Chronicles of the River: Shanghai Riverside Promenade (North Bund Section)

The North Bund section of the Shanghai Riverside Promenade is a scenic 2.5 km walkway along the Huangpu River, offering a stunning view of the city’s skyline. Located in Hongkou District, this stretch of the promenade runs between Qinhuangdao Road (秦皇岛路) and Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥), providing a picturesque setting for both locals and visitors to enjoy.

North Bund section of the Shanghai Riverside Promenade

When I lived in Shanghai years ago, I remember the old living quarters, historical landmarks, and bustling factories along the north Bund (Bei Wai Tan 北外滩). However, over time, the factories either relocated or transformed, and new bridges and tunnels appeared.

Subsequently, a wave of renovations followed, restoring historical buildings while modern skyscrapers reshaped the skyline. As a result, today, the riverside has become a vibrant recreational hub, offering a mix of history and leisure with jogging, walking, and cycling paths through lush greenery.

During my 2018 visit to Shanghai, I had the chance to explore the north Bund section of the Shanghai Riverside Promenade. Once an industrial area with old ferry terminals, it wasn’t a spot for leisurely walks in my earlier days. But now, how has it changed now?

Shanghai Riverside Promenade, Hongkou district

I began my journey by taking Metro Line 12 and getting off at Tilanqiao Station, near the site of East Asia’s first prison. From there, I followed Gongping Road until I reached the Gongping Road Ferry Terminal. To the west, I spotted the Yacht Club, where several yachts were docked.

As I continued west along the Huangpu River, I came across various vantage points with stunning views of the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Bund. The pathways and small parks along this stretch of the Shanghai Riverside Promenade are elevated, while the buildings set further inland are on lower ground.

The main sites along the Hongkou section of Shanghai Riverside Promenade:

• The Park and the Walkways
• The Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal
• Magic Jungle
• China Securities Museum (中国证券博物馆)
• Consulate-General of Russia in Shanghai
• Broadway Mansions Hotel (上海大厦)
• Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥)

The Park and the Walkways

The Shanghai Riverside Promenade’s North Bund section features small gardens, flower beds, and artistic elements, creating a pleasant park-like landscape. Winding paths, some paved with stone and others with wide wooden decks, connect these areas. The pathways lead through shaded walkways lined with bushes and trees, offering peaceful spots to take in the riverside views.

Designed for strolling, jogging, and cycling, the promenade has wide, spacious lanes. Despite it being a weekday lunchtime, it was surprisingly uncrowded—a refreshing oasis of calm in the heart of bustling Shanghai. I enjoyed the chance to take plenty of photos without the usual crowds of tourists in the way.

Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal

Once, eight major docks lined the Huangpu River, including the renowned Gongping Road Dock, built by the British East India Company near East Daming Road (东大名路) in 1845. Today, the area is home to several landmark buildings, such as the towering White Magnolia Plaza (白玉兰广场), which stands at 320 metres high. Another notable site is the Shanghai Port International Cruise Terminal, also known as the “Cruise City.”

Spanning 73,000 square metres, Cruise City offers a range of attractions, including the Shanghai International Passenger Transportation Centre, the Rainbow Bridge, the Shanghai Docks Heritage Museum, a sports park, a music plaza, and shopping malls. The transportation centre features a futuristic design with sleek metal and glass façades, in keeping with the stylish aesthetic of the other landmark buildings.

Magic Jungle

I walked past a large complex called the Magic Jungle, an outdoor rope course designed by a German team. It offers 94 challenges for all ages. If you’re looking to add some fun and adventure to your North Bund visit, give the rope course a try. As you climb, you can enjoy the waterfront views and experience the thrill of the giant swing, soaring over the water.

China Securities Museum (中国证券博物馆)

The hotel is a beautifully preserved historical gem along the Shanghai Riverside Promenade, located where Suzhou Creek meets the Huangpu River.

Originally founded by Scottish merchant Peter Felix Richards in 1846, it was one of Shanghai’s first Western-style hotels, initially named Richards’ Hotel and Restaurant (礼查饭店) and featuring Baroque architecture. In 1859, it was rebranded as the Astor House Hotel and soon became iconic. A particularly grand moment in its history was in 1897 when Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后) celebrated her 60th birthday here with an extravagant party.

