Shanghai Bund: A Deep-Dive Travel Guide to a Century of Architecture

Walking the Grand Gallery of World Architecture

Overview

The Bund is Shanghai's most iconic address, celebrated as the "Grand Gallery of World Architecture." Along the western bank of the Huangpu River, stretching roughly 1.5 kilometres from East Yan'an Road to the mouth of the Suzhou Creek, 52 historic buildings in strikingly different styles stand as witnesses to Shanghai's transformation from a fishing village into an international metropolis over a century of upheaval.

Best time to visit: Year-round; allow half a day to a full day Recommended timing: Visit building interiors during the day (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM); photograph exteriors at dusk (5:30 to 7:00 PM during the blue hour) Getting there: Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station; or Metro Line 12 to International Passenger Terminal Station

Detailed Site Guide

Bund Number 1 — The Asia Building (1916)

Building file

Address: 1 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1916
Architectural style: Neo-classical
Designers: Moorhead & Halse
Original use: McBain Building, later known as True Light Building

In depth

As the southernmost anchor of the Bund architectural ensemble, Bund Number 1 has been a witness to the district's hundred-year history. This seven-story building uses steel-frame construction that was state-of-the-art for its time, and is a textbook example of neo-classicism in Shanghai. The facade follows a three-part design: a granite base at the ground level, a restrained central section, and refined classical ornament at the top.

Must-see highlights

Crackled-glass dome atrium: The light-well at the center of the building is exceptional — the colored glass dome fills with dazzling patterns of light and shadow under sunlight, creating one of the most artistically distinctive interior spaces among all the Bund buildings.
Baroque architectural details: Study the cornices, column capitals, and window surrounds closely; you will find fine Baroque ornamentation — scrollwork, garlands, and mythological relief figures.
Art exhibition space: The building hosts high-end art exhibitions year-round, marrying a century-old building with contemporary art.

Practical information

Access: Public areas free and open, no reservation needed
Exhibitions: Some special exhibitions require advance booking or a ticket
Photography: The best light streams down through the dome between 10:00 and 11:00 AM
Visit time: 30 to 45 minutes

Nearby

Bund Number 2 is a two-minute walk away
The south building of the Peace Hotel (former Metropole Hotel) is close by and worth combining

Bund Number 2 — The Shanghai Club Building (1910)

Building file

Address: 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1910 (now the Waldorf Astoria Hotel)
Architectural style: British classical
Original use: Shanghai Club

In depth

Bund Number 2 was originally the home of the Shanghai Club — the most exclusive social club for foreign residents in old Shanghai. Designed by a British architect using rigorous classical methods, the building is dignified and elegant, and among the best-preserved in the entire Bund ensemble.

Must-see highlights

"The longest bar in the Far East": A 34-metre solid-wood bar counter, reportedly fashioned from a single piece of oak, was once the longest bar in the Far East. It remains the centerpiece of the Waldorf Astoria's lobby bar — an ideal spot for afternoon tea.
The period lobby: Crystal chandeliers, a black-and-white marble floor, and walnut wainscoting perfectly recreate the atmosphere of an early 20th-century gentleman's club.
The sweeping staircase: The main staircase curves in a graceful arc — marble treads with brass balustrades, the perfect setting for a vintage-style photograph.
Filming location for "Blossoms Shanghai": The television drama "Blossoms Shanghai" shot scenes here, drawing fans eager to visit.

Practical information

Access: As the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, public areas are free to enter
Dining: Consider afternoon tea in the lobby bar (approximately 350 yuan per person) for an immersive taste of century-old social culture
Photography: Photography is permitted in the lobby; please be mindful not to disturb hotel guests
Visit time: 45 minutes to one hour

Historical note The Shanghai Club was once a symbol of power and prestige in old Shanghai, open only to foreign nationals and senior staff of foreign trading houses. The club contained a library, a billiard room, a restaurant, and sleeping rooms — a self-contained "little world" that has been called a miniature United Nations.

