West Bund Guide

The West Bund is the stretch of the Huangpu riverfront in the south-west of the city that has been turned from industrial land into a culture district. Once lined with cement works, oil tanks and an old airfield, it now holds some of Shanghai's best art museums, a long promenade and wide lawns beside the water. It is calmer than the central Bund, and the contrast between the old industrial remains and the sleek new buildings is part of the fun.

The museums

Several major museums sit along this riverfront. The Long Museum West Bund shows Chinese and international art in a building that keeps traces of the old industrial structures. The West Bund Museum is a modern building with a strong programme of international exhibitions, and it has worked with leading overseas institutions. The Yuz Museum occupies a converted hangar and shows large-scale contemporary art. Opening days and exhibitions change, so look up before you go, and note that most museums close on Mondays.

The oil tanks and the dome

Beside the museums stand the old oil storage tanks, now converted into an art space called Tank Shanghai, with a large dome nearby that hosts shows and events. These structures are a useful reminder of the site's past and give the area a distinct look. The tanks are especially striking at sunset, when the light picks out their curved steel.

The riverside path

The most useful part of the West Bund is the promenade itself. In recent years most of the central riverfront has been opened as a continuous walking and cycling route, and this stretch is one of the most pleasant. It has separate paths for walkers, runners and cyclists, benches, lawns and small cafes, and from it you can look across the water at the shipping and the skyline.

Renting a bike

Bikes can be rented through apps, but you may need a local payment method and a phone number, so verify in advance. If you cannot rent, walking is enough, because the main museums are within a pleasant stroll of each other. The path is flat and easy, which makes it a solid family outing.

When to go

Weekday afternoons are quiet, and weekends bring joggers, families and picnickers. Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with mild weather and clear light. In autumn an art and design fair is often held here, and the district buzzes with visitors. Summer is hot and shadeless, so go late in the day.

Eating and resting

The area has a growing number of cafes, restaurants and bars, with a mix of casual and upscale options. Many are inside or beside the museums, and they offer fine views of the river. For a cheaper meal, head back toward the streets inland, where neighbourhood places serve simple food.

Getting there

Metro line 11, at Yunjin Road station, and lines 7 and 12, at Longhua Zhong Road station, are both within walking or short taxi distance of the riverfront. From the centre, the trip takes around half an hour. The nearby Longhua Temple is a short ride away and makes a pleasant pairing.

With children

The riverside lawns and wide paths are a solid place for children to run, and some of the museums run family workshops at weekends. Bikes and scooters are popular, but keep young children away from the cycle lane, where riders move fast. Pack water and snacks, because shops are spread out.

Pairing it well

Combine the West Bund with the Power Station of Art farther along the river, or with a visit to M50 for a full day of contemporary art. A river view and a quiet bench make a solid ending.

What to skip

You do not need to see every museum, and it is better to choose one or two and enjoy the walk. If a show does not interest you, the promenade and the tanks are free to enjoy.