The Bund (Wai Tan)
The Bund (Wai Tan)
4.5
Points of Interest & LandmarksHistoric Walking AreasScenic Walking Areas
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This is a designated section of Shanghai’s port along the Huang Pu River lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade that is packed with tourists, locals and street sellers.
Duration: < 1 hour
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The area
Neighbourhood: Huangpu
How to get there
- East Nanjing Road • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,921 within 5 kms
Attractions
704 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Best food best hotelHong Kong, China6,025 contributionsMust-see attractions in ShanghaiI have been to Shanghai many times. It is almost the same as Shanghai 10 years ago, but it has completely changed. Shanghainese say that Shanghai has changed a lot every six months. I can say that this time I came to Shanghai and it was really different from what I felt 10 years ago. I really like the buildings on the Bund in Shanghai. I think the Bund is more worth seeing at night than during the day. If you come to Shanghai and see the Ai He during the day, don't miss the Bund at night, because they are two completely different feelings.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 6 March 2024
- Maree RChristchurch, New Zealand1,322 contributionsIt's Photogenic And FreeHighly recommend a walk here. We visited in the morning before the fog had cleared and it was still a sight to behold. The front is planted beautifully and is colourful while the buildings across the water were slightly shrouded in fog giving an otherworld feeling. We returned in the evening to a spectacular light show, stunning place to visit.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 March 2024
- 均媽與熙正媽媽Hong Kong, China42 contributionsThe vibrant BundThis is the fourth time I have been to the Bund in Shanghai. The feeling is different again. It is full of energy. Many young people are making short films and dancing. Children are watching and dancing along without knowing it. There are a lot less professional photographers. There is no bright light at the Oriental Pearl Tower, but there is laser shooting (a simplified version of Symphony of Lights). The Bund is very long and the lights on both sides are very bright. I must come back at night, but the wind is very strong, which makes my head blow a bit. pain.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 30 March 2024
- bcheongShanghai, China51,351 contributionsHistorical tourist spotThe famous stretch of waterfront at Puxi. With the historical buildings from Gothic, Renaissance, Art Deco styles, many to look at. Across the huangpu river is Pudong where you see the Pearl tower plus all the skyscrapers Many restaurants and shops as wellVisited April 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 2 April 2024
- Erico2709Singapore, Singapore2,483 contributionsGreat vibe and atmosphereThis place is packed with lots of tourists. But there is good crowd control to force tourists to go up the stairs in one direction and exit out another to keep orderly control. Nice to go in the evening when all the lights are up.Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 April 2024
- Jon N3,942 contributionsOld and New buildings hereThis is one of the most visited places while in Shanghai. Great place to walk along the HuangPu River. We were here on 2 May and the crowds started to build up in the evening. Everyone was there to see the buildings being lighted up. Although it’s very crowded, the crowd control was still very orderly.Visited May 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 6 May 2024
- ia026Metro Manila, Philippines196 contributionsBeautiful structures and train in China is very affordable. Shanghai is the most beautiful place in Asia.Its one of the most beautiful city of Asia. There are so many structures that amazed visitors due to its massive sizes. The Peace Hotel is so amazing. Food in China is delicious and very cheap. One special feature of China is the infrastructures all over. Trains are connected everywhere that you can travel easily from North to South and East to West with an affordable cost. One thing that we admire China is the cleanliness of the place. People seem to have a discipline that every corner of the place is garbage free. Most of all, we love the weather because China has four seasons that you can enjoy.Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 May 2024
- Ashutosh194 contributionsAbsolute mustThis is old Shanghai with all its history. Adjacent to Nanjing Street. Has everything a tourist would want. Dont miss the river cruise and do take it at the time of sunset. We took it at 6.30 pm so we saw the day light scenery and returned by the time it was dark (45 mins cruise). Hence we got to see the fantastic lighting which is similar to the Hong Kong cruise. Affordable and very well maintained vessels and very punctual and organised. An absolute must visit while in Shanghai.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 16 May 2024
- Yap MFreiburg im Breisgau, Germany63 contributionsThe madness at the BundA must see at the waterfront area. Vibrant atmosphere and madness with people taking photos like no tomorrow. We went there at 5:00pm so we can admire both the day and night scene. One can take a ferry to cross the huangpu river for 2 yuan a person. Do keep personal stuff close due to people traffic. Do take a pic with the Shanghai Bull at the Bund. It’s quite similar to the one in Wall Street, New YorkVisited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 May 2024
- acarreiraRio de Janeiro, RJ32 contributionsSensational viewThe Bund is nothing more than an immense public promenade on the riverbank, from which you have a stunning view of the Pudong region, on the other side of the river. The perfect trip is to visit it in the late afternoon, to see the nightfall with the lighting on the buildings turning on, creating a real spectacle. If you're taking the subway, it's worth getting off at East Nanjing Road station and walking along the emblematic Nanjing Road to the Bund.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 May 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Zfy Ed
Singapore, Singapore10,995 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The Bund, also known as Waitan, is a famous waterfront on the west bank of Huangpu River and is regarded as the symbol of Shanghai. Here, the charm of Shanghai as a bustling metropolis combining the century-old history and flourishing future buildings is fully presented, making the Bund Shanghai a must-see attraction.
