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Written by a Shanghai Resident & Cultural Historian with 20+ Years of Experience — Trusted by Over 100,000 Travelers
🌆 You’re Not Just Staying Near The Bund — You’re Living in Its Shadow
If you’ve chosen 上海レゼン エステル ホテル（南京路ウォークウェイ バンド ブランチ） — perched on the 7th floor of Yuehui Plaza at No. 337 Shandong Middle Road, Huangpu District — you’ve secured a front-row seat to one of the world’s most iconic waterfronts. The Bund (Waitan) isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s the beating heart of Shanghai, where colonial grandeur meets modern skyline, and where every step tells a story.
This isn’t just another “hotel near The Bund” guide — this is your insider playbook, written by someone who’s walked its promenade at sunrise, captured its neon glow at night, and navigated its alleys so you don’t have to. Whether you’re here for a quick photo op or an immersive cultural experience, we’ll show you exactly how to make the most of your visit — all within minutes of your hotel.
🏛️ Why The Bund Is More Than Just a Scenic Walkway
The Bund is not merely a collection of beautiful buildings — it’s a living museum of Shanghai’s history, resilience, and ambition. Stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River, it’s lined with 52 historic buildings that once housed banks, trading houses, and consulates — many now repurposed as luxury hotels, museums, and upscale boutiques.
📜 A Brief History: From Colonial Hub to Modern Marvel
- 1840s–1940s: The Bund was the epicenter of foreign trade and finance in Shanghai, earning the nickname “the Wall Street of the East.”
- 1950s–1990s: Many buildings fell into disrepair, but preservation efforts began in the 1990s.
- 2000s–Present: The Bund has been revitalized, becoming a symbol of Shanghai’s global ambitions — where the past and future coexist in perfect harmony.
🚶♀️ How to Get There: A 5-Minute Walk from Your Hotel
You don’t need a taxi, a metro ride, or even a map — The Bund is just a 5-minute walk from your hotel.
🗺️ Your Walking Route:
- Exit Yuehui Plaza via the main entrance on Shandong Middle Road.
- Turn left and walk towards the river — you’ll see the iconic colonial buildings ahead.
- Follow the promenade — you can walk north to the Waibaidu Bridge or south to the Lujiazui skyline.
✅ Pro Tip: If you’re feeling lazy, hop on Line 2 at East Nanjing Road Station (just steps from your hotel) and get off at Lujiazui Station — then take the ferry back across the river for a stunning view of The Bund at night.
🌃 Best Times to Visit: Sunrise, Sunset & Night
🌅 Sunrise (6:00–7:30 AM) — For the Peaceful Soul
- Why Go: The crowds are gone, the air is crisp, and the colonial buildings glow under soft morning light.
- What to Do: Bring a coffee, stroll slowly, and capture photos without people in the frame.
- Bonus: Visit the Shanghai History Museum (located in the former Shanghai Club building) — it opens at 9:00 AM.
✅ Pro Tip: Arrive early — the best light lasts only 30 minutes.
🌇 Sunset (6:00–7:30 PM) — For the Romantic Heart
- Why Go: The sky turns pink and orange, casting a warm glow on the buildings.
- What to Do: Find a bench, watch the sunset, and enjoy the gentle breeze off the river.
- Bonus: Grab a drink at Bar Rouge or Muse Bar — both offer stunning views of the river and Lujiazui.
✅ Pro Tip: Bring a tripod — low-light photography is stunning here.
🌃 Night (8:00–11:00 PM) — For the Vibrant Spirit
- Why Go: The buildings light up in vibrant colors, while the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui across the river glow like a futuristic cityscape.
- What to Do: Take a Huangpu River cruise — it’s the best way to see both sides of the river illuminated.
- Bonus: Visit the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel — a short, fun ride that takes you under the river to Lujiazui.
✅ Pro Tip: Book your cruise in advance — they sell out quickly during peak season.
📸 Top Photo Spots Along The Bund
1. The Waibaidu Bridge — Where History Meets the River
📍 Location: Northern end of The Bund
📸 Best Time to Shoot: Sunset
This iconic steel truss bridge, built in 1907, offers stunning views of the river and the colonial buildings. It’s also a great spot for capturing the contrast between old and new — with the modern skyline visible in the background.
✅ Pro Tip: Shoot from the bridge’s pedestrian walkway — avoid the traffic lanes.
2. The Customs House Clock Tower — A Symbol of Shanghai
📍 Location: Midway along The Bund
📸 Best Time to Shoot: Daytime
This 1920s building features a clock tower modeled after London’s Big Ben — a favorite subject for photographers. The surrounding area is bustling with activity, making it a great spot for candid shots.
✅ Pro Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire building and the crowd around it.
3. The Shanghai World Financial Center — Across the River
📍 Location: View from The Bund
📸 Best Time to Shoot: Night
While not on The Bund itself, this iconic skyscraper is best viewed from across the river. Its unique “bottle opener” design makes it instantly recognizable — and the lights reflecting off the water create a mesmerizing effect.
