The Bund, or Waitan as it is otherwise known, is a waterfront area and socioeconomic hub found in central Shanghai.
Located between the Waibaidu Bridge that stretches over the Huangpu River and the East Jingling road, the 1.5-kilometre-long district neatly presents both the city’s distinguished history and visionary characteristics.
On the western side a total 26 buildings stand tall, each comprising a fabled architectural style and standing as individual marvels of engineering and construction.
“The Bund is regarded as a symbol of Shanghai,” states Patrick Chen, Deputy Director of the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism. “featuring Gothic, Romanesque, Baroque, Chinese and western style buildings, it is famed as a museum of international architecture.”
This in mind, the promenade is understandably a hit for both photographers and river cruises in terms of leisure. Yet it is often better known as an epicentre for business travellers, home to the likes of the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, the Shanghai Council of Trade Unions, AIA Insurance and an array of globally famous hotels.
Early evening is is considered to be the optimal time to visit, providing the chance to watch the sun set behind Shanghai’s spectacular skyline while eating a world-class meal or sipping on an exquisitely created cocktail.