Waibaidu Bridge - timelapse photo of red light on bridge
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Waibaidu Bridge

4.5
·286 reviews·, China

China's first all-steel bridge, offering stunning skyline views and a vibrant LED light show at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Waibaidu Bridge - timelapse photo of red light on bridge

Waibaidu Bridge

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

China's first all-steel bridge, offering stunning skyline views and a vibrant LED light show at night.

4.5
(286 reviews)

"One of the best spots on The Bund to avoid crowds and enjoy beautiful skyline views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond The Bund

Venture across the bridge for quieter embankments with gardens & cafes.

✨ Capture the Night Glow

The bridge and skyline light up beautifully after dark.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Historic Steel Truss Design

Historic Steel Truss Design

Spanning Suzhou Creek

China's first all-steel bridge, a testament to early 20th-century engineering and Shanghai's industrial past.

Panoramic Skyline Views

Panoramic Skyline Views

From the bridge and embankment

Breathtaking vistas of the Huangpu River and Pudong's futuristic skyline, contrasting with the bridge's historical charm.

Vibrant Nighttime Illumination

Vibrant Nighttime Illumination

The bridge itself

A dazzling display of colorful LED lights that transform the bridge into a radiant spectacle after sunset.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for the Best Views

While the Waibaidu Bridge is a must-see, it can get busy. For a more serene experience and better photo opportunities, consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays. Many visitors suggest exploring the area around the bridge to find quieter spots with equally stunning skyline views. Instagram

Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle

The Waibaidu Bridge truly comes alive after dark. Its colorful LED lighting system creates a magical atmosphere, reflecting beautifully on the Suzhou Creek. This is when the bridge and surrounding buildings put on a dazzling display, offering a different perspective than daytime visits. Instagram

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Evenings
Why
Magical light show
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

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@alotoftravel
61.8K likes • 1.7M views

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond The Bund

Venture across the bridge for quieter embankments with gardens & cafes. Instagram

✨ Capture the Night Glow

The bridge and skyline light up beautifully after dark. Instagram

1 for one river. The Huangpu River, bridging the flow of Shanghai and connecting the heart of the city. Please follow us for more magic numbers in Shanghai. See you in the next episode.#Shanghai1to9 #ShanghaiLetsMeet
@ceairglobal
37.7K likes • 588K views
The best night views I could ever have near the Waibaidu Bridge. It’s cloudy today, so I did not see the reflections of the golden sunset glows over the Suzhou Creek. But but but, I did enjoy a different night vibes there. A perfect evening walk. 🚶‍♀️ #shanghaieye #shanghai #shanghaicity #shanghaichina #shanghainight #shanghainights #shanghaistreets #shanghaiphoto #shanghaiist #shanghainese #shan...
shanghaieye
1.2K likes • 23K views

📸 Photo Spot Gem

A top 5 photo spot in Shanghai, offering unique perspectives. Instagram

👟 Perfect for a Stroll

Ideal for an evening walk or part of a running route along Suzhou Creek. Instagram

Sharing my daily running route in Shanghai 🏃🏻‍♀️ Places to check out along the Suzhou Creek: 📍Waibaidu Bridge 📍Rockbund 📍Zhaopulu Bridge 📍Shanghai General Post Office 📍Shenyu Lane 📍Fotografiska #chinatravel #chinatrip #thetravelingqipao #shanghaicity
thetravelingqipao
1.1K likes • 37.8K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Explore Beyond The Bund

Venture across the bridge for quieter embankments with gardens & cafes. Instagram

✨ Capture the Night Glow

The bridge and skyline light up beautifully after dark. Instagram

📸 Photo Spot Gem

A top 5 photo spot in Shanghai, offering unique perspectives. Instagram

👟 Perfect for a Stroll

Ideal for an evening walk or part of a running route along Suzhou Creek. Instagram

💰 Free to Visit

Enjoy the iconic views and historical significance without an admission fee. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(286 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Waibaidu Bridge as a fantastic spot for skyline views, often highlighting its beauty at night when illuminated by colorful LEDs. Many appreciate it as a less crowded alternative to other parts of The Bund, offering a more relaxed experience. Some find it less grand than expected but still a worthwhile part of a city walk.