It is a mile long stretch of waterfront promenade along the river. To the west of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings".
The best way to appreciate the buildings is to have a walk along the Bund which we did. Roaming among the architectural complexes, visitors will have a better understanding of the century-long charm of this city.
We stayed there for over 2 hours, from evening to night, when all the buildings around lit up and it was so colourful and nice and presented a totally different sight from the day time. As it was weekend, the area was jam packed with visitors and vehicle traffic and very crowded!
It is a mile long stretch of waterfront promenade along the river. To the west of this stretch stand 52 buildings of various architectural styles, including Gothic, baroque, and neoclassical styles. It is often referred to as "the museum of buildings".
The best way to appreciate the buildings is to have a walk along the Bund which we did. Roaming among the architectural complexes, visitors will have a better understanding of the century-long charm of this city.
We stayed there for over 2 hours, from evening to night, when all the buildings around lit up and it was so colourful and nice and presented a totally different sight from the day time. As it was weekend, the area was jam packed with visitors and vehicle traffic and very crowded!
Written 20 June 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fire-tower
3,480 contributions
Dec 2024 • Family
We visited the Bund in a Sunday late afternoon in December 2024 when the sun was already setting. Once it was dark, we could see the buildings across nicely lighted up. When the clock tower chimed at 6pm, the rest of the buildings were lighted up in unison. The view on both the river front and the buildings nicely lighted was fantastic. Somehow, there was a very large crowd, many of them locals, at the Bund - not sure whether it was a Sunday night or they were there to watch the Cold Moon, the last full moon of 2024, appearing full for about three days. Its unique rising position occurs every 18.6 years, making it a rare event to observe.
On the promenade, there were many people hawking light sticks and selling river cruise packages. There were also booths offering to print and enlarge photographs. After spending sometime there, and as we made our way out, we noticed many of the people appears to be coming from the end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the end which is across the Bund, and there were security staff enforcing crowd control.
A definite must-go if you are in Shanghai.
On the promenade, there were many people hawking light sticks and selling river cruise packages. There were also booths offering to print and enlarge photographs. After spending sometime there, and as we made our way out, we noticed many of the people appears to be coming from the end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the end which is across the Bund, and there were security staff enforcing crowd control.
A definite must-go if you are in Shanghai.
Written 27 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah B
Haining, China15 contributions
Oct 2024 • Family
The Bund in Shanghai is an absolutely stunning place that beautifully combines history, culture, and breathtaking views, making it the perfect spot for a special birthday celebration. As I walked along the 1.5-kilometer promenade, I was in awe of the magnificent panorama of the Huangpu River, with the iconic skyscrapers of Pearl TV Tower sparkling in the background. When night falls, the Bund truly comes alive, with its historic buildings illuminated against the vibrant skyline, creating a magical atmosphere that feels almost surreal. Celebrating my birthday in such a beautiful setting was a dream come true; the lively ambiance, the gentle breeze from the river, and those stunning views made it a night I will cherish forever. The Bund isn’t just a place to visit; it’s an experience that leaves a lasting impression, and I can’t recommend it enough to anyone traveling to Shanghai!
