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

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Waibaidu Bridge
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
China's first all-steel bridge, offering stunning skyline views and a vibrant LED light show at night.
"One of the best spots on The Bund to avoid crowds and enjoy beautiful skyline views."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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
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
The bridge itself
A dazzling display of colorful LED lights that transform the bridge into a radiant spectacle after sunset.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Views
Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Photo Spot Gem
A top 5 photo spot in Shanghai, offering unique perspectives.
👟 Perfect for a Stroll
Ideal for an evening walk or part of a running route along Suzhou Creek.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Photo Spot Gem
A top 5 photo spot in Shanghai, offering unique perspectives.
👟 Perfect for a Stroll
Ideal for an evening walk or part of a running route along Suzhou Creek.
💰 Free to Visit
Enjoy the iconic views and historical significance without an admission fee.
What Travellers Say
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."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
The bridge is accessible 24/7 as it's an outdoor public space. However, the surrounding areas and businesses may have specific operating hours.
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.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions for visiting the bridge itself. However, always be mindful of local regulations and any temporary event-related closures.
Yes, the bridge is open around the clock. However, the experience is vastly different between day and night due to the lighting and atmosphere.
📸 📸 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.
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.
The entire embankment along Suzhou Creek offers excellent photo opportunities. The Rockbund area also provides unique architectural backdrops.
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.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive skyline and bridge. For night shots, a tripod will help achieve sharp images.
🎫 🚶♀️ 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the revitalized embankment along Suzhou Creek features several cafes and restaurants offering various cuisines and great views.
The bridge itself has ramps, making it generally accessible. The surrounding embankments are also well-maintained, though some areas might have stairs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Bridge Through Time: The History of Waibaidu
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.
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.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Waibaidu Bridge
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.
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. Many recommend the Rockbund area for its unique architectural views that complement the bridge.
Beyond the Bridge: Exploring the Suzhou Creek Embankment
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.
This area is also a popular choice for daily runs or walks, as highlighted by some travelers. 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.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit