The Bund, Shanghai

The Bund was the original heart of Shanghai. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Shanghai was a major international city in China. Each of the major trading powers of that time had 'concessions' - areas under foreign control - within Shanghai. The Bund was the main river side road that connected all these areas together. Along the waterfront, they built banks and hotels in the western, colonial, styles. Many of these old buildings can still be seen on the Bund today, however, they are now set amongst an array of modern skyscrapers and neon lights.