No runner can leave Shanghai without running The Bund at least once! The Bund (also called Waterfront Waitan) is one of the most famous visitor destinations in Shanghai, and a good spot for off-road running. And it’s been added to in recent years with the North Bund, allowing for a one-way run of ~5.3 km!
The Bund centers on a very wide promenade along Zhongshan Road on the west bank of the Huangpu River within the former Shanghai International Settlement, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. There are restored colonial-era buildings housing luxe nightclubs and cocktail bars, parks, museums. There are dramatic views of the Lujiazui district’s modern skyline across the water.
The main Bund runs for ~1.6 km (1 mile) along the west bank of the Huangpu River, from the Waibaidu Bridge (formerly Garden Bridge) in the north to just past the Waitan Observatory. The path is wide, and there are great views of the river and surrounding skyline.
North Bund. Google Street View
The North Bund adds ~2.5 km from the Waibaidu Bridge (has a pedestrian walkway) north to Gongping Rd. These are newly developed trails for walking and running, passing through landscaped parkland, with great views of the Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center) across the river. The path is wide, and there are some bridges, stairs, and other attractions. The North Bund is an ongoing major development. Track the building of the Shanghai North Bund Center (a new 480 m supertall skyscraper), which began construction in 2023 and is expected to be completed around 2030.
NOTES: Can get very crowded — go early! Also, it’s lit at night. Also, there are also ongoing plans to expand the Bund paths and provide a more continuous connection.
Add-On: A terrific add-on is to run along the Suzhou Creek, heading west. There’s a path that begins at the Waibaidu Bridge. And if you want to do a loop that includes the Huangpu River East Bank paths in Pudong, use the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to cross (fee required) or a quick subway ride.
No runner can leave Shanghai without running The Bund at least once! The Bund (also called Waterfront Waitan) is one of the most famous visitor destinations in Shanghai, and a good spot for off-road running. And it’s been added to in recent years with the North Bund, allowing for a one-way run of ~5.3 km!
The Bund centers on a very wide promenade along Zhongshan Road on the west bank of the Huangpu River within the former Shanghai International Settlement, in the eastern part of Huangpu District. There are restored colonial-era buildings housing luxe nightclubs and cocktail bars, parks, museums. There are dramatic views of the Lujiazui district’s modern skyline across the water.
The main Bund runs for ~1.6 km (1 mile) along the west bank of the Huangpu River, from the Waibaidu Bridge (formerly Garden Bridge) in the north to just past the Waitan Observatory. The path is wide, and there are great views of the river and surrounding skyline.
North Bund. Google Street View
The North Bund adds ~2.5 km from the Waibaidu Bridge (has a pedestrian walkway) north to Gongping Rd. These are newly developed trails for walking and running, passing through landscaped parkland, with great views of the Pudong skyline (Oriental Pearl Tower, Shanghai World Financial Center) across the river. The path is wide, and there are some bridges, stairs, and other attractions. The North Bund is an ongoing major development. Track the building of the Shanghai North Bund Center (a new 480 m supertall skyscraper), which began construction in 2023 and is expected to be completed around 2030.
NOTES: Can get very crowded — go early! Also, it’s lit at night. Also, there are also ongoing plans to expand the Bund paths and provide a more continuous connection.
Add-On: A terrific add-on is to run along the Suzhou Creek, heading west. There’s a path that begins at the Waibaidu Bridge. And if you want to do a loop that includes the Huangpu River East Bank paths in Pudong, use the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel to cross (fee required) or a quick subway ride.
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Essentials
Bund and North Bund is 5.3 km (3.3 miles) one-way. Add on: west along Suzhou Creek.
Fairly flat
Depends on where you access The Bund. Waibaidu Bridge is a good start point to access the main Bund and the North Bund
Good opportunity for a longer off-road run in Shanghai. Mostly separated path runs for 16 km from Waibaidu Br. southwest to Changning. We point out some good sections. Can combine w/Bund route.
There's now ~23 km of continuous path along the east bank of the Huangpu River, a major improvement in recent years. Great river & skyline views, numerous parks. We've outlined several sections.
Known as the Shanghai Corniche. 5 km path along the Huangpu River in Shanghai’s Xuhui District between the Dapu tunnel & Longyao tunnel. Water & skyline views, Long Museum, Maritime Tower.
One of the better park/trail options in central Shanghai, with several important sites. About 5.4 km (3.4 miles) out and back. World Expo, China Art Museum, British Museum are all in proximity.
The largest park in Shanghai, located in the Pudong New Area. Lovely trails along lawns, woods, and lakes. One can easily do 5K within the park without overlapping. Add w/Century Rd.
A busy Shanghai run through the Jinhg'an residential district. Highlights include skyscrapers, the British Consulate, Moganshan Road art area, and a jaunt along Suzhou Creek. Wide sidewalks most of the way.
The 200-acre park is among the largest green spaces in Shanghai. There is a lake, marsh area, forest, & European gardens. It's about 4 km around the perimeter paths. Check out the new 'smart track'!
Nice park for running in the Puduo District, accessible via the new Line 15 subway. Landscaped gardens, a lake, and Maple Island. Also a running track. Can combine with Suzhou Creek.
Close to the airport, and a decent option to get in some off road, paved trails. One can put together ~5-7k, not overlapping. Some greenery and landscaping.
The second largest park in Shanghai. It's lush and green, with paths along grassy areas and some more forest-like trails. One can easily put together a nice run of a few km around all the paths. Reachable via Metro Line 8.
A terrific destination running option, an hour via high speed train from Shanghai. Extensive cycle & pedestrian trails along the lake, plus green spaces & ecological park. Full peninsula loop is 18 km. Also separate section near Fairmont Hotel.
Great spot for a destination run. Located in the Songjiang District, 30 km west of downtown Shanghai. Numerous paved & unpaved trails, open & wooded, lovely trees & flowers, a lake loop, and good hill options!
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Essentials
Bund and North Bund is 5.3 km (3.3 miles) one-way. Add on: west along Suzhou Creek.
Fairly flat
Depends on where you access The Bund. Waibaidu Bridge is a good start point to access the main Bund and the North Bund
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Share your feedback on this route and see that of other Great Runs users. Click on the image icon to upload a photo. And please let us know if there are notes or changes we should incorporate!