The Bund
Architecture lovers flock to the Huangpu River's western side to stroll the Bund, a waterfront tourist magnet in central Shanghai. There's a glorious mishmash of late-19th- and early-20th-century styles here, from Gothic revival to art deco. Walk by the Fairmont Peace Hotel—first opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel—to behold its copper pyramid roof turned aqua with age. (Talk about aging gracefully.) Then hit the marble-floored HSBC Building (No. 12) to admire the domed ceiling's eight mosaic murals, with frescoes depicting the 12 zodiac signs.More Recommendations
AFAR Local Expert
about 5 years ago
The Bund
Along the western side of the Huangpu River, the Bund is a street of two dozen stately heritage buildings. Architecture buffs will find an array of late-19th- and early-20th-century styles here, from Gothic Revival to Art Deco. Among the most famous examples is the Peace Hotel, its copper pyramid roof now green with age. First opened in 1929 as the Cathay Hotel, it continues to operate as a hotel to this day (now managed by Fairmont). Take a moment to enter the former HSBC Building, at number 12, to admire its beautiful mosaic ceiling.
