Skip to content
SimpleChinaTripBooking guide for foreign visitors
The Bund

The Bund tickets for foreigners

外滩 — one recommended booking path, with clear steps.

Last checked 6 Oct 2026

Photo: cogdogblog / CC0 / Wikimedia Commons

Shanghai · 外滩

At a glance

Book ahead?
No — free, just walk in
Where
Free — no ticket needed
When tickets release
Not needed
Open & closed days
Open 24h (public space)
Price
Free
Hours
Public waterfront promenade; accessible at all hours; best evening for skyline
Passport on entry
Follow on-site ID rules; passport recommended for foreigners.
Recommended path

Free — no ticket needed

Public waterfront promenade — no ticket or booking needed.

Official visitor info

Last checked 6 Oct 2026 · How we verify

Step-by-step booking guide

  1. 1

    Take metro to East Nanjing Road or Yuyuan Garden area

    Walk to the Zhongshan East Road waterfront.

  2. 2

    No ticket purchase

    Promenade is public — ignore anyone selling “Bund tickets”.

  3. 3

    Stroll the waterfront

    Historic banks on the west; Lujiazui skyline (Pearl/Tower) across the river.

  4. 4

    Optional paid add-ons

    Book river cruise or Oriental Pearl separately if desired.

  5. 5

    Evening lighting

    Skyline lights usually best after dusk; confirm any temporary light-show schedules locally.

Key pitfalls

  • No ticket needed for the promenade — ignore scam “ticket sellers”.
  • River cruises / Bund Sightseeing Tunnel are separate paid products.
  • Crowded at sunset; watch pickpockets in dense tourist zones.
  • Huangpu River cruises are a separate paid ticket — you don't need one to walk the Bund.

If it doesn’t work

Backup options

Use these only if the recommended path doesn’t work.

Official help channelsIf the primary path fails, re-check the attraction’s official site or help email listed in Sources.
What recent travelers report
Recent multi-city report treating Bund as free evening walk. reddit.com

FAQ

Is the Bund free?

Yes — the waterfront promenade is a public space with no admission ticket.

Source: reddit.com

Do I need a reservation?

No for walking the Bund.

Source: english.shanghai.gov.cn

What about river cruises?

Huangpu River cruises are separate paid tickets, sold on Trip.com, Klook or at the pier.

Source: reddit.com

Did this booking path work for you?

One tap helps us keep this guide accurate for the next traveler.

Sources

  • english.shanghai.gov.cnShanghai municipal English portal (city context; Bund is public space) · accessed 6 Oct 2026
  • reddit.com2026 itinerary including Bund evening walk · accessed 6 Oct 2026
  • reddit.comRecent traveler photos/report including Shanghai waterfront · accessed 6 Oct 2026

Last checked 6 Oct 2026 · How we verify