"In my opinion, this is definitely one of the best spots on The Bund if you want to avoid the crowds but still enjoy a beautiful view. It's a great location to take in the skyline without feeling overwhelmed by the crowds in other parts of The Bund.

Also, make sure to check out Yuan Ming Yuan Lu Road—it’s a really charming area and a lovely part of the city to explore."

Luka Calic

"Waibaidu Bridge (中文: 外白渡桥) The Waibaidu Bridge is a steel bridge on Suzhou Creek in Central Shanghai, connecting the Huangpu and Hongkou Districts, where the Suzhou creek flows into the Huangpu River. It is a 107-metre-long steel truss bridge with two 52-metre spans. It was the first true steel truss bridge in China and the only surviving example of a camelback truss bridge in China. With its rich history and unique design, the Waibaidu Bridge is one of the symbols of shanghai and its modern ad industrial image, and may be regarded as the city's trademark bridge."

Cocowlyn

"Nothing special but good to go as part of a walk in the city or around the Bund area. The bridge on google maps looks more significant by the way it’s symbolically mapped out but is in reality not as grand or large. The buildings and bridge light up at night in different colours and you can look out to see the skyscrapers."

--

What People Like

Beautiful night views
Less crowded than The Bund
Historic architecture

What People Dislike

Not as grand as expected

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Waibaidu Bridge is easily accessible by public transport. You can take the Shanghai Metro to stations like Nanjing Road East (Lines 2 & 10) or Tiantong Road (Lines 10 & 12) and then enjoy a short walk. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. TikTok

Yes, the Waibaidu Bridge is located at the northern end of The Bund, where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu River. It's a natural extension of a Bund walk and offers a different perspective. Reddit

Absolutely! Walking across the bridge is a popular activity, offering great views of both the historic buildings on The Bund and the modern Pudong skyline. Instagram

Many visitors enjoy walking along the Suzhou Creek embankment, which has been developed with gardens and cafes. It's also a great starting point for exploring the Rockbund area. InstagramReddit

While there might be some parking options in the vicinity, it's generally recommended to use public transportation due to potential traffic and limited availability in the central Shanghai area. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Waibaidu Bridge is a public landmark and is free to visit. You can walk across it and enjoy the surrounding views without any admission fee. Reddit

The bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, the surrounding areas and businesses may have specific operating hours. Instagram

Yes, many Shanghai city tours and Bund-focused excursions will include a stop or pass by the Waibaidu Bridge, especially those highlighting historical architecture or night views. TikTok

Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the bridge itself. However, always be mindful of local regulations and any temporary event-related closures. Reddit

Yes, the bridge is open around the clock. However, the experience is vastly different between day and night due to the lighting and atmosphere. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

For stunning photos, aim for the 'golden hour' just before sunset or during the blue hour after sunset when the city lights begin to twinkle. Nighttime offers a dramatic, illuminated cityscape. Instagram+1

Try capturing the bridge with the Pudong skyline in the background, or focus on the intricate steel structure itself. The embankment on the other side of the creek offers a great vantage point for wider shots. Instagram

The entire embankment along Suzhou Creek offers excellent photo opportunities. The Rockbund area also provides unique architectural backdrops. Instagram+1

Drone usage in Shanghai is heavily regulated, especially in central areas like The Bund. It's advisable to check current regulations and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone. TikTok

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and bridge. For night shots, a tripod will help achieve sharp images. Instagram

🎫 🚶‍♀️ Onsite Experience

You can stroll across the bridge, admire the architecture, and take in the views. The surrounding Suzhou Creek embankment has been revitalized with gardens, cafes, and restaurants, making it a pleasant area to explore. InstagramReddit

It can get quite busy, especially in the evenings and on weekends, as it's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Visiting during weekdays or early mornings can offer a less crowded experience. InstagramReddit

It's significant as China's first all-steel bridge and a surviving example of a camelback truss bridge, symbolizing Shanghai's modern and industrial image. Reddit

