China Travel Guide
China Travel Guide
Culture Insights

Shanghai Old Town Walking Guide: Historic Bund to Yu Garden Route

04/25/2025

Shanghai Bund Dusk Panorama

Quick Info

📍 Location: Huangpu District, Shanghai
🌤️ Best Visiting Seasons: March-May or September-November
⏰ Recommended Duration: 4-6 hours
🚇 Transportation: Metro Line 10 Yuyuan Station/Metro Line 1 Xinzha Road Station
💳 Payment Methods: UnionPay, Visa, Alipay, WeChat Pay
📱 Essential Apps: Amap, Meituan

Selected Walking Routes

Segment One: Bund to Nanjing Road (approximately 1.5 hours)

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street Evening Scene

Starting from the Bund, this area, known as the "Wall Street of the Far East," showcases the glory of Shanghai's "ten-mile foreign district." Along Zhongshan East Road, 23 European-style buildings stand as witnesses to the brilliant fusion of Eastern and Western cultures. It's recommended to pause at the Peace Hotel, one of Shanghai's most famous landmarks, built in 1929.

Segment Two: East Nanjing Road to Fuzhou Road Cultural Street (approximately 1 hour)

Fuzhou Road Bookstore Street Scene

Stroll down East Nanjing Road, a century-old commercial street with many time-honored brands. Turn into Fuzhou Road, a cultural landmark of Shanghai, home to the Shanghai Book City and the Old Bookstore Pavilion, both must-visit spots. A special recommendation is the Lanxin Theater, built in the 1930s, one of Shanghai's earliest professional theaters.

Segment Three: Yuyuan Old Street Area (approximately 2 hours)

Cross Henan Middle Road into the Yuyuan Bazaar area. This is the perfect place to experience the everyday life of old Shanghai. Yuyuan, built in 1559 during the Ming Dynasty’s Jiajing period, is a representative of Jiangnan classical gardens. It's recommended to visit the Jade Emperor Pavilion and the Huxin Pavilion to appreciate the exquisite architecture of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Culinary Highlights

Nanxiang Steamed Bun Making Scene

  • Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant: A century-old brand, famous for its steamed buns
  • Green Wave Gallery: Authentic local cuisine, recommended dish is Squirrel Mandarin Fish
  • Old Restaurant: Traditional Shanghai cuisine, Eight-Treasure Duck is a must-try
  • Da Hu Chun: Authentic pan-fried buns, ideal for breakfast

Cultural Experiences

Shikumen Lane Life Scene

  • Xintiandi Shikumen: Experience Shanghai's unique lane culture
  • Old City God Temple: Experience traditional folk culture
  • Fuzhou Road Old Bookstore: Search for cultural memories
  • China Art Museum: Appreciate masterpieces of Chinese and Western art

Relaxation Spots

Sinan Mansion Afternoon Tea Scene

  • Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Feel the charm of old Shanghai
  • Sinan Mansions: Enjoy Moutai ice cream, experience an artistic atmosphere
  • Old City God Temple Teahouse: Sip tea and enjoy the gardens
  • Shenjing Japanese Shaved Ice: A great spot to cool down and relax

Practical Tips

🕒 Best Visiting Times:

  • Arrive at the Bund before 9 am to avoid crowds
  • Visit Yuyuan in the afternoon between 2-4 pm for optimal lighting
  • Visit the Bund after 5 pm to enjoy the night view

🚶‍♂️ Walking Tips:

  • Wear comfortable flat shoes
  • Bring a sunshade, as there are few shaded areas in the old town
  • Carry plenty of drinking water, especially in summer

💡 Special Reminders:

  • Yuyuan Bazaar offers English tour guide services, available at the visitor center
  • Major attractions accept international credit cards and have bilingual signage
  • Download the English version of the Amap app
  • Photography is prohibited inside some historical buildings, please comply with regulations
  • Be cautious of slippery stone roads on rainy days

Cultural Tips

  • Shikumen architecture combines Western row houses and traditional Chinese courtyards, symbolizing Shanghai's open and inclusive urban character
  • "Longtang" is not just an alley but also a cultural space for Shanghai residents' social life
  • "Laokele" refers to old Shanghainese, with nostalgic and regional characteristics
  • "Ala" means "we" in the Shanghai dialect, commonly used
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