Walking along Shanghai's Bund in February 2026 offers a living timeline of China's economic evolution, where neoclassical buildings from the 1920s stand shoulder-to-shoulder with futuristic skyscrapers across the Huangpu River. This iconic waterfront continues to symbolize Shanghai's unique blend of heritage and innovation, attracting both history enthusiasts and futurists alike.
CGTN's Caroline Wu, a Shanghai native, recently shared insights about her hometown's transformation: 'The Bund isn't just architecture – it's where we sip coffee where tea merchants once traded, and where augmented reality guides now overlay stories about our concession-era past.' Her commentary highlights how the area preserves historical narratives while embracing smart tourism technologies implemented this year.
Business analysts note the Bund's ongoing role as a financial nexus, with 63% of multinational Asia-Pacific headquarters in the Chinese mainland maintaining offices within its economic zone. Meanwhile, cultural planners emphasize its Lunar New Year light installations – a fusion of traditional lantern artistry with holographic displays – drawing over two million visitors during the recent Spring Festival celebrations.
