The Bund (Waitan) is the iconic mile-long stretch of waterfront promenade along the western bank of the Huangpu River. This haven of heritage design is centered on Zhongshan East 1st Road, lined with a pristine row of 52 historical buildings that once housed the city's most powerful banks and trading houses. Within a few blocks, you can see architectural styles ranging from Beaux-Arts and Gothic Revival to Renaissance and 1920s Art Deco. Stop for an impeccable afternoon tea, browse bespoke tailoring, and sample Michelin-starred dining in meticulously restored heritage dining rooms. Saunter along the elevated riverside walkway for spectacular, unobstructed views of Lujiazui's futuristic skyscrapers across the water. Take a break from the sensory stimulation with a quiet stroll through the beautifully manicured grounds of , the city's oldest and most historically significant public garden.
Don't Miss
- A sunset stroll along the elevated riverfront promenade as the neon lights of Pudong and the warm, golden floodlights of the historic buildings simultaneously turn on
- Exploring the legendary, jazz-filled lobby and Art Deco interiors of the
- A glass of champagne on the rooftop terrace of , offering one of the most glamorous vantage points in the city
How to Get There
The Bund's main pedestrian areas are easily accessible from the heart of downtown Puxi.
If you're traveling via the Shanghai Metro system, take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station. From there, it is a brisk, highly scenic 10-minute walk east along the pedestrian street directly to the waterfront. Alternatively, you can take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel across the river from Lujiazui.
Quick Facts
- The Bund is internationally known as a "museum of buildings," showcasing one of the most impressive collections of Art Deco and neoclassical architecture in the world.
- During the 1920s and 30s, this strip was known as the "Wall Street of the East," serving as the undisputed financial center of Asia.
- The iconic bronze statue of the Bund Bull on the waterfront was designed by Arturo Di Modica, the same artist who created the Wall Street Bull in New York.
Home to Shanghai's most glamorous history
Since the late 19th century, when international trading conglomerates first laid the foundation stones of these grand edifices, The Bund has been an avenue long synonymous with global ambition and roaring-twenties glamour. From the area's storied Peace Hotel Jazz Band to some of the most groundbreaking restorations in global hospitality, The Bund's love of timeless elegance sees the district preserve its soul while catering to the modern, ultra-luxury traveler.
The Bund's unmistakable skyline has been featured throughout cinema as the ultimate symbol of Shanghai's East-meets-West legacy. And while its recent renaissance has brought flagship luxury boutiques and world-renowned chefs, the district hasn't forgotten its monumental roots, ensuring the stone facades remain meticulously preserved.
The Waterfront Promenade—Shanghai's premier viewing deck
The elevated Riverfront Walkway is The Bund's main artery. Stepping up from the street level, you'll immediately see a wide, sweeping esplanade running parallel to the river, offering a stark, awe-inspiring contrast between the heavy stone masonry behind you and the glass-and-steel metropolis of Pudong across the water.
Jam-packed with professional photographers, awestruck tourists, and evening joggers, the promenade is a fascinating melting pot of global travelers and local life that's sure to give you the most quintessential, postcard-perfect view of Shanghai.
Satisfy your appetite for world-class dining
Behind almost every grand brass door are The Bund's celebrated dining rooms pumping out unparalleled culinary experiences. A must-do for epicureans, restored complexes like Three on the Bund and Bund 22 house some of the most highly decorated restaurants in Asia. Whether you're after refined contemporary French cuisine at Mr & Mrs Bund, or world-class modern Asian fare, there's something for every discerning palate.
These glamorous dining rooms are essentially The Bund's hospitality staple, and you can't leave without securing a window table and watching the cargo ships glide down the Huangpu River as you eat.
A paradise for heritage hospitality
The Bund is arguably Shanghai's luxury hospitality capital, and what's a historic waterfront without grand hotels? No matter your aesthetic, you can find an incredible, white-glove experience along this golden mile.
Properties that call the area home include legendary names like the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund—housed in the former Shanghai Club—and the magnificent Peninsula Shanghai. If you're hoping for something with a more intimate, boutique feel, be sure to check out the meticulously designed Swatch Art Peace Hotel, which regularly hosts international artists-in-residence.
Taking to the backstreets
Thanks to its monumental impact on global trade and tourism, the main waterfront of Zhongshan East 1st Road is a major hotspot. Though the atmosphere here is majestic, if you really want to immerse yourself in the quieter, creative side of the district, don't be afraid to wander one block west.
If you head to the "second row" of The Bund onto streets like Sichuan Middle Road or Yuanmingyuan Road, you'll find the Rockbund area—a network of beautifully restored, red-brick avenues connecting some of the most impressive contemporary art galleries (like the Rockbund Art Museum), independent coffee roasters, and boutique design firms in all of Shanghai. Stepping into this quieter, pedestrian-friendly enclave offers a serene, highly curated alternative to the bustling waterfront.
