The Bund (Waitan) is Shanghai’s most famous waterfront promenade and the single best place to read the city’s split personality — colonial-era buildings on one side, the futuristic Pudong skyline on the other. It is free, open 24/7, and needs no ticket.
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Best time to visit
Late afternoon to evening is the sweet spot. Arrive around 4:30–5:00 PM to see the buildings in daylight, then watch the Pudong skyline light up around sunset. The skyline stays lit into the late evening — check the current light-up schedule, because it shifts with the season and during major events. The largest crowds come at sunset and on public holidays (National Day, Spring Festival), when access control is possible.
The walking route (about 1.5 km, ~45 min with stops)
- Start at the south end near Yan’an Road for the classic approach.
- Walk north along the promenade — colonial buildings on your left, Pudong skyline on your right.
- Stop at the Peace Hotel (Fairmont), one of Shanghai’s most historic buildings; the lobby is worth a look.
- End at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at the north end.
- Cross to Pudong by ferry from Jinling East Road Ferry Pier for ground-level views of Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao and the SWFC.
Nearest metro and how to get there
East Nanjing Road Station (Lines 2 and 10) is a 5–10 minute walk east to the waterfront. Save “外滩 / Waitan” in Amap before you leave so you have a Chinese-language destination if you need a taxi.
Ferry vs sightseeing tunnel
The Huangpu River ferry is the authentic, low-cost crossing — verify the current fare on the official Shanghai ferry schedule. Skip the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: at around RMB 50 one-way it is a dated light show in a tunnel, not a scenic crossing. The public ferry gives you the real Shanghai experience for a fraction of the price.
Photography tips
- Best Pudong-skyline photos are from the Bund side around golden hour.
- For the colonial Bund buildings, cross to the Pudong side or shoot from mid-promenade.
- Night photography is excellent — the skyline stays lit into the late evening.
What to combine with the Bund
- Shanghai First-Time Guide: What to See, Where to Stay, and How to Move Around: the city overview if the Bund is part of a first Shanghai trip.
- Nanjing Road East: Shanghai’s main shopping street starts at the Bund’s west side. Walk west from the Bund for the full neon experience.
- Yu Garden (Yuyuan): about a 15-minute walk southwest — a classic Ming-dynasty garden and bazaar. Go in the morning before crowds.
- Lujiazui (Pudong): cross by the public ferry for ground-level views of Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao and the SWFC.
- French Concession: a 20-minute taxi or metro ride west — tree-lined streets, cafes and boutiques, a different Shanghai entirely.
Practical tips
- The Bund is free and open 24/7 — no ticket needed.
- Wear comfortable shoes; the promenade is a walk, not a sit-down attraction.
- Bring water — vendors on the Bund are overpriced.
- Rainy days cut the crowds but low cloud can hide the skyline.
- Arriving by air? A Kiwitaxi airport transfer gets you to the Bund without queuing for taxis, and a China eSIM keeps your map and ride-hailing working on arrival.
See the skyline from the water
To skip ticket queues or view the skyline from the river, book Shanghai attractions and Huangpu River cruises on Klook.
Updated September 15, 2026. Ferry fares, light-up times and access rules during major events can change — verify on the official Shanghai transport or tourism channels before you go.