On 27 May 1959, the Astor House Hotel was renamed the Pujiang Hotel (浦江饭店), marking a new era. From 1920 to 1949, it housed the Shanghai Stock Exchange, which briefly returned to the west wing’s ballroom in 1990 before relocating again. Throughout these transitions, the east wing continued operating as a state-run hotel. In December 2018, the China Securities Museum was opened within the Astor House, showcasing a fascinating collection of securities and bonds dating back to 1978.

Consulate-General of Russia in Shanghai

Just across from the China Securities Museum stands the Russian Consulate in Shanghai. In the late 19th century, the Russian government focused its investments on Manchuria, which sparked a surge in trade between China and Russia. With regular ferry services starting between Vladivostok and Shanghai, many Russian tea merchants flocked to the city. By 1905, several hundred Russians had made the Shanghai International Settlement their home. To protect their interests, the Russian Consulate was established in 1896 and has occupied its current building since 1917.

Construction of the elegant consulate began in 1914 and was completed in 1916. However, during this time, relations between China and Russia fluctuated, resulting in the consulate closing and reopening six times—quite an unusual occurrence in global history.

If you’re looking for the best photo opportunity, head over to the Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥). The view is simply stunning!

Broadway Mansions Hotel (上海大厦)

Before reaching the Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥), I took a moment to admire the historic Broadway Mansions Hotel. Also known as the Shanghai Mansion, this Art Deco gem was designed by UK architect Mr. Bright Fraser and took four years to complete.

During its construction, the hotel was fitted with a telephone system, and its original number (46260) is still in use today as the last five digits.

Broadway Mansions boasts four notable treasures: a piano imported from the UK in 1932, an antique snooker table made in 1934, an OTIS elevator, a hand-operated antique lift and a gramophone from Victor, an American phonograph company founded in 1917.

Not only is the hotel a piece of history, but it also offers the perfect viewpoint to soak in stunning views of the Shanghai Riverside. I found myself captivated by the blend of heritage and beauty in this vibrant city!

Waibaidu Bridge (外白渡桥)

The final historic gem along the north Bund section of the Shanghai Riverside Promenade is the iconic Waibaidu Bridge. Spanning Suzhou Creek, it marks the northern tip of the Bund and is known as China’s first steel span bridge.

Just over a century and a half ago, there was no bridge across Suzhou Creek; ferries were the only way to cross. In 1856, a British entrepreneur made a bold move by constructing a large wooden bridge that linked the British and American concessions. This bridge was called Waibaidu, meaning “Outside of the Ferry Area” in local terms. It charged Chinese pedestrians a fee to cross, which led to widespread protests. In response, the Garden Bridge was built nearby as a free alternative. Eventually, the original wooden bridge was taken down to make way for the steel structure that stands today, completed in 1908. This upgrade also allowed streetcars to travel across the river.

However, Waibaidu Bridge offers more than just a crossing. It provides a lovely spot to enjoy the charm of Suzhou Creek’s banks, with quaint alleyways to the north and beautiful western architecture to the south.

As night fell, the bridge lit up, creating a stunning glow over the area. I glanced eastward and could clearly see the skyline, featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower, Riverside Avenue, Jin Mao Tower (金贸大厦), and the World Financial Center. I found it breathtaking to see how the city comes alive at night!

Travel Tips

Suggested tours

Where to stay

I’ve selected three hotels that offer excellent value for money. While they aren’t the cheapest options, they won’t break the bank either. Staying here means you’re conveniently located near the North Bund, allowing you to explore nearby attractions like Yu Garden, the Lujiazui Financial Centre, and the Oriental Pearl Tower without needing extra transportation.

As evening falls and the city lights up, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along the Bund. It’s a wonderful opportunity to admire the glittering skyscrapers on both sides of the river and immerse yourself in Shanghai’s vibrant nightlife. I can’t recommend it enough—there’s something truly magical about experiencing the city after dark!

• Hyatt on the Bund
• Broadway Mansions Hotel – Bund
• W Shanghai – The Bund

How to get there

To reach the Bund, you have a few options. Firstly, you can hop on the Shanghai Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour, specifically the Red Route, which includes a stop at the Bund. Once there, you can get off either at the waterfront or at Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.

Another option is to take Metro Line 12 and get off at Tilanqiao Road (提篮桥). Alternatively, you could use Metro Line 4 and get off at Yangshupu Road (杨树浦路). From either station, it’s just a short five to ten-minute walk to the Bund.

Overall, there are plenty of transport options to help you reach your destination in Shanghai. It’s always exciting to explore and find the best way to get around!