Shanghai Bund: History & Architecture

Introduction

The Bund is Shanghai’s most iconic landmark, a waterfront promenade lined with 52 historic buildings showcasing various architectural styles from the 1920s and 1930s.

Historical Background

• 1842: Shanghai opened as a treaty port after the First Opium War.
• 1845: The British Settlement was established along the Huangpu River.
• 1920s-1930s: Golden age of construction – most Bund buildings date from this period.
• 1949: Foreign concessions ended with the establishment of the People’s Republic.
• 1990s: Pudong development began, creating the modern skyline across the river.

Architectural Highlights

• Former HSBC Building (No. 12): Once the largest bank building in Asia, stunning neo-classical architecture.
• Customs House (No. 13): Famous clock tower, known as Big Chime.
• Peace Hotel (No. 19): Art Deco landmark, once the Sassoon House.
• Shanghai Club (No. 2): Exclusive British club, now Waldorf Astoria.
• Former British Consulate (No. 33): Oldest building on the Bund, now a cultural venue.

Architectural Styles

• Neo-Classical: Grand columns and symmetrical facades.
• Art Deco: Geometric patterns and modernist elements.
• Renaissance Revival: Elegant proportions and decorative details.
• Beaux-Arts: Ornate and grandiose design.

Walking Tour Route

• Start: Yan’an East Road (south end of Bund).
• Route: Walk north along the waterfront promenade.
• Highlights: Stop at key buildings, read plaques with historical information.
• End: Waibaidu Bridge (Garden Bridge) at the north end.
• Duration: 1-2 hours at a leisurely pace.

Visiting Tips

• Best Time: Early morning or evening for photos and cooler temperatures.
• Lighting: Buildings are illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere.
• River Views: Cross to Pudong for views of the Bund itself.

Last Updated: July 2026