My Bund Walking Guide: From Nanjing Road to the River Breeze, Step by Step Through a Century

Starting Point: East Nanjing Road, the bustling city life and prosperity
My route always begins at the East Nanjing Road Metro Station. Once you exit, don’t rush forward—first, take a moment to feel the vibe. The ding-ding tram bells, the aroma from old-brand food shops, the music outside trendy stores—all blend together. This is definitely a tourist area, but if you look closely, local aunties crowding the First Food Store to buy butterfly pastries share the same street corner with young people lining up outside Nike 001, which is quite interesting. Treat this place as a “living historical scene” rather than just a shopping street, and your experience will be much richer.

Midsection: Peace Hotel, the silent turning point of time
Walking east along Nanjing Road, the crowds gradually thin, and the “expressions” of the buildings start to become serious. I love seeing the dome of Lao Feng Xiang Silver Shop alongside the glass of the Apple flagship store, like a confrontation between two eras. When you see the dark green pyramid roof of the Peace Hotel, find a chance to go inside—even if just to stand in the lobby for a minute. That moment of quiet, the dim lighting, and the faint fragrance really feel like a time travel. This is the turning point in the atmosphere of the whole route.

Climax: Bund Viewing Platform, history on the left bank, future on the right bank
Go through the underground passage and head straight up to the Bund viewing platform. My tip is: always turn around first to look at the “International Architecture” side. During the day, you can see every detail of each building, and the imposing feeling brought by the massive stones can’t be captured in photos. Then look across to Lujiazui, where the clash of history and future feels ten times stronger. Evening is the golden hour, but I recommend coming after dark—the lighting makes the old buildings look like golden jewelry boxes, while the skyscrapers on the opposite bank resemble sci-fi movie sets, more magical than during the day.

Hidden Spots and Experiences

· Free Ferry: The Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal (about a 10-minute walk from the Bund) offers a 2 yuan ferry ride, the most authentic way to experience the Huangpu River. At dusk, watching the lights come on along both banks from the boat is absolutely worth the fare.
· Treasure Alleys: Don’t just focus on the main platform; Yuanmingyuan Road and Dianchi Road have far fewer people and offer very stylish “Oriental Pearl framed compositions” for photos.
· Off-Peak Secret: Weekends and holidays are extremely crowded. If possible, come on weekday mornings or late at night, and you can enjoy an almost “private” Bund.

Post by CHARLES HUBBARD | Oct 20, 2025