There would never have been a Shanghai without the Huangpu River. Being the main source of living during the days when Shanghai was a mere fishing village, it has witnessed the city’s birth and growth and is now the only shipping artery of Shanghai. The river is 114km long, starting from the mouth of Yangtze River and ending 29km north of downtown Shanghai. Running through the remarkable metropolis, the Huangpu River separates the west Shanghai from the east Shanghai, creating two diverse worlds in one city. The Huangpu River is no attraction itself. Yellow muddy waters run through it, thus its name, "huang," meaning yellow. When crossing the South Huangpu Bridge, the river is not exactly a sight to yell about, and the Chinese know it. But the river still flows proudly and peacefully through this great metropolitan and is no doubt the highest-grossing tourist spot in Shanghai.
So what exactly makes the yellow muddy river so popular? Well, it really is the boundless attractions, lights, and action surrounding it. Hordes of tourists and locals can be seen strolling along its never-ending riverbanks, at the famous Shanghai Bund, or waiting in line for a cruise along the serene river during the day, and even more during the night. This is the part of the city that never sleeps.
The Shanghai Bund, the famous symbol of Shanghai, is located on the west shore of the Huangpu River. It is a must-visit place, especially on the west side, known as the museum of international architecture. This side of the bund is lined with buildings of foreign architecture, making the place seem more European than it is Chinese. There is even a clock tower! Other than that, many other tourist attractions, like the Shanghai Museum, monuments, and statues, are also located at the Bund. Walking along the streets, the Bund offers an excellent sight of the other side of Pudong, with the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and Jin Mao Tower clearly in view. Be sure to visit the Bund during the night, as it simply is a sight to remember! Beautiful lights illuminate the colonial buildings, giving the Bund a surreal and romantic atmosphere, perfect for sightseeing, picture-taking, or just a short stroll with a loved one.
The best way to experience the Bund and the modern Pudong is definitely from the river itself. Cruises are available every day, as are the shorter cruises that take tourists along the main waterfront area for approximately 45 minutes. Standing on the deck, the cool river breeze and the dazzling lights will simply take your breath away! I was leaving Shanghai the next day, so the cruise was the perfect farewell. Really, the view from the Huangpu River is definitely a must-see.