The Bund (Wai Tan), Shanghai: Hours, Address, The Bund (Wai Tan) Reviews: 4.5/5
The Bund (Wai Tan)
The Bund (Wai Tan)
4.5
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Scenic Walking Areas
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12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This is a designated section of Shanghai’s port along the Huang Pu River lined with beautiful neo-classical buildings and a waterfront promenade that is packed with tourists, locals and street sellers.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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Top ways to experience The Bund (Wai Tan)
The area
Neighborhood: Huangpu
How to get there
- East Nanjing Road • 8 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
4,747 within 3 miles
Hakkasan
1,110
0.2 mi$$$$ • Chinese • Asian • Contemporary
Club Room (The Shanghai EDITION)
148
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • Pub • Wine Bar
Shanghai Tavern (The Shanghai EDITION)
143
0.3 mi$$$$ • European
Canton Disco (The Shanghai EDITION)
269
0.3 mi$$$$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegan Options
Mr & Mrs Bund - Timeless Eatery by Paul Pairet
2,000
0.2 mi$$$$ • French • International • European
The Roof (The Shanghai EDITION)
327
0.4 mi$$$$ • Bar • Pub • Gastropub
HIYA (The Shanghai EDITION)
290
0.3 mi$$$$ • Japanese • Sushi • Asian
The Nest
256
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Bar • European • Vegetarian Friendly
Dragon Phoenix
220
0.1 mi$$$$ • Chinese • Asian • Shanghai
Jasmine Lounge
78
0.1 mi$$$$ • Chinese • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Attractions
679 within 6 miles
Heping Fandian
694
0.1 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings
Bund Valentine Wall
98
507 ftBodies of Water • Observation Decks & Towers
Shishang Street
3
419 ftFlea & Street Markets
Yick Fung Commercial Mall
3
330 ftShopping Malls
Shanghai People's Heroes Monument
118
0.1 miObservation Decks & Towers
Nanjing Lu (Nanjing Road)
4,666
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Waitan History Museum
7
0.1 miHistory Museums
Garden Bridge
148
0.2 miBridges
Bund International Architecture Exhibition
922
0.3 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks
Bund18
30
0.2 miShopping Malls
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
19,491 reviews
Excellent
12,325
Very good
5,853
Average
1,137
Poor
133
Terrible
43
LoveTravelling1116
Singapore, Singapore660 contributions
Sep 2019
My last night in Shanghai was spent watching the spectacular night view of The Bund, and I never regretted having to jostle my way into the first line just so as to capture the view without people obstacles. The colourful night lights were one of the highlights of Shanghai, and is also a reflection of how economically vibrant Shanghai is.
The numerous high-end posh hotels around this region complement the scenery, enhancing the attractiveness of this place too. I was standing behind the metal fence just next to the river, and it was wonderful to witness the various boats floating by with bright splashy colour! From The Bund, one can see the high-rise Oriental Pearl Tower gleaming in every hue.
The Bund could be reached via East Nanjing Road train station, followed by a 10-minute straight walk. Be prepared to come here soon to avoid the need for hustling.
The numerous high-end posh hotels around this region complement the scenery, enhancing the attractiveness of this place too. I was standing behind the metal fence just next to the river, and it was wonderful to witness the various boats floating by with bright splashy colour! From The Bund, one can see the high-rise Oriental Pearl Tower gleaming in every hue.
The Bund could be reached via East Nanjing Road train station, followed by a 10-minute straight walk. Be prepared to come here soon to avoid the need for hustling.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
allabouttravel2018
Shanghai, China20 contributions
Mar 2020 • Friends
One of the best views on the Lujiazui skyline. Furthermore, many historical buildings that once housed numerous banks and trading houses.
Less know to most tourists is the Wall Street Charging Bull's brother, designed by same artist Arturo Ugo Di Medica.
Typically very crowded during day and evening. Around 10 minutes walk from line 2 station east nanjing road.
Best time to visit: Just after sundown when all the buildings including Pearl tower and Shanghai tower (2nd highest building in the world) are illuminated. Going there for sunrise also very nice, much less crowded and one can experience locals engaged in activities such as taichi and flying kites.
Less know to most tourists is the Wall Street Charging Bull's brother, designed by same artist Arturo Ugo Di Medica.
Typically very crowded during day and evening. Around 10 minutes walk from line 2 station east nanjing road.
