Friday, March 5, 2010

The New Bund




Went to visit the Shanghai Archives yesterday and got a pretty good view of the “new” Bund (that’s still in the making). Such an important landmark for Shanghai –and still it looks far from ready. The Bund renovation has been going on for more than one year now. One part of the project was to dig another tunnel, or an underground roadway, leading you straight to the Bund without having to cross the busy road.

The Bund back in 2006

Future tourists can also expect tropical fish tanks and special walls that change colour as wind conditions change, or at least that was the talk one year ago (mind me, I have not been following the development with great interest -not excited about the fish tanks though. I hate seeing captured animals). My personal wish is that they ban all vendors form the Bund. I’ve never really enjoyed the place, because just like Badaling area at the Great wall in Beijing, you cannot walk one meter without being asked if you want to buy something.

Let’s see how it all turns out. The Bund, just like many renovation projects in Shanghai, is a race against time and part of Shanghai’s “Expo facelift.”

4 comments:

Little Tiger said...

I never get tired of looking at that view. Even better in real life!
That's crazy that they are still building for the Expo. I was shocked when you posted pictures from the Swedish pavilion a few weeks ago STILL under construction!! Wasn't everything built ahead of schedule for the Olympics?
btw, if you happen to be passing the Irish pavilion please do give them a dirty look on my behalf ;-) (for messing up my application resulting in me not going!)
I'm not bitter, really!!! :]

Jake said...

It looks like a massive platform. Are you living beside the construction site?

wanglu said...

I have been there once few years ago, I think the night view is even better, really beautiful. :)

Dr. Heckle said...

Yes, that's pretty annoying. When I was in the Philippines, there were little kids running around trying to sell you cigarettes...and lift your wallet...