[Shanghai Bund Day Trip]Recommended Optimal Itinerary Sequence

The editor has divided the Shanghai Bund day trip itinerary into two routes: the standard tourist route and the in-depth tour (including North Bund). Below are detailed descriptions of each.

Standard Tourist Route

For a typical one-day tour of Shanghai's Bund, visitors are advised to explore not only the South Bund but also surrounding attractions like Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the Oriental Pearl Tower, and the skyscrapers around Lujiazui. The optimal one-day itinerary is recommended as follows:

Lujiazui Metro Station → Oriental Pearl Tower → IFC Mall → Lujiazui Trio (outside Grand Hyatt Shanghai) → (Shanghai Jin Mao Tower - Shanghai World Financial Center) → Shanghai Tower (Cloud Academy) → Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal → Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal → Bund International Architecture Ensemble → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Below is the detailed itinerary:

1. First, take the subway to Lujiazui Station and exit via Exit 2.

2. Walk from the subway station to the Oriental Pearl Tower. The combined ticket for the second sphere costs 199 RMB. View it from the ground without going up.

3. Walk up to the circular skywalk, which is a great spot for photographing the Oriental Pearl Tower.

4. Walk to the International Finance Center (IFC). Its 5th-floor rooftop offers excellent views for photographing the Oriental Pearl Tower.

5. Walk to the entrance of the Grand Hyatt Shanghai. This is the prime location for capturing the Lujiazui Trio.

The Lujiazui Trio:Shanghai World Financial Center (corkscrew)、Jin Mao Tower (syringe)、Shanghai Tower (egg beater)

Both the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai Tower feature observation decks for sightseeing. As Shanghai's tallest building, the Shanghai Tower offers viewing on floors 115-116 at a ticket price of 180 yuan. The Jin Mao Tower's observation deck is located on the 88th floor, with ticket prices ranging from 88 to 98 yuan (online booking rates).

Among the three high-rise observation decks—the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower—the Oriental Pearl Tower is the most recommended for its wider range of sightseeing activities. However, it tends to be quite popular, so expect longer queues.

Additionally, I recommend visiting the observation deck at the flagship store of Duoyun Bookstore on the 52nd floor of the Shanghai Tower for coffee. Here, you can enjoy the high-rise views by ordering a cup of coffee priced around 40 yuan.

However, advance reservations are required for the Duoyun Bookstore flagship store. To book, follow the WeChat official account “世纪朵云” (Century Duoyun) and make your reservation under the “My Clouds” option in the personal center page.

6. After visiting the three main attractions, walk to Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal and take the 2-yuan ferry across to the Bund. The destination terminal is Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal. Ferry operating hours: 07:00-18:15.

7. Walk north along the Bund to explore its iconic architectural ensemble. Notable buildings include the Bank of China Tower, Jardine Matheson Building, Nanjing Customs House, HSBC Building, Great Northern Telegraph Company Building, and Asia Building.

It's recommended to wait at the Bund's viewing platform until nightfall to enjoy the night views of Lujiazui across the river.

Alternatively, you can take a cruise from the Bund's Shiliupu Pier for a night tour along the Huangpu River, taking in the nightscapes of both the Bund and Lujiazui. Tickets for the Bund sightseeing cruise must be booked before 8:30 PM on the day of travel.

Shiliupu Pier Cruise Booking: Trip

8. Continuing west from the Bund leads to Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street.

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is Shanghai's iconic commercial thoroughfare, home to major department stores and time-honored heritage shops. Recommended stops include M&M's, LEGO, Pop Mart, Shen Da Cheng, and Yu Xing Ji.

9. If time permits, walk to the Yuyuan Shopping Mall in the Chenghuangmiao area for its beautiful night views. If pressed for time, save this for the next day.

