Where art deco skyscrapers meet riverside serenity—discover North Bund, a district blending 1920s glamour with futuristic vistas, all while escaping the tourist crowds of the traditional Bund.
North Bund is where Shanghai’s history meets its glittering future. Once a busy port, it now offers sparkling towers, lush riverside walks, Art Deco bridges, and cultural landmarks. From the soaring Magnolia Plaza to the historic Post Museum, North Bund is perfect for slow strolls, skyline photos, and discovering the city’s vibrant character.
🌆 Must-See Landmarks
White Magnolia Viewing Platform
Soaring at 320 meters, this newly opened (April 2025) observation deck offers 360-degree panoramas of the Bund’s colonial architecture, Lujiazui’s skyscrapers, and the Huangpu River.
Best time: Sunset (6-7 PM) for golden-hour photos; nights for LED-lit cityscapes.
Tickets: ¥230 (includes ¥30 souvenir voucher). Book via WeChat mini-program "The Stage 白玉兰观景台".
Address: B1, 501 East Daming Rd, Hongkou (enter via White Magnolia Plaza).
North Bund Riverside Greenland
Silver Egg (小巨蛋): A futuristic dome-shaped restaurant—shoot photos with the Oriental Pearl Tower in the background.
Rainbow Bridge: Vibrant pedestrian walkway with river views.
Free entry: Open 24/7
Photo tip: Frame the Lujiazui skyline through the Egg’s curved structure
Best time: Morning jogs or evening strolls. Sunset, when the Bund skyline lights up across the river.
Shanghai Postal Museum
History meets art: Housed in a 1924 neoclassical building with green domes and marble halls. Don’t miss:
-Vintage postage stamps and interactive postcard-making (¥20 for custom stamps) .
-Rooftop garden overlooking Suzhou Creek.
Hours: 10:00–16:00 (closed Mondays); free entry but book via official WeChat.
Address: 395 Suzhou North Rd.
Zhapu Road Bridge
Lesser-known but offers unobstructed views of the Oriental Pearl Tower + historic buildings. Ideal for sunrise photography.
- An iron truss bridge with over 100 years of history, once the busiest crossing on Suzhou Creek.
Great for photos with Pudong skyscrapers in the background.
Waibaidu Bridge
Shanghai’s first iron bridge—featured in films like The Bund. Night shots with Lujiazui’s lights are iconic.
The oldest surviving steel bridge in China, built in 1907.
Famous film location and a must-visit for Bund views.
Illuminates beautifully at night.
🛍️ Strolling & Shopping
| Spot | What to Do | Budget |
|---|---|---|
| White Magnolia Plaza | Grab ¥28 coffee at "People’s Café with a View" (L层) overlooking Lujiazui. | ¥30-50 |
| Silver Egg Restaurant | Try creative cocktails (¥78) inside the dome—reserve window seats via Dianping. | ¥100-200 |
| Post Museum Café | Sip jasmine tea (¥25) in the courtyard with vintage postal themes. | ¥25-40 |
| Hongkou Food Street | Sample "Xian De Lai" pork cutlet rice cakes (¥35) near the museum. | ¥30-60 |
🚇 Transport & Access: Navigating North Bund
Metro: Line 12 → International Cruise Terminal Station (Exit C for White Magnolia; Exit 3 for Riverside Greenland).
Buses: Routes 37/135 to East Daming Road; 868 to Suzhou North Road.
Walking route: White Magnolia → Riverside Greenland (10 mins) → Waibaidu Bridge (15 mins) → Postal Museum (5 mins).
Avoid traffic: North Bund has fewer jams than the Bund, but check for temporary closures during events (e.g., Shanghai Tourism Festival parades).
🌃 Night Magic: Lighting Hours & Cruise Tips
Skyline lights: On from 18:00–23:00 (extended during holidays like May Day).
Huangpu River cruises: Depart from Shiliupu Dock (¥150; 45 mins). Book via Ctrip for discounts.
Quiet alternative: Walk the North Bund section—less crowded than the Bund, same views!
⚡ Insider Hacks for the Savvy Traveler
Dodge crowds: Visit Zhapu Bridge at 6 AM for foggy, people-free shots 4.
Free souvenirs: Collect cancellation stamps at the Postal Museum’s front desk.
Event alerts: Follow "Shanghai Release" on WeChat for traffic updates during festivals.
North Bund is where Shanghai’s soul unfolds—where you trace postal history under green domes, capture silver eggs against pearl towers, and watch sunset paint the Huangpu in gold. Leave with stamped postcards, river breeze in your hair, and the quiet pride of discovering the city’s best-kept secret.