The Bund (Waitan)

No visit to Shanghai would be complete without a visit to the Bund. Admire the architecture of the Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco buildings, many of which have been restored to their former glory and are now home to trendy hotels, galleries, boutiques, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Just about every tour will feature a stop here. Take a guided walking or bike tour, many of which combine it with nearby attractions like Yuyuan Garden and Nanjing Road. Cruise-ship passengers and those on a layover may want to consider a customized private tour.

• Don’t forget to bring your camera, as there will be plenty to photograph along the Bund and across the Huangpu River.

• There are 2,000 benches and plenty of vending machines along the Bund’s promenade, but not much shade; bring a hat or umbrella to protect against the sun.

• The Bund is free to visit, but there is a fee to take the train through the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel.

• To learn more about the history of the Bund, stop by the Bund Historical Museum, located within Huangpu Park, at the north end of the area.

The Bund is located on the west shore of the Huangpu River. To get there by metro, take line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, then walk toward the Huangpu River. Or take the City Sightseeing Bus, lines 1, 3, or 5, to Waitan Haiguan Dalou. There are also ferries running between the Dongchang Road Ferry Dock in Pudong and the Bund.

The Bund is pleasant to visit at any time. Visit early in the morning to see locals practicing tai chi or ballroom dancing. It’s also the best time to visit to avoid crowds. At night, enjoy views of the colorfully illuminated buildings along the Bund and Pudong.

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel runs for 2,122 feet (647 meters) from the Bund to the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in Pudong. There’s a special train that travels the tunnel, complete with a light and sound show, which takes just a few minutes. Contrary to the name, you won’t actually see any of the sights the Bund is famous for on the ride.