The Bund brings historic waterfront architecture and Shanghai's modern skyline into one view. We recommend experiencing it in daylight and again after dark.
Three ways to explore
- The classic promenade
- Start at Waibaidu Bridge and follow the promenade south past Chen Yi Square to Jinling East Road Ferry Pier, with views of the Lujiazui towers. Allow about two to three hours.
- Cross the river by ferry
- From Jinling East Road Pier, we recommend the CNY 2 ferry to Pudong for a view back towards the Bund, followed by the Lujiazui towers. Confirm the current fare and service.
- Architecture and art
- Step away from the main promenade into the Bund Origin area and Yuanmingyuan Road's red-brick buildings, or visit an art museum in the former Bank of China building; confirm the exact venue before visiting.
Photographing the waterfront
- Fairmont Peace Hotel rooftop
- We recommend this elevated view over the Bund, while noting that consumption or an afternoon-tea reservation is required.
- The rooftop observatory
- On the Peace Hotel rooftop, with Art Deco details as a photographic backdrop.
- Bund Signal Tower
- A red-brick building and clock tower recommended for vintage-style compositions.
- The North Bund
- A comparatively quieter perspective including both the Bund and Lujiazui, especially along the riverside near Sinar Mas Plaza.
When to go
- Daylight
- We recommend 09:00–16:00 for architectural detail and portraits, with clear views across the river in good weather.
- Evening
- We recommend 19:00–21:00 for the evening lights. Arrive around sunset to see daylight, dusk and night views in one visit.
Where to eat around the Bund
- Yu Waitan Skyline
- An elevated river view, with crab rice cake and tea jelly. The collected recommendation list gives it 48%; that figure is not an independent vote.
- Bund Family Banquet (Yuyuan branch)
- River views with squirrel fish and red-braised pork. The collected recommendation list gives it 23%; that figure is not an independent vote.
- Li Bai Xie riverside crab noodles
- Crab-roe noodles and window views over the Huangpu. The collected recommendation list gives it 14%; that figure is not an independent vote.
- Xiande Lai
- Crisp pork, soft rice cakes and a sweet-savoury sauce. The collected recommendation list gives it 8%; that figure is not an independent vote.
- Cocina 19 (Bund branch)
- A terrace with an Oriental Pearl Tower view and seafood rice; time limits may apply to view seating. The collected recommendation list gives it 8%; that figure is not an independent vote.
Getting there and avoiding common problems
- Metro and comfortable shoes
- Use East Nanjing Road on Lines 2 or 10, or Tiantong Road on Line 12 for Waibaidu Bridge. Wear comfortable shoes for the long promenade.
- Ignore unsolicited tours
- Do not accept unsolicited cruise or day-tour offers on the street. Use a legitimate ticket channel, protect your belongings and avoid the densest viewpoints at holidays.
- Buildings and rooftops
- For access to particular buildings or rooftops, check the venue's official reservation or ticketing channel in advance.