If you visit just one place in Shanghai, make it The Bund (also known as Waitan), which stretches for 1 mile (1.5 kilometers) along the west bank of the Huangpu River. There’s a reason the iconic waterfront is the symbol of Shanghai. Home to a large collection of colonial art deco, baroque, and Gothic buildings that now house hotels, boutiques, galleries, bars, and restaurants, and a lovely waterfront promenade, there are plenty of things to do besides taking in the postcard-perfect Shanghai skyline views.
You can visit The Bund anytime, but nighttime—when the buildings on both sides of the Huangpu River lit up—offers the most stunning views. Visiting just before sunset lets you enjoy daytime and nighttime views, but it’s also one of the most crowded times. Time your visit for early morning to catch the sunrise and see locals practicing tai chi and other exercises—it also offers a less crowded experience.
The best way to experience The Bund is to walk, either north to south or vice versa. The 1-mile (1.5-kilometer) long waterfront stretches from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to Yan’an Road in the south. A stroll along the waterfront promenade provides the best views. Another way to experience The Bund is from the Huangpu River, where ferries and river cruises are available.
Some of the best views of The Bund are from the Huangpu River. While Huangpu River cruises are popular, the Huangpu River ferry between Puxi (where The Bund is located) and Pudong offers a much more affordable option at just RMB2 for a 1-way ticket. The Dongji route operates during the day, while the Dongfu route operates day and night.