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Shanghai Bund: A Free Walking Tour of Historic Architecture

Shanghai for Free 2; The Bund (part 2)

Destination:ChinaCity:NanjingPopulation: 9.4 million
Shanghai for Free 2; The Bund (part 2)
Tim Chambers16 min

Shanghai for Free 2; The Bund (part 2). This was filmed by Tim Chambers. Watch the full journey and explore the filming details and destinations on this page.

It is possible to see many major sites in Shanghai for free. Join me as I visit several locations along the northern part of the classic Bund (or Waitan) next to the Huangpu in central Shanghai. I pass by all the buildings but focus on the HSBC, Cathy Peace Hotel, Península Hotel and former British Consulate. The Bund or Waitan is a waterfront area and a protected historical district in central Shanghai. The area centres on a section of Zhongshan Road (East Zhongshan Road No.1) within the former Shanghai International Settlement, which runs along the western bank of the Huangpu River in the eastern part of Huangpu District. The area along the river faces the modern skyscrapers of Lujiazui in the Pudong District. The Bund usually refers to the buildings and wharves on this section of the road, as well as some adjacent areas. This region has a significant European influence, with the style of many structures most comparable to that of European cities, particularly Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, Romanesque, Art Deco, and Renaissance architecture. Additionally, some of the city's top eateries are located there. From the 1860s to the 1930s, it was the rich and powerful centre of the foreign establishment in Shanghai, operating as a legally protected treaty port. The HSBC Building (also known as the Municipal Government Building) is a six-floor neo-classical building in the Bund area of Shanghai, China. It served as the headquarters of the Shanghai branch of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation from 1923 to 1955, and currently houses the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank. The building is situated at number 12, the Bund. Designed by the British architecture firm Palmer & Turner Architects and Surveyors, construction of the building lasted from 5 May 1921 to 23 June 1923. The Peace Hotel is a hotel on The Bund in Shanghai, China, which overlooks the surrounding areas. The hotel has two different buildings.

--- Tim Chambers
August 19, 2023, Summer in China

Travel Guides & Tips in this video

Tim Chambers takes a free walking tour along the northern Shanghai Bund, focusing on historic architecture. He visits the former HSBC building, now the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and the Customs House, whose clock tower was inspired by Big Ben. The route includes the former Russian Asiatic Bank, China Merchants Bank, Peace Hotel, and buildings once used by banks and insurance companies. Tim describes the Peace Hotel’s Art Deco style, its history as Sassoon House and the Cathay Hotel, and its long-running jazz band. Near the Peninsula Hotel, formerly the site of the British Consulate-General, he points out afternoon tea, the Compass Bar, and Sir Elly’s Terrace on the 14th floor.

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Shanghai for Free 2; The Bund (part 2)

Historic buildings along the Bund

Tim Chambers walks the northern section of Shanghai’s Bund, sharing a free route through its historic buildings. He starts near the former HSBC headquarters, now home to the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, and discusses its dome and neoclassical design. He then visits the Customs House, whose clock tower is modeled on Big Ben, though the tower is difficult to see from directly below. The walk passes the former Russian Asiatic Bank, China Merchants Bank, and other historic structures. Tim explains their former uses and current occupants while pointing out architectural details. He also notes rules on the Bund, including avoiding loud conversation, filming without permission, and slippery shoes.

Peace Hotel and Peninsula views

The Peace Hotel is a major stop. Tim connects its history with Sassoon House and the Cathay Hotel, and describes its Art Deco style and the hotel’s longstanding jazz band. He also mentions the hotel’s nine-nation suites and recalls attending a Christmas event there. The route continues past the China Bank building, Yokohama Bank building, Yangtze Insurance Building, and Jardine Matheson building, now associated with the House of Roosevelt. Near the Peninsula Hotel, which occupies the former British Consulate-General site, Tim points out afternoon tea, the Compass Bar, and Sir Elly’s Terrace on the 14th floor. The terrace offers views of the Pudong skyline and Bund Promenade.

Tim recommends visiting the Peace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria interiors and mentions the Spanish restaurant and Sir Elly’s rooftop bar as places to eat or drink. The tour emphasizes that the architecture and waterfront can be explored without spending money. Access to some interiors may have changed since Tim’s visit, so his account reflects what he saw during filming. Tim’s stops also include the Bank of Communications building, now home to the China Council of Trade Unions, and the former Russian Asiatic Bank. He points out the former China Merchants Bank as well as the China Bank, Yokohama Bank, Yangtze Insurance, and Jardine Matheson buildings along the route. The latter is now associated with the House of Roosevelt bar and restaurant. These buildings show the different financial and commercial uses that shaped the waterfront.

At the Peace Hotel, Tim discusses the Art Deco interiors, the hotel’s earlier names, and the nine-nation suites. He recalls attending a Christmas event and says he regrets not filming more of it. Near the Peninsula, he traces the property to the former British Consulate-General and identifies the Compass Bar and afternoon tea. He then goes to Sir Elly’s Terrace on the 14th floor, where the view takes in both the Pudong skyline and the Bund Promenade. Tim’s route is presented as a free walk, though hotel interiors and dining are separate activities. He also cautions that access can change after filming, so the video documents his own visit rather than guaranteeing current entry.

FAQs (From the traveler's perspective)

Q: What can visitors see on a Bund walk?
A: Tim’s route includes the former HSBC building, Customs House, Peace Hotel, and Peninsula Hotel, along with other historic bank and insurance buildings. He points out architecture and explains past and present uses.
Q: What is notable about the Peace Hotel?
A: Tim describes its Art Deco style, history as Sassoon House and the Cathay Hotel, nine-nation suites, and longstanding jazz band. He also recalls attending a Christmas event there.
Q: Is the Bund walking tour free?
A: Tim presents the walking route as a way to see the Bund’s architecture and waterfront without paying an admission fee. Some building interiors and hotel services are separate visits.

Previous travel video:

Shanghai Bund: A Free Walking Tour of Historic Architecture

Tim Chambers explores Shanghai's Bund, marveling at historical architecture and breathtaking views, all for free! A captivating journey.

Shanghai Bund: A Free Walking Tour of Historic Architecture

Tim Chambers explores the iconic Bund in Shanghai, showcasing its historical architecture and stunning river views. He focuses on significant landmarks like the HSBC Building, Peace Hotel, and Peninsula Hotel, highlighting their architectural styles and historical significance. The video offers a glimpse into Shanghai's rich past and its unique blend of European and Asian influences, all without spending a dime. A captivating journey through a pivotal part of Shanghai's history and culture.

Attractions in this video: Hsbc Building, Customs House, Peace Hotel, Peninsula Hotel, British Consulate, Suzhou Creek, Garden Bridge