The Bund

 The Bund is the old colonial-era style street located in downtown Shanghai along the Huangpu River. The Bund is one of the most famous destinations in Shanghai and includes breathtaking views of Pudong’s skyline especially at night. Often the first stop for many visitors, the Bund is surely the best way to introduce Shanghai’s city-like atmosphere!

Since 1840s, the Bund was jointly occupied by Britain and France which is why it has such a Western flavor and style to its street-side architecture. This area, called the Concession, was separated from China, the Western powers operated and managed this certain area in their own way. Eventually, the Bund became the most prosperous land in Shanghai as a foreign trade center with numerous foreign firms. Owning a piece of land in the Bund is not only a symbol of wealth but also a symbol of honor. Once firms and financial enterprises developed a piece of land there, they continued to build on a larger scale.  For example the HSBC Building is one of the Bund’s largest and now houses the Pudong Development Bank

Most of the buildings were reconstructed several times. The architects from different countries used the Bund as a showcase for their talent. Over twenty different architects from twenty countries designed the various buildings you see today on the Bund.  These 19th century architectural designs offer a striking contrast to the modern Pudong skyscrapers just opposite the Huangpu River.