The Bund

The Bund is Shanghais most famous landmark and a living museum of architectural history Stretching 15 kilometers along the Huangpu River this magnificent waterfront promenade features 52 buildings of various architectural styles from Gothic and Baroque to Neoclassical and Art Deco These grand structures built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries once housed major banks trading houses and consulates from around the world Today they stand as a testament to Shanghais cosmopolitan heritage while across the river the futuristic skyscrapers of Pudong create a stunning contrast that symbolizes Chinas rapid modernization The Bund offers breathtaking views especially at night when both sides of the river are illuminated creating one of the worlds most spectacular urban panoramas