The Bund Ferry Pier Shanghai
Shanghai's iconic waterfront, blending historic European architecture with a dazzling futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Dazzling light show
The Bund Ferry Pier Shanghai
Best Time
Dazzling light show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Shanghai's iconic waterfront, blending historic European architecture with a dazzling futuristic skyline across the Huangpu River.
"Sailing on the river between old and new Shanghai city."
📸 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Bund Waterfront Promenade
Huangpu Riverfront
Stroll along this historic promenade, marveling at colonial architecture and the futuristic Pudong skyline.
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
Under the Huangpu River
Experience a kitschy, neon-lit journey across the river with quirky visual effects.
Historic European Architecture
The Bund's western side
Admire the grandeur of early 20th-century buildings showcasing diverse architectural styles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle
Ferry vs. Tunnel: Your Huangpu Crossing
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 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.
🚢 River Crossing Options
Choose the cheap ferry
for views or the Bund Tunnel for a unique ride.💡 Consider North Bund
Some find the North Bund offers a less crowded, equally stunning view.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 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.
🚢 River Crossing Options
Choose the cheap ferry
for views or the Bund Tunnel for a unique ride.💡 Consider North Bund
Some find the North Bund offers a less crowded, equally stunning view.
⚠️ Be Aware of Scams
Be cautious of unsolicited offers, especially around tourist areas.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
For a budget-friendly and scenic option, take the local ferry, which is quick and used by locals.
Alternatively, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique, albeit touristy, experience with light effects.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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The entire Bund promenade offers excellent vantage points. For unique angles, consider the North Bund or specific piers along the river.
While you can take photos inside the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, the experience is more about the visual effects than capturing high-quality images.
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.
🎫 🌃 Nightlife & Evening Activities
The Bund light show typically runs nightly from 7 PM to 10 PM, illuminating the Pudong skyline with vibrant colors.
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.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Huangpu River: Ferry vs. Tunnel
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. 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
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.
Experiencing Shanghai's Iconic Nightscape
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit