The Bund

Address Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
Hours Open 24/7
Phone +86 21 6321 9265
Announcement: Iconic Landmark
Entrance ¥0
Hours Open 24/7
Best Season Sunset & Night
Time needed 1-2 hours
Last visit: Aug 25, 2026
Author: Fang Wang
Reviewer: Yingjie He

The Bund Overview

A 1.5-kilometer-long waterfront on the west bank of the Huangpu River, showcasing a collection of 52 historical buildings in various architectural styles.

The Bund Opening Hours & Tickets

  • Open 24/7
  • Best season: Sunset & Night
  • Ticket note: Free

Essential The Bund Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: +86 21 6321 9265
  • Benches
  • Restrooms
  • Tourist Information Center

How to Get to The Bund

Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station.

The Bund Travel Safety & Advice

Call 110 for police, 120 for ambulance.

Practical Info

  • Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai
  • Open 24/7
  • +86 21 6321 9265
Fang Wang
Fang Wang
Certified National Tour Guide
Fang Wang, a Shanghai-based Certified National Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai Bund, Jiangnan water towns, and Yuyuan.

Last updated: 2026-04

Ratings

★★★★☆ 3.8 (5 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Free

Online booking may be required

Tips

Enjoy the stunning night view of the Lujiazui skyline across the river.

Reality Check

  • Long queues — arrive early
  • ID / passport may be required
  • Weather gamble
  • Cooler at higher elevation
  • Not fully accessible
  • No direct transit in some areas
Where to Stay Near the Bund: Best Areas & Hotels for You

Where to Stay Near the Bund: Best Areas & Hotels for You

Yan Zhou 2026-06-26

Struggling to decide where to stay near the Bund? I've guided hundreds of travelers and know the best areas for every budget. Avoid common booking traps and find your perfect base to explore Shanghai's iconic waterfront.

Best Hotels Near The Bund: Luxury to Budget Options

Best Hotels Near The Bund: Luxury to Budget Options

Qiang Huang 2026-05-07

Wondering where to stay near The Bund in Shanghai? This expert guide reviews top hotels from luxury to budget, with insider tips on location, prices, and how to choose the perfect accommodation for your visit.

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Recent Reviews

3.8 ★★★★☆ (5)
RiverView_Lo May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Had high expectations but the weather didn't cooperate – heavy smog made the skyline look gray and washed out. Couldn't even see the top of the Oriental Pearl Tower clearly. Also, construction scaffolding blocked parts of the walkway near the Peace Hotel. Disappointing for the amount of hype. Maybe better on a clear day.

ShanghaiExpl May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Came here for an early morning jog and it was peaceful – totally different vibe from the evening chaos. The river breeze was refreshing and the sunrise colors over the towers were gorgeous. Only gave it 4 stars because the public restrooms were hard to find and a bit dirty. Bring your own water.

TravelBug_Si May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Loved the mix of old and new – the neoclassical buildings on one side and the futuristic Pudong towers on the other. Spent a couple hours just walking the promenade and reading the historical plaques. Free entry, well-maintained pathways, and plenty of benches. A must-do for first-time visitors to Shanghai.

NightOwl_88 May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Visited on a Saturday afternoon – huge mistake. Packed shoulder-to-shoulder with selfie sticks and tour groups. Could barely get a spot by the railing to see the river. The architecture is impressive but the experience was ruined by the crowds. Felt more like a theme park queue than a scenic walk.

JennaW. May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning at night! The skyline across the river is iconic, and the colonial buildings along the Bund are beautifully lit. Took a million photos and every single one looks like a postcard. Would recommend coming after sunset for the full effect – the energy here is electric even on a weekday.

Leave a Review

The Bund Travel FAQ

Can I book a private room in a hostel as a solo traveler?
Absolutely. Many hostels offer single/double private rooms at a higher price (¥150-300). They're great if you need privacy but still want access to the hostel's social areas and services. Booking private rooms through Trip.com is easy and often includes breakfast.
Are hostels in China safe for solo female travelers?
Generally yes. I've sent many solo female clients to these hostels without issues. However, book female-only dorms when available. Avoid hostels with mixed dorms on the first floor (proximity to lobby increases noise and foot traffic). Always lock your valuables and trust your gut. The staff at recommended hostels are trained to handle concerns.
What's the best hostel in China for solo travelers who want to meet people?
Peking International Youth Hostel in Beijing and Captain Hostel in Shanghai have the most social common areas. Both organize daily events like walking tours, dumpling making, and karaoke nights. Dorm rooms with 6 beds are the sweet spot for sociability without being overcrowded.
Can I use my international driving permit to rent a car from a hostel in China?
No. China does not recognize international driving permits. You cannot rent a car as a foreigner. Stick to trains, buses, and DiDi. Hostels often organize minibus tours – that's your best bet for remote areas.
How do solo travelers get to hostels from Chinese airports without Google Maps?
Use Apple Maps – it's surprisingly accurate for directions and public transit within China. For ride-hailing, download DiDi (the Chinese Uber). It has an English interface and can be linked to Alipay for payment. Show the driver the Chinese address of your hostel on your phone screen.
5. Can I keep my home SIM active at the same time?
Yes! Set your China eSIM as the primary line for data, and keep your home SIM active for voice/SMS. Dual SIM works perfectly. Just beware of roaming charges—turn off data roaming on your home SIM.
4. What happens if my eSIM doesn’t activate upon arrival?
First, stay calm. Connect to airport Wi‑Fi and contact provider support (Airalo and Trip.com have 24/7 live chat). If all else fails, buy a physical SIM from a kiosk (about $5 for 5 GB) —just show your passport.
3. Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
Technically, the use of VPNs by foreigners is tolerated for basic personal communication, but not for illegal activities. Stick to reputable VPNs recommended by your eSIM provider. Avoid free VPNs—they’re often blocked or insecure.
2. Can I use a China eSIM to call and text?
Most tourist eSIMs are data-only. For calls, use WhatsApp, WeChat, or Skype. If you need a Chinese phone number for verification (like for Didi or Meituan), buy a separate physical SIM at the airport or a China Unicom store—bring your passport for registration.
1. Will my phone be compatible with a China eSIM?
Most recent phones (iPhone XR and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 4 and newer) support eSIM. Check your phone’s specs. If you have a locked carrier phone, it might not work—contact your carrier to unlock it.
2026 on-site verified · Last audit: March 29, 2026 · see details