The Bund

Urban · Shanghai · 外滩

The Bund

Shanghai

The Bund · ChinaMazing

Discover

Core Sights

The essential sights — what they are, and when to go.

The Bund's Historic Buildings

Sight 1

The Bund's Historic Buildings

外滩万国建筑博览群

The Bund's World Architecture Expo Group. Stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River, this collection of over twenty historical buildings in diverse styles—including Gothic, Baroque, Classicism, and Modernism—has earned the nickname "Wall Street of the East." These structures bear witness to Shanghai's modern transformations. When night falls and the lights come on, they shine in harmony with the skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river, sketching a distinctive skyline along both shores of the Huangpu. A stroll through these streets offers a collision of century-old concession-era charm and the vibrant energy of a contemporary metropolis.

The Bund Promenade

Sight 2

The Bund Promenade

外滩观景平台

The Bund Observation Deck. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers along the Huangpu River, the Bund Observation Deck is Shanghai's most iconic waterfront promenade. From here, visitors can take in the dazzling skyline of Lujiazui across the river—featuring landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower—which stands in striking contrast to the historic colonial-era buildings on the Puxi side. By day, gentle river breezes and expansive views create an airy, open ambiance; by night, the glittering lights of both riverbanks make for a particularly spectacular sight. The deck is equipped with multiple viewpoints and rest areas, making it an unrivaled spot to witness Shanghai's fusion of history and modernity. Whether at dawn or dusk, it offers a unique glimpse into the city's enduring charm.

Waibaidu Bridge

Sight 3

Waibaidu Bridge

外白渡桥

Waibaidu Bridge. Waibaidu Bridge is Shanghai's most famous century-old bridge, spanning Suzhou Creek and adjacent to the Bund, serving as a vital thoroughfare connecting Huangpu and Hongkou districts. Built in 1907, this steel truss bridge was the first fully riveted all-steel structure bridge in China, embodying a fusion of Western industrial civilization and Shanghai's urban memory. With its elegant silhouette, the bridge is particularly enchanting under night lights, offering an exceptional vantage point to admire the dazzling interplay between the Lujiazui skyline in Pudong and the myriad of historic buildings along the Bund. As a filming location for numerous films and television productions, it carries the charm of old Shanghai and stands as a must-visit destination where visitors can experience the fusion of history and modernity.

Huangpu River

Sight 4

Huangpu River

黄浦江

The Huangpu River. As Shanghai's mother river, it divides the city into Pudong and Puxi. Along its banks, the Bund showcases an array of historic buildings in diverse architectural styles, while across the river, Lujiazui presents a modern skyline of soaring skyscrapers. A nighttime cruise offers dazzling views of the illuminated cityscape on both shores, while a daytime visit reveals a blend of old Shanghai charm and contemporary vitality. It is the finest window into Shanghai's century-long transformation and its spirit of openness to the world.

Shanghai Customs House

Sight 5

Shanghai Customs House

海关大楼

Customs House. This landmark on the Bund, built in 1927, blends European classical and modern styles. Its most striking feature is the towering clock tower, whose melodious chimes once served as a symbol of Shanghai. The relief sculptures and marble decorations on the building's portico are exquisite, bearing witness to the history of modern China's customs and trade transformations. Still in use as customs offices today, it can be admired from the Bund, particularly at night when its lights shine brightly, making it a popular spot for photography enthusiasts. With convenient transportation nearby, it's an ideal stop while strolling along the Bund.

Chen Yi Square

Sight 6

Chen Yi Square

陈毅广场

Chen Yi Square. Located in the middle section of the Bund, Chen Yi Square is renowned for its bronze statue commemorating Chen Yi, the first mayor of Shanghai. The square offers an unobstructed view of the Lujiazui financial district across the Huangpu River, making it a popular starting point for capturing panoramic shots of the Bund and its historic architecture. Blending urban life with historical memory, the square is a frequent spot for locals to relax and visitors to pause for photos. It also connects Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street with the Huangpu Riverfront, allowing you to admire the "Exhibition of World Architecture" while taking in the modern skyline of Shanghai.

