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.
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.
Recent Reviews
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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