The Bund, Shanghai

History of Shanghai Bund

Imagine a muddy bank. Now imagine a place touched by almost all the nations in the world, a birthplace of thriving business and cultural exchanges and a lush architectural marvel. Now imagine they are both the same place, in different time periods. This is the Shanghai Bund, once a muddy towpath for boats along the Huangpu River in seaside Shanghai, now known as the “Oriental Wall Street” or “外滩 wài tān (outer beach)” in Chinese. In Anglo-Indian terms, ‘Bund’ is “the embankment of a muddy waterfront”. However, the Shanghai Bund has come a long way from its muddy beginnings. It has become the epitome of a Shanghai tourist’s must-see list and a consistent stop for professionals. For history and photography enthusiasts, this is definitely a place not to be missed.

Standing in front of the 1.5-kilometer-long structure at night, one can imagine how the structures began to be built by foreign powers that entered Shanghai following the First Opium War in 1842. The Bund was the first settlement of Great Britain and soon began to see distinguishable Western-style banks and trading houses from the UK, France, USA, Italy, Russia, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Belgium as well as the consulates of Russia and Britain. Later on, in the 19^th and 20^th centuries, the open port advantage allowed Shanghai to become Asia’s leading city, a vibrant metropolis and thriving financial center. It is a timepiece, a visual marvel and surviving evidence of colonial-era Shanghai. Walking along the Bund, one witnesses a living museum of the colonial history of the 1800s – making this a must-see for a trip to Shanghai.

Surroundings    

Across the Huangpu River from the Bund is the financial district of Shanghai, Lujiazui (陆家嘴), located on the east of the River in Pudong. Buildings including the the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center and Shanghai Tower are landmarks on this iconic land. The skyline of these landmarks in the Pudong Area makes a beautiful background for a touristy shot, looking on from the Bund.

Planning Your Trip

It may take you about 1-2 hours to complete exploring the Bund and all its features. With this in mind, take into account travel time – metro Line 2 will take you straight into Lujiazui Area. You may also like to take the Bund Sightseeing Channel or the Huangpu River Ferry, taking in the night lights while taking several shots for the gram.

You’ve never been to Shanghai if you have not seen the Bund – so go witness this piece of history in the modern world.