Additionally, for those seeking high-rise night views, consider saving Lujiazui for last—essentially reversing this itinerary. Start with Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and end at Lujiazui. Detailed route:

People's Square Metro Station → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → Bund's International Architecture Ensemble → Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal → Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal → Shanghai Tower → Jinmao Tower → Lujiazui Trio (near Jinmao Grand Hyatt entrance) → IFC Mall → Oriental Pearl Tower

In-Depth One-Day Tour Route

For locals or visitors with ample time wishing to explore the Bund more thoroughly, consider including North Bund alongside South Bund. Walking or cycling is recommended. The optimal one-day itinerary is:

Tiantong Road Metro Station → Postal Museum → Zhapu Road Bridge → Waibaidu Bridge → Monument to the People's Heroes → Former New Tian'an Church → Bund Source No. 1 → Yifeng Bund Source → Shamei Building → Bund Viewing Platform → International Architecture Ensemble → Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal → Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal → Riverside Park (Lunch) → Pudong Art Museum → Oriental Pearl Tower → Riverside Boulevard → Taidongzhan Ferry Terminal → Fairness Road Ferry Terminal → North Bund Riverside Green Space (Little Dome) → China Securities Museum → Tiantong Road Metro Station

In-Depth One-Day Tour of the Bund: Attractions Along the Route

Shanghai Postal Museum

Learn about postal history and admire rare stamps—no advance reservation required. However, it's only open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.

Zhapu Road Bridge

Zhapu Road Bridge offers spectacular views, allowing you to experience the charm of the cities on both banks of the Huangpu River. To the east lies the Waibaidu Bridge, Oriental Pearl Tower, and the “Three Landmarks,” while the Postal Museum is situated to the west.

Waibaidu Bridge

Famous for its arched structure and sparkling lights, this bridge is where Yi Ping jumped in the TV drama “Deep Love in the Rain.”

Former New Tian'an Church

Located beside Zhapu Road Bridge, this abandoned old church stands across the street. From this vantage point, you can capture the church alongside the “Four Landmarks” in a single frame. The doorframe opposite the church is also a popular photo spot.

No. 1 The Bund Source

Originally the site of the British Consulate-General and official residence in Shanghai, it stands as one of the best-preserved historic buildings within the Bund architectural complex.

Yifeng · The Bund Source

Yifeng · The Bund Source is a place where diverse historic structures blend with modern architecture, featuring exquisite brick carvings and striking red walls.

Shamrock Building

This architectural fusion of Chinese and Western styles features a 7th-floor riverside terrace offering prime views of the Bund.

International Architecture Ensemble

This ensemble gathers buildings representing diverse national styles, including notable structures such as the Jardine Matheson Building, Bank of Taiwan Building, China Mail Building, Bank of Communications Building, China Merchants Bank Building, Great Northern Telegraph Company Building, and Asia Building.

Jinling East Road Ferry Terminal → Dongchang Road Ferry Terminal

The busiest ferry route along the Bund, with a fare of 2 yuan and operating hours from 07:15 to 18:30.

Pudong Art Museum

Located on the prime riverside frontage of Lujiazui, the Pudong Art Museum faces the historic buildings of the Bund and neighbors the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai International Convention Center.

The museum features a minimalist exterior design with Shandong white granite used for its facade and flooring. A must-visit spot is the Mirror Hall on the third floor, offering panoramic views of the Bund's architectural ensemble—a breathtaking panorama unfolding before your eyes.

The museum hosts numerous art exhibitions, making it ideal for art enthusiasts. Admission is ¥100 on weekdays, ¥150 on designated weekends/holidays, and ¥200 on non-designated days.

Tai Tong Zhan Ferry Terminal - Pingfeng Road Ferry Terminal

Operating hours: 07:10-19:10. Fare: 2 RMB. It's recommended to arrive around 6 PM to catch the beautiful sunset, or stay a bit later to enjoy the night view.

North Bund Riverside Green Space

This area features the popular “Stainless Steel Egg.” Standing here with the Oriental Pearl Tower as your backdrop makes it an ideal spot for photos framing both landmarks.

China Securities Museum

A pilgrimage site for retail investors, this museum also served as a filming location for the TV drama “The Magnolia.” Its opulent interior once housed the Pujiang Hotel, which itself was formerly the Lichard Hotel—a venue that hosted numerous celebrities.

South of the museum lies the Russian Consulate, while the Shanghai Building stands to its west. Both are worth visiting during your trip.

Further Reading:[Shanghai Independent Travel]Ultimate Guide to a 3-Day, 2-Night Independent Trip: Transportation, Itinerary, Accommodations, and Cuisine