The Bund (which means the Embankment) runs along the west shore of the Huangpu River, forming the eastern boundary of old downtown Shanghai. Once a muddy towpath for boats along the river, the Bund was where the foreign powers erected their distinct Western-style banks and trading houses. From here, Shanghai grew into a cosmopolitan and thriving commercial and financial center, Asia's leading city in the 1920s and 1930s.
Many buildings are still in use today. This set of photos was taken from a top-floor restaurant, which offered panoramic views of the waterfront and the new financial district, Pudong, across the river.
To prepare Shanghai for the 2010 Expo, the Bund's waterfront promenade and road infrastructure were completely revamped and modernized.
The food tasted decent and the set lunch was very reasonably-priced. Surprisingly, there was not much patronage and I had the outdoor deck all to myself.
Shanghai Municipal Archives
Around the Neighbourhood
The next set of photos were taken at street level. Construction frantically continues along the Bund ...
Heading back inland towards People's Square ...
Great World was a major entertainment destination of yesteryear and is now under renovation.