Neighborhood · Huangpu
The Bund (Wai Tan)
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The Bund is Shanghai's grand riverfront promenade, where a sweeping curve of the Huangpu River sets two centuries of architecture face to face. On the west bank stands a stately parade of 1920s–30s European buildings, former banks and trading houses in neoclassical, Art Deco, and Beaux-Arts styles, a relic of Shanghai's concession era. Directly across the water rises the futuristic Pudong skyline, all neon and supertall towers, including the Oriental Pearl and Shanghai Tower.
Walking the Bund at night, with the historic facades floodlit behind you and Pudong's light show blazing across the river, is one of the great urban spectacles in Asia. By day it's a place to admire the old architecture up close; by night it belongs to the skyline.
Don't miss
- The parade of 1920s–30s European bank and trading buildings
- The futuristic Pudong skyline across the river
- The night view, with both banks lit up
- River cruises along the Huangpu
- Spotting individual landmarks like the former HSBC building and Customs House
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit The Bund (Wai Tan)
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine The Bund (Wai Tan) with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inCustomized Private Tour in Shanghai The Bund Yu Garden Zhujiajiao5★ · 20 travelers3–10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Most bookedShanghai City Guided Walking Tour | China's 1st and Best Rated5★ · 356 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Private & flexible3-Hour Shanghai Bund Swift Tour with River Cruise or Skyscraper5★ · 29 travelers~8 hoursFree cancellationFrom$112 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- Come after dark for the iconic lit skyline, but expect dense crowds on the promenade.
- Visit by day too, to actually see the historic architecture on the west bank.
- A short Huangpu River cruise gives the best combined view of both banks.
- It's a long, exposed waterfront, dress for the weather, especially humid summers.
A bit of history
The Bund developed from the 1840s as the financial heart of foreign-concession Shanghai, lined with the headquarters of international banks and trading firms, hence its nickname, "the Wall Street of the East." After decades of other uses, many buildings have been restored, while Pudong opposite was farmland until its explosive development from the 1990s.
Common questions
What makes the Bund special?
It faces century-old European architecture across the river from the futuristic Pudong skyline, old and new Shanghai in a single view, especially striking at night.
Is it better by day or night?
Night for the lit-up skyline spectacle (and biggest crowds); day to appreciate the historic buildings up close. Many visitors do both.
Should I take a river cruise?
A short Huangpu cruise is a good way to see both banks lit up from the water, though the promenade view is free and excellent.
How do I get there?
Metro to East Nanjing Road, then walk east to the river. The promenade runs along the west (Puxi) bank.
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