Memory of Shanghai III：The Bund

In the last article, we have talked about the Qipao, which is an unforgettable memory of Shanghai.Besides, I think the another memory we will show you in the chapter, you must be very familiar with it.

                                                      Chapter Three

                                        The Bund- Landmark of Shanghai

The Bund, one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai, extends from Jinling Road in the south to the Waibaidu Bridge over the Suzhou Creek in the north, is on the western bank of the 114 kilometer long Huangpu River, a tributary of the Yangtze River and Shanghai’s most essential waterway.

Of the sights evocative of the splendor and decadence of Old Shanghai, none is singularly more impressive than the Bund. The Bund features a one-mile strip of historic riverfront buildings, one of the most recognizable architectural symbols of Shanghai.

The Bund symbolizes Shanghai's history for hundreds of years and has been given the reputation of "The Oriental Wall Street". Even today, visitors can still feel the prosperity of the old Shanghai, when looking at those old buildings.

For a century, the Bund of Shanghai is always the proud of Shanghai. Every morning people come here to take exercises and every evening people come here to appreciate the excellent view with their lovers. Needless to say, the Bund of Shanghai always shows the cheering changes of Shanghai.

--Here, one can enjoy the beauty of Shanghai mother river - the Huangpu River and the new looks of Lujiazui (one of the most prosper part in Shanghai) in Pudong district on the opposite bank. What’s more, enjoy the Fade Grandeur of Old Shanghai


--Here, one can take a walk amidst luxuriant plants and blooming flowers then appreciate the landscaping of a garden in a bustling metropolis and enjoy the fresh air and bright sunshine rarely found amidst the hustle and bustle of a city. 

● The History of the Bund

The Bund

During the 1920’s and 30’s, the Bund served as the focal point for the thriving city’s financial and social life. In 1840, Shanghai became the leased territory of foreign countries. From then on, the Bund has become the center of external trade. 

The great edifices built here held great symbolic importance. While built of marble and stone, the Bund is emblematic of foreign interest and business anchored in Shanghai’s staying power. They also served to assure Shanghai’s foreign residents and visitors as to who was in control. 

When junks and cargo ships reached Shanghai, the promenade along Shanghai’s waterfront was the first sight they would see. These buildings were built with different architectural styles but were well-harmonized which are known as "a Gallery of world architecture". 

Although things are different now, the buildings of the Bund retain much of their previous grandeur. Now the buildings are all decorated with floodlights. At night, the Bund is brightly lit, glittering and dazzling to the eye. --Today’s Bund is as evocative of Shanghai’s yesteryears with hints of Shanghai’s tomorrow. 

● The surroundings of the Bund

The Bund centers on a stretch of road which named after Sun Yat-sen--the Zhongshan Road. It is a largely circular road which formed the traditional conceptual boundary of Shanghai city "proper". 

To the west of the road stand some 52 buildings of various Western classical and modern styles which is the main feature of the Bund. To the east of the road was formerly a stretch of parkland culminating at Huangpu Park. This area is now much reduced due to the expansion of Zhongshan Road. Further east is a tall levee, constructed in the 1990s to ward off flood waters. The construction of this high wall has dramatically changed the appearance of the Bund.

● Sight 1: Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

Bund Sightseeing Tunne

A 647m voyage with garish lighting and surreal props, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a transport mode that guarantees to get to Pudong in an altered state and which is the first underwater tunnel for foot passenger in China. Stepping from the trains at the terminus, visitors are usually visibly nonplussed by the spectacular scenes. 

● Sight 2: Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower

Oriental Pearl TV Tower 

Completed in 1995 to a highly innovative design, Shanghai Oriental Pearl TV Tower has become a symbol of excellence in architecture and is a favorite sight for tourists in Shanghai. At 468 meters, it is the third tallest TV and radio tower in the World.

Facing the European-style architectures on the Bund, the other side of the Huangpu River, the tower is with multi-functions for sightseeing, catering, shopping and amusement. It is a symbolic building and a tourist attraction in Shanghai. –It is an ideal place to have a bird's eye view of the busy and bustling Huangpu River and the Bund.

● Sight 3: Extensive Architecture Group on the Bund

There are a lot of buildings of different styles on the Bund, such as the Gothic building, the Romanesque building, the Baroque building, etc. It is really an extensive architecture group. The architecture along the Bund is unanimously honored as a “World Architectural Fair.”

Asia Building

Asia Building--Built in 1906, the seven-floor architecture is honoured as the No. 1 Building at the Bund. The outlook is in a style of eclecticism, with the bottom and the top part Baroque, and the middle part in modernism.

Oriental London

Oriental London--It is the nickname of Dongfeng Hotel, because it combines the classicism in America and the style of the Empire Building in Japan. It used to be the most luxurious club in Shanghai. The lift in the hotel was made by Siemens more than 90 years ago.

--All in all, the Bund is the epitome of Shanghai’s elegance and it shows the culture of Shanghai and the creation of modern civilization to people.