The Bund & Pudong

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One of the most popular tourist destinations in Shanghai is the Bund. More than the People’s Square, the French Concession or Nanjing Road Westthe Bund and its view of Pudong is one of the most photographed skylines in the world.

The Bund is the boardwalk that runs along the Huangpu river which overlooks Pudong, Shanghai’s newer part of the city. Stretching one mile in length between Yan’an road and Waibaidu bridge it offers the tourist a beautiful view of both the Oriental Pearl Tower and colonial buildings characterizing various parts of Shanghai’s colonial history.

The Huangpu side could be a walk down the streets of St. Petersburg, London or even Paris with a variety of beautiful hotels and restaurants dating from the French and British influences of Shanghai. The European architecture adds a sense of grandeur and importance, reflective of the financial and commercial stature Shanghai represented in China.

While Huangpu is a nod to the historical power Shanghai once held, Pudong across the river, is a nod of the future of the city. With skyscrapers that glisten in the sun, the Oriental Pearl Tower, modern multi-story shopping complexes, and new housing developments, Pudong signifies China’s development and booming commercial economy.

The Oriental Pearl Tower is the jewel of the skyline. With its tall structure and fuchsia pink light that enhances it shape, this tower just oozes modernity. We had dinner in the tower on Christmas day and I would highly recommend it to any tourist. The price runs you about $50 CAD for entrance to the tower and dinner at the buffet restaurant. The restaurant offers a variety of wonderful regional and international cuisine. Food quality is excellent and the tower does a slow rotation offering gorgeous views of both Huangpu and Pudong. Treat yourself. http://orientalpearltower.com/

Across the tower is the aquarium, Shanghai stock exchange, the world financial centre, and super brand mall, one of the biggest shopping complexes in Shanghai. Super brand mall is a 10 story (yes I said 10) shopping complex which offers the consumer all of the local and international name brands you can think of. H&M, Uniqulo, Guess, Marks & Spencer, Levi’s, etc. can all be found in this mall. The found courts are also great offering everything from McDonalds and KFC to local Chinese and Japanese restaurants and fast food. During Christmas time the mall is beautifully decorated with lights, images of Santa, Hello Kitty and Doraemon all dressed in their winter gear 😊 http://www.superbrandmall.com/info/traffic_en.asp?tag=1

Getting there:

Take the subway to Lujiazui station (green line) to get to Pudong.

One of the best ways to cross over from Pudong to Huangpu is to take the Shanghai Bund Sightseeing tunnel. This is a fun and quirky experience where there is a light show a view to an aquarium and music. Out of the ordinary and fun at only 20 RMB is more expensive than the metro, but a fun tourist experience.

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