
The Bund (Waitan), Shanghai (must see)
If you wish to trace the history of Shanghai as the financial powerhouse of modern China, The Bund is the place. Originally a towpath for dragging barges loaded with rice, it was the site of the first foreign settlement in Shanghai, gradually turning into a business district where major banks and trading companies set up their presence to reap benefits from the newly emerged trading opportunities.
Back in the day, The Bund was also the location of the Russian and British consulates, along with the English club and the Masonic lodge. Before the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, there were many statues of prominent colonial and European statesmen here, currently replaced with a bronze statue of Chen Yi (the first mayor of Shanghai after the communist takeover) and a Monument to the People’s Heroes at the North end.
Sparking with its newly-found glitz, the Bund area was restored in the 1990s, featuring a waterfront lined with an array of buildings representing styles of the nations that once sought to have their finger in the Shanghai pie.
The Western part of The Bund is older and has impressive colonial-style architecture dominated by the neo-classical Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Signal Tower once maintained by the Jesuits for the benefit of local shipping. For many locals, however, this area is a reminder of the century of foreign domination, which now - in a new golden age - has become a hub of prime dining, entertainment and shopping.
Set against the backdrop of the now-famous Shanghai skyline with its iconic skyscrapers of different shapes, heights and colors, The Bund is particularly impressive after sunset when all the lights are on, but make sure to visit here before 10pm when some of the lights go down.
Tip:
If you're out taking a stroll along The Bund, make way to the high-ground part beside the river for a better look at the two sides of the promenade. Otherwise, climb to the observation deck of one of the high towers to the east of the Huangpu River and see the whole stretch of the riverfront from up there. A sight not to be missed!
Back in the day, The Bund was also the location of the Russian and British consulates, along with the English club and the Masonic lodge. Before the communist victory in the Chinese Civil War, there were many statues of prominent colonial and European statesmen here, currently replaced with a bronze statue of Chen Yi (the first mayor of Shanghai after the communist takeover) and a Monument to the People’s Heroes at the North end.
Sparking with its newly-found glitz, the Bund area was restored in the 1990s, featuring a waterfront lined with an array of buildings representing styles of the nations that once sought to have their finger in the Shanghai pie.
The Western part of The Bund is older and has impressive colonial-style architecture dominated by the neo-classical Hong-Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Signal Tower once maintained by the Jesuits for the benefit of local shipping. For many locals, however, this area is a reminder of the century of foreign domination, which now - in a new golden age - has become a hub of prime dining, entertainment and shopping.
Set against the backdrop of the now-famous Shanghai skyline with its iconic skyscrapers of different shapes, heights and colors, The Bund is particularly impressive after sunset when all the lights are on, but make sure to visit here before 10pm when some of the lights go down.
Tip:
If you're out taking a stroll along The Bund, make way to the high-ground part beside the river for a better look at the two sides of the promenade. Otherwise, climb to the observation deck of one of the high towers to the east of the Huangpu River and see the whole stretch of the riverfront from up there. A sight not to be missed!
Sight description based on Wikipedia.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Shanghai. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from iTunes App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
The Bund (Waitan) on Map
Sight Name: The Bund (Waitan)
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Shanghai, China (See walking tours in Shanghai)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Shanghai, China
Create Your Own Walk in Shanghai
Creating your own self-guided walk in Shanghai is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Souvenirs Shopping Walk
Leaving Shanghai without calling local specialty shops and procuring something truly original to bring home, as a souvenir, would be a pity. Nanjing Road – Asia's longest and perhaps most famous thoroughfare – is a popular destination replete with shopping and dining opportunities. Lovers of antiques will find Shanghai's Old City particularly interesting. Take this walk to explore... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
The Bund Sightseeing Tour
The Bund is one of the most famous attractions in all of Shanghai. It represents the historic and architectural heritage of one of the most important ports in China. This row of 52 beautiful buildings has for decades facilitated economic relations between China and other countries. Take the following self guided walk to witness the historic buildings along the Bund of Shanghai.
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Shanghai Introduction Walking Tour
Perhaps more than any other Chinese city, Shanghai deserves to be called the “face of modern China.” Despite modern look, the city emerged on a map as far back as 751 AD. Shanghai County was established under the Yuan Dynasty in the 13th century, although the city character, as we know it today, began to take shape in the aftermath of the first Opium War in 1842. The post-war treaty opened... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.2 Km or 3.9 Miles
Shanghai Old Town Walking Tour
Shanghai's Old Town is a vast area, once walled off, when the city was split between foreign concessions. On this walk, you are going to have a chance to appreciate Shanghai's traditional ancient architecture en route to the large open-air market and delightful Yuyuan Garden, plus explore the trendy Xintiandi district for the exquisite shopping and entertainment the city has to offer!
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
15 Uniquely Chinese Things to Buy in Shanghai
Prepare a Shanghai surprise for your loved ones back home! Bring them a piece of exciting China from one of the country's most iconic destinations. Luckily, the choice of things fit to do the job is enormous. All you need is a knowledgeable advice on where to go to get a fair price and decent...