The Bund: Complete Walking Guide

# The Bund: Complete Walking Guide

The Bund (外滩) is Shanghai's most iconic attraction - a waterfront promenade showcasing historical colonial architecture against Pudong's futuristic skyline.

## Overview

- **Length:** 1.5 km waterfront

- **Best Time:** Sunset to evening for lights

- **Duration:** 1-2 hours walking

- **Entry:** Free!

- **Crowds:** Expect heavy crowds on weekends

## How to Get There

- **Metro:** East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2, 10)

- Walk 10 minutes east towards the river

- Or take Line 2 to Lujiazui and view from Pudong side

## The Walk (South to North)

### Starting Point: Yan'an Road

Begin at the southern end for a complete experience.

**Notable Buildings:**

1. **No. 27 - Former Chartered Bank**

- Now a restaurant

- Beautiful neoclassical architecture

2. **No. 23 - Bank of China Building**

- Art Deco masterpiece

- Chinese architectural elements

- Rooftop viewing (sometimes open)

3. **No. 18 - Bund 18**

- Luxury shopping and dining

- Iconic white building

- Bar Rouge rooftop bar (great views!)

4. **No. 12 - HSBC Building**

- Most impressive interior

- Stunning ceiling mosaics

- Now Shanghai Pudong Development Bank

5. **No. 3 - Former Union Building**

- Now Waldorf Astoria hotel

- Afternoon tea available

- Historic ballroom

6. **No. 1 - McBain Building**

- Former Asiatic Petroleum Company

- Northern end of the historic section

## Best Photo Spots

### Skyline Views

- **Location:** Any point along the railing

- **Best time:** Blue hour (just after sunset)

- **Pro tip:** Arrive 30 mins before sunset

### Best Selfie Spot

- Near the Meteorological Signal Tower

- Less crowded than main sections

- Great background of both sides

### Night Photography

- Use river cruise lights for foreground

- Long exposure captures light trails

- Tripod recommended (but not required)

## Things to Do

### 1. Evening Light Show

- Starts after dark

- Buildings light up in coordination

- Free to watch from any point

### 2. Huangpu River Cruise

- **Ticket:** ¥100-200

- **Duration:** 30-60 minutes

- **Worth it?** Great for first-time visitors

- Book in advance or buy at ticket booths

### 3. Visit Historical Buildings

- Some open to public

- Former HSBC Building (free entry during business hours)

- Peace Hotel Jazz Bar (historical landmark)

### 4. Cross to Pudong

- Sightseeing tunnel (touristy but fun)

- Ferry (¥2, local experience)

- Metro Line 2 (easiest)

- View The Bund from across the river

## Nearby Attractions

### North End

- **Waibaidu Bridge** - Historic iron bridge

- **Broadway Mansions** - Art Deco hotel

- **Huangpu Park** - First public park in Shanghai

### South End

- **Yuanmingyuan Road** - Bar street

- **Cool Docks** - Modern entertainment complex

### West (Behind The Bund)

- **East Nanjing Road** - Shopping street (10 min walk)

- **Fuzhou Road** - Book market

- **Sichuan Road** - Local food street

## Dining Options

### Budget

- Street food vendors near Metro

- Local restaurants on side streets

### Mid-Range

- **M on the Bund** - Modern Western

- **Lost Heaven** - Yunnan cuisine

### Splurge

- **Sir Elly's** - Peninsula Hotel, 14th floor

- **Jean-Georges** - Three on the Bund

- **Mr & Mrs Bund** - Paul Pairet's French

### Bars

- **Bar Rouge** - Bund 18, rooftop

- **Vue Bar** - Hyatt on the Bund, 32nd floor

- **Peace Hotel Jazz Bar** - Historic venue

## Pro Tips

### Timing

- **Morning (7-9 AM):** Empty, great for photos, but buildings not lit

- **Afternoon (2-5 PM):** Crowded but good light

- **Evening (7-9 PM):** Most crowded but most beautiful

- **Night (After 10 PM):** Quieter, lights still on

### Avoid Scams

- Be wary of people offering tours or tea ceremonies

- Don't follow strangers to art galleries

- Use official cruise ticket booths

### Accessibility

- Fully wheelchair accessible

- Benches throughout

- Public restrooms at both ends

### What to Bring

- Comfortable shoes (cobblestones)

- Camera/phone fully charged

- Light jacket (breezy by river)

- Patience for crowds

### Weather Considerations

- Summer: Very hot and humid, go evening

- Winter: Cold winds from river

- Rainy days: Still atmospheric but slippery

- Pollution: Check AQI before visiting

## Photography Tips

- Arrive at sunset for best light

- Use portrait mode for architecture

- Panorama mode for skyline

- Include river/people for scale

- HDR mode for night shots

## Hidden Gems

1. **Meteorological Signal Tower**

- Historic weather station

- Can enter (small fee)

- 360° views

2. **Former British Consulate**

- Beautiful grounds

- Less touristy

- Near southern end

3. **Bund Sightseeing Tunnel**

- Kitsch but unique

- Connects both sides

- Experience once

## Making the Most of Your Visit

**Half-Day Itinerary:**

1. Start at East Nanjing Road Metro (11 AM)

2. Walk down Nanjing Road to The Bund

3. Walk The Bund south to north (1 hour)

4. Enter HSBC Building to see interior

5. Lunch at nearby restaurant

6. Cross to Pudong via Metro

7. View The Bund from Oriental Pearl Tower or riverside

8. Return at sunset for evening lights

The Bund is the heart of Shanghai's story - where old meets new, East meets West. Take your time, soak it in, and don't forget to look back at the Pudong skyline!

**Enjoy The View! 🌃**