Bund Number 3 — Huashen Gallery and Shopping Arts Center

Building file

Address: 3/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1916 (originally the Union Building)
Architectural style: Neo-classical blended with contemporary design
Current use: Art space, fine dining, luxury retail

In depth

Bund Number 3 was among the first Bund buildings to undergo commercial renovation, overseen by celebrated architect Michael Graves. The renovation preserved the building's historic exterior and structural core while infusing the interior with contemporary art.

Must-see highlights

Huashen Gallery: Located on the third floor and designed by Michael Graves himself. The gallery space is clean and modern, with floor-to-ceiling windows directly facing the Lujiazui skyline — you can take in an exhibition while enjoying the river view simultaneously.
The best vantage point on the Bund: The gallery windows frame the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center in the same shot — a rarely known vantage point for the classic "Bund meets Lujiazui" photograph.
Facade details: The three-part facade — heavy granite at the base, a clean mid-section, and a classical cornice and pediment at the top — is a textbook example of neo-classical architecture.

Practical information

Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:30 PM (closed Mondays)
Admission: Gallery free
Photography: The best light falls between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, when you can capture both the interior exhibition and the view outside
Visit time: One to one and a half hours

Dining Bund Number 3 houses several fine restaurants, including Jean Georges (two Michelin stars, French, advance booking required) and Mercato (Italian, with terrace seating overlooking the Bund).

Bund Number 12 — SPDB Headquarters Building (1923)

Building file

Address: 12 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1923
Architectural style: Neo-classical
Original use: HSBC Shanghai Branch
Nickname: "The finest building from the Suez Canal to the Bering Strait"

In depth

Bund Number 12 has been called "the jewel in the crown" of the Bund ensemble. When it opened in 1923, its construction cost reached the equivalent of ten million taels of silver — roughly two years of HSBC's total profits at the time. Designed by the British firm Palmer & Turner, it weaves together elements from Greek, Roman, and other classical traditions to produce the most commanding and spectacular building on the Bund.

Must-see highlights

The octagonal dome mosaic murals: Step into the main hall and look up: a 15-metre-diameter dome is covered with 33 mosaic panels depicting the cityscape of the world's major financial centers in the early 20th century — Shanghai, Hong Kong, London, Paris, New York, and more. After a century, the colors remain vivid.
Ceres and the twelve zodiac signs: At the center of the dome is the Roman goddess of the harvest, Ceres, surrounded by the twelve zodiac signs — symbolizing HSBC's reach across the globe.
Italian marble columns: The main hall contains four seamless Italian marble columns, each 14 metres tall and 1.5 metres in diameter, quarried in Italy as single pieces and shipped to Shanghai. They are a rare sight anywhere in the world.
The bronze doors: The main entrance doors are cast in bronze and covered in fine relief carvings depicting the history and scope of the HSBC.

Practical information

Access: Main hall free
Guided tours: Book through the official SPDB WeChat public account
Tour times: Two sessions per weekday at midday — 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM or 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM (only two sessions daily, advance booking essential)
Photography: Building exterior and main hall may be photographed; flash and tripods are prohibited
Visit time: 45 minutes to one hour including the guided tour

Architectural trivia The bronze lions at the entrance to Bund Number 12 are among the most recognizable architectural decorations in Shanghai. The original pair were named "Stephen" (mouth open) and "Stitt" (mouth closed) after the HSBC Shanghai branch managers of their day. The current lions are replicas; the originals are held in the Shanghai History Museum.

Bund Number 13 — Shanghai Customs House (1927)

Building file

Address: 13 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1927
Architectural style: Neo-classical with eclectic elements
Original use: Jianghai Customs
Landmark: The clock tower (Asia's largest clock)

In depth

The Shanghai Customs House is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Bund, and its clock tower is an essential element of the Bund skyline. The great clock is modeled on the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London and is Asia's largest, as well as one of the most famous clocks in the world.