Written 27 November 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris Martin
Poitiers, France1,705 contributions
Feb 2025 • Couples
Every evening at 6 pm at nightfall the tower lights up very nice show guaranteed and very expected by thousands of people c is suffocating when you are not used to but we get used to it and sneak. The other towers light up one after the other and we take full eyes. It's beautiful and grand. The esplanade is several kilometers long and more interesting to the left. It is very well appointed and we make nice integral photos of all the bay. To go to the other side there is the tunnel small crossing very nice 5 minutes. The bund to see without moderation.
Automatically translated
Written 6 February 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
혁준 이
66 contributions
Nov 2023 • Family
They said it was a place with a great night view, so I went to see it. On a weekday (Thursday) evening, I got off at Yewon Station, looked around, and walked around, but there were so many people. I thought it was a public holiday.
I was walking along the road after seeing the Oriental Pearl Tower, with old buildings on the left and new buildings on the right, contrasting with the river as the center, which was unique and cool.
It was a very hot summer day with abnormal temperatures, but it felt a little cooler after the sun went down.
I was walking along the road after seeing the Oriental Pearl Tower, with old buildings on the left and new buildings on the right, contrasting with the river as the center, which was unique and cool.
It was a very hot summer day with abnormal temperatures, but it felt a little cooler after the sun went down.

Written 2 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
James B
7 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
Their service is miles off it and it wasn’t just our experience. Other tables were clearly having the same problem.
They took our drinks order after 5 mins of seeing the menu, then they took another 10 mins to give us our drinks etc. They served our starters separately for no reason, and there was a 20 minute gap in between them. We didn’t receive our mains until 1hr 45mins from when we arrived.
No compensation offered even though they acknowledged they took too long.
A lot of westerners eating there and a lot of their staff struggled with English. On other tables, we could overhear things getting lost in translation.
Food was very good when it eventually came out.
They took our drinks order after 5 mins of seeing the menu, then they took another 10 mins to give us our drinks etc. They served our starters separately for no reason, and there was a 20 minute gap in between them. We didn’t receive our mains until 1hr 45mins from when we arrived.
No compensation offered even though they acknowledged they took too long.
A lot of westerners eating there and a lot of their staff struggled with English. On other tables, we could overhear things getting lost in translation.
Food was very good when it eventually came out.
Written 23 May 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Locococomama
Evergreen, Colorado, United States1,614 contributions
Nov 2024 • Friends
We were lucky enough to have our Viking ship park where we could enjoy the bund for our entire time in Shanghai. Even on a rainy day, the light show was just beautiful. You could look at it from different angles and the lighting changes all the time.
Written 19 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luplay
Porto Recanati, Italy500 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
Basically the Bund is the side of the riverfront on the opposite side of the Pudong skyscrapers and therefore allows you to enjoy the excellent views of the Shanghai skyline.
To get to the Bund the most convenient metro is East Nanjing Road. In this case, a ride in the homonymous street, the busiest shopping street in the city, is inevitable. East Nanjing Road 南京路 is the equivalent of New York’s 5th Avenue or Parisi’s Champs Elysées: boutiques, shopping malls and clothing chains, famous and luxury brands from around the world. A paradise for shoppers and to see a stretch of the "fashionable" side of the city.
The Bund with the Huangpu River on one side and the most important historical buildings of the city on the other is one of the best places to walk in the city. The riverfront buildings are really scenic and are mainly in use by big banks or prestigious hotels and as mentioned the view of the Shanghai skyline is excellent.
To get to the Bund the most convenient metro is East Nanjing Road. In this case, a ride in the homonymous street, the busiest shopping street in the city, is inevitable. East Nanjing Road 南京路 is the equivalent of New York’s 5th Avenue or Parisi’s Champs Elysées: boutiques, shopping malls and clothing chains, famous and luxury brands from around the world. A paradise for shoppers and to see a stretch of the "fashionable" side of the city.
The Bund with the Huangpu River on one side and the most important historical buildings of the city on the other is one of the best places to walk in the city. The riverfront buildings are really scenic and are mainly in use by big banks or prestigious hotels and as mentioned the view of the Shanghai skyline is excellent.
Automatically translated
Written 4 December 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott N
1 contribution
Aug 2024 • Solo
The atmosphere on The Bund was vibrant, yet serene. People from all walks of life gathered to soak in the views, the cool river breeze, and the sense of being part of something larger than themselves. I found a quiet spot to sit, watching as the river traffic ebbed and flowed, the ferries and barges moving like dancers choreographed by the tides.
