The Bund
A historic waterfront promenade showcasing Shanghai's colonial past and futuristic skyline, dazzling at night.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant stroll
The Bund
Best Time
Fewer crowds, pleasant stroll
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historic waterfront promenade showcasing Shanghai's colonial past and futuristic skyline, dazzling at night.
"Walking along the river with the old European buildings on one side and the futuristic skyline on the other feels surreal."
🌅 Sunrise Stroll
Catch the sunrise for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:
🚢 River Cruise Magic
Take a night cruise for unparalleled views of the illuminated skyline. :ferry:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Colonial Architecture
West side of the Bund
Marvel at grand European-style buildings, a testament to Shanghai's colonial past.
Pudong Skyline
Across the Huangpu River
Gaze at the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, a dazzling contrast to the historic Bund.
Huangpu River Cruise
Huangpu River
Experience the Bund and Pudong from the water for a unique perspective, especially at night.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Evening Illumination Schedule
Navigating the Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Sunrise Stroll
Catch the sunrise for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:
🚢 River Cruise Magic
Take a night cruise for unparalleled views of the illuminated skyline. :ferry:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The contrast between old and new architecture makes for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walk
The promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, soak in the atmosphere. :athletic_shoe:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Stroll
Catch the sunrise for a peaceful experience before the crowds arrive. :sunriseovermountains:
🚢 River Cruise Magic
Take a night cruise for unparalleled views of the illuminated skyline. :ferry:
📸 Photo Ops Galore
The contrast between old and new architecture makes for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Embrace the Walk
The promenade is perfect for a leisurely walk, soak in the atmosphere. :athletic_shoe:
💡 Lights On/Off
Lights are typically on from 6 PM to 11 PM. Plan accordingly for the best views. :light_bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise The Bund for its stunning architectural contrast between historic European buildings and the futuristic Pudong skyline, especially when illuminated at night. The river cruises are highly recommended for a unique perspective. While the crowds can be significant, particularly in the evenings, the magical atmosphere and breathtaking views make it a must-visit Shanghai landmark.
"The area has good vibes, it’s probably filled with tourists and shops when you can find souvenirs. The buildings depict old European architecture and across the water you could find high rise buildings lit up with multi colors.
Easily accessible from the city, direct train from the city and both airports."
roni jose
"It was so nice, must go place in Shanghai. They turn on the light at 6 pm (not sure) and turn off at 11 pm: so beautiful. I recommend to take the river cruise as well, you can immerse with these beautiful light decorations.
If you are a foreigner, and be prepared to pleasantly surprised by the locals, they are so curious and I wanted to talk even though they don’t talk a single word of English, they may ask for photos with you, that is completely normal."
Pasindu Ranasinghe
"If you come at night its magical, the view of the skyline is next level amazing, best to come after 9-10 pm otherwise it will be hard to walk around with so many tourists (keep in mind they turn off the lights at about 11pm)
The pictures dont do it justice, you have to come in person to see it!!"
Meir Rapoport
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Bund is easily accessible by public transport. The closest metro stations are Nanjing Road East (Lines 2 & 10) and East Nanjing Road (Lines 2 & 10), both a short walk away. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Many visitors find it convenient to take a direct train from the city or airports.
Yes, The Bund is well-connected by the Shanghai Metro. Nanjing Road East Station (Lines 2 & 10) and East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2 & 10) are the most convenient options, putting you within a short walking distance of the promenade.
Depending on your starting point, walking to The Bund can be feasible. It's a pleasant walk from areas like People's Square or Nanjing Road shopping street, allowing you to experience more of the city en route.
To reach The Bund from Pudong, you can take the metro across the river or opt for a ferry. Alternatively, a Huangpu River cruise offers a scenic journey between the two areas.
While there are parking lots available, they can be expensive and fill up quickly, especially during peak hours. Public transportation is generally recommended for ease of access.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, The Bund promenade itself is a public space and free to access. You can stroll along the waterfront and admire the architecture without any admission fee.
