How long does it take to walk the Bund?

A leisurely walk along the Bund takes about 45 minutes, but if you are stopping for photography and exploring landmarks like the Peace Hotel or the Gutzlaff Signal Tower, you should budget 90 minutes.

Is it worth doing a walking route of the Bund at night?

Yes, the Bund is most iconic at night when the Pudong skyline is fully illuminated. The contrast between the colonial-era buildings on the Puxi side and the neon skyscrapers across the river is a quintessential Shanghai experience.

When do the lights turn off on the Bund?

Typically, the decorative lights on the Bund and the Pudong skyscrapers are turned on at sunset and turned off at 10:00 PM during the winter and 11:00 PM during the summer. Special holiday schedules may apply.

Is a guided tour Shanghai necessary for the Bund?

While a guided tour Shanghai can provide historical context, the Bund is very easy to navigate independently. This self-guided audio walk allows you to explore at your own pace and focus on the photography spots that interest you most.

Can I see the Peace Hotel Jazz Band for free?

You can often hear the music from the lobby or street, but entering the Old Jazz Bar usually requires a cover charge or a minimum drink purchase. It is one of the oldest jazz bands in the world and well worth a visit.

Is the Bund safe for solo travelers at night?

Shanghai is generally very safe, and the Bund is a well-lit, heavily policed area. Even late at night, there are usually many people around, making it a safe choice for solo explorers.

Where is the best place to start a walk of the Bund?

Starting at the northern end near the Rockbund Art Museum or Waibaidu Bridge is recommended. This allows you to walk south with the Pudong skyline on your left, ending at the Shiliupu Marina or Yuyuan Garden.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

1 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Shanghai’s skyline is a global icon, but the best way to experience its electric energy is on foot after the sun dips below the horizon. This self-guided walk through the Huangpu district takes you through the "Museum of International Architecture" on the Puxi side while offering front-row seats to the neon-drenched skyscrapers of Pudong. As you navigate this walking route, you will witness the juxtaposition of 1920s Art Deco glamour and 21st-century futurism, making it a premier photography destination. The journey begins at the Rockbund Art Museum, a beacon of the city's revitalized northern waterfront. From here, you’ll stroll towards the legendary Peace Hotel, where the sounds of vintage jazz often spill out into the night air. This neighborhood stroll isn't just about the views; it's about the layers of history embedded in the stone facades. You'll pass the quirky Bund Sightseeing Tunnel and stand on the main promenade of the Bund, where the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower create a backdrop that looks like a scene from a sci-fi film. Further south, the walk explores the functional beauty of the Gutzlaff Signal Tower, a relic of maritime history, before concluding at the Shiliupu Marina. This area offers a quieter perspective of the river, away from the thickest crowds, perfect for long-exposure shots of the passing cruise boats. Whether you are a seasoned photographer or just looking for an immersive walking tour Shanghai experience, this independent exploration allows you to linger at the viewpoints that matter most to you. Discover the stories behind the "Wall Street of the East" at your own pace, soaking in the atmosphere of a city that truly never sleeps. This self-guided adventure ensures you capture the quintessential Shanghai aesthetic without the rush of a group. **Note:** This area is known for its ever-changing character. Street art, pop-up venues, and temporary exhibitions may differ from what's described. That's part of the adventure - you might discover something entirely new!

Highlights

The stunning contrast between Art Deco Puxi and futuristic Pudong
The historic Old Jazz Bar at the legendary Peace Hotel
Panoramic neon views from the main Bund promenade
The unique architecture of the Gutzlaff Signal Tower
Photography opportunities at the modern Shiliupu Marina

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Rockbund Art Museum

Start your self-guided walk at the Rockbund Art Museum, housed in the former Royal Asiatic Society building. Completed in 1932, this Art Deco masterpiece was one of the first modern museums in China. Notice the intricate geometric patterns on the facade, which make for excellent architectural photography. This area, known as 'The Rock,' has been meticulously restored to blend historic brickwork with contemporary glass structures. As you stand here, you are at the northern tip of the Bund, where the Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu River. It’s a quieter spot to capture the 'Museum Ship' aesthetic of the building before the neon lights of the main promenade take over.

2

Peace Hotel Old Jazz Bar

Walk south to the Fairmont Peace Hotel, an icon of old Shanghai's 'Paris of the East' era. Built by Sir Victor Sassoon in 1929, its green copper pyramid roof is a staple of the skyline. Step near the entrance to hear the faint sounds of the Old Jazz Bar. The musicians here are famous for being some of the oldest active jazz performers in the world, some having played since the 1940s. The hotel’s Art Deco lobby and yellow-tinted windows provide a moody, cinematic atmosphere for photos. This stop captures the soul of the 1930s elite lifestyle that once defined this waterfront.

3

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Nearby, you’ll find the entrance to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel. While many locals consider it a kitschy relic, for photographers, it offers a surreal, psychedelic light show. This underground transit system uses small automated cars to transport people under the Huangpu River through a tunnel filled with strobe lights, projections, and sound effects. If you choose to enter, keep your camera ready for high-speed light-trail shots. Even if you stay above ground, the entrance area provides a great vantage point to see the transition from the historic buildings of the Bund to the futuristic skyscrapers across the water.

4

The Bund

Step onto the main elevated promenade of the Bund. This is the heart of your photography route. To your west are 52 buildings of various classical styles, including Romanesque and Gothic, once the financial hub of Asia. To your east, across the river in Pudong, stands the 'Big Three': the Jin Mao Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the towering Shanghai Tower. The best shots are often taken during the 'Blue Hour'—the brief period after sunset when the sky is deep blue but the building lights are fully ablaze. Look for the reflection of the Oriental Pearl Tower’s pink spheres in the river.

5

Gutzlaff Signal Tower

Continuing south, you will encounter the Gutzlaff Signal Tower. This 33-meter tall Art Deco structure was once the most important weather station in the East, signaling typhoon warnings to ships in the harbor using a series of flags and shapes. It was originally built in 1907 and moved twice to accommodate road expansions. Its slender, cylindrical shape and white exterior provide a sharp contrast to the massive stone banks nearby. It now serves as a small museum and cafe. It’s a fantastic foreground subject for a photo looking back toward the dense cluster of Puxi's historic skyline.

6

Shiliupu Marina

Finish your walking route at Shiliupu Marina, the city's oldest dock turned into a sleek, modern waterfront park. This area features 'The Cloud,' a futuristic canopy structure that looks spectacular when illuminated at night. From here, you can watch the brightly lit cruise boats depart, their reflections dancing on the water. The Marina offers a wider, more open perspective of the Pudong skyline than the main Bund promenade, and it is generally less crowded. It is the perfect place to set up a tripod for long-exposure photography and reflect on the incredible transformation of Shanghai from a fishing village to a global megacity.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bund is widely considered the best location for night photography. This self-guided walk covers approximately 2.5 kilometers, starting from the Rockbund Art Museum and ending at Shiliupu Marina, capturing both historic Art Deco and modern neon-lit architecture.