The Bund is one of Shanghai’s most iconic sights, known for its historic waterfront buildings and views across the river to the modern Pudong skyline. It’s usually one of the first places people visit, and for good reason.
Whether you come during the day or at night, the contrast between old and new Shanghai is what makes this area so memorable.
See the Bund in 90 Seconds
Short on time? This 90-second walk along the Bund shows you the famous Pudong skyline, historic waterfront buildings and the atmosphere along Shanghai’s most iconic promenade.
The video ends at the pedestrian crossing to Nanjing Road, one of Shanghai’s best-known shopping streets. Continue reading for everything you need to plan your visit, including the best time to go, how to get there, nearby attractions and practical tips.
What is the Bund?
The Bund is a stretch of waterfront along the Huangpu River in Huangpu district lined with grand colonial-era buildings that once housed banks, trading houses, and consulates.
Today, many of these buildings have been restored and repurposed as hotels, restaurants, and offices, while the promenade in front is one of the most popular walking spots in the city.
Across the river, you’ll see the futuristic skyline of Pudong, including landmarks like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower.
The buildings date from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when Shanghai was a major international trading port. Banks, shipping companies, and foreign consulates lined this stretch of the Huangpu, which is why the architecture looks so out of place in a Chinese city. It’s one of the best-preserved examples of colonial-era commercial architecture in Asia.
What to See and Do at the Bund
Walk along the promenade
The main thing to do is simply walk along the waterfront. The promenade runs for around 1.5km and offers uninterrupted views of Pudong.
Take in the skyline views
This is one of the best places in Shanghai for photos, especially looking across to Lujiazui where the city’s tallest skyscrapers are clustered.
Admire the historic buildings
On the Bund side, the architecture is just as impressive. You’ll see a mix of neoclassical, art deco, and baroque styles, all well preserved.
Visit nearby attractions
The Bund is within walking distance of several major sights, including Yu Gardens – around 15 minutes on foot – and Nanjing Road, making it easy to combine into a half-day itinerary.
Take a river cruise
If you want a different perspective, short Huangpu River cruises run in the evening and offer views of both the Bund and Pudong skyline from the water.
Enjoy Afternoon Tea at The Waldorf Astoria
If you feel like a break, the Waldorf Astoria is perfectly placed for afternoon tea in a historic setting overlooking the Bund.
For more recommendations on where to eat, we have a full guide to food and drink in Shanghai.
Best Time to Visit the Bund
Daytime
Good for seeing the details of the historic buildings and getting a sense of the layout of the area.
Night
This is when the Bund really comes alive. Both sides of the river are lit up, and the skyline views are at their best. Expect crowds, especially on weekends.
Early morning
If you want a quieter experience, early morning is one of the few times the Bund feels relatively calm.
How to Get to the Bund
The easiest way is by metro.
- East Nanjing Road (Lines 2 & 10) – around a 10-minute walk
- Yuyuan Garden (Line 10) – useful if combining with Yu Gardens
Taxis and Didi are also convenient, but traffic can be heavy in this area.
If you’re not sure whether to take the metro or taxi, see our Subway vs Taxi in Shanghai comparison.
Best photo spots at the Bund
- Along the main promenade facing Pudong for classic skyline shots
- Near the north end for a slightly less crowded angle
- From across the river in Lujiazui for photos looking back at the historic buildings
- Just before sunset (“golden hour”) for softer light and clearer skyline photos
Tips for Visiting
- It gets crowded, especially in the evening and on weekends
- The promenade is wide, but it can still feel packed at peak times
- Combine with nearby sights to make the most of your visit
- The Bund is busiest just after sunset when the lights switch on
- Avoid Golden Week (1–7 October) and the May holiday (1–5 May) if you can — the Bund is one of the busiest spots in the city during national holidays
The Bund remains one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks and regularly features on lists of the top attractions in Shanghai.
If you only have a few hours in Shanghai between flights, The Bund is one of the easiest and most rewarding places to visit during a short Shanghai layover thanks to its central location and easy Metro access.
Where to Stay Near the Bund
If you want to be close to the action, staying near the Bund gives you easy access to many of Shanghai’s main attractions.
For a full breakdown of the best areas and hotel options, see our guide to where to stay in Shanghai.
Planning the rest of your China trip?
I personally use Trip.com to compare hotels, high-speed train tickets, domestic flights, attractions and airport transfers across China, making it easy to organise your whole trip in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Bund free to visit?
Yes, the promenade is completely free and open to the public.
How long do you need at the Bund?
Around 30–60 minutes is enough for a walk and photos, though you can easily spend longer if you combine it with nearby attractions.
Is the Bund better during the day or at night?
Both are worth seeing, but most visitors prefer the Bund at night when the skyline is lit up.
How do you get to the Bund?
The easiest way is by metro. East Nanjing Road (Lines 2 and 10) is around a 10-minute walk, and Yuyuan Garden (Line 10) is useful if combining with Yu Gardens.
Explore more: Things To Do in Shanghai | Nanjing Road | Yu Gardens | Shanghai Tower | Huangpu District | 2-Day Itinerary | Best eSIM for China | Where to Stay