The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund refers to the famous waterfront district located along the western shore of the Huangpu River in Shanghai. Historically, it formed part of the International Settlement, an area administered by foreign powers from the late years of the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911) until the middle of World War II, when Japanese occupation forces expelled most of the remaining foreign authorities from the region.

The Bund is celebrated worldwide for its remarkable collection of architectural styles, earning the nickname “The World Architecture Museum.” The 52 officially recognized buildings along this waterfront showcase a diverse blend of Art Deco, Baroque, Beaux-Arts, Gothic, Neo-Classical, Renaissance, and Romanesque influences, alongside elements of traditional Chinese design. Shanghai is particularly renowned for possessing one of the world's most extensive collections of Art Deco architecture.

Several notable structures dating from the foreign settlement era reflect the district’s colonial heritage, especially its strong British influence. Among them are the McBain Building, once occupied by Royal Dutch Shell and the Asiatic Petroleum Company; the Great Northern Telegraph Corporation Building, which later housed Shanghai’s first telephone exchange; the HSBC Building, headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation; the Shanghai Club, a prominent gathering place for British residents; the Customs House, famous for its clock tower inspired by London’s Big Ben; the Glen Line Building, formerly used by a Scottish shipping enterprise; and the Consulate-General of the United Kingdom.

Following the establishment of the People’s Republic of China, many of these historic buildings were altered or gradually deteriorated. However, after China reopened to the international community in the late twentieth century, large-scale restoration projects were undertaken to preserve the Bund’s architectural heritage. While the structures were carefully restored, many adopted new functions, as numerous original businesses had disappeared or relocated. Today, former banks, insurance offices, and shipping company headquarters often operate as hotels, cultural venues, or commercial facilities.

The appearance of the waterfront itself has also changed significantly. Serious flooding during the 1970s and 1980s led to the construction of a stronger embankment system along the Huangpu River. Expanding traffic demands further transformed the area, reducing portions of the original riverside parks and widening nearby roads. Most of the historic docks have vanished, although a small number remain and now serve sightseeing cruises popular with visitors.

Despite these changes, the modern riverfront offers its own attractions. The top of the embankment has been redesigned as a spacious promenade featuring observation platforms that extend toward the river. These viewing terraces provide visitors with excellent panoramas of the Huangpu River and the impressive skyline on the opposite bank, making the Bund one of Shanghai’s most iconic and scenic destinations.

The Bund, Shanghai

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