【Bund of Shanghai】Exotic building clusters

Exotic building clusters

Since being classified as a British concession in 1844, the Bund has become the starting point of the modern urban development of Shanghai. As Shanghai became a trading port, the Bund gathered consulates, banks, corporates, newspaper agencies and hotels. In the early 20th century, previously constructed low-rise buildings were demolished and replaced by buildings which were highly luxurious at the time. In decades, the skyline of the Bund has been formed with many structures preserved to the present day.

Over 50 structures in different styles form the “exotic building clusters in the Bund of Shanghai”. Taking a walk around the Bund, it resembles a full lecture on architectural aesthetics – with eclecticism, modern Japanese-Western style, Victorian Gothic, classicism, Renaissance of different periods and more. 

With the continuous development of the Bund, it has become a popular tourist attraction. Many of Shanghai’s best restaurants, cafés, design studios and fashion stores are located in the Bund. Overlooking Pudong New Area from the Bund, the Oriental Pearl Tower, which is the iconic night view of modern Shanghai, will first come into sight.