Shanghai Histories Walking Tour: Suzhou Creek to the Bund

Discover Shanghai's history on a walking tour along Suzhou Creek. Explore hidden bridges, forgotten warehouses, and city stories. Enjoy a coffee or water and end at the Bund.
Begin your journey near the Sihang Warehouse and trace the curve of Suzhou Creek. Enjoy a complimentary coffee at a 100-year-old warehouse to start the journey through history.

1. Sihang Warehouse - World War II Battlefield
You will see Sihang Warehouse first, a solemn riverside landmark. Once a battlefield, now a memorial. You’ll stand before the bullet-scarred walls where 400 Chinese soldiers held their ground in 1937—one of Shanghai’s most heroic wartime stands. The story lingers in the silence. Pause for a good look at the remains or choose to go into the museum if you want.

2. Yanqingli - Built in 1929, Classical Shanghai Shikumen Accommodation
Places like Yanqingli preserve this past while leaning into the future. Renovated interiors now hold cafés, galleries, and studios—breathing new life into once-forgotten spaces. It’s not just preservation; it’s quiet evolution. Old walls, new stories.

3. Shanghai Post Museum - Built in 1924, Witnessed the Means of Communication Change in a century
The building stood as a hub of international communication during the city’s treaty port era, symbolizing Shanghai’s gateway status—open to ideas, commerce, and people. It’s not just architecture; it’s a story of movement and connection. Above the entrance, you’ll find an inscription by former President Jiang Zemin, reading:“中国邮政博物馆” (Zhongguo Youzheng Bowuguan – China Postal Museum)

4. Zhapulu Bridge - Enjoy the Golden Hour view at sunset
Zhapu Road Bridge is one of the oldest surviving steel bridges over Suzhou Creek, originally built in 1907. It played a crucial role in connecting the commercial hubs of Hongkou and Huangpu, witnessing over a century of Shanghai’s transformation—from treaty port chaos to cosmopolitan calm.

Its trussed steel frame makes it a favorite for photographers, especially in the golden light of late afternoon. Framed by old warehouses on one side and modern towers beyond, it captures the visual story of a city in motion. Take a photo—but also take a moment.

5. Waibaidu Bridge
Built in 1907, is Shanghai’s first all-steel bridge and the oldest surviving one in the city. Spanning the mouth of Suzhou Creek where it meets the Huangpu River, it once marked the threshold between the International Settlement and the old Chinese city—where East met West, and boundaries were both drawn and crossed.


6. The Bund - "Gallery of World Architecture"
Stretching along the west bank of the Huangpu River, its grand colonial buildings once housed banks, trading houses, and consulates from Britain, France, the U.S., and beyond.

Built mostly between the 1880s and 1930s, the architecture is a mix of neoclassical, baroque, art deco—a frozen skyline of international ambition. It’s also one of the world’s most photographed places.

To truly feel it, come in the blue hour—just after sunset. Watch the lights come alive across the river, listen to the hum of the city behind you, and let the river breeze carry the stories. Don’t rush. Let it sink in.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.