The Bund 外滩

The Bund is a waterfront district in Shanghai's Huangpu District, running for about 1.5 kilometres along the west bank of the Huangpu River. It is one of China's most significant urban ensembles and a revealing record of the city's development. Its long row of buildings gathers many architectural styles into a single, memorable streetscape. The historic area covers roughly 101 hectares and is widely regarded as the starting point of modern Shanghai's urban history.

Walking here, you see 52 classical-style buildings of varied design, often known as the Bund's international architecture exhibition. Many were built as banks, trading houses, hotels and offices, reflecting Shanghai's former role as a financial centre and its exchange between Chinese and Western building traditions. Their forms, heights, outlines, materials and colours create a surprisingly harmonious whole. The Bund is also recognised as a major modern heritage site and a national key cultural relic protection unit.

The Bund rewards both a close look at the historic facades and a turn toward the river. Across the Huangpu, the Pudong skyline includes the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and a cluster of new high-rise buildings, while the Bund side keeps its historic character. The contrast brings Shanghai's past, present and future into one view. Nearby, Waibaidu Bridge, completed in 1907, is described as China's first all-steel riveted bridge and remains an iconic sight.

Don't miss

• The 52-building Bund frontage and its varied architectural styles
• Waibaidu Bridge, China's first all-steel riveted bridge
• Peace Hotel, originally Sassoon House, a 1930s landmark
• Pudong skyline views with Oriental Pearl TV Tower and new towers
• The Bund info at Chenyi Square for guides and cultural products

Visiting tips

Start at 'the Bund info' in Chenyi Square for multilingual guides and Huangpu cultural products. Some waterfront terraces accept reservations. Nanjing East Road metro station, served by lines 2 and 10, is useful for the walking route.