The Bund – a historical quayside highlighting architectural glamor

Stretching along the Zhongshan Road and skirting the western shores of Huangpu River of the Huangpu District of Shanghai, China is a very popular tourist destination called - The Bund, which encompasses buildings and quayside areas of the former international settlement of Shanghai. Whether you are a history or an architecture enthusiast or simply fond of historical sites, the Bund will provide an ideal spot to begin your expedition. The area first began as a settlement for British and later was joined by the Americans, forming an international settlement. There was a boom in the Chinese economy between 19th and 20th century where the Bund became a key financial center of East Asia. And by 1940 the area was already thriving with the headquarters of some major financial firms of China. This one mile long Bund went under a big transformation during the 1950s but again was restored between the ‘70s and ‘80s. In the ‘90s the Zhongshan Road was expanded to 10 lanes, trimming some of the parks and ferry quays adjoining the Bund. If you take a sightseeing tour across the Bund, you can see various buildings portraying western classical and contemporary styles towards the west side of Zhongshan Road. And if you tread along the Bund to its northern end, you will arrive at the smallest and oldest triangular shaped park of Shanghai - the Huangpu Park. Huangpu Park houses an impressive 24meter tall structure called ‘The Monument to the People’s Heroes’, resembling 3 upright rifles. This memorial was built in the memory of those who sacrificed their lives during the freedom fight of China. You can also drop by at The Bund Historical Museum in the same premises, where they exhibit many historical snapshots of the Bund. Towards the east of the Bund you’ll see a hefty embankment constructed during ‘90s, to prevent the flood waters from invading the city. And when you arrive at the Nanjing Road intersection, you will also spot a bronze statue of the first Communist Mayor of Shanghai - Chen Yi. Among the plethora of buildings that faces the Bund, you will be able to spot the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) Bank, The Bank of China, The Customs House, and the Russell & Co building to name but a few. These buildings offer an exceptional array of architectural styles ranging from Edwardian to Beaux-Arts, Neo-Renaissance to Neo-Gothic, Art Deco, and even the fusions of Greek-Revival and Neo-Classicist. Shanghai is a city visited by millions of tourists every year. Hence there are myriads of Shanghai hotels to suite the budget of all travelers alike. You will discover numerous luxury hotels in Shanghai such as Langham Yangtze Boutique Shanghai The offering outstanding services and modern conveniences for the tourists visiting the city. You can also savor sumptuous cosmopolitan delicacies during your stay at this classy Shanghai hotel.