North Bund

Address North Bund, Hongkou District, Shanghai
Hours Open 24/7
Phone N/A
Announcement: Waterfront Views
Entrance ¥0
Hours Open 24/7
Best Season Golden hour and ea...
Time needed 1-2 hours
Last visit: Jul 11, 2026
Author: Qiang Huang
Reviewer: Zekun Dong

North Bund Overview

A rapidly developing waterfront area in Hongkou District offering spectacular, unobstructed views of both the historic Bund and the Pudong skyline.

North Bund Opening Hours & Tickets

  • Open 24/7
  • Best season: Golden hour and early evening for photography.
  • Ticket note: Completely free public space.

Essential North Bund Visitor Information

  • Enquiries: N/A
  • Benches
  • Walking/Running tracks
  • Public restrooms
  • Vending machines

How to Get to North Bund

Metro Line 12 (International Cruise Terminal Station).

North Bund Travel Safety & Advice

Dial 120 for medical emergencies.

Practical Info

  • North Bund, Hongkou District, Shanghai
  • Open 24/7
  • N/A
Qiang Huang
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.

We keep this guide current.

Ratings

★★★★☆ 4.3 (20 reviews)

On-site notes & editorial review

Tickets

  • Completely free public space.

Online booking may be required

Tips

Often less crowded than the main Bund area, making it perfect for uninterrupted photos of the 'three brothers' (tallest skyscrapers).

Reality Check

  • Some areas are still under construction
  • Can be windy by the river

Top Attractions Near North Bund

1933 Old Millfun Architecture

1933 Old Millfun

A historic former slaughterhouse turned creative hub, renowned for its complex,...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Oriental Pearl Tower Iconic Landmark

Oriental Pearl Tower

A distinctive TV tower with observation decks offering panoramic views of Shangh...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Shanghai Ocean Aquarium Aquarium

Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

Located next to the Oriental Pearl Tower, featuring exhibits from various contin...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
The Bund Iconic Landmark

The Bund

A 1.5-kilometer-long waterfront on the west bank of the Huangpu River, showcasin...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Jin Mao Tower Skyscraper

Jin Mao Tower

An iconic 88-story landmark combining traditional Chinese architectural elements...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Shanghai Tower Skyscraper

Shanghai Tower

The tallest building in China, offering breathtaking panoramic views from its ob...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC) Skyscraper

Shanghai World Financial Center (SWFC)

A supertall skyscraper in Pudong, instantly recognizable by its bottle-opener sh...

Shanghai 2026-07-11
Yu Garden Historic Garden

Yu Garden

A classical Chinese garden built during the Ming Dynasty, featuring exquisite pa...

Shanghai 2026-07-11

Recent Reviews

4.3 ★★★★☆ (20)
JazzPete_88 Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolute gem! We wandered into North Bund almost by accident and ended up staying for hours. The combination of the old warehouses, the wide walking paths, and the sweeping river views is just magical at golden hour. There’s a lovely little bookshop café tucked inside one of the historical buildings—perfect for a break. Even the air feels fresher here than in central Shanghai. Can’t recommend it enough.

bike_n_chill Jul 06, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

I cycled along the North Bund path last weekend and it was a solid experience. The dedicated bike lane is a big plus, and the views of the Oriental Pearl Tower are unbeatable from that angle. Only thing is there aren’t many shade trees, so on a sunny afternoon it gets pretty hot. Still, a great route for a morning ride. Would give it a 4 because I wish there were more food stalls nearby.

Luna_explore Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Came here on a Thursday morning expecting crowds but it was pleasantly quiet. The mix of historic warehouses and modern glass buildings gives the area a unique character. I especially loved the bronze sculpture installation near the cruise terminal—it tells a story about the old shipping days. Perfect spot for photographers or anyone who wants a peaceful break from the city rush. Highly recommended!

mike_wanders Jul 06, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

The North Bund area is nice but I left a bit underwhelmed. The river view is impressive, sure, but there’s not much else to do unless you’re just walking along the path. The signboards could use better upkeep—some were faded and hard to read. Also, the restroom facilities were pretty sparse. Fine for a quick stroll but I wouldn’t make a special trip again.

TravelBug_Je Jul 06, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

I finally made it to North Bund after seeing so many Instagram shots, and honestly it didn’t disappoint. The view of Pudong’s skyline from the promenade is absolutely stunning, especially around sunset when the buildings light up. We grabbed a coffee from a little kiosk and just sat on a bench for an hour watching the boats go by. Clean, well-maintained, and not as crowded as the Bund side. Totally worth the trip.

