The Bund or Waitan (Chinese: 外滩; pinyin: Wàitān, Shanghainese romanization: Nga3thae1, pronounced [ŋà.tʰɛ́], lit. 'Outer Beach') is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The area centers on a section of Zhongshan Road (East Zhongshan Road No.1) within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The area along the river faces the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. From the 1860s to the 1930s, it was the rich and powerful center of the foreign establishment in Shanghai, operating as a legally protected treaty port.
The word bund - from the Persian word band, through Hindustani - means "embankment", "levee" or "dam" (a cognate of the English terms "bind", "bond" and "band", and the German word "Bund"). Mumbai's Apollo Bunder and city names like Bandar Abbas and Banda Aceh share the same etymology. The various "bunds" in east Asia, may therefore be named after the bunds/levees in Baghdad along the Tigris, given by the immigrating Baghdadi Jews, like the prominent Baghdadi Sassoon family who settled their businesses in Shanghai, and other port cities in east Asia in the 19th century, and heavily built up their harbors. In these Chinese port cities, the English term came to mean, especially, the embanked quay along the shore. In English, "Bund" is pronounced to rhyme with "fund" (for example, the Yokohama Bund). However, "The Bund", without qualification to location, usually refers to this stretch of embanked riverfront in Shanghai.
Corey Cherrington | Feb 13, 2018
This is one of the best places to visit in Shanghai. It's close to the water and there are walls along the Bund that double as planters for beautiful, live plants. I went here several times while I was I Shanghai and really enjoyed myself. The one hang-up I have is that it could definitely be cleaner. However, that shouldn't stop anyone from going for the experience.
Serena Uible | Jan 19, 2018
The place to see and be seen in Shanghai - lots of photo opportunities, selfies, etc. You can't see the flashy financial distract across the river. Try to not look IN the river. You know how's you can't drink from the faucet? The water in the river looks way worse. Sigh. Anyway, fascinating area - Lots to see and photograph. Handicapped accessible, but takes a bit of doing to find ramps - otherwise lots of steps. Wish now I'd been more prepared to know what I was looking at, but going to be in area several more times before leaving Shanghai. Must do in Shanghai.
charlotte april angalao | Feb 24, 2018
A place where you can take a photo in city of Shanghai... Nice place to go at night to take a photo of THE CITY. The lights in the city at night. Is very alluring...
Michael Wu | Feb 3, 2018
This is a must visit spot for all tourist who visits Shanghai. You get a superb view of the most prosperous part of Shanghai, Lujiazui. And it's a very nice stroll anytime in the day or during the night.
Keith Zhang | Feb 25, 2018
Great view. Very crowded. Just walk along the river and there are much more photo taking space
Gerri Strevens | Apr 14, 2018
Spectacular at night when it is really dark and the buildings are lit up in really interesting ways. I was told an American firm designs and co-ordinates it. We did a cruise on the Visa boat and went to the top deck but it is more fun joining the throngs walking along taking selfies. It is really safe and we had no problems as there are police everywhere, not that I think anyone would risk doing anything like bag snatching in China. There are lots of professional photo booths and food places nearby . During the day it is just another city with big buildings. You don't need a guide but do your research before you go as Google is not allowed anywhere in China nor is Gmail or What's App.
Claudia Colantonio | Apr 3, 2018
One of the best skylines. It's interesting to see the contrast between the old and the modern divided by the river. It's especially beautiful at night so be sure to be there before the lights turn off at 11 pm.
kristof geerts | Mar 13, 2018
The bund is always a pleasant visit and after coming back after 8 years, there was quite some change! All for the better as the area has been made really nice to just stroll around. When having some freetime, always good to have a walk there and enjoy the views of this place as its just great. Also easily accessible by subway, giving an extra nice walk to it, passing by a busy area with many stores & shops. In the evening the views and scenery is best in my opinion. There is quite some nice LED lighting on the high structures and boats as well.
Elizabeth Li | Apr 7, 2018
There are frequent construction sites around but still a lovely place to take the dogs out for a walk and have a morning jogging session. The lights at night are just stunning. I LUV SHANGHAIIII
Ravi Vaitiyanathan | May 26, 2018
Must visit place if you are visiting Shanghai. Beautiful view from the raised platform. Should visit in the evening to see the beautiful landscape with lights. Finding a picture perfect spot is very difficult, if you are lucky you can get one. Pretty close to People square. On the way, lot of branded shops for shopping.
Kosala Jayasundara | Jun 1, 2018
Cool place to see the high rises view of Shanghai. So many people come there at night time for the view and shopping both. Most of the night times, specially on weekends, it's too crowded and packed with people. But it's a view that the tourists should have at least once. Revisit and look and the same thing again, I'm not too sure.
Alan Harnett | May 7, 2018
The Bund is a elevated walking area along the water. It sits on the old part of Shanghai with views of the water and the newer part of Shanghai. This is a great place to take pictures if its not too busy. There are also people selling photos and willing to take you picture for a fee. Next to the Bund are many hotels, restaurants, and bars that overlook the Bund. Great to go to these at night. But you will pay for the view. Overall the Bund is nice, but nothing spectacular. At night the buildings are different colors which makes Shanghai unique. Going to the Bund is free. Continue walking south and you will see Yuyuan garden and shopping area.
Ganesh Mobu | May 23, 2018
The most beautiful skyline for a reason. You can't miss it. The bund gives you amazing view of skyscrapers. Must visit place. If possible visit twice - once in a sunny day, once at night. It is simply magnificent.
Kyung Cho | Jul 22, 2018
When in Shanghai, The Bund is a must for visitors to take pictures. Across the river, you’ll see the symbol of Shanghai, The Oriental Pearl TV Tower and The Shanghai Tower in the financial district. BTW, if you have the time, you must visit at night to see the spectacular “light show” that’s better and grander than the NYC's Times Square. While you are at The Bund, make sure to visit Nanjing Pedestrian street to enjoy the nightlife and maybe get that gift for someone special.
Moses Choi | Jun 25, 2018
Very nice vantage point to see the new skyscrapers of Shanghai. There are a lot of people and tourists here as it is an obligatory spot for visitors to swing through at least once. The view isn't as large or wide as I had expected, but was still worth coming for to see the now-iconic view of the most "Western" city in mainland China and a symbol of rising Chinese economic might.
charlotte april angalao | Jun 27, 2018
Guys, this is the best place where you can take a photo in city of Shanghai... In order for you to take a photo of the whole place... But i recommend you to come at night to see The lights of the city where it Is very alluring... But your a kind of tourist that afraid to lost and need the metro train to go back in hotel then come early in order not to get lost
Deepak Kumar Tokas | Jul 14, 2018
Very nice vantage point to see the new skyscrapers of Shanghai. When in Shanghai it’s a must must play to visit in the evening. 1500 meter walking promenade with restaurants and great views. There are ferry also which can take for a round.
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