The Bund

The Bund showing flowers and a city
The Bund featuring landscape views, a skyscraper and street scenes
The Bund
The Bund
The Bund showing views, central business district and a city


The changing fortunes of this sprawling riverside walkway are symbolic of the evolution of Shanghai itself.

Stretching for over a kilometre along the banks of the Huangpu River, the Bund is one of Shanghai’s best known landmarks. It is a popular promenade with locals and tourists alike, providing fantastic views of romantic colonial architecture on one riverbank and gleaming high-rise buildings on the other.Join a walking tour to discover more about the history of the waterfront. Developed by European and American financiers throughout the nineteenth century, the Bund was once a major commercial hub. At its height, it was home to a number of key businesses including the ‘big four’ of the Chinese banking world.Following the Revolution of 1949, the area gradually fell from grace, eventually becoming little more than a multi-lane traffic jam. Over the last few decades, however, the Bund has seen a major redevelopment with many of its splendid period buildings having been restored and on display as ‘colonial relics’.The waterfront is a great place to visit in the early morning or later in the day. If you arrive first thing, you’ll find plenty of cafés and stalls where you can enjoy pancakes and steamed dumplings – known as baozi – before heading along the riverfront for a run or a spot of Tai Chi. In the early afternoon, tea is served in the grand hotels along the water.Later in the day, the Bund turns into a trendy destination for the city’s night owls. Watch the lights reflecting off the darkened waters as you sip a cocktail on a roof terrace or listen to jazz in bars once frequented by the likes of Noel Coward and Charlie Chaplin.The Bund is easily walkable from the Pudong area of Shanghai – just use the pedestrian tunnel beneath the river. If you are further afield, catch an underground train to East Nanjing Road Station. You can also get here by ferry, or incorporate it into a boat tour along the river.

Reviews of The Bund

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5 - Excellent 61%
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4 - Good 34%
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5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Nice to have a walk down in the evening to see all the lights and the river.

Popular places to visit


Top Hotel Deals

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

5 out of 5
33 Fu Cheng Road, Pudong, Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund

Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund

5 out of 5
20 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Fairmont Peace Hotel on the Bund
Conrad Shanghai

Conrad Shanghai

5 out of 5
789 Nanjing Road East, Shanghai, Shanghai
Conrad Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Shanghai

Grand Hyatt Shanghai

5 out of 5
88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai

The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai

5 out of 5
88 Henan Central Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
The Westin Bund Center, Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund

4.5 out of 5
159 South He Nan Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel on the Bund
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai

4.5 out of 5
505 Jiujiang Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai

5 out of 5
111 Pudong South Road, Pudong, Shanghai, Shanghai
Mandarin Oriental Pudong, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World

5 out of 5
88 Nanjing West Road, Shanghai, Shanghai
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Bund

A trip to The Bund is incomplete without indulging in its vibrant shopping scene and exploring various art studios that showcase local talent. Strolling along the waterfront, visitors can enjoy the stunning architecture and the lively atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for both relaxation and cultural immersion.

Shopping

The Bund offers a vibrant shopping experience with Nanjing Road Shopping District, just 1.1km away, featuring entertainment and city vibes. Yuyuan Bazaar, located 1.4km away, is perfect for local markets. For a larger selection, the Shanghai Landmark Department Store is 1.6km away, combining business and family-friendly atmospheres.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Hongkou Football Stadium, where you can engage in various sports activities. Enjoy the cultural vibes at the Shanghai Concert Hall with captivating performances. For family fun, visit Yuan Shen Natatorium, offering refreshing aquatic activities in a welcoming environment.

Adventure

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a unique under-river journey with vibrant light displays, creating a surreal experience. For motorsport enthusiasts, the Shanghai International Circuit presents thrilling motor racing events. Meanwhile, the Tropical Storm Water Park promises a fun-filled day with waterslides and attractions for the entire family.

Nightlife

The Bund offers a vibrant nightlife with theatres like the Yifu Theatre, just 483m away, providing a cultural experience. The Shanghai Grand Theatre, one mile away, and the Lyceum Theatre, two miles away, both promise enchanting performances, perfect for a romantic evening or family outing.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Bund

The Bund in Shanghai offers a captivating blend of skyscrapers, vibrant streets, and urban parks, making it a prime destination for travellers seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, and the essence of city life. Visitors can explore iconic landmarks, enjoy leisurely strolls along the waterfront, and immerse themselves in the rich history and modern charm that define this bustling area.

  • Oriental Pearl Tower: Standing at 805m from The Bund, this iconic modern tower offers breathtaking views of Shanghai's skyline. With its distinctive design, the Oriental Pearl Tower is a symbol of the city's vibrant energy, featuring observation decks and a revolving restaurant for a unique dining experience.
  • People's Square: Located 1.6km away from The Bund, this bustling modern square serves as the heart of Shanghai. It's surrounded by impressive architecture, including museums and theatres, making it a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike, perfect for people-watching and cultural exploration.
  • Yu Garden: Just 1.4km from The Bund, Yu Garden is a serene private garden steeped in history and culture. With its exquisite rockeries, traditional pavilions, and tranquil ponds, it offers a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle, showcasing classical Chinese landscape design.

Best time to go to The Bund

The best time to visit The Bund can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Bund falls in August, when visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Bund falls in January, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.3°F (5.7°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February44.2°F (6.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March50.7°F (10.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
May68.5°F (20.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June75.0°F (23.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
July82.0°F (27.8°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
August82.8°F (28.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October67.1°F (19.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November58.1°F (14.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December45.9°F (7.7°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Bund

To save money on your visit to The Bund in Shanghai, consider travelling between December and February for lower accommodation rates, with Sundays being the cheapest nights to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and arrange results by price to find affordable hotels, including eco-friendly options. Look for package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for additional savings. Furthermore, be wary of hidden fees and aim to book midweek for the best deals. Enjoy free activities along The Bund and explore the area on foot to maximise your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Bund are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Bund is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around The Bund is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred destination, and additional preferences. You can arrange the search results by price, starting from the lowest, to easily identify the most affordable hotels. Furthermore, you can refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy some savings by combining your hotel reservation at The Bund with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia