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:
- Start at Bund Signal Tower (historic landmark).
- Walk south to Waibaidu Bridge (classic photo spot).
- Explore Chen Yi Square (statue of Shanghai’s first mayor).
- 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
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- Waibaidu Bridge: Capture vintage charm with Pudong’s skyline.
- Bund Bull Statue: A symbol of Shanghai’s financial power.
- Rooftop Bars: Bar Rouge or Flair Rooftop for panoramic night views.
- 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
