Shanghai The Bund Travel Guide —China's Most Classic City Landmark, Where Global Architecture Meets Modern Prosperity I. Introduction to The Bund

The Bund is one of Shanghai's most iconic attractions, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River. It stretches approximately 1.5 kilometers from Yan'an East Road in the south to Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou Creek in the north. It gathers 52 classical buildings of various styles (Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, etc.), known as the 'Exposition of World Architecture.' Across the river, the Lujiazui financial district boasts a cluster of skyscrapers (Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Shanghai Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, etc.), creating a perfect contrast between classical and modern. Best Visiting Time: - Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November): Pleasant weather, suitable for strolling and photography. - Summer (June-August): Cool evenings, enjoy The Bund light show (starts at 8:00 PM). - Winter (December-February): May be colder, but fewer crowds, suitable for a quiet visit. --- II. Transportation Guide (How to Get to The Bund) 1. Arriving by Plane (Shanghai Pudong/Hongqiao Airport) - Pudong International Airport → The Bund - Metro Line 2 (approx. 60 minutes): Pudong Airport → Nanjing East Road Station (10-minute walk to The Bund). - Maglev + Metro (faster): Maglev (8 minutes to Longyang Road) → Transfer to Metro Line 2 → Nanjing East Road Station. - Taxi (approx. 1 hour, cost 150-200 RMB). - Hongqiao International Airport/Railway Station → The Bund - Metro Line 10 → Nanjing East Road Station (approx. 40 minutes). - Taxi (approx. 40 minutes, cost 80-100 RMB). 2. Arriving by High-Speed Rail/Train (Shanghai Railway Station/Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station/Shanghai South Railway Station) - Shanghai Railway Station → The Bund: Metro Line 1 → People's Square Station → Transfer to Line 2 → Nanjing East Road Station (approx. 20 minutes). - Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station → The Bund: Metro Line 2 or Line 10 (approx. 40 minutes). - Shanghai South Railway Station → The Bund: Metro Line 1 → People's Square Station → Transfer to Line 2 → Nanjing East Road Station (approx. 40 minutes). 3. City Transportation - Metro: Most convenient, Nanjing East Road Station (Lines 2/10) is a 5-minute walk to The Bund. - Bus: Multiple bus routes available (e.g., Route 20, Route 37, etc.). - Taxi/Ride-hailing: City center is congested, metro is recommended. --- III. Recommended The Bund Itineraries Classic Route (2-3 hours) 1. Waibaidu Bridge (Starting Point) → Photo op, filming location for the TV series 'Romance in the Rain'. 2. The Bund's Exposition of World Architecture (South → North): Admire classical buildings, recommended key visits: - Peace Hotel (Sassoon House): A symbol of old Shanghai luxury. - Customs House (Clock Tower): Classic bell chimes. - HSBC Building (now Pudong Development Bank): Stunning interior dome murals (requires reservation for entry). - The Bund Origin (Yuanmingyuan Road): A more niche cluster of century-old buildings. 3. Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street: Shopping + snacks (10-minute walk). 4. The Bund Observation Deck (Northern Section): Best angle to enjoy Lujiazui's night view. Advanced Route (Half-day - 1 day) - The Bund + Lujiazui (recommended to go in the evening for sunset + night view): - Walk/take a ferry (2 RMB) to Lujiazui, ascend the Oriental Pearl TV Tower or Shanghai Tower Observation Deck for a panoramic view of the city. - Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street shopping (time-honored brands: Shen Dacheng, Shao Wansheng). - Yuyuan Garden + City God Temple (old Shanghai charm, approx. 15 minutes by metro from The Bund). --- IV. The Bund Food Recommendations (Dining in Shanghai) 1. Restaurants Near The Bund (High-end/Specialty) - Peace Hotel Dragon & Phoenix Restaurant (Michelin Recommended): Old Shanghai local cuisine, vintage ambiance. - Three on the Bund Jean-Georges (Michelin Three Stars): High-end French cuisine, unbeatable river view. - The Bund Origin Hui Mansion: Republic of China style, suitable for photos. - Dahuchun (Sichuan Middle Road Branch): Shanghai's time-honored shengjian (pan-fried buns) (more traditional than Yang's Fried Dumplings). 2. Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street Snacks (Affordable) - Shen Dacheng (rice cakes, qingtuan - green glutinous rice balls) - Shao Wansheng (braised duck, yellow mud snails) - Laoban Zhai (swordfish noodle soup, spring limited edition) - Xiandelai (pork chop with rice cakes) 3. Lujiazui Food (Dining After Ascending) - Shanghai Tower Duoyun Bookstore Flagship Store: High-altitude bookstore + coffee. - Oriental Pearl TV Tower Revolving Restaurant: Dine with a view (advance reservation required). --- V. Accommodation Recommendations (Where to Stay for Convenience?) 1. Near The Bund (High-end/Luxury) - Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund (Historic building + luxury experience) - The Peninsula Shanghai (Best Huangpu River view, Michelin service) - Peace Hotel (Vintage charm, great for photo ops) 2. Nanjing East Road/People's Square (High Cost-Performance Ratio) - Le Royal Méridien Shanghai (10-minute walk to The Bund) - Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund (Strong design, youthful vibe) 3. Budget Accommodation (Limited Budget) - Home Inn, Hanting Hotel (near Nanjing East Road Metro Station) - Youth Hostels (Hostels available near The Bund, suitable for backpackers) --- VI. Travel Tips ✅ Best Photo Spots: - Waibaidu Bridge (Classic old Shanghai backdrop). - The Bund's Exposition of World Architecture (Photograph architectural details during the day, lights at night). - The Bund Observation Deck (Northern Section) (Best perspective for Lujiazui night view). ✅ Must-See Night Views: - The Bund Light Show (Starts at 8:00 PM nightly, lasts approx. 10 minutes). - Huangpu River Cruise (Recommended 'Crystal Princess' and similar, night cruise ticket price 100-200 RMB). ✅ Avoid Pitfalls Guide: - When taking photos at The Bund, don't fall for 'professional photographers' scams (they might sell photos at high prices). - Be wary of 'low-price one-day tour' scams on Nanjing East Road (purchase tickets from official channels). - During holidays, crowds are extremely large; it's recommended to arrive early or visit during off-peak hours. --- VII. Summary The Bund is the soul of Shanghai, boasting both century-old international architecture and the dazzling night views of modern skyscrapers. Whether strolling along the river, enjoying panoramic views from above, or savoring local Shanghai cuisine, The Bund allows you to experience the unique charm of the 'Magic City'. Recommended Visiting Time: 1-2 days Best Season: Spring and Autumn (March-May, September-November) Must-Do List: ✔ Photograph The Bund's Exposition of World Architecture ✔ Take a night cruise on the Huangpu River to see the light show ✔ Ascend a building in Lujiazui for a panoramic city view ✔ Savor local Shanghai cuisine Have a great trip! 🌆🚢🍜