Free self-guided walk · Shanghai

The Bund to Yu Garden

A free self-guided walk from the pedestrian end of Nanjing Road along the Bund waterfront and into the old town to Yu Garden.

Distance
4.6 km
Walking time
1 hr 2 min
Allow
About 2.5 hours with stops
Stops
6

Open the route in Google MapsShanghai city guide

About this walk

This walk takes in Shanghai's two sides: the grand 1920s and 1930s waterfront of the foreign settlements and the Chinese old town that was walled until 1912.

Pudong's skyscrapers face you across the river the whole way along the Bund.

  • Terrain: Flat and paved throughout.
  • Best time: Late afternoon, staying on the Bund until the lights come on.

Route map

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Route and stop positions © OpenStreetMap contributors. North is up.

The stops

  1. Nanjing Road East

    Start on the pedestrian shopping street near its river end.

  2. Peace Hotel

    The green-roofed Art Deco hotel at the corner of the Bund.

  3. Huangpu Park

    The park at the north end of the Bund, by Waibaidu Bridge.

  4. Custom House

    Walk south along the Bund past the clock tower of the Custom House.

  5. Bund Bull

    Continue past the old banks to the bronze bull.

  6. Yu Garden

    Turn into the old town and finish at the classical garden and its bazaar.

Tips

  • The Bund is busiest after dark; the lights are usually switched on in the evening.
  • Yu Garden charges an entry fee and closes in the late afternoon.
  • Watch for scooters on pavements and crossings.

Prefer a guide?

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Sources and review date

This walk was last reviewed on 2026-10-28. Distance and walking time come from OpenStreetMap's walking router and don't include time at stops. Opening hours and access change; please check before you go.