The Bund (外滩, Wàitān), a renowned waterfront promenade in Shanghai, remains a symbol of the city's colonial past and its rapid modernization. Alongside its historical significance, the Bund showcases a dynamic cultural and architectural landscape that attracts millions of visitors annually. In this detailed guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about The Bund, from its rich history to the best activities and tips for visitors.

1. Historical Overview of The Bund

1.1 The Birth of The Bund (19th Century)

The Bund was initially a narrow mudflat along the river in the early 19th century. After Shanghai opened as a treaty port in 1842, following the First Opium War, it quickly transformed into a thriving hub for foreign trade. The British and other colonial powers established their commercial and diplomatic bases along the Bund.

• 1840s: Shanghai opened to foreign trade under the Treaty of Nanjing. The Bund began as a British-controlled area, with foreign banks and commercial buildings.
• 1860s–1870s: The French, Americans, Germans, and Japanese followed the British lead, building their own consulates and trade offices.
• The Bund rapidly became the epicenter of international finance and commerce in Shanghai, featuring many of the grand buildings still visible today.

1.2 Colonial Shanghai and the Glory Years

By the end of the 19th century, the Bund was lined with magnificent European-style buildings. Shanghai’s increasing prominence in global trade made it a cosmopolitan city with a distinct international flair.

• The Shanghai International Settlement—which included the Bund—was governed by foreign powers, and the area became a thriving commercial and cultural district.
• The Bund flourished as foreigners dominated Shanghai’s banking, trading, and shipping industries, leading to the construction of opulent structures along the waterfront.

1.3 The 20th Century and Beyond

During the early 20th century, Shanghai became one of the most important cities in the Asia-Pacific region. But after the founding of the People’s Republic of China in 1949, the Bund’s foreign businesses dwindled, and the area became less significant in Shanghai's economic landscape.

• In the 1990s, Shanghai’s economic reform led to the Bund’s revitalization. The once-neglected district was refurbished, and many of its historical buildings were restored to their original grandeur.
• Today, the Bund symbolizes Shanghai’s dual identity—its historical heritage and its role as a global financial center.

2. The Architecture of The Bund

2.1 A Melange of Architectural Styles

The Bund is home to some of Shanghai's most magnificent colonial-era architecture, and the buildings along the waterfront offer an impressive diversity of architectural styles. These buildings were designed by prominent European architects and showcase styles such as Beaux-Arts, Neo-Classical, Baroque, and Art Deco.

Here are some of the most iconic buildings along the Bund:

2.1.1 HSBC Building (Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation)

• Construction: 1923
• Architectural Style: Neo-Classical
• Key Features: Marble columns, grand entrance, and vaulted ceilings. The building was designed by the British architect Sir Thomas Jackson and is one of the most prominent landmarks on the Bund. It features Corinthian columns and a richly decorated facade, emphasizing the importance of finance during Shanghai’s colonial years.

2.1.2 The Customs House

• Construction: 1927
• Architectural Style: Baroque Revival
• Key Features: Known for its clock tower and ornate stonework, the building was designed by Palmer & Turner and is an example of classic European Baroque style with intricate facades and elegant detailing.

2.1.3 The Peace Hotel (Old Shanghai Club)

• Construction: 1929
• Architectural Style: Art Deco, with elements of Beaux-Arts.
• Key Features: The art deco ballroom is one of Shanghai’s most celebrated interiors. The building was home to the Shanghai Club, an exclusive social club for foreign businessmen and elite families.

2.1.4 The Bank of China Building

• Construction: 1937
• Architectural Style: Art Deco
• Key Features: The building's sleek lines and geometric shapes make it one of the most important examples of Art Deco in Shanghai. It features an elegant design and decorative patterns that give it a modern feel for its time.

2.1.5 The Shanghai Club Building

• Construction: 1910
• Architectural Style: Beaux-Arts
• Key Features: An iconic symbol of Shanghai’s golden age, the Shanghai Club was known for its lavish interiors, high society parties, and exclusivity.

2.1.6 Jinjiang Hotel

• Construction: 1929
• Architectural Style: Art Deco
• Key Features: Featuring distinctive streamlined designs and bold ornamentation, the Jinjiang Hotel was one of Shanghai’s top hotels in the 1930s and retains much of its historic charm.

2.2 Building Styles Along the Bund

• Neo-Classical: Grand columns, symmetrical facades, and marble finishes. Examples include the HSBC Building and the Customs House.
• Art Deco: Sleek lines, geometric shapes, and modernist influences, as seen in the Bank of China Building and Jinjiang Hotel.
• Baroque and Renaissance Revival: Ornate carvings, columns, and arches, such as the Customs House.
• Beaux-Arts: Intricate stone carvings and classical proportions, like in the Shanghai Club Building.

3. Things to Do at The Bund

The Bund offers visitors a range of activities, from strolling along the promenade to river cruises and enjoying the skyline from rooftop bars. Here’s a deeper look at the best activities:

3.1 Take a Huangpu River Cruise

• One of the best ways to experience the Bund is from the water. A Huangpu River Cruise gives you panoramic views of both the Bund's colonial-era buildings and the modern skyline of Pudong, featuring the Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai World Financial Center.
• Day Cruises offer a great contrast between the old Shanghai and the new Pudong skyline.
• Night Cruises offer spectacular views of the Bund’s light show, where the historic buildings are beautifully illuminated.

3.2 Stroll Along the Bund Promenade

• The Bund Promenade is a 1.5-kilometer stretch along the river, perfect for a leisurely walk. You can enjoy scenic views of the Huangpu River, take photographs, and admire both the historic colonial buildings and the modern Pudong skyline. It’s a wonderful spot to see how the past and present collide in Shanghai.

3.3 Explore the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

• The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a quirky, neon-lit underground tunnel that runs from the Bund to Pudong. It’s an amusing ride that takes visitors through a strange and colorful light show, but it’s mostly a novelty and not considered one of the more "authentic" attractions of the Bund.

3.4 Take Photos at the Bund’s Viewing Platforms

• Several viewing platforms along the Bund provide a perfect angle for photographs. The most famous spots are near the Peace Hotel and the Customs House, where you can get a great view of the Pudong skyline.

3.5 Visit the Shanghai History Museum

• Located at the southern end of the Bund in the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Shanghai History Museum offers a detailed look at the city's transformation from a fishing village to a major international port and financial center. The museum’s exhibits include old photos, artifacts, and interactive displays.

3.6 Enjoy a Meal or Drink at a Bund Restaurant or Rooftop Bar

• The Bund is home to a range of dining options, from high-end restaurants serving international cuisine to traditional Chinese and Shanghai-style dishes.
• Rooftop bars, such as M on the Bund and the Vue Bar at the Hyatt on the Bund, offer stunning views of the Huangpu River and the Shanghai skyline.

3.7 Visit Nanjing Road

• Just a short walk from the Bund, Nanjing Road is Shanghai's premier shopping street. It’s lined with a mix of high-end international stores, local shops, and malls, making it an excellent spot for shopping or simply people-watching.

The Bund is more than just a scenic spot in Shanghai—it’s a cultural landmark that encapsulates the city’s history, architectural heritage, and modern vibrancy. Whether you are strolling along the river promenade, enjoying a river cruise, or taking in the view from a rooftop bar, the Bund offers a memorable experience for anyone visiting Shanghai.