The Bund (also called Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu) is a famous tourist attraction in Shanghai, on the west bank of Huangpu River and stretching about 1500 meters in length. Located in the north of the old city of Shanghai, the Bund was initially built as a settlement for British. After Shanghai was established as a trading port in 1846, a street was paved there and the riversides were reinforced. After years, with rows of commercial buildings constructed, the Bund gradually became a major financial hub of East Asia. From 1990s, an increasing number of tourists travel to Shanghai, and the city government started to boost tourism and rebuild the Bund to tourism destination. In 2010, four major squares were built in 2010, respectively Huangpu Park, Chen Yi Square, the Bund Financial Square, and the Observatory Plaza.
Why the Bund is special
The Bund is regarded as the symbol of Shanghai for hundreds of years. After being reconstructed in 2010, the new Bund waterfront is neat and atmospheric, wider public space is ready to embrace more visitors.
The Bund highlights
Architecture
The Bund has been called a 'museum of international architecture', and indeed it was and still is a galaxy of western buildings. The Bund has dozens of historical buildings lining along the Huangpu River, including numerous banks and trading houses built by the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Italy, Russia, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Belgium. All were constructed in western-inspired styles. The most famous and attractive sight which is at the west side of the Bund are the 26 various buildings of different architectural styles including Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and the Renaissance.
Lovers’ Wall
At the Bund, there is a 1,700-meters long flood-control wall located on the side of Huangpu River from Huangpu Park to Xinkai River, known as “the lovers’ wall”. The lovers’ wall once was where the most romantic corner of Shanghai in the last century. Taking a stroll along the Lovers’ Wall, feeling gentle breeze touching your face is surely an enjoyable experience.
Night View
Never miss the night view of the Bund for tourist who travels to Shanghai to appreciate the modern city view. The Bund fully exhibits the magnificence of a various buildings of different architectural styles. The night view of the Bund was reputed as one of the 'Shanghai top ten night light views' in 2009.