Overview:

The Bund, also known as Zhongshan Road, is a famous waterfront promenade along the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China. Described as the “museum of buildings”, The Bund, or Waitan, highlights some of the city’s finest architectures – from Gothic and Baroque buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries to the modern skyscrapers of the Communist era. Stretching from the mouth of the Wusong River in the north to Nanpu Bridge in the south, this raised deck of 1.5 kilometres (1 mile) long is connected with the Huangpu River. The eastern side of the Bund, Puxi, has a wide range of restaurants and nightlife. It is also home to some of the best sites in Shanghai such as the old British Consulate and the old Japanese Settlement. On the western side, Pudong, you can find the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jinmao Tower and the Shanghai Science & Technology Museum. The Bund is also a popular spot for shooting the night skyline of Shanghai. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in China
Prominent Features:

1. Prominent Landmark: The Bund is the most prominent landmark of the city of Shanghai and a symbol of the city’s urbanization and modernity. It is located along the Huangpu River and faces the sprawling skyline of the Pudong district. 2. Historical Significance: The Bund has been an important landmark and trading hub since the British and French concessions of the mid 19th century, and has since seen the rise and fall of the Qing Dynasty, the Japanese Occupation, and the development of the People’s Republic of China. 3. Architecture: It is home to a stunning array of architecture, from Art Deco masterpieces to grandiose and ornate colonnaded buildings, representing the earliest of Shanghai’s globally connected modernity. 4. Cultural Attractions: It houses some of Shanghai’s most famous cultural attractions, such as the Shanghai History Museum, the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and the Waibaidu bridge. 5. Shopping and Dining: The Bund is also home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes that capture the vibrant atmosphere of one of the world’s most exciting cities. From fine dining to cozy bistros, there is something for everyone. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in China.

History:

The Bund has been a center of commerce, politics, and culture in Shanghai for more than 150 years. Situated along the Huangpu River, the Bund's location was strategic, allowing merchants and traders to traverse up and down the Yangzi river, connecting all of China to the world. In the 1860s, foreigners flocked to Shanghai to take advantage of its industrial boom and establish trading companies. These companies, along with banks and other financial institutions, built a number of imposing new structures, giving the Bund its iconic skyline. Over the next two decades, many of the buildings were completed, repurposed, and remodeled, creating the Bund as it is seen today. The banks, trading houses, and other financial institutions formed a powerful lobby to ensure their continued prosperity and stability, and the Bund soon became a symbol of power and influence in Shanghai. During World War II, Shanghai was occupied by Japan, and the Bund took on a darker meaning—it became a reminder of foreign domination and colonialism. In the late 1940s, with the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, the Bund represented China’s new power and potential. The Bund continued to be a major hub of finance, business, and culture in Shanghai, as well as a potent symbol of Shanghai’s prosperity and international prominence. Today, the Bund remains an integral part of Shanghai, remaining a popular destination for businesspeople, tourists, and locals. Its dramatic centerpiece, an observation deck on the Huangpu River, is a popular stop on the tourist circuit, with the Bund's defining skyline, riverside walkways, and eclectic mix of architectural styles on full display. Visit one of the famous monuments of China with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Bund is home to the world’s largest collection of early-20th century European-style buildings. 2. The area features a total of 52 buildings with a variety of architectural styles, including Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical, and Romanesque. 3. The Bund was once a free trade port and was home to brokers, shippers, and tourists. 4. The area's development was once closely related to the commercial boom of the city of Shanghai. 5. The Bund has been a major tourist attraction in Shanghai since the late 19th century. 6. The iconic neon signs on buildings along the Bund were introduced in 1934, and became a famous global symbol of Shanghai. 7. In the 1990s, the area was modernized and a pedestrian walkway was built. 8. Today, the Bund is part of the Shanghai World Financial Center, an iconic skyscraper in the city. One of the historical monuments of China, it tells the story of a bygone era