The Bund

The Bund is one of the world's great urban waterfront settings, where a row of grand early 20th-century colonial-era buildings faces the futuristic Pudong skyline across the Huangpu River, creating a striking contrast between old and new. The promenade gives you a long, walkable shooting platform, so work both ends to find your ideal compression of the skyline. A telephoto lens in the 70-200mm range helps stack the Oriental Pearl Tower and Shanghai Tower dramatically against the neoclassical facades, while a wide angle works well for foreground detail along the railing. Blue hour is the standout time here, roughly 30 minutes after sunset, when the building lights warm up and the sky holds deep color above Pudong. Arrive early to claim a spot along the railing before crowds build, and consider the elevated viewing terrace near the Peace Hotel for a slightly elevated perspective. (Shanghai, China)