What is the North Bund and how is it different from the Bund?

The North Bund is Shanghai's third waterfront, in Hongkou district, emerging after the historic Bund and the Pudong-side Lujiazui. It offers the same Huangpu River skyline view of Pudong but with newer development and far fewer tourists. Recent additions include the Sailing Boat Square pier and the World Expo Pavilion plaza. If the classic Bund feels too crowded, this is the quieter alternative for the same skyline.

Is the North Bund free and what is the best time to go?

Yes, it is a free, open public riverside with no ticket and no closing time. Golden hour through evening is the best window, when the Pudong towers across the water light up. Because it draws fewer crowds than the main Bund, it is easier to find an unobstructed spot at sunset. The World Expo Pavilion plaza in particular gives an open angle on the skyline.

How do I get to the North Bund?

The North Bund runs along East Daming Road in Hongkou district and has direct metro access, so you can reach the waterfront without a taxi. From here the Hongkou ferry crosses to the Pudong side on the Lujiazui-Dongchang line, a scenic and cheap way to pair this riverside with the Lujiazui bank in one outing. Aim to arrive before sunset for the best light.

North Bund, Shanghai: Map & Visitor's Guide (2026)

Less-crowded riverside in Hongkou with newer skyscrapers and unobstructed Pudong views.

At a glance

What it is: Landmark
Also known as: 北外滩 (Běi Wài Tān)
Opening hours: Always open
Time needed: 1-1.5 hours
Best time to visit: Sunset to evening
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: East Daming Road, Hongkou District, Shanghai · 虹口区东大名路

See North Bundtickets & tours

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The North Bund (Hongkou district) is Shanghai's third waterfront — emerging after the Bund and Lujiazui. Recent additions include the Sailing Boat Square pier, the World Expo Garden, and the Shanghai Mansions historic complex from the 1930s. The new World Expo Pavilion plaza offers an angle on Pudong that Xiaohongshu users have been popularizing in recent years — the same skyline, fewer tourists. Best at golden hour or evening. The Hongkou ferry to Pudong (Lujiazui-Dongchang line) runs from here.

Highlights

World Expo Pavilion Plaza (世博馆广场)Popular Xiaohongshu angle; same Pudong skyline, fewer crowds
Sailing Boat Square (帆船广场)New pier with unobstructed riverside views
Golden Hour or Evening VisitBest time for skyline views and photography
Hongkou Ferry to Lujiazui (虹口轮渡)Take Lujiazui-Dongchang line for a scenic crossing
Shanghai Mansions (上海大厦)Historic 1930s complex along the waterfront

What Chinese travelers actually do here

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

▸The World Expo Pavilion plaza is the spot to head for; it gives the open Pudong angle that the crowds at the main Bund miss.
▸This riverside trades the historic Bund architecture for fewer people, so come here when you want the skyline without the elbows.
▸Take the Hongkou ferry across to Lujiazui for a cheap, scenic crossing instead of doubling back through the metro.
▸Arrive ahead of golden hour to claim a clear riverside position, then stay through to evening for the lit skyline.
▸Carry cash or mobile pay for the ferry; this stretch leans cash-only and card support is patchy.
▸The 1930s Shanghai Mansions complex nearby is worth a glance for old-Shanghai architecture between skyline shots.
▸It stays open around the clock, so a late-evening visit gives you the reflections with even thinner crowds.

Photos

Stunning night view of Shanghai's Bund, showcasing illuminated historic buildings along the waterfront.

View of the iconic Shanghai skyline with illuminated buildings at twilight.

Urban skyline of Shanghai featuring a classic post office building by the river.

Low angle of aged masonry Bund exterior with clock and national flag near river and glowing lamp post above unrecognizable people in town at dusk

Stunning view of Shanghai's modern skyline featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower on a sunny day.

Dramatic night view of Shanghai Bund buildings beautifully illuminated along the Huangpu River.

Panoramic view of the illuminated Shanghai skyline and Huangpu River during twilight with iconic landmarks.

Night view of The Bund in Shanghai showcasing iconic historical buildings beautifully lit up.

View of Shanghai's iconic skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower and modern skyscrapers.

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

Aerial view of Shanghai's Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River from The Bund, capturing the modernity of the cityscape.

Stunning night view of Shanghai's Bund with illuminated historic buildings along the Huangpu River.

Stunning view of Shanghai's skyline featuring the iconic Oriental Pearl Tower against a clear blue sky.

Colorful dragon dance performer on the Bund in Shanghai, China amidst iconic architecture.

What travelers say (3 reviews)

Patrick R.·TripAdvisor·4/5

Same Pudong view as the Bund, 1/3 the crowds. Sunset here is increasingly my favorite Shanghai memory.

2026-04-22

Lily Z.·Google Maps·4/5

The Sailing Boat Square pier has great photo angles. Try the 1930s Shanghai Mansions for context.

2026-03-12

魔都新地标·Xiaohongshu·5/5

新晋打卡圣地。比外滩好拍多了，人也少很多。建议黄昏来。

2026-02-18

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Frequently asked questions about North Bund

What is the North Bund and how is it different from the Bund?: The North Bund is Shanghai's third waterfront, in Hongkou district, emerging after the historic Bund and the Pudong-side Lujiazui. It offers the same Huangpu River skyline view of Pudong but with newer development and far fewer tourists. Recent additions include the Sailing Boat Square pier and the World Expo Pavilion plaza. If the classic Bund feels too crowded, this is the quieter alternative for the same skyline.
Is the North Bund free and what is the best time to go?: Yes, it is a free, open public riverside with no ticket and no closing time. Golden hour through evening is the best window, when the Pudong towers across the water light up. Because it draws fewer crowds than the main Bund, it is easier to find an unobstructed spot at sunset. The World Expo Pavilion plaza in particular gives an open angle on the skyline.
How do I get to the North Bund?: The North Bund runs along East Daming Road in Hongkou district and has direct metro access, so you can reach the waterfront without a taxi. From here the Hongkou ferry crosses to the Pudong side on the Lujiazui-Dongchang line, a scenic and cheap way to pair this riverside with the Lujiazui bank in one outing. Aim to arrive before sunset for the best light.