Bund Sightseeing Tunnel: A Mesmerizing Underground Experience in Shanghai

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is not just a means of transportation; it is a whole futuristic experience. With this tunnel being built under the Huangpu River, it connects two of the main features of Shanghai- the Bund and Lujiazui in Pudong. Contrary to other subway systems, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel translates these moments of joy into multimedia light shows along a fifty-five-meter-long tunnel aboard an eighty-five-meter-long driverless automated pod.

This guide will discuss everything you must know to make your visit worthwhile: the attractions within the tunnel, the technical innovations, ticketing information, and history.

Bund Sightseeing Tunnel

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, called 江湾观光场 in Chinese, offers one of the most unusual experiences to any visitor in Shanghai. With the length of approximately 646.7 meters (2,122 feet), the tunnel goes underneath the Huangpu River and offers a ride filled with a stunning array of LED effects, projections, and soundscapes.

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is unique as both a working transport and an artistic experience.

History and Development

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel was first conceived in the 1990s and completed in 2000. Somewhat akin to the metro system of the city, where it is a facility intended less for daily commuting and more for tourism. It did catch on quickly, though, as a major tourist attraction in Shanghai, giving its visitors an unbelievable underground view of the quick modernisation taking place in the city.

In its time of construction, the tunnel was a masterpiece built with reputedly techno-savvy technology, and today, it wows tourists all over the world with its modern enhanced visual displays and smooth transport system.

What to Expect During the Ride

In just five minutes, the ride will take its guests through:

• Kaleidoscopic projections of colors on walls and ceilings
• Dynamic audio effects that keep in time with the images
• Laser and shadow illusions that give the sensation of moving through different dimensions
• Narrations and soundscapes that depict the story of the culture and development of Shanghai
• The ride was designed to evoke the feeling of going further down a fantasy tunnel through time and space.

Multimedia Experience: Lights, Sounds & Visuals

The tunnel itself has been revealing its fame all over the world because of:

• Strobe and neon lighting
• Thematic visuals representing fire, water, space, and growth
• Holographic effects that reflect the current and ancient elements of the city

Because of these factors, it is a prime attraction between:

• Families with children
• Couples in love
• First-time visitors to Shanghai

It has been likened more to an immersive art installation than just a ride.

Location & Accessibility

Entrance Locations:

• Puxi Side (Bund): Next to Chen Yi Square
• Pudong Side: Next to Oriental Pearl Tower
• The tunnel is easily accessed by metro:
• L2 - to Lujiazui Station (Pudong side)
• L10 - to East Nanjing Road Station (Puxi side)

Tip: A great way to cross the river if you are on your way between attractions.

Timings and Entry Fees

Operating Hours: 9:00 AM-10:30 PM.

Fare:

• Adult Fare: About 50 CNY (One-way), 70 CNY (Round trip)
• Fare for Child: About 30 CNY below 1.3 m.

Pro Tip: Tickets are available online and at the entrance; thus, during weekends and holidays, seating should be reserved well in advance.

Tips for Tourists

• Do not find it in yourself to make progress in the heart of the city if you are looking for a quiet night away from everyone; of course, the meal outside at an exclusive dining hall cannot be excluded.
• Your venture can always be made in combination with some of the landmark buildings, such as the Oriental Pearl Tower or the Shanghai Tower.
• One can click a few photographs of the tunnel interior, although the very movement of the visuals can make this quite difficult.
• As lights go up at night, they magnify an already overwhelming impression: colourful, bright, cheerful, and synched with music. 
• Add comfy shoes as part of your preparations, especially if you are also planning to spend some time on the Bund and Pudong Road right after that.

Nearby Attractions You Can Explore

After exiting the tunnel, you can visit:

• Oriental Pearl Tower (Pudong)

• Shanghai Ocean Aquarium

• Shanghai Tower

• Jin Mao Tower

• Shanghai History Museum

• The Bund promenade (on the Puxi side)

Why the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a Must-Visit

If you're looking to experience Shanghai beyond its skyscrapers and temples, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a must-visit attraction. It provides a short yet immersive sensory journey that blends the past and the future, tradition and technology, and entertainment and transport.

It’s suitable for all age groups and offers a memorable way to cross the iconic Huangpu River.

Final Thoughts

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel may be short in distance, but it’s big in experience. It’s a quick, fun, and futuristic way to cross the river while immersing yourself in a mini light show that feels like a sci-fi ride.

It’s not about speed — it’s about the journey, and in this case, the journey is unforgettable.

So next time you’re visiting Shanghai, don’t just walk the Bund — go under it, and let the lights guide your way.