CityBuddy
The Bund
Best time to visit
Early morning for sunrise and far fewer people, or after sunset to see the Pudong skyline illuminated and cooler temperatures in summer.
Budget tips
Promenade access is free year-round; skip pricey souvenir stalls and buy snacks from nearby convenience stores; combine with a river cruise only if you want framed skyline photos, otherwise save money by photographing from the riverbank.
Recommended for
Photography enthusiasts, First-time Shanghai visitors, Architecture lovers, Couples
Plan your visit
1-2 hours
About
Quick facts: The river breeze carries the sound of boat whistles and the aroma of barbecue stalls. Along the roughly 1.5-kilometer stone-paved walkway, more than 50 old buildings with diverse architectural styles line both sides. Once a core area in the financial fabric of the Far East, several clock towers and marble porches still attract photographers who arrive early to catch the morning light.
Highlights: The air by the river mixes the damp smell of metal with the clicks of camera shutters. Between 5 and 7 in the morning, it is common to see soon-to-be-weds and photography teams using reflectors to create a warm, long beam of light. The mechanical chimes on the clock tower sound every 15 minutes. Three short strikes followed by a long tone echo in the night, often used by long-exposure photographers to create dynamic light trails.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and a light windbreaker; the Huangpu River can be chilly and breezy even on warm days.
- Head to the Bund promenade near the Waibaidu Bridge for classic colonial-building shots with the river in the foreground.
- Avoid weekends and Chinese public holidays if you want fewer crowds; arrive before 07:30 for near-empty sunrise photos.
- Skip touristy restaurants on Zhongshan East Road, walk two blocks inland for better-value local eateries.
Practical info
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