoadFamous shopping street.
  • Huangpu River cruiseNight cruise.
  • Yu GardenClassical garden.
  • LujiazuiAcross the river.

Questions travellers ask

When are the lights on?

From dusk until about 10–11 pm.

Is it free?

Yes.

How do I cross to Pudong?

By metro, ferry or tunnel.

More in Shanghai

Lujiazui & Oriental Pearl Tower

Lujiazui & Oriental Pearl Tower

Read the guide
Shanghai Tower

Shanghai Tower

Read the guide
Back to the Shanghai guide
Travel Plan · The Bund Travel times, prices and opening hours change. Check official sites before you go. Photos: Unsplash. Privacy & disclosure