The Bund is the old Trading area of Shanghai, the "Wall Street of the East". The buildings are early 20th Century replicas of New York and London styles. This was the heart of the interaction between China and the West. Nearby are the areas of town known as "International Settlement" and the "French Concession" which housed those visiting from Europe and America to do business. Also nearby is the "Chinese City" which housed the local businessmen.

Bund basically means 'muddy waterfront', and mud plagues this area. The buildings have sunk several meters during the last 80 years, requiring that water be pumped back underground to float the foundations; much like in Venice, Italy. These remnants of the past are being sold to the tycoons of the future, one of the main classical buildings now houses the "Pudong Development Agency".