The Bund vs. Pudong: Where Should UK Visitors Go?

Shanghai is a city of contrasts, where history and modernity collide in the most spectacular fashion. For UK visitors, deciding between exploring The Bund or venturing into Pudong can be a tough choice. Both areas offer unique experiences, but which one suits your travel style best? Let’s break it down.

The Bund: A Walk Through History

The Iconic Waterfront

The Bund is Shanghai’s most famous waterfront, stretching along the Huangpu River. Lined with grand colonial-era buildings, it’s a living museum of 19th- and early 20th-century architecture. For UK visitors, the neoclassical and Art Deco designs might feel oddly familiar—many were built by British architects during Shanghai’s concession era.

Strolling here at sunset is magical. The golden hour lights up the facades, while the river glimmers with reflections from Pudong’s futuristic skyline across the water.

Must-Do Experiences

• Evening Light Show: Pudong’s skyscrapers put on a dazzling LED display after dark. The best view? Right from The Bund.
• Historic Buildings Tour: Pop into the Peace Hotel for jazz nights or the HSBC Building (now Shanghai Pudong Development Bank) to see its stunning mosaic ceiling.
• Huangpu River Cruise: A short boat ride gives you the best of both worlds—colonial charm on one side, sci-fi cityscape on the other.

Food & Drinks with a View

The Bund has no shortage of rooftop bars and fine-dining spots. Bar Rouge offers killer cocktails with an unbeatable skyline vista, while M on the Bund serves up European cuisine with a side of nostalgia.

Pudong: The Future is Now

Sky-High Attractions

If The Bund is about the past, Pudong is all about the future. This district shot up from farmland to a forest of skyscrapers in just a few decades. For UK visitors who love cutting-edge architecture, this is a must-see.

• Shanghai Tower: The world’s second-tallest building. The observation deck on the 118th floor will leave you breathless—literally, if you’re afraid of heights.
• Oriental Pearl TV Tower: Love it or hate its quirky design, the glass-bottomed observation deck is a thrill.
• Jin Mao Tower & SWFC: More sky-high views, plus the Park Hyatt Shanghai for a luxe drink with a view.

Family-Friendly Fun

Pudong isn’t just for business travelers. Shanghai Disneyland is a short metro ride away, and the Shanghai Aquarium (one of the largest in Asia) is perfect for kids.

Shopping & Luxury

If you’re after high-end retail therapy, IFC Mall and Super Brand Mall have everything from Gucci to local designer boutiques.

Which One Should UK Visitors Choose?

For History Buffs & Romantics → The Bund

If you love cobblestone charm, heritage buildings, and a slower pace, The Bund wins. It’s perfect for leisurely walks, photography, and soaking in old-world glamour.

For Futurists & Thrill-Seekers → Pudong

If towering skyscrapers, tech marvels, and fast-paced energy excite you, Pudong is your playground. The skyline views alone are worth the trip.

The Best of Both Worlds?

Why choose? The Huangpu River divides them, but a quick metro ride (or scenic ferry trip) connects the two. Spend a day in each—colonial elegance by day, neon-lit futurism by night.

Pro Tips for UK Travelers

• Avoid Weekends: The Bund gets packed. Weekday mornings are quieter.
• Pudong at Night: The skyline lights up brilliantly after sunset—don’t miss it.
• Transport: Use the metro (Line 2 connects both areas) or Didi (China’s Uber).
• Language: While English is spoken in tourist spots, having Google Translate handy helps.

So, Bund or Pudong? It depends on what kind of Shanghai story you want to take home. Either way, you’re in for an unforgettable experience.