Enjoy China

For international readers who love urban exploration and waterfront scenery, Shanghai’s Pudong Riverside offers an extraordinary walking route. This approximately 23-kilometer-long greenway seamlessly blends the magnificent skyline of a modern metropolis, the charm of historical industrial heritage, and vibrant public art spaces. Starting from the Yangpu Bridge and heading south to the Xupu Bridge, you’ll have the opportunity to deeply experience Pudong’s diverse charm and feel the unique openness and innovative spirit of Shanghai.

Route Overview & Highlights

• Starting Point: Yangpu Bridge (Pudong Riverside side)
• End Point: Xupu Bridge (Pudong Riverside side)
• Total Length: Approximately 23 kilometers (about 14.3 miles)
• Estimated Duration: Pure walking approximately 5-7 hours (excluding time for attractions and meals). It’s recommended to complete it in sections or dedicate a full day.
• Recommended Method: Walking, Cycling (some sections are suitable for cycling, with shared bike stations available)
• Highlights: This route connects the historical transformation of Pudong’s development and opening-up, from industrial heritage to a financial center, and then to ecological parks, showcasing the city’s diverse urban landscape across different periods.

Route Map

It is recommended to use Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps on your mobile phone for detailed route planning.

1. Under Yangpu Bridge (Pudong side): Starting point of the walk.
2. Proceed south along the riverside promenade.
3. Shanghai International Fashion Center (formerly Shanghai No. 17 Cotton Mill): Transformed industrial heritage.
4. Minsheng Wharf Silo: A massive industrial silo building, now a cultural and art space.
5. 80,000-Ton Silo: Another large silo building, also often hosting art exhibitions.
6. Shanghai Shipyard (Riverside Section): Partially preserved docks and cranes.
7. Oriental Pearl TV Tower, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, Shanghai Tower (Lujiazui Core Area): Shanghai’s most iconic skyline. Walking in this area allows you to experience its grandeur up close.
8. Museum of Art Pudong: A new art landmark on the Lujiazui riverfront.
9. Shanghai Ocean Aquarium: One of Asia’s largest aquariums.
10. Pudong Riverside Promenade: The best viewpoint to admire the “Bund Architecture Group” across the river.
11. Nanpu Bridge: Another famous cross-river bridge.
12. World Expo Park (Houtan Park, Moonboat, China Art Palace, etc.): The former site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo, with some venues and parks preserved.
13. Qiantan Leisure Park: A large riverside green space.
14. Xuhui Riverside (across the river): You can see Long Museum, West Bund Museum, etc.
15. Xupu Bridge: End point of the walk.

Famous Sceneries and Urban Landmarks Along the Way

This diverse route covers a range of landscapes from historical to modern:

The Grandeur of Yangpu Bridge: China’s first large-span cable-stayed bridge with composite beams. Looking up from beneath the bridge, you’ll feel its majestic presence.

Artistic Transformation of Industrial Heritage: Along the way, structures like the Minsheng Wharf Silo and the 80,000-Ton Silo are prime examples of Shanghai’s industrial heritage revitalization, often hosting various art exhibitions and serving as unique cultural spaces.

Lujiazui Financial Center: The core area adjacent to the Huangpu River, with skyscrapers like the Oriental Pearl, Jin Mao Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center, and Shanghai Tower forming a super skyline, symbolizing Shanghai as an international metropolis. The view is particularly spectacular at night when the lights illuminate, creating a dazzling display.

Pudong Riverside Promenade: From here, you can see the “Bund Architecture Group” across the river, experiencing the stark contrast and fusion of old and new Shanghai.

Museum of Art Pudong: An art new landmark designed by the renowned French architect Jean Nouvel, often featuring international art exhibitions.

World Expo Park Memories: The former site of the 2010 Shanghai World Expo venues, now transformed into parks and cultural venues, such as Houtan Park and the Moonboat (Saudi Pavilion), allowing you to feel the historical imprint of the Expo.

Ecology and Leisure: Qiantan Leisure Park offers large green spaces and riverside recreational areas, making it a great place to relax.

Xupu Bridge: As the end point, this bridge is equally imposing, marking a perfect conclusion to the Pudong Riverside walk.

