Historic Buildings Row

Overview

Nestled along the western bank of the Huangpu River in Shanghai, China, the Historic Buildings Row, famously known as The Bund, stands as a captivating testament to the city's rich and multifaceted past. This iconic waterfront stretch, officially part of East Zhongshan 1st Road, is a living museum of architectural grandeur. It features a remarkable collection of 52 historical buildings, each telling a story of Shanghai's transformation from a fishing village to a global metropolis. As you stroll along its promenade, you're not just walking beside a river; you're traversing centuries of history, with the dramatic juxtaposition of these European-style edifices against the futuristic skyline of Pudong across the water.

History & Cultural Background

The origins of The Bund trace back to the mid-19th century, following the Opium War in 1842, when Shanghai was designated a treaty port. What was once a muddy towpath quickly became a bustling British settlement. Over the ensuing decades, it evolved into a powerful financial and trading hub, attracting numerous foreign powers who erected magnificent banks, consulates, and trading houses.

From the 1860s to the 1930s, The Bund served as the nerve center of the foreign establishment in Shanghai, shaping its economy, politics, and culture. The architectural boom of the late 19th and early 20th centuries left behind a diverse array of styles, leading to its moniker, the 'Exhibition of World Architecture.' After the Communist victory in 1949, many of these foreign institutions departed, and the buildings were repurposed for government use. However, with China's economic reforms in the late 1970s, The Bund gradually regained its prominence, with financial institutions and hotels returning, and its historical value being preserved and promoted for tourism.

What Makes It Special

The Bund's unparalleled charm lies in its architectural diversity, earning it recognition as a 'Living Architectural Museum.' Within its mile-long stretch, you'll encounter a stunning blend of Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Renaissance Revival, Baroque Revival, Neoclassical, Beaux-Arts, Eclecticist, and Art Deco designs. Each building is a unique masterpiece, contributing to a harmonious yet varied cityscape.

Notable among these are the former HSBC Building, now home to the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, once heralded as 'the most luxurious building between the Suez Canal and the Bering Strait,' famous for its intricate ceiling mosaics. The Gothic Revival Customs House, with its prominent clock tower reminiscent of London's Big Ben, stands as another iconic landmark. The Peace Hotel, originally Sassoon House, showcases exquisite Art Deco elegance and was once the most luxurious hotel in the Far East. These structures aren't merely old buildings; they are monumental artworks that capture a pivotal era of global history and commerce.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The name 'Bund' itself is an interesting tidbit, deriving from the Hindi word 'band,' meaning an embankment, brought by the British from India. Many of the buildings have tales woven into their foundations. For instance, the Shanghai Club, once the premier social hub for British expatriates, famously boasted a 100-foot-long bar, rumored to be the longest in the world.

The Bund was also a site of several 'firsts' in China, including the nation's first telegraph company and the installation of its first elevator. There are even amusing anecdotes, like the story of a scorned lover who allegedly filled his mistress's room at the Astor House Hotel with live animals, including a kangaroo, as an act of revenge. More recently, the Bund Financial Bull, a bronze sculpture akin to New York's Wall Street Bull, has its own local lore, with visitors often touching specific parts for good luck. These stories add a layer of human intrigue and charm to the stoic grandeur of the architecture.

Visitor Perspective

For the curious traveler, visiting the Historic Buildings Row on The Bund offers an immersive journey through time. The meticulously preserved facades evoke a sense of bygone glamour and international intrigue. It's a place where you can ponder the immense historical shifts that shaped modern Shanghai, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Huangpu River and the dazzling skyscrapers of Pudong—a striking contrast that embodies China's rapid development.

Walking the promenade allows for contemplation of the detailed craftsmanship and diverse architectural styles. Many of these historic buildings now house luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, banks, and cultural institutions, offering opportunities to step inside and experience their opulent interiors. Free public reservations are available for some buildings, allowing deeper exploration. Whether admiring the grandeur from the outside or exploring the restored halls within, The Bund provides a unique and memorable cultural experience, connecting visitors with Shanghai's colonial past and its dynamic present.