Best time to visit: Just after sundown when all the buildings including Pearl tower and Shanghai tower (2nd highest building in the world) are illuminated. Going there for sunrise also very nice, much less crowded and one can experience locals engaged in activities such as taichi and flying kites.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Devin B
Denver, CO24 contributions
Mar 2019
Most tourists who visit Shanghai will likely consider visiting Waitan (or "The Bund"), as it is close to the 'Old City' and provides some of the most spectacular views of the Lujiazui District and the Huangpu River. Some will choose to see it by way of a river cruise. Some may just stop for a quick photo and move along to the next site.
I was there on a chilly February day, though, the day after Lunar New Year, with no particular agenda and no reason to leave after taking my obligatory cityscape shots. It was an unusual time for a Westerner to be in Shanghai: the city was bustling with visitors, though few of them resembled me, a bearded American standing over six feet tall. Due to the holiday and the tradition of traveling to be with family, the majority of the visitors in town were from rural inland areas, likely visiting their stubborn children who have abandoned traditional country life for the sights and sounds of the big city. This same story plays out all over the world, but due to the relative isolation of inland China from coastal cities like Shanghai and the rest of the world, many of these visitors had never seen someone like me in person before. My presence there was a shock and, often, a delight.
Children are the least shy. Many are learning English at school, so they will enthusiastically greet you with "Hello!" and "Good Morning!" and will often burst into joyous laughter when you respond. I noticed a few younger adults sneaking pictures of me. Eventually, one bold individual approached and asked if he could take one. I insisted on posing for the photo with him. Though we were limited in what we could say to one another, we connected by virtue of the fact that we were both curious to meet one another and tell our friends back home a story about it. After he left, his friend approached me to take a picture. Eventually, I had a line of people waiting to take pictures with me. One young man introduced me to his parents and had us pose for a photo together, no doubt so they could show their friends at home the strange foreign man they met in the big city. It's maybe a little naive to say so, but this sort of human connection is what makes travel worthwhile to me, so I stuck around until I had taken a picture with everyone who wanted one. It makes you feel a bit like a cultural ambassador and was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Shanghai.
If you're looking to take beautiful photos of a beautiful city, The Bund will absolutely give you that opportunity. If, like me, you're looking to meet people and have unique travel experiences, then you can't miss spending some time here. It's a good spot for photos, but it's a great spot to connect with other people.
I was there on a chilly February day, though, the day after Lunar New Year, with no particular agenda and no reason to leave after taking my obligatory cityscape shots. It was an unusual time for a Westerner to be in Shanghai: the city was bustling with visitors, though few of them resembled me, a bearded American standing over six feet tall. Due to the holiday and the tradition of traveling to be with family, the majority of the visitors in town were from rural inland areas, likely visiting their stubborn children who have abandoned traditional country life for the sights and sounds of the big city. This same story plays out all over the world, but due to the relative isolation of inland China from coastal cities like Shanghai and the rest of the world, many of these visitors had never seen someone like me in person before. My presence there was a shock and, often, a delight.
Children are the least shy. Many are learning English at school, so they will enthusiastically greet you with "Hello!" and "Good Morning!" and will often burst into joyous laughter when you respond. I noticed a few younger adults sneaking pictures of me. Eventually, one bold individual approached and asked if he could take one. I insisted on posing for the photo with him. Though we were limited in what we could say to one another, we connected by virtue of the fact that we were both curious to meet one another and tell our friends back home a story about it. After he left, his friend approached me to take a picture. Eventually, I had a line of people waiting to take pictures with me. One young man introduced me to his parents and had us pose for a photo together, no doubt so they could show their friends at home the strange foreign man they met in the big city. It's maybe a little naive to say so, but this sort of human connection is what makes travel worthwhile to me, so I stuck around until I had taken a picture with everyone who wanted one. It makes you feel a bit like a cultural ambassador and was easily one of the highlights of my trip to Shanghai.
If you're looking to take beautiful photos of a beautiful city, The Bund will absolutely give you that opportunity. If, like me, you're looking to meet people and have unique travel experiences, then you can't miss spending some time here. It's a good spot for photos, but it's a great spot to connect with other people.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
FlyfishermanBeijing
Beijing, China248 contributions
Dec 2019
Shanghai main attraction is The Bund and view over Huangpu river. Normally area is full of tourists took all similar photos about skyscrapers another side of river.
I reccommend visit there at a time of sunrise, less people and nice colour of light make whole place look different.
If you visit at time of dark, notice that city switch off skyscrapers light at 10.00 PM
If you are interesting about history i recommend that after took photo of skyscrapers go to walk around that area. Lot of old western style buildings wait you. Many of buildings have small plate on wall which shortly tell history of building.
