The Bund

Famous waterfront with colonial buildings and expensive rooftop bars. Heavy police presence but crowded with tourists. Main concerns are pickpockets and scammers.

Shanghai's famous waterfront where colonial buildings face the Pudong skyline across the river. This is tourist central - crowds, photo groups, vendors everywhere during the day. Heavy police presence including tourist police who speak English. Safe, but pickpockets work the crowds. Evenings bring couples and families for the light show (7-11pm summer, 6-10pm winter). The rooftop bars charge 150+ RMB for cocktails but have good views. Eating alone at these places works but feels formal. Restaurants and bars cater to tourists and business people, so English is common and service is professional. It's all tourists and expense accounts - locals are only here for work. Safe to walk around anytime but very crowded on weekends and holidays.