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: May 22, 2026

Author: Qiang Huang

Reviewer: Zekun Dong

The Bund Travel Guide

Romantic Things to Do in Shanghai: Unforgettable Date Ideas

Yan Zhou 2026-05-25 Verified

Looking for romantic things to do in Shanghai? From serene garden strolls to intimate skyline dinners, this local's guide reveals hidden gems and practical tips for couples planning a memorable experience in the city.

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Things to Do in Shanghai: A Local's Guide

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Overwhelmed by choices for what to do in Shanghai? This local's guide cuts through the noise with practical, experience-based recommendations for iconic sights, hidden food spots, and cultural gems you won't find in standard brochures.

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Top 10 Shanghai Attractions: You Can't Miss

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What are the must-see places in Shanghai? This guide details the top 10 Shanghai attractions with insider tips on tickets, opening hours, and how to avoid crowds. Plan your perfect trip with our practical advice and sample itineraries.

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Shanghai in One Day: A Perfect Itinerary for First Timers

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Only have 24 hours in Shanghai? This detailed one-day itinerary covers the Bund, Yu Garden, French Concession, and more, with practical tips on transport, tickets, and hidden gems to maximize your short visit.

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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

Qiang Huang

Certified Senior Tour Guide

Qiang Huang, a Shanghai-based Certified Senior Tour Guide, specializes in East China itineraries covering the Shanghai skyscraper and luxury shopping tour, culinary innovation tour, and West Bund art walk.

Last updated: 2026-04

Ratings

☆☆☆☆☆ — (0 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 View all

Best Hotels Near The Bund: Luxury to Budget Options

Qiang Huang 2026-05-25

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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The Bund Travel FAQ

How do I actually buy tickets for the Shanghai Museum since it's free?

This trips up many. You must reserve a specific date and time slot in advance. Do this via their official WeChat account or their English-language website. The reservation system opens a week in advance. Same-day walk-ins are almost never available. Have your passport number ready for registration.

Is it worth going up both the Jinmao Tower and the Shanghai Tower?

For most visitors, no. It's expensive and the core experience—a high-altitude view of Shanghai—is redundant. Choose Jinmao for the classic, straight-on view of The Bund's historical strip. Choose Shanghai Tower for the sheer engineering marvel and the feeling of being on top of everything. If you have a tight budget, skip both and enjoy the free view of the towers from The Bund.

What is the best time to visit The Bund to avoid the biggest crowds?

Weekday mornings, right after sunrise, are almost peaceful. The evening light show draws the largest crowds, especially on weekends and holidays. If you must go in the evening, the crowds thin out significantly after 9:30 PM, and the lights are still on.

Is Shanghai safe for tourists?

Shanghai is one of the safest large cities in the world for tourists. Violent crime is extremely rare. The main concerns are petty scams (like the "tea ceremony" scam targeting tourists near the Bund) and pickpocketing in very crowded areas like East Nanjing Road. Use common sense: keep valuables secure, be wary of overly friendly strangers inviting you for drinks, and agree on taxi fares with the meter before riding.

How can I experience local life away from tourist crowds?

Rent a bicycle (using apps like Meituan or Hello Bike) and ride through the backstreets (longtang) of residential areas in the former French Concession. Visit a local wet market early in the morning (like the one on Gao'an Road). Or, simply take the metro a few stops beyond the central tourist hubs, get off at a random residential station, and walk around. You'll see daily Shanghai—people doing tai chi in small parks, playing mahjong, and hanging laundry.

What's the biggest mistake first-time visitors make when planning what to do in Shanghai?

Underestimating travel time and distance. Shanghai is vast. Pin your desired spots on a map. The Bund to the French Concession is a 20-minute taxi ride without traffic, but with congestion, it can double. Clustering activities by geography is crucial. Trying to do the Jade Buddha Temple (northwest), then Yu Garden (central-east), then Xintiandi (south-central) in one morning is a recipe for spending hours in taxis.

Is Shanghai a good destination for families with young kids?

It can be, with planning. The crowds at major sights like Yu Garden are challenging with strollers. Focus on larger, open spaces: the wide Bund promenade (not during peak evening), the excellent Shanghai Natural History Museum (requires online booking), or a boat ride. Shanghai Disneyland is obviously a huge draw, but it's massive and requires its own dedicated day and strategy—get the app, buy skip-the-line passes if your budget allows, and target weekdays.

What is the best time of day to visit The Bund to avoid the worst crowds?

Early morning (before 9 AM) on a weekday is blissfully quiet, perfect for photos and a peaceful stroll. Late afternoon (after 4 PM) is my preferred compromise—you get good light, manageable crowds, and can stay for the sunset and light-up. Weekends and public holidays are consistently packed from midday onward, especially around the intersection with Nanjing Road.