Shanghai's Bund Whispers: Unlock 23 Architectural Secrets!

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. The grand HSBC Building (now SPD Bank) is a colossal neoclassical edifice completed in 1923. Once the largest building in the Far East, it projects power and stability with its granite facade and magnificent dome. Inside, the breathtaking octagonal lobby features stunning mosaics depicting allegorical figures and global port cities, showcasing its colonial reach. Legendary bronze lions guard its entrance, symbolizing its historical role as “the Oriental Wall Street.” This architectural jewel is a must-see for anyone captivated by history, economics, and unparalleled artistry etched in stone.

   30 min

2. The majestic Customs House, completed in 1927, stands as a grand symbol of Shanghai’s historical prominence. Its iconic clock tower, inspired by London’s Big Ben, has marked time over the Bund for nearly a century. The large clock faces, each over 5 meters in diameter, chime every hour, echoing the city’s colonial past. The neoclassical architecture represents strength and stability, reflecting Shanghai’s role as a global trade hub. Today, it remains a working government building, seamlessly blending rich history with modern functionality. Listen to the chimes and feel the pulse of history!

   30 min

3. An Art Deco masterpiece and legendary symbol of 1920s Shanghai glamour. Its distinctive bronze pyramid roof and emerald copper dome house opulent interiors, a historic jazz bar (where the Old Jazz Band still performs), and corridors that once hosted celebrities and filmmakers. Relive the ambiance of its Blossoms Shanghai appearances and savor gourmet cuisine in its lavish settings. By night, enjoy jazz melodies with a cocktail, embracing an era of elegance that continues to captivate visitors. This is where classic sophistication meets modern luxury.

   30 min

4. Pudong Skyline: The Futuristic Symphony Gaze across the Huangpu River to witness Pudong’s dazzling skyline, one of the world’s most stunning modern landscapes. Dominated by the “Three Giants”—Shanghai Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and World Financial Center—this awe-inspiring view symbolizes Shanghai’s rapid transformation. By day, these architectural marvels showcase human ingenuity; by night, they become a spectacular light show with synchronized illuminations. For the best experience, visit the observation decks or enjoy free panoramas from the Bund. This view encapsulates Shanghai’s journey from a humble port to a global powerhouse.

   30 min

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 1 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Shanghai

• Its from-price is 97% below the median of the 2099 experiences we list in Shanghai.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 676 of 2099.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

About Shanghai

Shanghai is China's dazzling financial city on the Huangpu River, where a colonial-era waterfront faces a futuristic skyline and old lanes hide teahouses.

The Bund, a riverside promenade lined with grand banks and hotels from the early twentieth century, faces the towers of Pudong across the water, among them the Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower and the twisting Shanghai Tower. The view is at its most dramatic after dark, when both banks light up and river boats glide between them.

Top-ranked sights in Shanghai: The Bund (Waitan), Yu Garden (Yuyuan), Shanghai French Concession.

See all 2099 experiences in Shanghai