The "Lover's Wall" on the Bund

The "Lover's Wall" on the Bund

The Lover's Wall on the Bund is a national AAA-level tourist attraction.

Originating from Shanghai's Bund, the so-called Lover's Wall is actually a flood-control wall made of concrete, but back in the 1970s and 80s, this was the most romantic place in Shanghai. When night fell, hundreds and even thousands of young couples would quietly appear on the Bund and begin their performances of what people today can hardly imagine — a mass romance.

Around the 1970s to 1980s, due to economic scarcity, limited cultural entertainment options, and severe housing shortages — it was common for seven or eight family members to live crammed together in a 10-square-meter room spanning four generations. At that time, young couples had no proper place to express their feelings or enjoy intimate moments. There were no coffee shops, and public parks closed early at night. Lovers would flock to a 1,500-meter-long stretch of the Bund’s embankment from the Bund Park to East Jinling Road, packing it shoulder to shoulder. Couples stood neatly side by side, whispering sweet nothings to one another. This was the earliest lover’s haven in Shanghai — the Lover’s Wall on the Bund.

A reporter from The New York Times once documented the scene at the Lover’s Wall: “Along the thousand-meter embankment on the west bank of the Huangpu River, ten thousand Shanghai couples gathered. They leaned elegantly against the wall, whispering to each other, with just a centimeter between each couple — yet never intruding. It was the most spectacular lover’s wall I’ve ever seen. The Bund, once adored by Western powers, still holds immeasurable charm in modern China.”

The emergence of the Lover’s Wall had its reasons. For one, living space in Shanghai was extremely cramped, and housing conditions were generally poor. When young men and women reached dating age, visiting each other’s homes meant whispering and exchanging glances under the watchful eyes of family members — an embarrassing scenario to say the least. With no other choice, they took to the outdoors. Back then, parks were usually closed at night except during midsummer. There were no coffee shops, bars, teahouses, or dance halls to hang out in, so the only public spaces couples could frequent were streets. Thus, “strolling the streets” and “counting utility poles” became euphemisms for dating.

Naturally, couples sought out quieter, dimly lit spots to stroll — which led to another issue: poor public security at the time. Isolated corners often posed risks of robbery or harassment by hooligans. So, Shanghai’s couples instinctively searched for places that were both hidden and safe. United in purpose, they inadvertently formed a “wall,” and thus the Lover’s Wall on the Bund gradually and naturally came into being.

The Lover’s Wall truly is an ideal place for romance. Here, no one disturbs you, and you don’t have to worry about running into acquaintances, because everyone comes with the same clear intention — to fall in love. Lost in their own world, couples fear no judgment. Even when lovebirds can't help but engage in affectionate gestures like holding hands, embracing, or kissing, others simply turn a blind eye. So, falling in love here is both safe and relaxing, romantic without costing a dime, all while overlooking the Huangpu River — the sacred mother river that has witnessed countless love stories.

Imagine this: moonlight overhead, stars twinkling, the river shimmering with rippling reflections, a gentle breeze brushing your face, and your beloved by your side — the ambiance is so quintessentially bohemian. One day in 1978, someone did a survey along a 200-meter stretch of the Bund from Beijing East Road to East Nanjing Road and counted 600 couples in love — averaging three couples (six young people) per meter. If you’re wondering, “Hey Ah Hua, did you, as a native Shanghainese, ever go to the Lover’s Wall back in the day?” Well, I’d just smile and say, “Look at the question you’re asking.”

Nowadays, dating at the Lover’s Wall is a sweet memory for a generation of Shanghainese youth. The original concrete flood-control wall has been replaced by granite, marble, and ornamental cast-iron railings. But youthful memories remain forever. The Lover’s Wall is a dense forest of romance that a generation of Shanghainese created amid barren concrete, allowing lovers to realize their Midsummer Night’s Dreams.

After the 1990s, the concept of the Lover’s Wall gradually faded as new dating venues such as cafes, dance halls, and teahouses emerged. According to surveys, the top three current favorite dating spots for young people in Shanghai are: Xintiandi, the People’s Square green area, and Fuxing Park. However, the Shanghai Lover’s Wall is still going strong. It’s estimated that out of the average 200,000 daily visitors to the Bund, about 20,000 are couples. Skipping clubs and bars, coming to the Bund for a breeze and scenic views has become a new romantic trend for couples.

Suggested Duration

Half an hour

Admission Fee

Free

Opening Hours

All day

Location

No. 500, Zhongshan East 1st Road, Bund, Huangpu Park