The "Lovers' Wall" on the Bund

　　   Originating from Shanghai's Bund. The so-called Lovers' Wall is actually a flood-prevention wall made of concrete, but this was the most romantic spot in Shanghai from the 1970s to the 1980s. When night fell, hundreds and even thousands of young couples would quietly gather on the Bund, staging what today’s people can hardly imagine as a collective romance.

　　   Around the 1970s and 1980s, due to economic scarcity, limited cultural and entertainment options, and extremely tight housing conditions — it was common to see families of seven or eight crammed into a tiny 10-square-meter room spanning four generations. At that time, young couples had nowhere to whisper sweet nothings or enjoy intimate moments. There were no coffee shops, and parks closed early at night. Pairs of lovers packed the 1,500-meter-long embankment from the Bund Park to East Jinling Road, standing neatly side by side, cheek to cheek — this was Shanghai’s earliest lovers’ haven — the Bund Lovers’ Wall.

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

　　   The emergence of the Lovers’ Wall had its reasons. First, living space in Shanghai was 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 — the awkwardness is imaginable. With no other option, they turned outdoors. Back then, parks were usually closed at night except in the height of summer. There were no coffee shops, bars, teahouses, or dance halls to hang out in, so the streets became the primary place for couples to go, and “taking a stroll” or “counting utility poles” became euphemisms for dating.

　　   Naturally, couples preferred dimly lit, less crowded spots for their strolls, which led to the second issue: poor public security at the time. Secluded corners were prone to robbery or harassment by hooligans. As a result, Shanghai’s couples unanimously sought a place that was both hidden and safe. Thus, like a wall formed by collective will, the Bund Lovers’ Wall naturally and gradually came into being.

　　   The Lovers’ Wall was truly an ideal place for romance. Here, no one would disturb you, and you didn’t have to worry about running into acquaintances, because everyone’s purpose was clear — to fall in love. No one cared what others thought, not even if passionate couples couldn’t help holding hands, hugging waists, or kissing. Everyone turned a blind eye. So, falling in love here was both safe and relaxing, romantic and free of cost, with the mother river Huangpu serving as a witness to sacred love.

　　   Imagine this: bright moon overhead, twinkling stars, shimmering river waves with dancing reflections, cool breezes brushing your face, and your beloved by your side — the bohemian vibe is simply overwhelming. One day in 1978, someone did a survey along a 200-meter stretch of the Bund from Beijing East Road to Nanjing East Road, counting 600 couples in love, averaging three couples (six young people) per meter. If you’re wondering, Ah Hua, as a native Shanghainese, did I ever go to the Bund Lovers’ Wall back in the day? Hehe, I’d just smile and say, Look at what you’re asking.

　　   Nowadays, dating at the Bund Lovers’ Wall has become a sweet memory for a generation of Shanghai youth. Today, the concrete flood wall has been replaced by granite, marble, and cast-iron decorative railings, but youthful memories will last forever. The Lovers’ Wall was a dense forest of romance created by a generation of Shanghai youth on barren concrete ground, allowing lovers to fulfill their midsummer night dreams.

　　   After the 1990s, the concept of the Bund Lovers’ Wall gradually faded with the rise of new dating venues such as coffee shops, dance halls, and teahouses. According to surveys, the top three dating spots for Shanghai youth today are Xintiandi, the People’s Square Green Space, and Fuxing Park. However, the Bund Lovers’ Wall remains popular. It’s said that of the average 200,000 daily visitors to the Bund, around 20,000 are couples. Not dancing, not bar-hopping — coming to the Bund for a breeze and scenic views has become the new trend for couples.

　　   Time needed

　　   Half an hour

　　   Admission

　　   Free

　　   Opening hours

　　   All day

　　   Location

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