The Bund Ferry Pier, Shanghai - Image 1
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The Bund Ferry Pier Shanghai

4.4
·189 reviews·, China

Shanghai's iconic waterfront, blending historic European architecture with a dazzling futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Dazzling light show

CrowdHigh
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The Bund Ferry Pier, Shanghai - Image 1

The Bund Ferry Pier Shanghai

Best Time

Evenings

Dazzling light show

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Shanghai's iconic waterfront, blending historic European architecture with a dazzling futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.

4.4
(189 reviews)

"Sailing on the river between old and new Shanghai city."

Vertical photo
TIP

📸 Capture the Skyline

The Bund offers incredible photo ops, especially at night!

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverfront to soak in the views.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Bund Waterfront Promenade

The Bund Waterfront Promenade

Huangpu Riverfront

Stroll along this historic promenade, marveling at colonial architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline.

Pudong Skyline at Night

Pudong Skyline at Night

Across the Huangpu River from The Bund

Witness the breathtaking illumination of iconic skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl TV Tower.

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Under the Huangpu River

Experience a kitschy, neon-lit journey across the river with quirky visual effects.

Historic European Architecture

Historic European Architecture

The Bund's western side

Admire the grandeur of early 20th-century buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle

The Bund truly comes alive after dark with a dazzling light show illuminating the Pudong skyline. Plan your visit for the evening to witness this iconic spectacle. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot along the waterfront.

Ferry vs. Tunnel: Your Huangpu Crossing

Decide how you'll cross the Huangpu River. The Bund Ferry is a cheap, quick local option offering river views,Reddit while the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a quirky, neon-lit experience.TikTok Consider your priorities: budget and views, or a unique, albeit kitschy, adventure.

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Dazzling light show
Crowd
High
When
Early Mornings
Why
Jogging and fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays
Why
Slightly fewer crowds
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

In China, you don’t just cross a river. You cross into ✨hyperspace✨ Has anyone done this? 📍The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, Shanghai, China If you’re going to The Bund in Shanghai, you may as well cross the Huangpu River in trippy, spacey style which takes you to the Pudong side and you’ll pop up right beneath the Pearl Tower ✌️ #shanghai #thebund #china #asia #asiatravel #chinatravel
@hangrybynature
106.2K likes • 964.3K views

📸 Capture the Skyline

The Bund offers incredible photo ops, especially at night! TikTok+2

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverfront to soak in the views. TikTok+1

Thượng Hải không bao giờ ngủ , thủ phủ cũng không xuống đèn #shanghai #dulichtrungquoc #tr #thebund
@tramdulichdoday
64.3K likes • 721.1K views
Shanghai is so unreal😭 #fyp #fypシ゚viral #china #chinatiktok #chinalife #explorchina #chinesedrama #lifeinchina #shanghai #shanghaispecial #thebund #travel #traveltiktok #douyin #chinatravel #traveltok
@nadivaacitra
64K likes • 850.5K views

🚢 River Crossing Options

Choose the cheap ferry Reddit for views or the Bund Tunnel for a unique ride. TikTok

💡 Consider North Bund

Some find the North Bund offers a less crowded, equally stunning view. TikTok

🌃 When Shanghai lights up, dreams take flight. The Bund's spectacular light show—where history dazzles with modern magic.#Shanghai #Travel #TravelTips #LightShow #ShanghaiNights
@chinascapelens
25.4K likes • 183.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Skyline

The Bund offers incredible photo ops, especially at night! TikTok+2

🚶‍♀️ Stroll the Promenade

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the riverfront to soak in the views. TikTok+1

🚢 River Crossing Options

Choose the cheap ferry Reddit for views or the Bund Tunnel for a unique ride. TikTok

💡 Consider North Bund

Some find the North Bund offers a less crowded, equally stunning view. TikTok

⚠️ Be Aware of Scams

Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially around tourist areas. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.4
(189 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors rave about The Bund's stunning views, especially the iconic Pudong skyline illuminated at night. The historic architecture on the Puxi side offers a fascinating contrast. Many appreciate the affordable ferry crossing and the vibrant atmosphere, though some find the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel a bit kitschy.

"Good place to see the sightseeing of lots of iconic Shanghai Towers. It's also a good place to have a morning jogging."

Agi Febrian Trihadijaya

"What a perfect service!!!
Punctuality, cleanliness and modernity!"

Renata Bueno Miranda

"Sailing on the river between old and new shanghai city"

wijdan hafizhan

What People Like

Spectacular skyline views
Historic architecture
Affordable ferry crossing

What People Dislike

Kitschy tunnel experience
Crowded at peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Pudong Airport (PVG), you can take the MagLev to Longyang Road station, then transfer to the metro or a taxi to reach The Bund. Translating your destination address into Mandarin is highly recommended for taxi drivers. Reddit

For a budget-friendly and scenic option, take the local ferry, which is quick and used by locals.Reddit Alternatively, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique, albeit touristy, experience with light effects. TikTok

Yes, The Bund is well-served by public transport. Several metro lines have stations within walking distance, and numerous bus routes also stop nearby.

Depending on your starting point, The Bund is walkable from areas like Nanjing Road. It's a pleasant walk, especially if you enjoy urban exploration.

The Bund is the classic waterfront with historic buildings facing the Pudong skyline. The North Bund offers a similar, often less crowded, perspective with modern developments and great views. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, The Bund itself is a public promenade and free to access. You only need tickets for specific attractions like the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or river cruises.

The Bund promenade is accessible 24/7. However, the light show typically runs from 7 PM to 10 PM, and specific buildings or attractions will have their own hours.