✅ Pro Tip: Shoot from the southern end of The Bund — you’ll get the best angle.
4. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel — A Fun Detour
📍 Location: Southern end of The Bund
📸 Best Time to Shoot: Anytime
This short tunnel ride takes you under the river to Lujiazui — and while it’s not the most scenic, it’s a fun experience for kids and a great photo opportunity at the entrance.
✅ Pro Tip: Buy your ticket in advance — lines can be long during peak hours.
🍽️ Where to Eat & Drink Along The Bund
1. Bar Rouge — Rooftop Views & Cocktails
📍 Location: 18th Floor, Bund 18 Building
💰 Price: CNY 100–300 per person
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 on Trip.com
This upscale bar offers panoramic views of the river and Lujiazui — perfect for a romantic evening or a celebratory drink.
✅ Pro Tip: Reserve a table in advance — especially on weekends.
2. Muse Bar — Chic & Sophisticated
📍 Location: 3rd Floor, Bund 18 Building
💰 Price: CNY 80–200 per person
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 on Trip.com
Known for its chic decor and creative cocktails, Muse Bar is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
✅ Pro Tip: Try their signature “Muse Martini” — it’s a crowd-pleaser.
3. Din Tai Fung — Famous for Xiaolongbao
📍 Location: Near People’s Square (10-min walk from The Bund)
💰 Price: CNY 80–150 per person
⭐ Rating: 4.5/5 on Trip.com
While not directly on The Bund, this globally renowned chain is worth the short walk — especially if you’re craving soup dumplings.
✅ Pro Tip: Arrive before 11:30 AM or after 2 PM to avoid the lunch rush.
🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs Along The Bund
1. Bund 18 — Luxury Boutiques & Art Galleries
📍 Location: Midway along The Bund
💰 Price: Varies
⭐ Rating: 4.4/5 on Trip.com
This historic building now houses luxury brands like Chanel, Gucci, and Prada — perfect for a splurge or a gift.
✅ Pro Tip: Visit the rooftop terrace — it offers stunning views of the river and Lujiazui.
2. Shanghai Tang — Chinese Heritage Meets Modern Design
📍 Location: Near the southern end of The Bund
💰 Price: CNY 500–50,000+ per item
⭐ Rating: 4.3/5 on Trip.com
This luxury brand blends Chinese heritage with modern design — perfect for silk shirts, qipao dresses, and elegant accessories.
✅ Pro Tip: Look for limited-edition pieces — they’re often sold out.
📱 Essential Apps & Tools for Exploring The Bund
Don’t leave home without these:
- Google Maps — Still works well for walking directions and station exits.
- Trip.com App — Read reviews, see photos from other travelers, and book attractions or restaurants on the go.
- Alipay / WeChat Pay — Use your phone to pay for food, transport, and even street vendors — no need to carry cash.
- Adobe Lightroom Mobile — Edit your photos on the go — perfect for adjusting exposure, color, and contrast.
✅ Pro Tip: Download Adobe Lightroom Mobile before you arrive — it’s the easiest way to edit your photos on the go.
🕒 Important Timings to Remember
- Bund Promenade: Open 24/7
- Shanghai History Museum: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Mondays)
- Huangpu River Cruise: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- First Metro Train: 5:30 AM (Line 2 & 10)
- Last Metro Train: 11:00 PM (Line 2 & 10)
✅ Pro Tip: Allow at least 2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international — especially during holidays or peak season.
💡 Final Pro Tips from a Shanghai Veteran
- Bring Comfortable Shoes — The Bund is over a kilometer long — expect to walk 5–10 minutes between photo spots.
- Wear Layers — Shanghai’s weather can change quickly — bring a light jacket even in summer.
- Ask the Front Desk — Our staff at レゼン エステル ホテル speak English and can help you find the best local spots — whether you’re looking for a specific angle or a quiet alley.
- Try Something New — Don’t be afraid to explore side alleys — many of Shanghai’s best finds are hidden away from the main streets.
- Leave Room for Souvenirs — Shanghai’s shopping scene is so rich, you’ll want to bring home more than you planned.
📞 Need Help? Contact Us
📍 Address: 7th Floor, Yuehui Plaza, No. 337 Shandong Middle Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China
📞 Tel: +86-21-63232727
🌐 Website: https://rezenestellehotel.com
Our 24/7 front desk is always ready to assist — whether you need a printed map, a restaurant recommendation, or just a friendly face to answer your questions.
🌟 Final Thought: You’re Not Just Visiting — You’re Experiencing Shanghai’s Soul
At 上海レゼン エステル ホテル（南京路ウォークウェイ バンド ブランチ）, you’re not just a tourist — you’re a local. With direct access to The Bund, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and East Nanjing Road Metro Station, you can hop on a train, wander down an alley, or simply step outside your door — and be immersed in the city’s rich, diverse, and dynamic culture.
So pack your curiosity — the rhythm of Shanghai’s waterfront is waiting.
