The Bund

The Bund

The Bund has been a symbol of Shanghai for over a century. It stretches along the west bank of the Huangpu River from Waibaidu Bridge to Nanpu Bridge, covering a total length of 4 kilometers, and was one of Shanghai’s top ten new scenic spots and top ten tourist attractions in the 1990s. On the east side of the Bund lies the mighty Huangpu River and the beautiful new embankment. Here, visitors can enjoy the charm of the Huangpu River—the mother river of Shanghai—gaze at the modern skyline of Pudong’s Lujiazui area across the river, or take a stroll among green trees and flower beds to experience the unique flavor of an urban garden and breathe in the rare fresh air and bright sunshine of the metropolis.

On the west side of the Bund stand various buildings of strikingly different Chinese and Western architectural styles, fully showcasing the charm of the “Wall Street of the Far East,” now known as the “Exhibition of International Architecture.” Just within the 1.5-kilometer stretch from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to East Jinling Road in the south, there are 52 buildings of diverse styles densely packed together, including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classical, Renaissance, and Sino-Western fusion styles. Accompanied by the resonant chimes, the Customs House is always the first structure to catch visitors’ attention. As a major building in the Bund architectural complex, the Customs House was built in 1927 and designed by British architect Sir Basil Merle-Smith Wilson. Its exterior features an eclectic style that blends European classical and modern elements. The clock was modeled after the famous clock on the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at the Palace of Westminster in London, manufactured in the UK, then shipped to and assembled in Shanghai, making it one of the world’s most renowned clocks.

Built in August 1868, Huangpu Park faces the Huangpu River to the east and borders Suzhou Creek to the north. It is the oldest park in Shanghai. Over time, the park has undergone multiple renovations, with the most recent one taking place in 1989. The renovated Huangpu Park covers an area of 31 mu, preserving existing trees while increasing the green space to 10.92 mu and improving the arrangement of scenic spots. At the main entrance of the park stands a large bronze statue of a majestic worker, holding up sails and bravely fighting against the surging waves, known as “The Tide of the Huangpu River.” In the sunken circular island sits the Shanghai People’s Heroes Memorial Tower, inscribed with calligraphy personally written by [Comrade], with the Bund History Museum located beneath it. Surrounded by greenery and blooming flowers, the statue is an ideal spot for visitors to take photos. Behind the statue, a wisteria-covered corridor offers a peaceful place for rest. The park’s two large green lawns are filled with lush magnolia, camellia, osmanthus... creating a delightful visual experience. The overall layout of the park is well-balanced, with attractions thoughtfully arranged. The beautiful Huangpu Park combines sightseeing, leisure, and education, making it a prime destination for visitors.

At the end of the ten-li-long Nanjing Road stands Chen Yi Square, where a statue of Chen Yi, the first mayor of New China’s Shanghai Municipality, stands tall. Chen Yi made immortal contributions to the liberation and construction of Shanghai. The people of Shanghai hold deep respect for this former mayor, and in his memory, the Shanghai Municipal Government decided to erect his statue on the Bund along East Nanjing Road. The Chen Yi statue faces south and is cast in bronze, standing 5.6 meters tall. The base, made of red polished granite, is 3.5 meters high. The statue recreates Comrade Chen Yi’s typical posture during his inspections, portraying him as a diligent public servant with a weathered yet dedicated appearance, as well as the amiable and humble demeanor of a scholarly general. Every weekend, grand and lively square concerts are held in front of the statue. To the south of the Chen Yi statue is the Square Fountain, designed in a modern style with a square outer ring and an elliptical inner circle. The water jets vary in height with sound, and colored lights are installed at the bottom of the pool. At night, as the lights change, the water jets reflect vibrant beams of red, yellow, blue, and green, adding a splendid nocturnal charm to the Bund.

A Huangpu River cruise is an important and traditional highlight of travel in Shanghai. Not only is the Huangpu River the mother river of Shanghai, representing the city’s symbol and microcosm, but both banks of the river also showcase the essence of Shanghai’s urban landscape. From here, you can see Shanghai’s past and present, and even look forward to its brilliant future. During the cruise, you’ll see Yangpu Bridge and Nanpu Bridge spanning the river, along with the Shanghai Oriental Pearl Radio & Television Tower. The two bridges lie across the Huangpu River like two giant dragons, with the Oriental Pearl Tower in the middle, forming a magnificent “two dragons playing with a pearl” scene. On the west bank of the Huangpu River, a variety of buildings with strong international flair contrast beautifully with the modern skyscrapers rising on the east bank of Pudong, creating a dazzling panorama. Wusongkou, where the waters of the Huangpu River, the Yangtze River, and the East China Sea converge, offers a spectacular sight during high tide known as the “Three Waters Confluence.” The Huangpu River brings bluish-gray water from the urban area, the Yangtze contributes yellowish water mixed with silt, and the East China Sea adds green-tinted water. The three distinct colors remain clearly separated, forming a vivid and remarkable natural phenomenon.