Jade_Rooftop Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Hands down my favorite spot in Shanghai to watch the city light up at night. The contrast between the old brick buildings in the foreground and the neon-lit skyscrapers across the river is magical. I brought a takeout dinner and ate on one of the benches—felt like a movie scene. If you're into photography or just want a romantic evening walk, this is it.

Lucas_Advent Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

What a peaceful escape! I came here early in the morning for a jog and was blown away by the quiet, the fresh air, and the unobstructed view of the Huangpu River. The grass lawns are perfect for a picnic or just lying down. Way less touristy than the Bund, and the historical architecture along the way adds so much character. Loved every second.

Megan_Wander Jun 23, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Honestly a bit underwhelming. The view of the Pearl Tower is nice, but the whole area felt half-finished when I went—lots of construction fences and closed-off sections. Also, the signage was confusing and I couldn't find a proper restroom easily. Might be better in a year or two, but for now, I'd say skip it and stick to the Bund.

TravelBug_To Jun 23, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Great spot for a leisurely stroll with a fantastic perspective of the river and the skyscrapers. I loved the mix of old warehouse buildings and modern architecture. Only gripe is that there aren't many food or drink options right along the water—had to walk a bit to find a café. Still, highly recommend for photography lovers.

Shanghai_See Jun 23, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning views of the Pudong skyline from the North Bund promenade. We went at sunset and the colors reflecting off the water were unreal. Plenty of benches to just sit and take it all in, and the walking path is clean and well-maintained. A hidden gem away from the crowds on the Bund—definitely a must-do for any Shanghai visitor!

Mike_TheExpl Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Absolutely stunning! Went there during golden hour and the whole skyline turned pink and orange — pure magic. The promenade is super long so you can walk for ages without feeling crowded. There are even a few food trucks now offering drinks and snacks. The vibe is futuristic yet chill. This is THE place to bring visitors who’ve already seen the classic Bund. 5 stars without hesitation!

cafe_hopper_ Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

I really wanted to love this place because the concept is great — a modern riverside area with art installations and open space. But the reality is a bit rough. Some parts feel unfinished and there's a weird smell from the river on certain days. Also found the signage confusing. It's fine for a quick photo stop but I wouldn't make a special trip. 3 stars from me.

rayncity_wan Jun 01, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Visited on a weekday evening and it was almost empty — exactly what I needed after a busy work trip. The lighting along the waterfront is beautiful at night, and you can see the Pearl Tower lit up across the river. Sat on a bench for an hour just relaxing. Only downside: there were no public restrooms open nearby. But overall a lovely, peaceful escape.

TravelerTina Jun 01, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

North Bund has potential but honestly I was a bit underwhelmed. The riverside path is nice and there are some cool modern buildings, but a lot of construction sites still block the view in places. Also not many food options nearby — we had to walk 15 minutes just to find a decent restaurant. It’s okay for a quiet stroll but don’t expect the same vibe as the main Bund.

Jake_n_Shang Jun 01, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Came here on a sunny Saturday afternoon and the views of Pudong skyline are absolutely insane. The walk along the promenade is wide and clean, perfect for jogging or just chilling on a bench. We grabbed coffee from a nearby kiosk and watched the ships go by. Definitely one of my favorite spots in Shanghai now — way less crowded than the Bund on the other side. Highly recommend!

Roving_Ron May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

Interesting contrast between the old industrial buildings and the glittering towers across the river. The information boards about the history of the docks are a nice touch. Only downside: limited dining options nearby—had to walk 10 minutes for a coffee. Still a pleasant afternoon.

SunsetChaser May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Caught the golden hour here and it was pure magic. The combination of historic warehouses in the foreground and the modern skyline behind creates such a unique vibe. Sat on a stone step by the water and just watched the ferries go by. Perfect date spot or solo contemplation.

M_Zhang_Shan May 28, 2026
★★★☆☆ 3.0

Went on a weekend afternoon and it was way too crowded for my taste. The walkway felt cramped, and some people were blocking the photo spots without any awareness. The view is okay, but honestly, the Bund's side is more iconic. Probably won't rush back.

LauraTravels May 28, 2026
★★★★☆ 4.0

The promenade is nice and clean, with decent viewpoints of both the old and new Shanghai. However, I found the signage confusing and there weren't enough trash bins around. Also, a few more shaded spots would be great on a hot day. Still, worth a short visit.

Jake_NYC_Exp May 28, 2026
★★★★★ 5.0

Stumbled upon North Bund during an evening stroll and was blown away by the skyline view. The way the lights of Pudong reflect on the Huangpu is simply magical. Plenty of benches to sit and soak it in. A must-visit for anyone who loves cityscapes!

Leave a Review

2026 on-site verified