As the sun began to set, The Bund transformed into a canvas painted with hues of orange and pink. The buildings on both sides of the river lit up, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. It was a moment of pure magic, where the old and the new, the past and the present, merged into a single, unforgettable scene.
As the sun began to set, The Bund transformed into a canvas painted with hues of orange and pink. The buildings on both sides of the river lit up, their reflections dancing on the water's surface. It was a moment of pure magic, where the old and the new, the past and the present, merged into a single, unforgettable scene.
Written 5 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francisco M
Miami, FL63 contributions
Oct 2023 • Business
We took a 4 hour tour in Shanghai, focusing on the history and architecture of the city, for the years 1900 to 1947. The Bund and surrounding streets, and Nanjing Rd E and Nanjing Rd W. The Sassoon family, the Kadoorie family, the Hardoon family, and many more western and Chinese families that left a mark in Shanghai. The Jewish museum tells the story of 20,000 refugees before WW2 and after, during the Japanese occupation of Shanghai. The French and British concessions are also very important during this tour.
The guide name: Mary Wu. Her contact: +86 150 0191 3031
Her email: marywinwinwin666@163.com
Very knowledgeable guide. Being a local and communicating in very good English, this city tour ( car and walking) was a highlight of our China trip.
The guide name: Mary Wu. Her contact: +86 150 0191 3031
Her email: marywinwinwin666@163.com
Very knowledgeable guide. Being a local and communicating in very good English, this city tour ( car and walking) was a highlight of our China trip.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I have a very limited time available in Shanghai. I’d love to see the Bund lights. What time do they start from? Will I have time to view them before I have to go to catch a flight around 8pm. Does it take a long time to get from the Bund to the airport?
Written 22 October 2020
Since ypur flight is 8pm, don't you have to be at airport 2hrs ahead of flight?
Also there are 2 airports l, one further away from Bund than the other. I doubt you will have time, sorry!
Written 22 October 2020
Hi,
I have an Indian passport and travelling from Canada to India via Shanghai.
I have 21 hours stay at Shanghai. Do I need visa?
Written 12 November 2018
I just travelled from Vancouver to Shanghai, where I am now. At the airport, there were lines for people needing transit visas, up to 22 hours, I think. Sorry, I wasn’t really paying attention. If you are in Vancouver, I would definitely contact either the Consulate, or better yet, the visa issuing office on Broadway, before travelling. You absolutely don’t want to arrive at the airport to find you need a visa and are not allowed to board. You can get multiple entry visas good for the life of your passport in a couple of days. Shanghai is an excellent place to spend a couple of days going or coming from India.
Written 12 November 2018
will be in Shanghai for one day from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm
-Do we need to get a visa? we come from the UK
- I travel with my mobility scooter so we would rather visit the city with a private guide who will know about accessibility.
Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.
Written 26 August 2018
You don’t need a visa if you travel to a third country and just stop in Shanghai (for example Australia, Japan, Thailand and so on)
An excerpt from the 72-Hour visa free policy: “The 72-hour visa-free transit policy in China allows air passengers from 53 countries to transit and stay for up to 72 hours (3 days) in 18 China cities without a visa (including UK passports). In order to facilitate international visitors' short stay in China, the policy is promising to be carried out in more and more cities in the future.”
Written 26 August 2018
From where can we buy tickets for the cruise? What’s the price like?
Written 14 May 2018
You can purchase tickets to the Shanghai Ferry, based upon the activities you prefer. You can catch a standard ferry for $23.11, an air-conditioned ferry for $30.81.
Tickets to the Oriental Pearl Tower are the following:
Combo: $40.00
Space Module: $33.91
Upper Sphere, Lower Sphere, and Municipal History Museum: $24.66
Municipal History Museum: $5.39
Children below 3.3 ft are admitted for free, while children between 3.3 and 4.6 ft tall enjoy a 50% discount
Written 14 May 2018
请问上海是不是实行了144小时过境免签证给予持英国护照的公民?条件是一定要出示去第三国的机票。谢谢
Written 5 May 2018
Hi, can you tell me where exactly is the light show?
Written 19 April 2018
If you go down to the Bund and stand on the waterfront, on the opposite side of the Pearl Tower you will see all the buildings in the Financial district light up.
Written 19 April 2018
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