Yes, the revitalized embankment along Suzhou Creek features several cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines and great views. Instagram

The bridge itself has ramps, making it generally accessible. The surrounding embankments are also well-maintained, though some areas might have stairs. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Waibaidu Bridge offers a visually stimulating experience for families. The colorful lights at night are particularly captivating for children, turning the bridge into a magical spectacle. Instagram The surrounding developed embankment provides space for kids to move around, and the presence of cafes means you can easily grab a snack or drink. Instagram It's a great spot for a family stroll, offering a glimpse into Shanghai's history and modern marvels without requiring extensive walking or complex logistics. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

The Waibaidu Bridge is an excellent destination for budget-conscious travelers as it's completely free to visit. Reddit You can enjoy iconic views of the Shanghai skyline and the historic bridge without spending a dime on admission. Reddit Pack some snacks or enjoy affordable local eateries along the Suzhou Creek embankment to keep costs down while still experiencing a key Shanghai landmark. Instagram

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Waibaidu Bridge is a prime location. The combination of historic architecture and the modern Pudong skyline offers diverse shooting opportunities. Instagram Aim for the golden hour or blue hour for dramatic lighting, and don't miss the vibrant LED light show at night. Instagram Exploring the Suzhou Creek embankment provides unique angles and compositions, making it a must-visit for capturing Shanghai's essence. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Bridge Through Time: The History of Waibaidu

The Waibaidu Bridge, also known as the Garden Bridge, is more than just a crossing; it's a historical landmark that has witnessed Shanghai's dramatic transformation. Completed in 1908, it holds the distinction of being China's first all-steel bridge and is the sole surviving example of a camelback truss bridge in the country. Its robust steel framework and long span embody an industrial elegance that has endured over a century of urban evolution. Reddit

This iconic structure connects the bustling Bund area with the Hongkou district, spanning the Suzhou Creek where it flows into the Huangpu River. Its presence symbolizes Shanghai's modern and industrial image, making it a true trademark of the city. Walking across its sturdy beams offers a tangible connection to the past, a stark contrast to the futuristic skyline it overlooks. Reddit

While its historical significance is profound, the bridge also serves as a crucial point for appreciating the city's dual identity. It bridges not only two districts but also Shanghai's rich history with its dynamic present. Reddit

Capturing the Magic: Photography at Waibaidu Bridge

Waibaidu Bridge is a photographer's delight, offering a unique blend of historical architecture and a breathtaking modern skyline. For the best shots, timing is key. Early mornings provide a tranquil atmosphere and soft light, ideal for capturing the bridge's details without crowds. However, many find the evening and nighttime to be the most spectacular. Instagram

As dusk settles, the bridge itself illuminates with a vibrant colorful LED lighting system, creating a dazzling spectacle that reflects beautifully on the Suzhou Creek. This is when the contrast between the historic bridge and the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong, including the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower, is most dramatic. Instagram+1

Beyond the bridge itself, the surrounding Suzhou Creek embankment has been developed into a charming promenade. Explore this area for different vantage points, capturing the bridge with the cityscape as a backdrop, or focusing on the intricate steelwork. Instagram Many recommend the Rockbund area for its unique architectural views that complement the bridge. Instagram

Beyond the Bridge: Exploring the Suzhou Creek Embankment

While the Waibaidu Bridge is the star, the revitalized Suzhou Creek embankment offers a delightful extension to your visit. This area has been transformed into a pleasant promenade, featuring gardens, cafes, and restaurants, providing a more relaxed atmosphere compared to the busier parts of The Bund. InstagramReddit

Visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of the city from a different perspective. It's a perfect spot for a coffee break or a meal with a view, allowing you to soak in the urban ambiance. The development here has created a charming space that complements the historical significance of the bridge. Instagram

This area is also a popular choice for daily runs or walks, as highlighted by some travelers. Instagram It offers a well-maintained path that allows you to explore further along the creek, discovering hidden gems and enjoying the evolving cityscape at your own pace. Reddit

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