Is the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade free to visit?

Yes. The promenade is an open public waterfront on the Pudong side, free at all hours with no ticket or reservation. You walk straight onto it from the Lujiazui financial district. Because it never closes, it works equally well for a sunset stroll or a late-night skyline view, and there is no queue or entry control at any point along the riverbank.

What is the best time to visit Lujiazui Riverside?

Sunset, roughly 5:00 to 8:00 PM, is the standout window. That is when the colonial-era Bund buildings across the river light up gold and then switch to full evening illumination. The Pudong side faces west toward the Bund, so you get the historic skyline lit up rather than the modern towers behind you. It is also noticeably less crowded than the Bund itself at the same hour.

How do I get to the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade?

Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui station, then walk through the financial district toward the river; the station has direct access and the walk is short. If you want both river perspectives in one evening, the Bund-Pudong ferry costs about 3 RMB and connects the two sides, letting you photograph the skyline from each bank without backtracking through the metro.

Lujiazui Riverside Promenade, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Pudong-side waterfront walk facing the Bund — the photo angle on every Shanghai postcard.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 陆家嘴滨江大道 (Lù Jiā Zuǐ Bīn Jiāng Dà Dào)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 30-60 minutes
Best time to visit: Sunset, 5:00-8:00 PM
Getting there: Metro to the door
English: Some English signage
Cards accepted: Cash only
Entry: Walk-in — no booking
Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi
Address: Binjiang Avenue, Pudong New Area, Shanghai · 浦东新区滨江大道

See Lujiazui Riverside Promenadetickets & tours

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While the Bund (west side) gets all the attention, the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade on the Pudong side offers an equally spectacular — and far less crowded — view back across the river to the colonial-era buildings. Take Line 2 to Lujiazui station and walk through the financial district to reach the riverbank. Sunset is when the Bund's stonework lights up gold. The Bund-Pudong ferry (3 RMB) connects the two sides if you want both perspectives in one evening. Free at all hours.

Highlights

Sunset View of the Bund (外滩日落)Best at sunset when Bund's stonework glows gold
Bund-Pudong Ferry (外滩-浦东轮渡)3 RMB ride connects both sides for dual perspectives
Less Crowded Photo Spot (人少拍照点)Far fewer tourists than the Bund; classic postcard angle

What Chinese travelers actually do here

Distilled from Chinese-language travel notes — the practical tips most English guides miss.

▸Stand on the Pudong bank for the classic postcard angle; you face the lit-up Bund instead of the towers looming behind you.
▸This side draws far fewer crowds than the Bund opposite, so it is the easier place to set up a tripod at sunset.
▸Take the 3 RMB ferry across rather than the metro to shoot the skyline from both banks in a single evening.
▸It never closes, so arrive after the day-trippers leave; the late-night skyline reflection is just as good with room to breathe.
▸Bring cash or have mobile pay ready for the ferry; card support along this stretch is thin.
▸Time your walk so you are in position about 20 minutes before sunset and stay through the lights-on moment for two different looks.
▸The towers directly behind you are the photo subject for everyone else, but the gold-lit Bund across the water is the shot they miss.

Photos

Vibrant night view of Shanghai's illuminated skyline featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

Captivating night cityscape of illuminated Shanghai skyline with iconic bridge reflection.

Shanghai skyline illuminated against the night sky featuring iconic skyscrapers.

Night view of illuminated skyscrapers in Shanghai's cityscape showcasing modern architecture.

Spectacular night view of Shanghai skyline with the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower lighting up the cityscape.

Contemporary multistage building exteriors with inscriptions near shiny rippled river in city at night

Stunning night view of Shanghai's skyline reflecting on the Huangpu River, featuring iconic skyscrapers.

Vibrant night view of the Shanghai skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower and colorful reflections.

Night view of Shanghai's illuminated skyscrapers showcasing modern urban architecture.

Beautiful view of Shanghai's illuminated skyline at night featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower.

Stunning night view of Shanghai skyline with illuminated skyscrapers and the Oriental Pearl Tower reflecting in the water.

A breathtaking aerial night view of the illuminated Shanghai skyline along the Huangpu River.

Explore the vibrant Shanghai skyline lit up at night, featuring iconic buildings and reflections on the river.

Captivating view of Shanghai's illuminated skyline reflecting on the Huangpu River at night.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Olivia M.·TripAdvisor·5/5

The Pudong side view of the Bund is honestly better than from the Bund itself. Way fewer people.

2026-04-20

David T.·Google Maps·4/5

The 3 RMB ferry from the Bund is the best deal in Shanghai. Combine both sides in one evening.

2026-03-15

城市漫步·Xiaohongshu·5/5

黄昏时去陆家嘴滨江，对面外滩石头建筑被夕阳照得金灿灿的，必拍。

2026-02-22

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Frequently asked questions about Lujiazui Riverside Promenade

Is the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade free to visit?: Yes. The promenade is an open public waterfront on the Pudong side, free at all hours with no ticket or reservation. You walk straight onto it from the Lujiazui financial district. Because it never closes, it works equally well for a sunset stroll or a late-night skyline view, and there is no queue or entry control at any point along the riverbank.
What is the best time to visit Lujiazui Riverside?: Sunset, roughly 5:00 to 8:00 PM, is the standout window. That is when the colonial-era Bund buildings across the river light up gold and then switch to full evening illumination. The Pudong side faces west toward the Bund, so you get the historic skyline lit up rather than the modern towers behind you. It is also noticeably less crowded than the Bund itself at the same hour.
How do I get to the Lujiazui Riverside Promenade?: Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui station, then walk through the financial district toward the river; the station has direct access and the walk is short. If you want both river perspectives in one evening, the Bund-Pudong ferry costs about 3 RMB and connects the two sides, letting you photograph the skyline from each bank without backtracking through the metro.