Bund & International Buildings

The Peace Hotel is one of Shanghai's most iconic landmarks, known for its distinctive green pyramid roof and Art Deco architecture. Built in 1929, it was originally called the Cathay Hotel and was once the tallest building in Asia. The hotel has hosted many famous guests including Charlie Chaplin, Noël Coward, and George Bernard Shaw.

Today, the Peace Hotel is a luxury hotel that preserves much of its original Art Deco interior, including the famous Jazz Bar where a band has been playing since the 1930s. The hotel's rooftop offers stunning views of the Bund and Pudong skyline.

The HSBC Building, also known as the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank Building, is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture. Built in 1923, it was once the headquarters of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and was considered the "most luxurious building east of the Suez Canal."

The building features a grand dome with intricate mosaics depicting scenes from around the world, and its facade is adorned with columns and sculptures. The entrance hall contains two large bronze lions that have become iconic symbols of Shanghai.

The Customs House is famous for its clock tower, which features the largest clock face in Asia. Built in 1927, the building combines classical and modern architectural styles. The clock tower stands at 83.2 meters tall and has been a landmark of the Bund for nearly a century.

The clock mechanism was made by the same company that made Big Ben in London, and it still chimes every hour. The building now houses the Shanghai Customs Museum, which showcases the history of Shanghai's customs service.

Waibaidu Bridge is the oldest steel bridge in Shanghai and an iconic landmark connecting the Bund with Hongkou District. Built in 1907, it was the first bridge across the Suzhou Creek and has appeared in numerous films and television shows.

The bridge offers stunning views of the Bund skyline and is a popular spot for photographers, especially at night when it is beautifully lit. Walking across the bridge provides a unique perspective of both the historic Bund and the modern city.

This walking route covers 13 historic buildings and museums along the Bund that are free to visit, offering a comprehensive journey through Shanghai's colonial-era history. However, please note that the Customs House is currently not accessible to visitors without special exhibitions.

The map and free buildings on the right shows the recommended walking route and free buildings to visit.