Transportation Information

Getting to the Starting Point: Yangpu Bridge (Pudong Side)

• Metro: The closest metro station is Yangshupu Road Station on Metro Line 4. From there, you might need to take a taxi or shared bike for a short distance to reach the starting point of the Yangpu Bridge Pudong Riverside promenade. Alternatively, you can take Metro Line 12 to Ningguo Road Station and walk or cycle east along Yangshupu Road.
• Bus: Several bus lines can reach the vicinity of Yangpu Bridge. You can check your map application for specific routes.
• Taxi/Ride-hailing: Directly set your destination to “Yangpu Bridge Pudong Riverside Promenade starting point” or “Under Yangpu Bridge Pudong approach.”

Leaving from the End Point: Xupu Bridge (Pudong Side)

• Metro: The nearest metro stations are Lingzhao Xincun Station on Metro Line 8 or Oriental Sports Center Station. However, these are still some distance from the Xupu Bridge riverside, requiring a taxi or shared bike connection.
• Bus: There are bus stops near Xupu Bridge. You can check your map application for route planning.
• Taxi/Ride-hailing: Directly set your destination to “Xupu Bridge Pudong Riverside Promenade end point” or “Under Xupu Bridge Pudong approach.”

Helpful Tip: Since both the starting and ending points are a certain distance from metro stations, it is recommended to flexibly use buses, taxis, or shared bicycles for connections.

Mid-way Dining Suggestions

This route is quite long, so mid-way energy replenishment is crucial. There are many dining options along the way, mainly concentrated in the following areas:

Lujiazui Core Area:

• Richest Selection: This area has the most concentrated dining options, from fast food and cafes to high-end restaurants.
• Recommendations:
  • Along the Riverside Promenade: There are cafes like Starbucks and Costa, as well as some casual eateries, suitable for quick energy boosts while enjoying the river view.
  • IFC Mall / Super Brand Mall: These large shopping malls host various Chinese and Western restaurants and food courts, offering a wide array of choices.
  • Around Museum of Art Pudong: The museum has a cafe, and there are some light meal options nearby.
• Suitable Timing: If you start from Yangpu Bridge, Lujiazui is the ideal lunch spot midway through your walk, approximately 2-3 hours after starting.

World Expo Park (Houtan Area):

• Selection: Relatively fewer options compared to Lujiazui, but there are some preserved dining facilities from the Expo or cafes within the park area.
• Recommendations: Near Houtan Park, you might find some simple meal kiosks or cafes, and also dining facilities around the China Art Palace.
• Suitable Timing: If you walk quickly, this can be another replenishment point after Lujiazui, or a good spot for an afternoon tea break.

Qiantan Leisure Park Area:

• Selection: The Qiantan area has developed rapidly in recent years, with commercial complexes like Taigu Li (TaiKoo Li), and dining options are becoming increasingly abundant.
• Recommendations: Qiantan TaiKoo Li gathers many well-known domestic and international dining brands, offering everything from full meals to snacks.
• Suitable Timing: Suitable as a rest stop and dinner option later in your walk, not far from the end point.

General Advice

• Bring Water and Snacks: Especially in the sections between Lujiazui and Qiantan, dining facilities might not be as dense. It’s crucial to bring your own water and some high-energy snacks (like nuts, chocolate, energy bars).
• Energy Replenishment: If you plan to complete the entire route, it’s recommended to have lunch in the Lujiazui area to rest well and regain energy.
• Explore Small Shops: Besides large malls, some transformed areas along the riverside (like Minsheng Wharf, 80,000-Ton Silo) might also have unique cafes or snack bars worth exploring.

Hiking Tips

• Footwear: Wear comfortable walking shoes and breathable clothing.
• Sun Protection: Summer sun in Shanghai’s riverside areas can be strong, so apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses.
• Power Bank: Mobile phone navigation and photography will consume a lot of battery, so bring a power bank.
• First Aid: Carry band-aids, pain relievers, etc., for minor emergencies.
• Restrooms: Public restrooms are available at regular intervals along the route; look for signs.
• Sectional Walking: If you have limited stamina, consider dividing the route into sections and using the metro or a taxi at intermediate stops (like Lujiazui, World Expo Park) to complete it over multiple visits.