Ticket prices for the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel can vary, but it's generally an inexpensive experience. It's best to check current prices upon arrival.

The exteriors of the historic buildings are visible from the promenade and are free to admire. Entry into these buildings for tours or specific businesses will have their own admission fees.

Tickets for Huangpu River cruises can be purchased at various piers along The Bund or in advance through online travel platforms.

📸 📸 Photography

The Bund is stunning at any time, but sunset and nighttime offer the most dramatic views with the illuminated Pudong skyline. TikTok+1

The entire Bund promenade offers excellent vantage points. For unique angles, consider the North Bund or specific piers along the river. TikTok

While you can take photos inside the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, the experience is more about the visual effects than capturing high-quality images. TikTok

Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, be mindful of private property and any specific signage regarding photography inside buildings or on certain tours.

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and architecture. A tripod can be beneficial for low-light photography at night. TikTok

🎫 🌃 Nightlife & Evening Activities

The Bund light show typically runs nightly from 7 PM to 10 PM, illuminating the Pudong skyline with vibrant colors. TikTok+1

Yes, many restaurants and bars along The Bund offer spectacular views of the Pudong skyline, though they can be pricey.

Enjoying the light show, taking a nighttime river cruise, or simply strolling along the promenade are popular evening activities. TikTok+1

The Bund is generally safe at night due to its popularity and police presence. However, as with any crowded area, be aware of your surroundings.

Absolutely! The Oriental Pearl TV Tower is one of the most iconic structures visible from The Bund, especially when lit up at night. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Bund offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel can be a fun, albeit quirky, adventure for children with its flashing lights and music.TikTok The Bund Ferry is also a great option, providing a short, exciting boat ride across the river that kids often enjoy. Seeing the tall buildings and the bright lights at night is usually a hit with younger visitors. Remember to keep an eye on children, especially in crowded areas and near the water's edge.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Bund is a photographer's paradise, especially during the golden hour and after dark. The iconic skyline of Pudong offers endless composition opportunities, from wide-angle shots of the entire panorama to details of the historic architecture on The Bund itself.TikTok+1 Consider bringing a tripod for low-light shots of the illuminated buildings. The North Bund is also gaining popularity among photographers for its slightly different perspective and potentially fewer crowds.TikTok

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Bund promenade itself is free to access, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity. For crossing the Huangpu River, the local ferry is the most economical option, costing significantly less than the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel or a dedicated river cruise.Reddit Enjoying the free light show at night is also a fantastic way to experience the city's magic without spending a dime.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Navigating the Huangpu River: Ferry vs. Tunnel

Crossing the Huangpu River between Puxi (where The Bund is located) and Pudong is a quintessential Shanghai experience. For a truly local and economical option, the Bund Ferry is highly recommended. It's incredibly cheap, fast (taking only 3-5 minutes), and offers fantastic views of both the historic Bund architecture and the modern Pudong skyline.Reddit Many locals use this service daily, making it an authentic part of the Shanghai experience. You can purchase a two-way ticket for convenience.

For those seeking a more novel, albeit tourist-oriented, experience, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique journey. This tunnel utilizes flashing lights, music, and projections to create a somewhat surreal, 'hyperspace' effect as you travel under the river.TikTok While it's a quick ride and certainly memorable, some travelers find it a bit kitschy and less about genuine sightseeing. It's a matter of preference: the practical charm of the ferry or the quirky novelty of the tunnel.

When choosing, consider what you want from the crossing. If you're on a budget and want authentic local transport with great views, the ferry is the clear winner. If you're looking for a fun, slightly bizarre experience to talk about, the tunnel might be for you. Both offer a way to connect the historic Puxi side with the futuristic Pudong side of Shanghai.

The Bund's Architectural Tapestry

The Bund is renowned for its stunning collection of early 20th-century buildings, a testament to Shanghai's history as an international financial hub. These structures, many built in the Art Deco, Neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts styles, were once the headquarters of foreign banks and trading houses. Walking along the promenade feels like stepping back in time, with each building telling a story of Shanghai's colonial past.

Key architectural highlights include the former HSBC Building, known for its grand dome, and the Peace Hotel, a landmark of Art Deco elegance. The sheer variety and preservation of these buildings create a unique juxtaposition with the ultra-modern Pudong skyline visible across the river. Many of these buildings now house luxury hotels, high-end shops, and restaurants, allowing visitors to experience their grandeur from within.

For history buffs and architecture enthusiasts, dedicating time to simply observe and appreciate these facades is a must. The contrast between the European-inspired architecture of The Bund and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong is a visual representation of Shanghai's dynamic evolution. TikTok+1

Experiencing Shanghai's Iconic Nightscape

Shanghai's skyline, particularly the Pudong side viewed from The Bund, is world-famous for its dazzling nighttime illumination. As dusk settles, the skyscrapers transform into a canvas of light, creating a breathtaking spectacle that draws crowds nightly. The Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, and the World Financial Center are among the most prominent structures that light up the night sky.TikTok+1

The Bund light show is a coordinated display of colors and patterns that dance across the buildings, synchronized with music. It's a truly mesmerizing experience that captures the vibrant energy of modern Shanghai. Many visitors recommend arriving before sunset to secure a good vantage point along the promenade and witness the transition from day to night. TikTok

Beyond the light show, simply strolling along The Bund after dark offers a magical ambiance. The reflections of the city lights on the Huangpu River add another layer of beauty to the scene. For an even more immersive experience, consider a nighttime river cruise, which provides unparalleled views of both The Bund and the Pudong skyline from the water. TikTok+1