Must-see highlights

The customs clock: The clock tower stands roughly 90 metres tall, and the clock face measures 5.4 metres in diameter, cast in copper. Every 15 minutes the Westminster chimes ring out across the waterfront.
"Bund Light Years — Echoes Through Time" Exhibition: Mounted as part of the 2025 Shanghai Urban Space Art Season in the Huangpu District, the exhibition uses art installations, historical documents, and multimedia to tell the story of the Customs House and the Bund's transformation across the decades.
The facade: The Customs House combines an eclectic range of styles: a ground-level colonnade in the manner of an ancient Greek temple, a clean-walled mid-section, and a Gothic clock tower at the top — multiple styles brought into remarkable unity.

Practical information

Exhibition dates: 29 September to 28 November 2025
Hours:
- Weekdays: 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Weekends and public holidays: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Booking: Through the official "Shanghai Huangpu" WeChat public account
Areas open: Floors one and three
Visit time: One to one and a half hours

The story of the chimes During the Cultural Revolution, the Westminster chimes were replaced by the melody of "The East is Red"; the original tune was not restored until 1986. Today, from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM every day, the chimes sound every 15 minutes, making them one of the most familiar sounds in the lives of Shanghainese.

Bund Number 14 — Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions (1916)

Building file

Address: 14 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1916 (originally the Exchange Building)
Architectural style: Neo-classical
Current use: Shanghai Federation of Trade Unions; Model Workers Exhibition Hall

In depth

Bund Number 14 is the building that completes the ensemble at the northern end. Its architectural style is relatively restrained, but its interior serves important functions. In May 2025, the "Model Workers Exhibition Hall" inside the building was re-launched following a renovation, presenting the stories of Shanghai's model workers through objects, photographs, and multimedia.

Must-see highlights

Model Workers Exhibition Hall: The hall is divided into multiple sections, presenting the stories of model workers from different eras through objects, photographs, videos, and interactive installations. Objects such as Yang Huaiyuan's small carrying pole and Xu Hu's service toolbox bring the spirit of model workers to life.
Artworks by Central Academy of Fine Arts: The hall contains oil paintings and sculptures created by the Central Academy of Fine Arts, paying artistic tribute to model workers with both educational and aesthetic value.
Architectural details: While restrained on the outside, the building's doors, windows, cornices, and other details retain fine neo-classical ornamentation.

Practical information

Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Closed Mondays
Admission: Free
Guided tours: Advance booking available (recommended for group visits)
Visit time: One to one and a half hours

Bund Number 18 — Jiushi Art Space (1923)

Building file

Address: 18 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1923 (originally the Chartered Bank of India, Australia and China)
Architectural style: Greek Revival
Current use: Jiushi Art Space, luxury retail, dining

In depth

Bund Number 18 is the finest example of Greek Revival architecture in Shanghai. The exterior draws heavily on Greek classical elements — Ionic columns, triangular pediments, and relief decorations. Renovated on a major scale in 2004, it has become a model for heritage preservation and adaptive reuse among the Bund buildings.

Must-see highlights

The bronze centenary doors: The first thing you encounter entering Bund Number 18 is a pair of massive bronze doors covered in exquisite relief carving; after a century, they still radiate brilliance, and are among the most popular photography spots on the Bund.
The sleek interior design: The interior was redesigned by an Italian designer, blending a century-old building with contemporary aesthetics. Marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and art installations — every detail repays attention.
The rooftop terrace: The terrace at the top of the building offers a superb position for photographing the Bund and Lujiazui, where you can eat well and enjoy the view simultaneously.
Art exhibitions: Jiushi Art Space hosts high-caliber exhibitions year-round, spanning painting, sculpture, photography, and installation art.

Practical information

Access: Public areas free, no reservation needed
Exhibition tickets: Some special exhibitions may require a ticket
Photography: The bronze doors are the prime shot; morning light from the east is best
Visit time: One to two hours

Dining Bund Number 18 houses several fine restaurants and bars, including Mr and Mrs Bund (creative French cuisine from chef Paul Pairet) and a rooftop terrace bar — one of the finest spots to take in the Bund at night.

