CHINA EXPERIENCE
As the clock strikes 7 pm, the Bund in Shanghai comes alive. The iconic chime of the Customs House marks the start of a spectacular light show, as golden lights race from one historic building to another, illuminating 38 landmarks in just 10 seconds. Across the Huangpu River, the futuristic towers of Lujiazui join in with dazzling patterns, creating a mesmerizing contrast between Shanghai’s historic waterfront and its modern skyline.
The show takes place every evening throughout the year, making it an experience you can easily add to your Shanghai itinerary. Find a spot along the Bund, feel the breeze from the Huangpu River and watch the city transform before your eyes. Don’t just admire Shanghai’s skyline by day — come after dark to see where history, architecture and modern technology meet in one unforgettable spectacle.
Who it’s for
Ideal for: Night owls, photography enthusiasts, and culture seekers.
Not for: Those averse to crowds or seeking solitude.
Don’t miss
1. Watch 38 historic landmarks light up in sync: See the Bund’s iconic buildings glow one after another in a dazzling 10-second sequence, with golden lights highlighting their distinctive façades.
2. Look across the Huangpu River to Lujiazui: The futuristic skyscrapers on the opposite bank join the show with colorful animated light patterns, creating a striking contrast with the Bund’s historic architecture.
3. Capture Shanghai’s old-meets-new skyline: Find a spot along the riverside and photograph the illuminated Bund, the glittering Huangpu River and Lujiazui’s modern towers in a single frame.
Before you go
Prepare for crowds and have your camera ready; this is a spectacle you’ll want to remember.
Practical essentials
The Bund
Address: Zhongshan Dongyi Lu, Huangpu district, Shanghai, from Waibaidu Bridge in the north to Shiliupu Wharf in the south.
Getting there:
By metro (recommend): Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 and get off at Nanjing Dong Lu Station.
Oriental Pearl Tower
Address: 1 Century Avenue, Pudong new district, Shanghai
Opening hours: 9 am-9 pm
Admission: 199 yuan ($29.65)/person
Getting there:
By metro (recommend): Take Metro Line 2 and get off at Lujiazui Station.