麻豆APP

The Bund on a summer evening (2013). Photo by Daniel.

10 Remarkable Facts about the Bund, Shanghai

View from the bund, shanghai. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

A bund is a term that is used to refer to the embankment. The bund in Shanghai is an ancient waterfront that is situated along the western side of the Huangpu River in Shanghai in China.

The bund is approximately three-quarters a mile and is also known as the Wai Tan. The bund is very spectacular considering its grand western style of construction that dates back to the 18^th and 19^th centuries.

The bund is majorly popular during the summer period specifically due to the beautiful sandy beaches.

Recreational facilities are open to the general public for swimming, lodging, outdoor sporting, and other recreational activities.

Below are the ten remarkable facts about the shanghai bund

1. The Shanghai Bund Host Major Historic Buildings

The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Building (left), the Customs House (center), the former Bank of Communications (right) in the foreground; the Bund Financial Center in the background. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

The shanghai bund is especially notable for the preservation of about 52 buildings that were constructed during the 18^th and the 19^th century using the European style.

The buildings were used for activities such as banking and trading from France, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and the Netherlands.

The bund is located in the old walled city of Shanghai.  It was previously inhabited by the British. Later, the British and the Americans combined in the international settlement.

A very spectacular building in the Beaux-Arts style came up later in the 20^th century when the bund became a financial centre in East Asia.

By the 1940s the bund was hosting major financial institutions which included the big four banks in the Republic of China.

2. Shanghai Bund is a Tourist Attraction Site

The Bund at night from street level. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

The bund offers a very interesting and exciting experience for the tourist being a major tourist attraction. 

On the western side of the bund, some buildings are referred to as the museum of grandiose buildings. They have fascinating architectural styles including Gothic and neoclassical styles.

The best way of appreciating the beauty of the place is walking along the bund where you can view the century charming beauty and culture of the bund.

The tourists can use the cruises that give a magnificent view of Shanghai both during the day and night time.

3. The Bund was Altered from its Natural Formation

 Severe floods in the Huangpu River in Shanghai between the 1970s and 1980s led to a rise in the level of water. This resulted in the reconstruction of the embankment to raise its level to prevent the dramatic effects of the floods in the area.

The reconstruction of the bund gave way for the beautiful balconies that are used to give an excellent view of the Huangpu River as they resemble the bay windows.

4. Shanghai Bund is a Very Beautiful Site

The ICBC and other buildings on the Bund, 2018. Photo by Wikimedia Commons.

The bund is a very gorgeous place as you walk looking at the spectacular old and modern construction.

There are unique architectures on the western side of the bund and the good-looking high-rise buildings on the east side.

It also has beautiful sculptures with a beautiful green lawn and plants thus providing amazing sites for relaxing and taking photos.

5. It has an Impressive Promenade

The unique promenade has been beautifully paved with about 140,000 coloured brick and granite blocks with 32 bays that are semi-circular in shape offering an impressive view as they face the Huangpu River.

Apart from the balconies for viewing, there are special benches that have been constructed in different shapes, about 6 pavilions, and 21 bowl-shaped flower vases.

The promenade is beautifully lit during the night making it so attractive with a romantic stroll creating a good place to take photos.

6. The Bund is used for Morning Exercise

The Bund on a summer evening (2013). Photo by Daniel.

The Shanghai Bund is well known for enabling the local population to keep fit and healthy. Early in the morning, the locals use the promenade for running to keep fit.

It is used by the 鈥淭ai Chi鈥� practitioners who are at work early in the morning since the area provides a beautiful tranquil background.

7. It has a Splendid Shopping Centre

The bund offers great shopping experiences. It also provides a nice place to shop with unique luxury boutiques and shops along the bund.

Some of the major designer stores include Ralph Lauren, Ermenegildo Zegna, Patek Philippe, and Giorgio Armani. Other several domestic brands deal with products such as handcrafted silk slippers and antiques.

8. The Bund has a Sightseeing Tunnel

The sightseeing tunnel in Shanghai bund was purposefully created for the tourist attraction. The tunnel connects the bund and Pudong district.

The tourists use the tunnel to cross the Huangpu River in Shanghai. The whole ride takes about three to five minutes.

The sightseeing tunnel has magnificent light and sound shows. However, it does not show any Shanghai sights.

9. It has Well Preserved Ancient Eateries

Some of the ancient hotels in the bund include the East Wind Hotel which was previously known as the Shanghai Club and was mostly inhabited by the British nationals.

The hotel was constructed in 1861 and later in 1910, it was rebuilt to strengthen the concrete in a neo-classic design.

In 1850 the peace hotel was founded and was then referred to as the central hotel. In 1906 the hotel was restructured and renamed The Palace Hotel.

10. It is a Photographic Site

The Bund Bull, 2018 photo; sculpted of brass in 2010 by Arturo Di Modica.

The bund which overlooks the Huangpu River provided the symbol of Shanghai modernity and has also become the symbol for the Republic of China.

The site has become a photograph hot stop. This is the place where most of the people take their photos especially the tourist arriving in Shanghai.

There are also some photo stalls where professionals take photos and process them instantly.

The Shanghai bund is an interesting place to visit and take photos at the balconies with a clear view of the Huangpu River. The rich history of the bund and the amazing ancient buildings makes it an outstanding place to be.

The best time to enjoy the site is during the sunset to have a good view of the light across the skyline and early in the morning during the sunrise which makes it more beautiful.