The Bund in Shanghai: River Views and Historic Architecture
Plan a Bund visit in Shanghai: a riverside walk, historic architecture, Pudong skyline views and a practical ferry or metro connection.
Contents
The Bund is a 1.5-kilometer waterfront and protected historic district on the Huangpu River in central Shanghai.[1] It gives you two views in one stop: a line of historic commercial buildings on the Puxi side and the Pudong skyline across the water. You do not come here for a single attraction. You come to walk the river at the right time of day.
The waterfront is lined with 52 Gothic and Baroque-style buildings that once housed financial institutions and trading companies.[1] Use the promenade for the river view, then turn around and look back at the city for the architecture.
Choose a time for the view
In the morning, locals exercise along the waterfront. During the day it fills with local visitors and tourists, and in the evening the buildings are illuminated.[1] Daylight shows the architectural detail best, and evening is the classic skyline choice. Lighting schedules and events can change, so ask at your hotel if a particular night matters.
Things to Do
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Make the walk your own
Stroll one section of the long riverside walkway, pause for the Pudong panorama and turn inland to compare the historic facades. The Bund pairs naturally with Nanjing Road for a longer central-city walk. East Nanjing Road station, on Metro Lines 2 and 10, is close to both the Bund and Nanjing Road.[2] Check the metro map for the exit that suits your route.
Choose between a ferry crossing and a cruise
A public ferry is a short river crossing, not a narrated sightseeing loop. The Dongjin Line runs for pedestrians between East Jinling Road Ferry Pier in Puxi and Dongchang Road Ferry Pier in Pudong, and the fare is CNY 2. It operates from 07:15 to 18:30 from Puxi and from 07:15 to 18:15 from Pudong. These are the hours listed in September 2025, and the Shanghai government guide directs passengers to the Shanghai Ferry account for updated hours.[3]
Sightseeing cruises are a different, longer outing, listed separately from the regular ferry lines and departing from the Shiliupu piers.[3] Decide whether you want a practical crossing or a dedicated river trip, then check the departure pier, fare and service for your day before you set out.
Plan a focused visit
For a short stop, walk the waterfront and take in both banks. With more time, combine the Bund with Nanjing Road or add a ferry crossing as a separate leg. Leave room for photo stops, transfers and the ferry timetable rather than counting on a fixed visit time.
For another part of your Shanghai itinerary, see our Yu Garden guide and China travel guides.
Come in daylight for the buildings and later for the skyline, or leave time for both if your itinerary allows.
Sources and background
Numbers in the text such as [1] refer to these sources.
- [1] Shanghai International Service Portal, source credited to shhuangpu.gov.cn: The Bund. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [2] Shanghai International Service Portal, report credited to Xinmin Evening News: East Nanjing Road metro station upgrades services. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
- [3] Shanghai International Service Portal, public transport guide: Exploring Shanghai by boat. Retrieved October 15, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
A 1.5-kilometer waterfront and protected historic district along the Huangpu River in central Shanghai, lined with 52 Gothic and Baroque-style buildings.
The promenade looks across the river to Pudong, while the historic commercial buildings stand behind you on the Puxi side. Turn around during the walk to take in both views.
Morning brings locals exercising along the waterfront, the daytime is busy, and the buildings are illuminated in the evening. Use daylight for architectural details or go later for the skyline.
East Nanjing Road station, on Lines 2 and 10, is near both the Bund and Nanjing Road. Check the metro map for the best exit.
No. A public ferry is a short regular river crossing. Sightseeing cruises are a separate, longer outing with different piers and ticket prices.
The Dongjin Line costs CNY 2 for pedestrians, according to the Shanghai government guide updated in September 2025. Check the Shanghai Ferry account for current hours and fares.
Yes. The two are close, and a walk between them makes a natural central Shanghai outing. East Nanjing Road station is near both.
Plan around how much of the 1.5-kilometer waterfront you want to walk, photo stops and whether you add a ferry crossing or another stop.
