10 Port Cities With Historic Waterfront Districts

2. Shanghai, China: The Bund’s Colonial Grandeur

Shanghai's waterfront, known as The Bund, is a striking juxtaposition of colonial-era architecture and modern skyscrapers, reflecting its history as a hub of international trade. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Bund was the epicenter of economic activity, with foreign banks, trading houses, and consulates lining the Huangpu River. This period of colonial influence left an architectural legacy that continues to draw tourists and historians alike. Today, the Bund is a symbol of Shanghai's rapid modernization, yet it retains its historic charm, offering a panoramic view of the city's skyline and a glimpse into its cosmopolitan past.