Few urban experiences in the world rival a walk along The Bund (Waitan) in Shanghai—a majestic 1.5-kilometer waterfront promenade where colonial grandeur meets futuristic ambition. For guests staying at Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road, Shanghai on the Bund—located just 600 meters away at No.105-1 Fuzhou Road, Huangpu District—this iconic landmark isn’t just a sightseeing stop; it’s your front-row seat to Shanghai’s soul. Whether you’re here for romance, photography, history, or simply soaking in the city’s electric energy, this guide unlocks everything you need to know to experience The Bund and Huangpu River like a true insider.

Why The Bund Captivates Every Traveler

Stretching along the western bank of the Huangpu River, The Bund showcases 52 historic buildings from the 1920s and 1930s—once housing banks, trading houses, and consulates from Britain, France, Japan, and beyond. Today, these neoclassical, Art Deco, and Gothic structures stand in dramatic contrast to the sky-piercing towers of Pudong across the river, including the Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai Tower (China’s tallest building), and the shimmering Bund Finance Center.

This striking duality—old-world elegance facing tomorrow’s skyline—makes The Bund not just a photo op, but a living timeline of Shanghai’s evolution from treaty port to global metropolis.

How to Get to The Bund from Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road

One of the greatest perks of staying at Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road is its unbeatable location. Simply:

  • Walk south on Fuzhou Road for 5 minutes.
  • Turn right onto Zhongshan East 1st Road.
  • You’ll arrive at The Bund near Chen Yi Square, one of the most scenic and less crowded entry points.

Total walking time: 7–10 minutes. No metro, no taxi—just a pleasant stroll through Shanghai’s historic core.

Best Times to Visit The Bund

🌅 Sunset (5:30–7:00 PM)

This is prime time. As the sun dips behind Pudong, the colonial buildings glow in golden light while the skyscrapers begin to sparkle. The atmosphere is romantic, vibrant, and perfect for photography.

🌃 Night (7:30 PM–10:00 PM)

At 7:00 PM sharp, Pudong’s skyline ignites in a synchronized light show that runs until 10:00 PM (9:00 PM in winter). The reflections on the Huangpu River create a mirror of light—ideal for long-exposure shots or quiet contemplation.

☀️ Early Morning (6:00–8:00 AM)

Beat the crowds and witness locals practicing tai chi, ballroom dancing, or calligraphy with water brushes on the pavement. The air is fresh, the light soft, and the promenade peaceful—a rare glimpse of everyday Shanghai life.

Must-Do Experiences Along The Bund

1. Huangpu River Cruise – Day or Night

Board a 30–60 minute ferry from Bund Tourist Pier (near Chen Yi Square) or Shiliupu Pier.

  • Day cruise: See architectural details clearly and enjoy river breezes.
  • Night cruise: Glide beneath illuminated skyscrapers with live commentary (many boats offer drinks and snacks).
    Tip: Ferries cost as little as ¥120–¥180; luxury dinner cruises start at ¥300.

2. Walk the Full Promenade

Start at Waibaidu Bridge (Garden Bridge) in the north—Shanghai’s oldest steel bridge—and stroll south to Nanpu Bridge. Key stops:

  • Peace Hotel: Iconic green copper roof and jazz bar.
  • Customs House Clock Tower: Chimes every hour.
  • Bund Bull: A smaller cousin to Wall Street’s bull—great for playful photos.

3. Cross the River to Pudong

Take the 2-minute ferry (¥2) from Dongjin Ferry Terminal to Dongchang Road Pier. From there, walk to:

  • Lujiazui: Home to Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai World Financial Center (with its skywalk observatory).
  • Bund Finance Center: Hosts art exhibitions and upscale dining with reverse-Bund views.

4. Photography Hotspots

  • Chen Yi Square: Wide-angle views of Pudong’s trio of towers.
  • Bund Sightseeing Tunnel (optional): A kitschy but fun neon-lit tunnel under the river (¥50).
  • Roof bars: Try Bar Rouge or M1NT for elevated Bund vistas (dress code applies).

Local Tips for an Authentic Experience

  • Avoid weekends & holidays if you dislike crowds—The Bund draws thousands daily.
  • Wear comfortable shoes: The promenade is flat but long.
  • Try street snacks: Look for jianbing (savory crepes) or sweet osmanthus cakes from nearby vendors.
  • Combine with Nanjing Road: After your Bund walk, head west on Nanjing Road East for shopping, people-watching, and dinner.

Why Staying at Atour Hotel Makes It Effortless

After an evening of lights, river breezes, and skyline gazing, return to the calm of Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road—your stylish urban retreat just minutes away. Unwind in your soundproofed room, sip tea from your window overlooking old Shanghai, and recharge for tomorrow’s adventures in Yu Garden, The French Concession, or beyond.

With its prime location, intelligent design, and guest-first service, Atour isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s your perfect basecamp for experiencing the magic of The Bund, day or night.

Plan Your Shanghai Story
Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, The Bund never fails to inspire. And with Atour Hotel Nanjing East Road as your home in the heart of it all, every moment—from sunrise tai chi to midnight skyline glows—becomes part of your unforgettable Shanghai journey.

Step outside. The river is waiting.