Bund Number 20 — Sassoon House / Peace Hotel North Building (1929)

Building file

Address: 20 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1929
Architectural style: Chicago School blended with Art Deco
Original use: Sassoon House
Nickname: "The premier building of the Far East"

In depth

Bund Number 20 is one of the most celebrated buildings in the entire Bund ensemble, built by the British-Jewish magnate Sir Victor Sassoon. At 77 metres, it was the tallest building in Shanghai at the time of its completion. The Peace Hotel is not just a luxury hotel — it is a living museum that has witnessed nearly a century of Shanghai's turbulent history.

Must-see highlights

The Nine Nations Suites: One of the hotel's proudest features. The hotel has nine suites designed in the distinctive styles of nine different countries — China, Britain, the United States, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, Germany, and India — each meticulously furnished according to the corresponding cultural tradition.
The "Blossoms Shanghai" character's long-term room: After the drama "Blossoms Shanghai" aired to great acclaim, the British Suite where the lead characters met became a popular destination for fans; guests can glimpse it while dining in the restaurant.
The Peace Hotel Old Jazz Band: Founded in 1980, the Peace Hotel Old Jazz Band is one of Shanghai's most celebrated jazz ensembles. It performs every evening in the hotel lobby, playing jazz standards from the 1920s and 1930s, transporting listeners back to old Shanghai's golden age.
Art Deco style: The interior makes extensive use of Art Deco elements — geometric patterns, metalwork, vivid colors — a precious surviving example of how Art Deco was interpreted in the Far East.
The rooftop garden: The rooftop garden of the Peace Hotel is a superb position for 360-degree views of the Bund and Lujiazui.

Practical information

Access: Entry by consumption (restaurant, bar, or afternoon tea) or by paid guided-tour package
Booking: Follow the official "Peace Hotel" WeChat public account; guided-tour packages available (approximately 288 yuan per person, including commentary and refreshments)
Old Jazz Band performances: Every evening from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM, entry by consumption
Photography: Photography permitted in the hotel lobby; please be mindful of other guests
Visit time: Two to three hours including a meal or tea

Famous guests The Peace Hotel has hosted countless international luminaries, including U.S. President Nixon, Queen Elizabeth II of Britain, chess champion Bobby Fischer, and comedian Charlie Chaplin.

Dining

Dragon and Phoenix Hall: classic Shanghainese cuisine
Cathay Room: top-floor restaurant with Bund views
Jazz Bar: the best spot to catch the Old Jazz Band

Bund Number 22 — BUND 22 (1906)

Building file

Address: 22 Zhongshan Dong Er Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1906 (originally the Butterfield and Swire Company)
Architectural style: Neo-classical
Distinction: The only red-brick building in the Bund ensemble

In depth

Bund Number 22 is the most distinctive building in the ensemble and the only one with red-brick outer walls. Originally owned by Butterfield and Swire, it represents an early phase of Bund architecture. Recent renovation and refurbishment have transformed it into a luxury shopping and art space.

Must-see highlights

The red-brick exterior: Unlike the gray granite and white stonework of the other Bund buildings, Bund Number 22 is built entirely in red brick and glows warmly in sunlight — one of the most photogenic buildings on the Bund.
The 25-metre glass dome: The atrium's glass dome soars 25 metres, its surface bearing fine murals; daylight filtered through the dome creates dazzling effects.
The war-horse murals: The dome murals include war-horse imagery drawn from the Butterfield and Swire coat of arms, carrying deep historical and cultural resonance.
Light and shadow art: The building's interior light design is exceptional — the sun at different times of day creates entirely different patterns of light and shadow, making it a paradise for photography enthusiasts.

