Shanghai
The Bund (Waitan): Shanghai’s Iconic Waterfront
The Bund is Shanghai’s most famous landmark—a spectacular waterfront promenade that perfectly captures the city’s spirit. Stretching 1.5 kilometers along the western bank of the Huangpu River, it offers visitors a stunning contrast between two different worlds.
On one side stands a historic row of 26 diverse architectural buildings, earning it the nickname the "Museum of International Architecture." Here, you can see a harmonious blend of Gothic, Baroque, Neoclassical, and Art Deco styles that once housed major banks and trading firms, reminding people of Shanghai’s nickname as the "Paris of the East". On the opposite bank, across the river in the Pudong district, rises a futuristic skyline featuring the Oriental Pearl Tower and the Shanghai Tower—China’s tallest building—representing the city’s rapid modern development.
Whether you visit during the day or at night when the buildings are illuminated, a walk along the Bund provides the quintessential Shanghai experience.
The Unique Spirit of Shanghai: Haipai Culture
Shanghai’s cultural identity is defined by Haipai (Shanghai-style) Culture. The term "Haipai" literally means "The Ocean absorbs the flows of hundreds of rivers," reflecting the city’s nature as a melting pot.
A Fusion of East and West
Unlike any other city in China, Shanghai’s modern culture was heavily shaped by its history. After it was opened as a treaty port in 1843, Western influences blended seamlessly with local Jiangsu and Zhejiang traditions. This fusion created a unique cosmopolitan character that values openness, diversity, and innovation. A great example of this is the Tou-Se-We Museum. Once an orphanage, it houses artifacts like a wooden carving of the Virgin Mary dressed in ancient Chinese imperial robes, showing how Western art was adapted to a local context.
A Commercial and Pragmatic Spirit
Shanghai has always been a city of merchants. Historically, it was a hub for cotton, salt, and trade, fostering a culture that respects business acumen, contracts, and efficiency. This pragmatism extends to daily life, where Shanghainese people are known for their refined, detail-oriented, and "modern" attitude.
A City of Constant Reinvention
While deeply proud of its art-deco heritage and "Old Shanghai" glamour, the city is relentlessly forward-looking. It preserves ancient traditions—such as the Song Dynasty tea ceremonies or the ancient water town of Zhujiajiao—while simultaneously hosting world-class events like the Shanghai International Film Festival and the Coffee Culture Festival. This ability to hold onto the past while racing toward the future is the true essence of Shanghai's cultural charm.
