The Bund (Waitan), Shanghai (must see)
If you want to explore the history of Shanghai as the leading financial hub of modern China, The Bund is the ideal place to start. Initially serving as a path for towing rice-loaded barges, it eventually became the site of Shanghai's first foreign settlement, evolving into a bustling business district where major banks and trading companies established their presence to take advantage of the emerging trading opportunities.
In its heyday, The Bund also hosted the Russian and British consulates, as well as the English club and the Masonic lodge. Prior to the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, the area featured numerous statues of notable colonial and European figures. These have since been replaced by a bronze statue of Chen Yi (Shanghai's first mayor after the communist takeover) and a Monument to the People鈥檚 Heroes at the northern end.
During the 1990s, The Bund underwent restoration, showcasing a waterfront adorned with a variety of buildings representing the architectural styles of nations that once sought to be involved in Shanghai's development.
The western section of The Bund boasts older colonial-style architecture, prominently featuring the neo-classical Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation building and the Signal Tower, formerly maintained by the Jesuits to aid local shipping. For many locals, this area serves as a reminder of a century of foreign dominance. In the present golden age, however, it has transformed into a vibrant hub for top-notch dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Set against the backdrop of the now-famous Shanghai skyline, adorned with iconic skyscrapers of various shapes, heights, and colors, The Bund is particularly breathtaking after sunset when all the lights illuminate the area. Be sure to visit before 10pm, as some of the lights are turned off after that time.
Tip:
If you're out taking a stroll along The Bund, make way to the high-ground part beside the river for a better look at the two sides of the promenade. Otherwise, climb to the observation deck of one of the high towers to the east of the Huangpu River and see the whole stretch of the riverfront from up there. A sight not to be missed!
In its heyday, The Bund also hosted the Russian and British consulates, as well as the English club and the Masonic lodge. Prior to the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, the area featured numerous statues of notable colonial and European figures. These have since been replaced by a bronze statue of Chen Yi (Shanghai's first mayor after the communist takeover) and a Monument to the People鈥檚 Heroes at the northern end.
During the 1990s, The Bund underwent restoration, showcasing a waterfront adorned with a variety of buildings representing the architectural styles of nations that once sought to be involved in Shanghai's development.
The western section of The Bund boasts older colonial-style architecture, prominently featuring the neo-classical Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation building and the Signal Tower, formerly maintained by the Jesuits to aid local shipping. For many locals, this area serves as a reminder of a century of foreign dominance. In the present golden age, however, it has transformed into a vibrant hub for top-notch dining, entertainment, and shopping.
Set against the backdrop of the now-famous Shanghai skyline, adorned with iconic skyscrapers of various shapes, heights, and colors, The Bund is particularly breathtaking after sunset when all the lights illuminate the area. Be sure to visit before 10pm, as some of the lights are turned off after that time.
Tip:
If you're out taking a stroll along The Bund, make way to the high-ground part beside the river for a better look at the two sides of the promenade. Otherwise, climb to the observation deck of one of the high towers to the east of the Huangpu River and see the whole stretch of the riverfront from up there. A sight not to be missed!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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The Bund (Waitan) on Map
Sight Name: The Bund (Waitan)
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The term "bund" was borrowed into English from Hindi and originally referred to a dyke or embankment. The Chinese name for the Bund is unrelated in origin: it literally means "outer bank", and distinguishes this part of the riverfront from the "inner bank" adjacent to the Old Town... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
The Old Town of Shanghai, historically the heart of the city, is a part of Shanghai's urban core. Shanghai's importance as a trade hub led to its elevation to county status in 1292. In 1554, during the Ming Dynasty, the area was surrounded by protective walls to safeguard against Japanese pirate raids and remained so until 1912, when the walls were dismantled.
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
During the colonial era,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the 鈥渇ace of modern China.鈥� Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local shops and procuring something truly original to bring home as a souvenir would be a pity. Indeed, souvenir shopping in Shanghai is an exciting experience.
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu 鈥� Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare 鈥� is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Nanjing Road, commonly known as Nanjing Lu 鈥� Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare 鈥� is a popular destination in Shanghai. Here, you can find a plethora of shops and boutiques... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...