Eat

Local Eats

The local dishes worth crossing town for.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)
Eat 1

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings)

小笼包

Xiaolongbao. Xiaolongbao is a signature snack of Shanghai, celebrated for its delicate wrappers encasing savory pork filling and rich, flavorful broth. Take a gentle bite to savor the soup first, then relish the filling—pairing it with shredded ginger and black vinegar enhances the taste even further. At time-honored establishments near the Bund, you can experience the traditional charm of steamed-on-demand, served fresh and piping hot. Every basket is hand-crafted with intricate pleats and a silky texture. Whether as breakfast or a snack, xiaolongbao lets you feel the refinement and warmth of Shanghai’s culinary culture.

Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)
Eat 2

Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns)

生煎包

Shengjian Bao. Shengjian bao is a signature snack of Shanghai, especially worth trying at time-honored establishments near the Bund. Unlike regular steamed buns, it is pan-fried in a flat-bottomed pan, resulting in a crispy golden bottom, a soft and fluffy top, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Be careful when biting into it—the filling is made of tender pork and rich aspic that melts into a hot, savory broth. For extra flavor, dip it in vinegar or chili sauce. Often enjoyed as breakfast or a snack, it pairs perfectly with a bowl of beef noodle soup. Its unique texture—crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside—perfectly captures the refinement and accessibility of Shanghai's culinary culture.

Hongshaorou (Braised Pork Belly)
Eat 3

Hongshaorou (Braised Pork Belly)

红烧肉

Braised Pork Belly with Soy Sauce. This dish is a classic representative of Shanghai's Benbang cuisine, made primarily from pork belly, slowly simmered with rock sugar and soy sauce. The finished dish boasts a glossy red hue, rich but not greasy, melting in the mouth with a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. Numerous local restaurants near the Bund serve this authentic Jiangnan delicacy, which pairs especially well with steamed rice. For overseas visitors trying it for the first time, its robust soy aroma and tender, soft texture are instantly recognizable—a signature dish not to be missed for anyone seeking to understand Shanghai's culinary culture.

Youbaoxia (Oil-Braised Shrimp)
Eat 4

Youbaoxia (Oil-Braised Shrimp)

油爆虾

Oil-Blasted Shrimp. A signature dish of authentic Shanghai cuisine, it is commonly found in time-honored restaurants around the Bund. Fresh river shrimp are quickly deep-fried in hot oil until the shells turn crisp, then tossed with soy sauce, sugar, scallions, and ginger to create a glossy glaze. The finished dish shines with a bright red hue—the shells are so crunchy you can eat them whole, while the tender shrimp meat is subtly sweet with a rich, savory sauce. It embodies the classic "rich oil, dark sauce" flavor style of Shanghai cooking. A local specialty well worth trying during a visit to the Bund, its firm texture and balanced sweet-and-salty taste have made it a particular favorite among overseas diners.

Yanduxian (Salted Pork and Bamboo Shoot Soup)
Eat 5

Yanduxian (Salted Pork and Bamboo Shoot Soup)

腌笃鲜

Yanduxian (Pickled Pork and Fresh Bamboo Shoot Soup). Yanduxian is a seasonal soup in Shanghai, with its name meaning "slow-simmered freshness." Made with fresh pork, cured pork, and spring bamboo shoots, it is gently cooked over low heat for hours until the broth turns milky white, balancing savory and salty flavors. The sweetness of the bamboo shoots cuts through the richness of the cured meat, leaving the meat tender and the broth mellow. This soup reflects the Jiangnan culinary tradition of honoring the seasons and is a regular presence on Shanghai family tables. If you're strolling along the Bund, why not stop by a local Shanghai restaurant and taste a bowl, savoring the leisurely "du yoyo" rhythm of Shanghai life.