The Bund

Shanghai's picturesque waterfront, known as "The Bund," is where you'll find those classic skyline photo ops. With the Oriental Pearl TV Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and other skyscrapers standing across the Huangpu River, the view (on a clear day) stuns observers. Plus, if you look away from the river, you'll see gorgeous European-style buildings housing restaurants and shops (Nanjing Road is just around the corner). And along the Bund, you'll find numerous vendors hawking souvenirs and snacks. One TripAdvisor user suggests, "Nothing beats strolling along the Bund before or after a great meal downtown. It's best experienced at night and as a sort of appetizer or dessert."

You have a variety of ways to reach the Bund, which occupies the west riverbank in central Shanghai. You can walk from the East Nanjing Road or the Yuyuan Garden metro stations, but that's a bit of a trek. You could also hail a taxi, as every driver will now where it is. However, we suggest that you take a river cruise from the Pudong side of the river to the Puxi side, where the Bund resides. There are several boat companies to choose from, and you should pick the one that suits your schedule and budget. To plan your route, consult our guide to Getting Around Shanghai. You can visit anytime, day or night, and there is no charge. For more information, consult the Shanghai Tourism Board's website.