Shanghai Travel Guide

The Bund

Some places are forever associated with a single landmark and in the case of Shanghai it is surely the Bund. Also known as Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, the Bund was at the heart of colonial Shanghai, flanked on one side by the Huangpu River and on the other by the hotels, banks, offices, and clubs that were the grandiose symbols of western commercial power. Most of the old buildings are still in place and a walk along here can easily absorb a couple of pleasant hours. The area has been redeveloped for the 2010 World Expo.

Star Sights

• River promenade
• Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank
• Customs House
• Views of Pudong

Hong Kong & Shanghai Bank
Built in 1921, it was vaunted to be the most beautiful building in Asia. Inside there are some delightful restored murals.

River promenade

Customs House
The entrance hall is decorated with some handsome marine mosaics.

River promenade
View towards Pudong area and Huangpu river from restaurant on the Bund.

Fairmont Peace Hotel
The most distinctive building on the Bund was built in 1930 by the millionaire, Sir Victor Sassoon. Famous visitors include actor Charlie Chaplin and playright Noel Coward.

Chen Yi's Statue
The bronze statue looking down the Bund is not Chairman Mao but Chen Yi, revolutionary commander and first mayor of Shanghai after 1949.

Views of Pudong

Bank of China
Blending 1920s American and traditional Chinese styles, this impressive block was built by a rival of Sassoon, H.H. Kung.

Former Palace Hotel
The Palace Hotel was built in 1906 and was one of the best hotels in Shanghai. It is due to reopen in 2010 as the Swatch Art Palace Hotel.

Views of Pudong
In the evening the Bund throngs with people enjoying the river breeze and the spectacular lights of Pudong’s modern skyline.

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