The Bund: Shanghai's Iconic Waterfront Promenade (2026 Guide)
Your complete guide to The Bund - best viewing times, night photography spots, walking routes, and nearby attractions along Shanghai's most famous waterfront.
The Bund: Where Old Shanghai Meets Modern China
The Bund (外滩) is Shanghai’s most celebrated landmark—a sweeping 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where grand colonial-era buildings face off against the futuristic Pudong skyline. This iconic stretch along the Huangpu River perfectly captures Shanghai’s unique identity as a city bridging past and future.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.5 km along Zhongshan East 1st Road |
| Historic Buildings | 52 landmark structures |
| Peak Hours | 7:00-10:00 PM |
| Best For | Photography, evening walks, city views |
Why The Bund Matters
A Brief History
The Bund takes its name from an Anglo-Indian word meaning “embankment.” During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this waterfront served as Shanghai’s financial hub, with European powers erecting impressive buildings that still stand today.
| Building | Style | Built |
|---|---|---|
| HSBC Building | Neoclassical | 1923 |
| Customs House | Neo-Renaissance | 1927 |
| Peace Hotel | Art Deco | 1929 |
| Bank of China | Eclectic Chinese-Western | 1937 |
The View That Defines Shanghai
Standing on The Bund, you’re looking at one of the world’s most dramatic urban panoramas. To the east, Pudong’s towers—the Oriental Pearl, Jin Mao, SWFC, and Shanghai Tower—rise like a vision of tomorrow. Behind you, century-old European architecture whispers of a different era entirely.
Best Times to Visit
For Photography
| Time | Light Quality | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6:00-7:00 AM | Soft morning glow | Very light | Cityscape without crowds |
| 4:00-5:30 PM | Golden afternoon | Moderate | Both banks with good light |
| 6:30-7:30 PM | Blue hour magic | Heavy | Transition shots |
| 7:30-9:00 PM | Full lighting display | Peak | Classic night shots |
When the Lights Come On
The Pudong skyline illumination schedule varies by season:
| Season | Lights On | Lights Off |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May-Sep) | 7:00 PM | 10:30 PM |
| Winter (Oct-Apr) | 6:00 PM | 10:00 PM |
💡 Pro Tip: Arrive 30 minutes before the lights come on to secure a prime spot at the railing. Weekday evenings are significantly less crowded than weekends.
Getting There
By Metro (Recommended)
| Station | Lines | Exit | Walk Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nanjing East Road | 2, 10 | Exit 7 | 10 min |
| East Nanjing Road | 2, 10 | Exit 2 | 8 min |
| Lujiazui (Pudong side) | 2 | Exit 1 | Via ferry |
From Major Landmarks
| From | Method | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| People’s Square | Walk via Nanjing Road | 25 min | Free |
| Yu Garden | Walk | 15 min | Free |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | Sightseeing Tunnel | 5 min | ¥55 |
| Lujiazui (Pudong) | Ferry | 10 min | ¥2 |
💡 Pro Tip: The ¥2 ferry across the Huangpu River offers spectacular views and authentic local vibes—much better value than the pricey sightseeing tunnel.
Walking Route Guide
The Classic Walk (1.5 hours)
Start at Waibaidu Bridge in the north and walk south along the elevated promenade:
- Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥) - Shanghai’s oldest iron bridge, opened 1907
- Russian Consulate - Elegant tsarist-era architecture
- Huangpu Park - Former “Public Garden” with river views
- Monument to the People’s Heroes - Revolutionary memorial
- Peace Hotel - Art deco masterpiece, catch live jazz in the evening
- HSBC Building - “The most luxurious building from Suez to the Bering Strait”
- Customs House - Listen for “Big Ching” bell chiming on the hour
- Bull Statue - Shanghai’s answer to Wall Street’s charging bull
- Chen Yi Square - Main plaza with statue of Shanghai’s first mayor
Photography Spots
| Location | What to Shoot | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Chen Yi Square | Full Pudong skyline | Blue hour |
| Near Customs House | Oriental Pearl framing | Evening |
| Waibaidu Bridge | Bridge + skyline combo | Golden hour |
| Ferry terminal | Wide panorama | Anytime |
Crossing to Pudong
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
This kitsch-tastic experience whisks you under the river in automated pods while psychedelic lights flash around you.
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥55 one-way, ¥70 round-trip |
| Duration | 5 minutes |
| Hours | 8:00 AM - 10:30 PM |
It’s touristy and overpriced, but undeniably memorable.
Huangpu River Ferry
For authentic Shanghai vibes, take the public ferry:
| Route | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Bund → Lujiazui | ¥2 | 10 minutes |
| Hours | 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM | Every 10-15 min |
Nearby Attractions
Within Walking Distance
| Attraction | Distance | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | 5 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| Yu Garden | 15 min walk | 2-3 hours |
| Xintiandi | 20 min walk | 1-2 hours |
| People’s Square | 25 min walk | 1-2 hours |
Recommended Itinerary
Evening Route (4 hours):
- 5:30 PM - Yu Garden (catch it before closing)
- 7:00 PM - Walk to The Bund as lights come on
- 8:00 PM - Bund promenade stroll
- 9:00 PM - Nanjing Road night shopping
Dining Options
On The Bund (Splurge)
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| M on the Bund | European | ¥500-800/person |
| Mr & Mrs Bund | French | ¥400-600/person |
| The Nest | Fusion | ¥300-500/person |
Nearby Budget Options
| Spot | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Nanjing Road food courts | Various | ¥30-80/person |
| Yunnan Road Food Street | Local snacks | ¥20-50/person |
Practical Tips
What to Bring
- Camera with good low-light capability
- Portable phone charger
- Light jacket (riverside can be breezy)
- Comfortable walking shoes
Weather Considerations
| Condition | Impact | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| Clear skies | Perfect visibility | Ideal photo conditions |
| Light rain | Reflections on wet pavement | Bring umbrella, great mood shots |
| Heavy smog | Poor visibility | Check AQI before going |
| Strong wind | Can be chilly | Layer up |
Avoiding Crowds
- Best: Tuesday-Thursday evenings
- Good: Monday evening, Sunday early morning
- Busy: Friday-Saturday evenings
- Packed: National holidays, especially Golden Week
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Bund free to visit?
Yes, the waterfront promenade is completely free. You only pay if you enter specific buildings or take cruises.
How long should I spend here?
For a leisurely walk and photos: 1-2 hours. Add time for dinner or river cruise as desired.
Is it worth visiting during the day?
Absolutely—the historic buildings are best appreciated in daylight. But if you can only come once, evening wins for the skyline views.
Are there restrooms?
Yes, public restrooms are located at several points along the promenade, though they can get crowded during peak hours.
Can I fly a drone here?
No. Drone flying is prohibited in central Shanghai, including The Bund area.
Related Guides
- Shanghai Tower Observatory Guide - Best view of The Bund from above
- Lujiazui Financial District - The other side of the river
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Full city exploration
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Lighting schedules may vary for special events and holidays.
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