Practical information

Access: Open areas free, no reservation needed
Photography: Best light enters through the dome between 2:00 and 3:00 PM
Visit time: 30 to 45 minutes

Bund Number 23 — Bank of China Building (1937)

Building file

Address: 23 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1937
Architectural style: Chinese-style skyscraper (East-meets-West fusion)
Designer: Lu Qianshou (one of the first Chinese architects trained abroad)
Significance: The only building on the Bund independently designed by a Chinese architect

In depth

Bund Number 23 holds special historical significance. It is the only building in the Bund ensemble independently designed by a Chinese architect, and the only high-rise in the ensemble to incorporate traditional Chinese architectural elements. Its completion signaled that Chinese architects were claiming their own voice in a Bund long dominated by Western design — a landmark in China's modern architectural history.

Must-see highlights

The blue glazed-tile roof: The building is crowned with blue glazed tiles in the traditional Chinese "pyramidal four-slope" rooftop form, standing out conspicuously against the surrounding Western-style buildings.
Stone bracket sets (dougong): The outer walls are decorated with stone dougong — bracket clusters unique to Chinese classical architecture — ingeniously integrated into the design of a modern skyscraper.
The East-meets-West aesthetic: The building uses a reinforced concrete structure while its appearance follows traditional Chinese architectural forms — a perfect embodiment of the philosophy of "Chinese essence, Western application."
Historical exhibition: The building houses the Bank of China Corporate History Exhibition, presenting the history of the Bank of China and China's modern financial history through objects, photographs, and multimedia.

Practical information

Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Weekends: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Open areas: Main hall and select floors
Photography: The best vantage point for the exterior is the Lujiazui riverside promenade directly opposite
Visit time: 45 minutes to one hour

An architectural anecdote The Bank of China Building was originally designed to be 34 stories tall, which would have made it taller than the adjacent Sassoon House. Sir Victor Sassoon flatly objected, insisting that no Chinese building should stand higher than his. Following intervention by the Chinese government, the building's height was capped at 17 stories — one floor shorter than Sassoon House. This episode became a vivid symbol of the power struggle between Chinese and foreign interests in old Shanghai.

Bund Number 33 — Rockbund Number One (1873)

Building file

Address: 33 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road, Huangpu District
Year built: 1873
Architectural style: Victorian Neo-Renaissance
Original use: British Consulate General in Shanghai
Status: The oldest surviving building on the primary Bund frontage

In depth

Bund Number 33 is the most historically venerable building in the Bund ensemble and the oldest on the primary Bund frontage. The former British Consulate General, built in 1873, is a defining example of Victorian Neo-Renaissance architecture. A generous lawn and garden surround the building — a rare open green space in the Bund area.

Must-see highlights

Victorian Neo-Renaissance style: Red brick walls, white window frames, and graceful verandahs — the building is thoroughly English in character.
Chinese grey-tile roof on a Western hip form: The roof uses traditional Chinese small grey tiles but in the Western four-slope form — a singular East-meets-West combination unique among the Bund buildings.
English-style lawn garden: A generous lawn in front of the building is planted with a variety of English native plants — a popular spot for wedding photography and outdoor events.
Arched colonnades: Arcaded verandahs run around the building — both beautiful and functional, and the most garden-like architectural composition on the Bund.
Art exhibition space: Rockbund Number One regularly hosts art exhibitions and cultural events, blending the century-old building with contemporary art.

Practical information

Access: Irregular exhibition programming; advance booking or ticket purchase required
Hours: Typically Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, subject to exhibition schedule
Photography: The lawn garden is one of the best positions for a full-width view of the Bund ensemble
Visit time: One to two hours

Historical standing The British Consulate General was one of the earliest foreign consular offices to be established in Shanghai after the city opened to foreign trade, and it witnessed Shanghai's entire journey from a coastal town to an international metropolis.

Photography Guide

Best Times to Shoot

Blue hour (5:30 PM to 7:00 PM): In the period around sunset, the sky turns deep blue while the building lights begin to glow — the prime window for shooting the Bund ensemble.
Golden hour (one hour after sunrise, one hour before sunset): Soft light and warm tones are ideal for capturing architectural details.
Night (7:30 PM to 9:00 PM): All the building lights are on and the river reflections are beautiful — perfect for night shots.

