Ultimate Shanghai Bund Travel Guide for Foreign Visitors: Tips, Food & Must-See Spots

Introduction And Tourist Map

The ​Shanghai Bund​ (Waitan) is one of China’s most iconic landmarks, blending colonial-era architecture with a futuristic skyline. Stretching 1.5 km along the Huangpu River, this waterfront promenade offers breathtaking views of ​Pudong’s skyscrapers​ (like the Shanghai Tower and Oriental Pearl Tower) and historic buildings like the ​Peace Hotel. A must-visit for history buffs, photographers, and first-time travelers to Shanghai!

How to Get to the Shanghai Bund:

Metro

Take ​Line 2 or Line 10​ to ​East Nanjing Road Station​ (Exit 7), then walk 10 minutes to the Bund.

Taxi/Rideshare

Use Didi (China’s Uber) and show drivers “外滩” (Wàitān).

Weather & Best Time to Visit

  • Spring (Mar–May): Mild (15–25°C), perfect for walking.
  • Summer (Jun–Aug): Hot (25–35°C) and humid; visit early morning or evening.
  • Autumn (Sep–Nov): Cool (10–22°C), ideal for photography.
  • Winter (Dec–Feb): Chilly (0–10°C), but fewer crowds.

Pack: Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and a light jacket for evenings.

Recommended Itinerary & Route

  • Duration: 2–3 hours (daytime or sunset); extend to 4–5 hours for nearby attractions.
  • Route:
    1. Start at ​Bund Signal Tower​ (historic landmark).
    2. Walk south to ​Waibaidu Bridge​ (classic photo spot).
    3. Explore ​Chen Yi Square​ (statue of Shanghai’s first mayor).
    4. End at ​Bund Tourist Tunnel​ or take a ​Huangpu River cruise.
  • Nearby Attractions: ​Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, ​Yu Garden, or ​Lujiazui​ in Pudong.

Photo Spots

    1. Waibaidu Bridge: Capture vintage charm with Pudong’s skyline.
    2. Bund Bull Statue: A symbol of Shanghai’s financial power.
    3. Rooftop Bars: ​Bar Rouge​ or ​Flair Rooftop​ for panoramic night views.
    4. Colonial Buildings: Shoot the ​HSBC Building​ or ​Customs House clocktower.

    Pro Tip: Sunrise and blue hour (after sunset) offer magical lighting!

Top Food & Restaurants Near the Bund

Jiajia Tang Bao

Address: 90 Huanghe Road, Huangpu District (near People’s Square).

Avg. Price: ¥40–60 per person

Signature Dishes:

Crab roe soup dumplings 

Pork and shrimp soup dumplings 

 Yellow croaker noodle soup 

Old Shanghai Restaurant

Address: 19 Yunnan South Road, Huangpu District (near Nanjing East Road).

Avg. Price: ¥20–30 per person

Signature Dishes:

Classic pork wontons 

Pan-fried pork bun

Scallion oil noodles 

Mr & Mrs Bund

Address: 18 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District (at the intersection with Nanjing Road).

Avg. Price: ¥800–1,500+ per person (depending on restaurant)

Signature Dishes:

Lemon tart with meringue 

Slow-cooked beef cheek

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