A Stroll Along the Bund: An Unexpected Romance
The moment I turned from East Nanjing Road into the Bund, a river breeze wrapped in moist coolness greeted me first—unlike the perpetual sticky heat of Kuala Lumpur, Shanghai’s early autumn wind carries a refreshing gentleness, as if someone were softly brushing against my hair.
Walking slowly along the riverside walkway, the Huangpu River unfolded before me. The water crushed the sunset into pieces of gold, while cargo ships drifted past, leaving long, trailing wakes. In the distance, the Oriental Pearl Tower’s silhouette was wrapped in pale pink dusk; surprisingly, it faintly resembled the sunset over the coast of my hometown Penang, yet held an extra touch of urban elegance. Every now and then, elderly walkers passed by with their dogs, young couples snapped photos to capture the scenery, and children chased bubbles—their footsteps filled with relaxed joy, softening the very air around.
What held my gaze most was the row of buildings along the river known as the Bund’s “Gallery of World Architecture.” The cream-colored Peace Hotel was topped with its iconic green copper roof; sunlight fell on its carved patterns, coating the old building in a warm glow. When the bronze bell of the Customs House rang out, its deep, resonant chime drifted on the river breeze, infusing the air with the tenderness of bygone eras. I couldn’t help but reach out and touch the stone wall of one old building—its rough texture seemed to hold countless stories. No wonder people say a stroll along the Bund is like opening a three-dimensional book of architecture, where every page deserves to be savored slowly.
As dusk fell, the Bund took on a whole new look. Streetlights lit up one after another, and outline lights traced graceful lines on the buildings. Warm yellow and bright white intertwined, reflecting on the river’s surface—sparkling like scattered stars across the water. I sat down on a bench, watching the lights on the opposite bank of Lujiazui gradually bloom into a dazzling sea of light. With the river breeze, the distant bell chimes, and faint laughter in my ears, I suddenly felt all my tiredness melt away, soothed by the scenery.
If you too love unhurried moments like this, you must take a walk along the Bund. No need to rush through an itinerary or seek out specific check-in spots—just wander slowly along the river, watch a sunset over the water, and wait for the lights to come on at dusk. When you’re tired, stop by a riverfront café for a while, or do as I did: simply sit and watch ships come and go, letting the river breeze brush your face. The beauty here isn’t forced grandeur; it’s a steady warmth that calms the mind. As I left, I glanced back—the Bund’s lights looked like a glowing necklace, draped gently around the banks of the Huangpu River. In my heart, I quietly thought: next time, I’ll bring my family here, so they can experience this unexpected romance too.
