Strolling Along The Bund: From The History Of The Huangpu Riverbank To Modern Glamour

Quick Info

📍 Location: Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai (from East Nanjing Road to East Yan'an Road)
🌤️ Best time to visit: March-May, September-November
⏰ Recommended time: Dusk to night
🚇 Transportation: Metro Line 2/10 East Nanjing Road Station, Metro Line 2 Lujiazui Station
💳 Payment methods: Mobile payments (Alipay, WeChat), UnionPay card, international credit cards
📱 Useful apps: Amap, Dianping

The Charm of The Bund

The Bund, hailed by Western media as the 'Wall Street of the East', has witnessed Shanghai's transformation from a small fishing village into an international metropolis. Strolling here feels like traveling back to the early 20th-century European financial center, with 52 historical buildings of varying styles, from British Victorian neoclassicism to French Second Empire Baroque, each narrating a tale of East-West cultural fusion. It's not just an architectural museum; it's a living fossil of modern China and the Western world's economic exchanges.

Cultural Experience

Architectural Exploration

Walking along The Bund is like stepping into a European architectural gallery. The Peace Hotel's copper revolving door still retains its elegance from 90 years ago. This legendary building, once known as the "First Hotel in the Far East," has hosted celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Einstein. Its Gothic spires echo the Paris Opera House, witnessing the jazz era's splendor. The Customs House clock chimes every 15 minutes, affectionately called the "Big Clock" by locals, inspired by London's Big Ben, symbolizing the city's close ties with the world. These buildings are not only witnesses of history but also narrate the creative collisions between Western and Chinese architects a century ago. Discover the perfect representation of British neoclassicism (e.g., HSBC Building) and French Renaissance style (e.g., Banque de l'Indochine Building), and feel the city's inclusiveness and openness.

📍 English Guided Tours
* Time: Daily 10:00-16:00
* Booking: Peace Hotel Concierge
* Fee: 350 RMB/hour
* Languages: English, French, German

Symphony of Modern and Traditional

Across the river, Lujiazui in Pudong, praised by The New York Times as the 'Manhattan of the New Century', rose from farmland in 1990 to a financial center rivaling New York's downtown. The 632-meter Shanghai Tower stands tall with the 421-meter Jin Mao Tower, while the Oriental Pearl TV Tower adds a touch of elegance. After 6 PM, the light show on both sides rivals Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour, making it one of Asia's most stunning city skylines.

Experience Suggestions

Best Times to Visit

• 🌅 Sunrise (5:00-7:00): Fewer crowds, ideal for photography enthusiasts
• 🌆 Dusk (16:00-18:00): Witness the transition from day to night, perfect lighting for photos
• 🌃 Night (19:00-22:00): Enjoy the light show and feel the vibrant nightscape

In-depth Walking Route

Start from East Nanjing Road Metro Station and stroll north along The Bund, visiting:

• Shanghai Customs House (Customs Clock Tower)
• HSBC Building (now SPD Bank Bund Branch)
• The Peace Hotel (afternoon tea experience available)
• The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (experience crossing under the river)

Practical Tips

Transportation Advice

🚇 Recommended to take the metro to avoid traffic congestion around The Bund
🚶‍♂️ The Bund sightseeing platform is 1.5 km long, best explored on foot
🚢 Opt for a night cruise on the Huangpu River for views from the water

Special Reminders

• Crowded on weekends and holidays; avoid peak hours from 17:00-21:00
• The Bund sightseeing platform offers multiple rest areas and viewing platforms with multilingual signs
• Single-direction control may be implemented on major holidays; check official announcements
• Download the "Shanghai Release" app for real-time crowd updates
• Photography tips: Drones are prohibited for key buildings like the Customs House
• Dress code: Dress appropriately for high-end venues like the Peace Hotel
• Safety tip: Beware of illegal street vendors selling boat tickets
• Cultural tip: Photography is prohibited inside some historical buildings, please adhere to signs

Cultural Experiences

• Book a jazz performance at The Peace Hotel
• Visit The Bund Financial Museum to learn about Shanghai's financial history
• Explore exhibitions at Bund 18 Art Center
• Enjoy dining in historic buildings with unique restaurants

Dining Recommendations

🍽️ Selected Restaurants
* Peace Hotel Jazz Bar

• Specialty: A legendary jazz bar since 1929, a favorite social venue for foreign celebrities
• Recommendation: Signature 'Peace Special' cocktail ($18), authentic English Victorian afternoon tea ($98/for two)
• Atmosphere: Authentic Art Deco decor, live jazz performances every night
• Price: Cocktails from $18, afternoon tea for two $98 (Exchange rate: $1 ≈ 7.1 RMB, March 2024)
• Atmosphere: Recreates the golden era of old Shanghai, perfect for elegant socializing

• Three on the Bund
• Specialty: Michelin-starred restaurant with 270° river views
• Recommendation: Creative French cuisine, wine pairing
• Price: Dinner averages ￥1200+ per person

• Tip: Book two weeks in advance, business casual dress code

• Nanjing Road Old Brands

• Recommendation: Braised pork at Shanghai Old Restaurant, vegetarian dim sum at Gongdelin

• Specialty: Century-old establishments, authentic Shanghainese cuisine, affordable prices

• Flavor: Mildly sweet, suitable for those who prefer gentle flavors

• Guangdong Road Food Street

• Recommendation: Pan-fried buns, crab roe soup dumplings, scallion oil noodles

• Specialty: Authentic Shanghai breakfast culture experience
• Price: Snacks ￥10-30/portion
• Tip: Experience authentic breakfast from 7-9 AM

The Bund is not only a landmark of Shanghai but also a testament to China's modernization process. Whether it's the first rays of sunlight in the morning or the dazzling lights at night, they all tell the story of this city. Stroll along The Bund, listen to the rhythm of history and modernity intertwined, and feel the unique charm of this international metropolis.