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The Bund
Home » China » Shanghai - Activities and Attractions » The BundShanghai’s piece de resistance is The Bund. As you stroll along the one-mile stretch of colonial structures, you just might forget you are actually in China. The structures were built after the First Opium War in the mid-1800s. The war was significant because Great Britain’s victory opened several ports in China for trade, Shanghai being the most notable. The Brits, along with those from other nations, descended upon the city and built the western-style buildings along The Bund to serve as trading houses and business offices. During Shanghai’s peak in the 1920s and 1930s, the area was bustling with big business and bigger money.
Today, walking The Bund is a must-do for every visitor to Shanghai. A multi-lane avenue runs alongside the buildings, and there is a raised pedestrian promenade on the eastern side, flanking the Huangpu River. It is designed for strolling, though it can become crowded later in the day. Your best bet is to go on the early side, where you can slowly take in the sights as you make your way down the promenade. It is really something to do twice, because viewing the buildings at night, when they are glowing with light, is an awe-inspiring experience.
If you are interested in the history of The Bund, you can stop by the Bund History Museum. Admission is free, and it offers interesting photos and artifacts about The Bund.
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