The Bund (Waitan)

The Bund (or Waitan) is the grand center of Colonial architecture in Shanghai. The former International Settlement runs along the waterfront of the Huangpu River, facing the Pudong district ('Bund' is a word of Indian derivation meaning 'embankment'). Loosely known as the "museum of international architecture," the Bund attracts visitors who are interested in the artsy side of Shanghai.

When foreign powers entered Shanghai after the Opium Wars of the 19th century, the Bund existed as a towpath. It quickly became the center of Shanghai as Western traders built banks, trading houses and consulates along its length, and has been synonymous with Shanghai's east-meets-west glamor ever since.
Today the Bund faces the new wave of trading development - the vast towers of Jin Mao, the World Finance Center and the Oriental Pearl TV Tower in the financial district of Pudong. 
As well as strolling along the Bund's length to take in the Colonial era architecture, you can take a look at the granite cenotaph commemorating Chinese patriots, wander in a park that was once the British Public Gardens, and take a kitsch-tastic ride through the sightseeing tunnel, complete with light show.

Practical Info

The Bund is in the Huangpu District. It begins at Suzhou Creek and runs for 1.5 km (1 mi) along the waterfront to Jinling Wu. Take the subway to East Nanjing Road station; it's about a five-minute walk from there.