Shanghai Bund
Synopsis
The Bund is a landmark of Shanghai, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River. The architectural complex of international buildings faces the Lujiazui skyline in Pudong across the river, showcasing the perfect blend of Shanghai’s century-old history and modern prosperity.
Overview
The Bund, located on the west bank of the Huangpu River in downtown Shanghai, is one of the city's most famous urban landscapes. Stretching approximately 1.5 kilometers from the Garden Bridge in the north to East Zhongshan No.1 Road in the south, it features 52 historical buildings of diverse architectural styles, earning it the title "Exhibition of World Architecture."
The history of The Bund dates back to 1844 when it was the riverfront of the British Concession. After over a century of development, The Bund has become a symbol of Shanghai, attracting tens of millions of tourists annually.
Exhibition of World Architecture
The Bund is lined with 52 historical buildings showcasing a variety of architectural styles, including Neoclassical, Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco.
| Building | Year | Style | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| HSBC Building | 1923 | Neoclassical | Iconic building of The Bund, now the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank |
| Customs House | 1927 | Art Deco | The clock tower is the most famous landmark on The Bund |
| Peace Hotel | 1929 | Art Deco | Originally Sassoon House, Shanghai's oldest hotel |
| The Bund Signal Tower | 1907 | — | A symbol of The Bund |
| Asia Building | 1916 | Baroque | The first building at the southern end of The Bund |
Suggested Itinerary
| Attraction | Suggested Time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund Viewing Platform | 30 minutes | View the Pudong skyline across the river |
| Garden Bridge | 20 minutes | Shanghai's oldest steel bridge |
| The Bund Origin | 1 hour | Original site of the British Consulate |
| Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street | 1-2 hours | "China's No.1 Commercial Street" |
| Lujiazui (Opposite Bank) | 2-3 hours | Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower |
Practical Information
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Admission Fee | Free |
| Opening Hours | 24 hours |
| Best Time to Visit | Evening to night (best for night views) |
| Transportation | Metro Line 2/10, Nanjing East Road Station |
| Suggested Duration | 1-2 hours |
| Nearby Dining | Nanjing East Road, Fuzhou Road |
History and Culture
The Bund has witnessed a century of changes in Shanghai. From the riverfront of the British Concession in 1844, to the Far East financial center in the early 20th century, and to the urban landmark after the reform and opening-up, each building on The Bund carries a piece of history.
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1844 | Establishment of the British Concession, beginning of The Bund's development |
| 1920s-1930s | Peak construction period of the "Exhibition of World Architecture" |
| 1990s | Development of Pudong, The Bund faces Lujiazui across the river |
| 2010 | Completion of The Bund comprehensive renovation project |
References
- Wikipedia: The Bund
- Baidu Baike: The Bund
- Shanghai Travel Net: The Bund Travel Guide
Comments (0)