The Bund Tickets: Free Access & Paid Attractions Explained

Let’s cut straight to it – The Bund itself does not require any ticket. Zero. Zilch. You can stroll the entire 1.5km waterfront promenade, snap photos of the colonial buildings, and gaze at Pudong’s skyline without paying a single yuan.

But hold on – I’ve had more than a dozen clients show up with a printed “Bund ticket” they bought online. Scam? Not exactly, but confusion is real. Here’s the catch: the Bund is a public street, but several attractions nearby sell tickets. Let me break it down so you don’t waste money on something you don’t need.

The Bund Promenade: Absolutely Free

Every day, thousands of people walk along the Bund for free. The only thing you need is a pair of comfortable shoes – and maybe a jacket if it’s windy. The boardwalk is open 24/7, though the best views are from sunrise to 10 PM when the buildings are lit up.

Avoid the “Free Bund Tour” touts near Nanjing Road – they’ll try to sell you a “VIP access” to the Bund. It’s a scam. I once saw a tourist pay 100 RMB for a “skip-the-line” pass. There’s no line to skip.

How to Get to the Bund Without Paying a Cent

Nearest Metro: East Nanjing Road Station (Line 2 & 10), Exit 1. Walk east for 5 minutes – you’ll see the river. Bus lines 20, 37, 71 also drop you close. Taxis from downtown cost around 30-50 RMB.

Pro tip: Don’t take the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (70 RMB one-way) if you’re just looking to cross to Pudong. Instead, take Metro Line 2 from East Nanjing Road to Lujiazui (two stops, 3 RMB). Same destination, 90% cheaper.

Paid Attractions: Cruises, Tunnels & Observation Decks

Now, if you want to experience the Bund from the water or go up a skyscraper, you’ll need a ticket. I’ve compiled the most common options so you can decide what’s worth it.

I always tell my clients to skip the Sightseeing Tunnel – it’s a fancy subway with lights. Instead, take the ferry from the Bund to Pudong! The Wai Jinxian Ferry runs every few minutes, costs just 2–10 RMB, and gives you a similar water view. Yes, you read that right – 2 RMB for a mini cruise. The boarding point is near the south end of the Bund (look for the small sign).

Huangpu River Cruise: Worth It or Not?

If you want a classic experience, the night cruise is stunning. But buy tickets in advance, especially on weekends. I once had to queue 45 minutes at the pier. Book through Trip.com or your hotel concierge to save time. Price varies by route – the 60-minute cruise costs around 180 RMB, while the shorter 45-minute is 120 RMB. Don’t pay extra for “VIP” seating; the regular deck is just as good.

One more thing: the cruise companies operating from Shiliupu Pier are legit, but touts near the Bund might sell fake tickets. Always buy from the official ticket booth or a reputable app.

My Insider Tips for The Bund Tickets (and Avoiding Foolish Spending)

Here are a few dos and don’ts I’ve learned from years of guiding:

• Do check the weather before booking a cruise. Rain ruins the view, and refunds are rare.
• Don’t pay for a guided tour of the Bund – you can see everything yourself with a free map.
• Do bring WeChat Pay or Alipay for small purchases (like the ferry). Some ticket booths don’t take foreign credit cards.
• Don’t fall for the “free photo” trick near the Bund – they’ll hand you a card and then charge you 50 RMB later. Politely refuse.

I always recommend my clients to start their Bund walk at 4:30 PM. That way you catch daylight, golden hour, and the lights turning on at 6 PM. No extra ticket needed – just your eyes.

FAQs – The Bund Tickets Questions I Get Every Week

This content has been fact-checked to ensure informational precision.