The Bund promenade is open 24/7. However, the iconic building illuminations are typically switched on nightly from around 6 PM to 11 PM.
Viewing the exterior of the historic buildings and the Pudong skyline from the promenade is free. Fees would only apply if you choose to enter any of the buildings or take a river cruise.
The building lights at The Bund are usually turned off around 11 PM. It's best to arrive before 9 PM to enjoy the full spectacle without the densest crowds.
To avoid the largest crowds, visiting on a weekday morning is recommended. Evenings, especially after 9 PM, are very popular for the illuminated skyline, making it quite busy.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire promenade offers fantastic photo opportunities. For the classic view, stand on the Bund facing the Pudong skyline. The colonial buildings on the west side also make for stunning shots, especially during the day.
The Bund is magical at any time, but for photography, consider sunrise for soft light and fewer people, or sunset transitioning into the evening for the dramatic city lights. The night illuminations are a must-capture.
While generally accepted, be mindful and respectful. Some locals might be curious and ask for photos with foreigners, which is considered normal. Always ask for permission if you're taking close-up shots.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and architecture. A tripod can be very useful for low-light photography during the evening illuminations to ensure sharp images.
Generally, photography is allowed. However, be aware of any temporary restrictions or specific rules if you plan to use professional equipment or drones, though this is uncommon for casual visitors.
🎫 🚢 River Cruises & Activities
Absolutely! Many visitors rave about the Huangpu River cruises, especially at night. They offer a unique perspective of the Bund and Pudong skylines, blending historic and modern architecture beautifully.
Most Huangpu River cruises last between 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. A one-hour journey is often recommended as the perfect duration to soak in the views without feeling rushed.
Tickets can be purchased at various piers along the Bund, or in advance online through travel agencies or booking platforms. It's advisable to book a bit ahead, especially for evening cruises.
Daytime cruises offer clear views of the architecture and city, while night cruises provide a spectacular experience with the illuminated skyline, creating a magical atmosphere.
Besides walking and river cruises, you can explore the historic buildings (some house museums or upscale shops), enjoy dining with a view, or simply relax and people-watch.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there aren't many dedicated play areas, the sheer spectacle of the city lights and the open space for walking make it an enjoyable outing. Pack some snacks and drinks, and be prepared for crowds, especially in the evening. A weekday morning visit might be more manageable with very young children.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different times of day: sunrise offers soft, golden light and fewer people, while sunset and the subsequent illumination provide dramatic, vibrant colors. The Huangpu River cruises also offer excellent vantage points for unique compositions. Be prepared for crowds, particularly in the evenings, and consider exploring different angles along the promenade to find your perfect shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architectural Tapestry of The Bund
Across the Huangpu River lies the Pudong skyline, a stark and breathtaking contrast. This area is dominated by ultra-modern skyscrapers, including the iconic Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower (one of the world's tallest buildings), and the Jin Mao Tower. The juxtaposition of the historic Bund architecture with the futuristic Pudong skyline is what makes The Bund such a visually captivating and iconic Shanghai landmark. It perfectly encapsulates the city's rapid development and its blend of old and new.
Many visitors are struck by this visual dialogue between past and future. The river cruise experience is particularly recommended for appreciating this contrast from a unique vantage point, offering panoramic views that highlight the scale and grandeur of both sides of the river.
Experiencing The Bund at Night
To make the most of your evening visit, arriving before 9 PM is advisable to navigate the crowds more easily. The sheer scale and beauty of the illuminated skyline are often described as breathtaking and surreal, with many visitors noting that photos don't quite do it justice.
For an even more immersive experience, consider a Huangpu River night cruise. This allows you to see the lights from the water, offering a different perspective and a chance to truly appreciate the grandeur of the illuminated landmarks. It’s a highly recommended activity for capturing the essence of The Bund at night.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit