The Bund is Shanghai’s famous waterfront promenade, running along the western bank of the Huangpu River. On one side stands a row of historic banks, hotels and trading houses; across the water, Pudong’s skyscrapers rise in a striking contrast of old and new Shanghai.
The buildings tell the story of Shanghai’s years as a treaty port, when foreign powers held concessions and the city became a major centre of international trade. Neoclassical facades sit alongside Art Deco landmarks, including the former HSBC building and the Peace Hotel. The grandeur is inseparable from the unequal treaties and foreign control that shaped this period of the city’s history.
Come for a walk along the river, the architecture and the views of the skyline, particularly when Pudong’s towers are illuminated after dark. The promenade is free to visit, but evenings and holidays can be crowded; arrive early in the morning for a quieter stroll. East Nanjing Road metro station is within walking distance, and comfortable shoes are useful if you plan to explore the surrounding streets.