The Bund

The Bund is one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai.  The word ‘bund’ derives from an Anglo-Indian word for an embankment along a muddy waterfront and that is what it was in the beginning, when the first British company opened an office there in 1846. It became the epitome of elegance during Shanghai’s history as a city of trade.

Now many attractive new constructions have been erected in addition to the historical buildings. A 771-metre long retaining wall for flood control was built. Atop the wall is a spacious walkway for sightseeing. Paved with colorful tiles and dotted with flower beds and European-style garden lights. It is a good place for a leisurely stroll and a view of the Huangpu River.

The Bund, which extends from Jinling Road in the south to the Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou Creek in the north, is on the western bank of the 114 kilometer long Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River.

Looking out on the river, various cargo vessels, speedier tourist ferries and other locally owned boats navigate. Towering skyscrapers such as the Oriental Pearl Tower line the river, and the neon lights indicating the offices of top world brands and European architecture surrounding them.

The commemorative square at the junction with Nanjing Road features a fountain and a statue of Chen Yi, who in 1949 became the first mayor of Shanghai in the communist era. Opposite the Customs Building is an electronic clock that shows standard times in various world localities on a water-like curtain. All around are Chinese wisterias, gingko trees and azaleas. Buildings in Greek, Renaissance and Baroque styles can be seen along the west of the Bund.

The wharf for pleasure boat rides is also at the end of Nanjing Road. A boat ride on the Huangpu River will take visitors down to the estuary of the Yangtze River and back in just over three hours.

Shanghai Bund Facts

For a century, the Bund of Shanghai is always the symbol and proud of Shanghai. Every morning people come here to take exercises and every evening people come here to appreciate the excellent view with their lovers. The Bund of Shanghai always shows the cheering changes of Shanghai.

Chinese Pinyin: Shng Hǎi Wi Tān

Location: Bwteem Baidu Bridge and Jinlin East Road, Shanghai.

How to get to Shanghai Bund: Bus NO. 20, 22, 37, 42, 55, 65, 126, 212, 401.

Facts: There are three main attractions on Shanghai Bund. The first one is the sculpture group which consists of the sculpture Light of Huangpu River, sculpture Sail and sculpture Wind. The second one is Square Chenyi. There is a stone statue of Chenyi who was the first mayor of Shanghai on the square. The third one is the Sightseeing Tunnel which is the first underwater tunnel for foot passenger in China.
 

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