I reccommend visit there at a time of sunrise, less people and nice colour of light make whole place look different.
If you visit at time of dark, notice that city switch off skyscrapers light at 10.00 PM
If you are interesting about history i recommend that after took photo of skyscrapers go to walk around that area. Lot of old western style buildings wait you. Many of buildings have small plate on wall which shortly tell history of building.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
zhen z
Ningbo, China25 contributions
Oct 2020
Shanghai Waitan is one of the most famous attractions that cannot be missed if you are visiting Shanghai.
Waitan is along the river and there is a ferry terminal where you can book a ticket in advance and enjoy the charming night of Shanghai with your friend and famiy.
However, if possible, I highly recommend you not to travel there during holidays since it can be considerably crowded.
Waitan is along the river and there is a ferry terminal where you can book a ticket in advance and enjoy the charming night of Shanghai with your friend and famiy.
However, if possible, I highly recommend you not to travel there during holidays since it can be considerably crowded.
Written June 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
hsinghi
Kolkata (Calcutta), India232 contributions
Mar 2019 • Friends
It’s beautiful and very scenic. You can see both sides of Shanghai, the rich heritage buildings on one side and the skyscrapers on the other. Best time to visit is post sunset when all the lights are lit and the view is stunning.
Written January 21, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
PBlyth
Tampa, FL234 contributions
Dec 2019
This is the elevated leeve that runs for a mile or two along the Huangpu River and gives you a pleasant view of the city. It is easy to hop on and off to go visit buildings you find interesting as you stroll. We had a guide who was able to talk about the history of the buildings which made it a lot more interesting. You can board the ferry boats from the Bund. At night the buildings are lit up and it makes for a pretty walk. there are free bathrooms under the Bund at strategic locations.
Written March 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Saad Amin Karsaz
Dubai, United Arab Emirates69 contributions
Oct 2019
The most touristy place in Shanghai is the Bund. Exceptional location for all the photo enthusiasts as the skyline is clearly visible from this location. A much crowded and lively place, this place gives you the vibe of true spirits of Shangai. Lights, High Rise Building, Glitter and Ecited Faces, the place simply gives you a very urban feeling. Around the place you will find many restaurants and historic buildings. Shopping is all over the place.
Written February 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
TravelerWithFour
Boston, MA130 contributions
Nov 2019
This is a must do for Shanghai.
The shops and stores are all the same you'd find in any large city so nothing really special there. There are some very good restaurants in the area. But it's not about the insides but what is happening outside.
The lights at night-so fun so photogenic. This would be so romantic on a perfect summer night. On a cold November night it's more of a quick walk to warm up with stops for photos before we rushed back to a taxi.
The shops and stores are all the same you'd find in any large city so nothing really special there. There are some very good restaurants in the area. But it's not about the insides but what is happening outside.
The lights at night-so fun so photogenic. This would be so romantic on a perfect summer night. On a cold November night it's more of a quick walk to warm up with stops for photos before we rushed back to a taxi.
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lemeeze D
4 contributions
Jan 2020
We went on a very foggy day unfortunately, so we saw a less common view across the bund. It was still very beautiful to see the buildings half visible, a little like a ghost city. I'd recommend going on a clear night to see all the lights and city, and then also on a foggy day like we did, to get the other side of the experience!
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
rosegrove77
Beijing, China268 contributions
I have a very limited time available in Shanghai. I’d love to see the Bund lights. What time do they start from? Will I have time to view them before I have to go to catch a flight around 8pm. Does it take a long time to get from the Bund to the airport?
Ivan A
Bangkok, Thailand67 contributions
Very difficult, counting the traffic and the distance.. 🙁
Antoni
Palma de Mallorca, Spain
A que hora empieza el show de luces? Gracias.
Food Locker
Linz, Austria259 contributions
20:00
8:00 pm
Quanto è lontano dalla aeropprto
Mara
70 contributions
Scusa non avevo letto , alle 4 di mattina ci abbiano messo 30minuti di taxi circa per pudong , quindi di giorno sarà una bel po’ di più immagino .. ma ci sono le metro
Nicole
2 contributions
Hi,
I have an Indian passport and travelling from Canada to India via Shanghai.
I have 21 hours stay at Shanghai. Do I need visa?