Recommended Camera Positions

Bund riverside promenade: The standard position for a full-length view of the Bund ensemble
Lujiazui riverside promenade: A distinctive angle shooting the Bund from across the river
Huashen Gallery at Bund Number 3: Framed window shots of the Bund-Lujiazui combination
Peace Hotel rooftop garden: Aerial view of the full Bund
Rockbund Number One lawn: The starting point of the ensemble, with lawn and trees in the foreground

Shooting Tips

Use a wide-angle lens (16 to 35 mm) for full-ensemble shots
Use a medium telephoto lens (70 to 200 mm) for architectural details
A tripod is helpful for night photography, but take care not to obstruct pedestrians
Some building interiors prohibit photography or flash; please observe the rules

Dining

Fine Dining

Peace Hotel Dragon and Phoenix Hall: Classic Shanghainese cuisine, approximately 500 yuan per person
Bund Number 3 Jean Georges: Two Michelin stars, French, approximately 1,500 yuan per person
Bund Number 18 Mr and Mrs Bund: Creative French cuisine, approximately 800 yuan per person

Light Meals and Coffee

Bund Number 2 Waldorf Astoria lobby bar: Afternoon tea, approximately 350 yuan per person
Rockbund Number One lawn cafe: Light meals and coffee, approximately 100 yuan per person
Bund-area Starbucks: Coffee with a view of the architecture, approximately 50 yuan per person

Getting There

Metro

Line 2 or Line 10, East Nanjing Road Station: Nearest station to the Bund; five to ten minutes on foot after exiting
Line 12, International Passenger Terminal Station: Enters the Bund from the north — ideal if you plan to start with Rockbund Number One

Bus

Routes 20, 37, 55, 65, and 123 all stop along the Bund

Driving

Parking is extremely limited in the Bund area; public transport is strongly recommended
If driving is unavoidable, parking is available at the Bund Parking Lot (33 Zhongshan Dong Yi Road) or the Peninsula Shanghai Hotel car park

Things to Know

Booking reminders: Some buildings (such as Bund Numbers 12 and 13) require advance booking for entry or guided tours; check with the relevant official channel before your visit.
Opening hours: Most building interiors are accessible only on weekdays during daytime hours and may not be open evenings or weekends; plan your schedule accordingly.
Photography etiquette: When photographing building interiors, please be mindful of other visitors or hotel guests. Some areas may prohibit photography; please observe the rules.
Peak-season reminder: During public holidays and peak travel seasons, the Bund area can be very crowded; visiting at off-peak times is recommended.
Safety: The Bund riverside promenade is busy after dark; take care of your belongings.

Practical Information

Official Websites and Public Accounts

Shanghai Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism: https://whlyj.sh.gov.cn
Peace Hotel: Search "Peace Hotel" on WeChat to book visits and dining
SPDB: Search "SPDB" on WeChat to book guided tours of Bund Number 12

Recommended Apps

Dianping / Meituan: Find nearby restaurants and reserve tables
Metro Metropolis: Shanghai Metro ticketing
Amap / Baidu Maps: Navigate to individual buildings

Recommended Itineraries

Half-Day Itinerary (4 to 5 hours)

Morning: Bund Number 1 — Bund Number 2 (morning tea at the Waldorf) — Bund Number 3 Huashen Gallery — Bund Number 12 (SPDB Building) — Bund Number 13 (Customs House)

Afternoon: Bund Number 14 (Model Workers Exhibition Hall) — Bund Number 18 (Jiushi Art Space) — Bund Number 20 (Peace Hotel; lunch or afternoon tea here) — Bund Number 22 — Bund Number 23 — Bund Number 33

Evening: Bund riverside promenade for the blue-hour shots

Deep-Dive Itinerary (One to Two Days)

Day one: Follow the half-day itinerary, with extra time devoted to the Peace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria

Day two:

Morning: Explore Rockbund Number One and nearby historic buildings on Yuanmingyuan Road and Huqiu Road
Afternoon: Take a Huangpu River cruise to view the Bund ensemble from the water
Evening: Attend the Old Jazz Band performance at the Peace Hotel