Panamajoe2017
Sechelt, Canada319 contributions
I just travelled from Vancouver to Shanghai, where I am now. At the airport, there were lines for people needing transit visas, up to 22 hours, I think. Sorry, I wasn’t really paying attention. If you are in Vancouver, I would definitely contact either the Consulate, or better yet, the visa issuing office on Broadway, before travelling. You absolutely don’t want to arrive at the airport to find you need a visa and are not allowed to board. You can get multiple entry visas good for the life of your passport in a couple of days. Shanghai is an excellent place to spend a couple of days going or coming from India.
sysana1
London, UK3 contributions
will be in Shanghai for one day from 6.00 am to 8.00 pm
-Do we need to get a visa? we come from the UK
- I travel with my mobility scooter so we would rather visit the city with a private guide who will know about accessibility.
Any recommendation will be greatly appreciated.
Exchange Studen... i
86 contributions
You don’t need a visa if you travel to a third country and just stop in Shanghai (for example Australia, Japan, Thailand and so on)
An excerpt from the 72-Hour visa free policy: “The 72-hour visa-free transit policy in China allows air passengers from 53 countries to transit and stay for up to 72 hours (3 days) in 18 China cities without a visa (including UK passports). In order to facilitate international visitors' short stay in China, the policy is promising to be carried out in more and more cities in the future.”
kokimoki
9 contributions
From where can we buy tickets for the cruise? What’s the price like?
AlevGefen
Philadelphia, PA70 contributions
You can purchase tickets to the Shanghai Ferry, based upon the activities you prefer. You can catch a standard ferry for $23.11, an air-conditioned ferry for $30.81.
Tickets to the Oriental Pearl Tower are the following:
Combo: $40.00
Space Module: $33.91
Upper Sphere, Lower Sphere, and Municipal History Museum: $24.66
Municipal History Museum: $5.39
Children below 3.3 ft are admitted for free, while children between 3.3 and 4.6 ft tall enjoy a 50% discount
Boyan Stoyanov
Varna, Bulgaria9 contributions
Hi, can you tell me where exactly is the light show?
Jennefer N
Canberra, Australia291 contributions
If you go down to the Bund and stand on the waterfront, on the opposite side of the Pearl Tower you will see all the buildings in the Financial district light up.
amsterdamnyc
New York City, NY355 contributions
Have a 7 hour layover in shanghai. How much real time do I have to spend in the city?
How can I take the fast train to downtown? Do they take credit card?
How much time should I allow for re-entry to airport. I'm traveling business class is there a fast dedicated lane for business class at immigration and security?
What the number one thing to see?
What's the best place to eat?
Sixonthego_50
Winnetka, IL467 contributions
Not sure if I have a good answer. I arranged for a guide. With limited time and not knowing the travel system they picked me up and took me out. I wanted to see both the old and new China. There is an old town. It is very small but well worth a visit. The guide also took me to many of the new sites and then back. I did not have enough time to rely on mass transit. The guide also eliminated the street vender harassment. No one bothered us at all.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Bund (Wai Tan)
- The Bund (Wai Tan) is open:
- Sun - Sat 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
- We recommend booking The Bund (Wai Tan) tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 316 The Bund (Wai Tan) tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience The Bund (Wai Tan):
- Zhujiajiao Water Town and Shanghai City Private Day Tour (From $208.00)
- Huangpu River Cruise and Bund City Lights Evening Tour of Shanghai (From $84.27)
- Private Full-Day Tour: Shanghai Old and New Highlights (From $121.50)
- Best of Shanghai Day Tour, including Jade Buddha Temple & Bund & Yuyuan Garden (From $79.00)
- Private Full-Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights (From $99.00)
- Hotels near The Bund (Wai Tan):
- (0.12 mi) The Peninsula Shanghai
- (0.13 mi) Fairmont Peace Hotel
- (0.19 mi) Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Classiq Shanghai Off Bund
- (0.15 mi) Swatch Art Peace Hotel
- (0.16 mi) Manhattan Bund Business Hotel
- Restaurants near The Bund (Wai Tan):
- (0.03 mi) Subway (WaiTan)
- (0.03 mi) Starbucks (WaiTan)
- (0.03 mi) COSTA COFFEE(Xin WaiTan)
- (0.03 mi) LuoSiFu JiuJiao Restaurant
- (0.05 mi) The House of Roosevelt
- Attractions near The Bund (Wai Tan):
- (0.12 mi) Heping Fandian
- (0.10 mi) Bund Valentine Wall
- (0.08 mi) Shishang Street
- (0.06 mi) Yick Fung Commercial Mall
- (0.13 mi) Jazz Club at the Peace Hotel