Bund Sightseeing Tunnel | Shanghai

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is an underground transportation system and tourist attraction located in Shanghai, China, connecting the eastern side of the Huangpu River (Pudong) to the western side (Puxi), near the Bund area. It is a unique and colorful way to cross the river, offering a fun and futuristic experience for visitors.

Key Features and Design:

Opening and History:

• The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel opened in 2000 and was originally built to provide a more visually engaging alternative to the traditional ferry crossing between Puxi and Pudong.
• Though initially designed as a transport system, the tunnel has evolved into a popular tourist attraction due to its light show and unusual approach to urban transit.

Tunnel Structure:

• The tunnel runs beneath the Huangpu River, connecting the Pudong area (near the Oriental Pearl Tower) to the Bund in Puxi. The total length of the tunnel is about 647 meters (2,123 feet), and it is located about 6 meters (20 feet) underground.
• It is constructed with a curved design, allowing for a seamless, undulating journey as visitors travel from one side of the river to the other.

The Ride:

• The primary method of travel through the tunnel is by small, automated cars that can carry passengers in a seated position. These vehicles are equipped with large windows that allow visitors to experience the colorful light show along the way.
• The ride takes approximately 5 minutes, and during this time, passengers are immersed in a visual spectacle featuring lights, sounds, and projections that aim to simulate a journey through time and space.
• The tunnel itself is a vivid, sensory experience, with flashing lights, neon colors, and dynamic projections that entertain and captivate tourists throughout the trip.

Light and Sound Show:

• The most memorable aspect of the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is its light and sound show. The tunnel is equipped with special lighting systems that create dazzling, psychedelic effects as passengers travel through.
• The show is designed to create a surreal experience, with abstract patterns and colorful displays projected onto the tunnel walls, often synced with music and sound effects. The visuals often evoke an otherworldly journey, though the themes and styles of the show can vary from time to time.
• The lighting changes during the journey, transitioning from one vibrant display to another, keeping the experience fresh and engaging for visitors.

Unique Theme and Ambience:

• Unlike other more straightforward modes of transportation, such as ferries or tunnels in other cities, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is designed to be a spectacle. The ride is meant to be a visual and sensory experience, with no particular narrative or educational focus—simply an entertaining journey.
• The visual themes range from abstract patterns and vibrant neon lights to projections that hint at futuristic or space-themed designs. The tunnel's atmosphere is futuristic, with high-tech features giving it a space-age feel.

Tourist Attraction:

• Though the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel originally began as a practical mode of transportation, it has since become a popular tourist attraction, drawing both locals and international visitors.
• Visitors typically enjoy the experience as part of their sightseeing tour of Shanghai, particularly when visiting the Bund and other surrounding landmarks. The Bund area is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Shanghai, and the tunnel offers an exciting way to explore both sides of the Huangpu River.
• It offers a stark contrast to the traditional attractions along the Bund, such as the historic colonial-era architecture, providing a more modern and even quirky experience in comparison.

Exit Points and Surrounding Area:

• On the Puxi side, the tunnel's entrance is located close to the Bund, while on the Pudong side, it is near the Oriental Pearl Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks in Shanghai.
• Visitors can use the tunnel to easily access both areas, making it a convenient and engaging way to explore the heart of the city. The surrounding areas feature many other major attractions, including the aforementioned Oriental Pearl Tower, the Jin Mao Tower, and the Shanghai Tower in Pudong, and the historic Bund area in Puxi.

Ticketing:

• Tickets for the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel are relatively inexpensive and can be purchased at the tunnel’s entrances or from various travel agencies. The experience is often included in local tours of Shanghai.
• The ride is generally considered affordable and caters primarily to tourists looking for something novel and entertaining.

Criticism and Mixed Reception:

While the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is beloved by some for its whimsical and entertaining aspects, it has also faced criticism from a section of visitors. Some people view the tunnel as overly commercialized or not worth the price, particularly in comparison to other major attractions in Shanghai. Others feel the light show can be overly kitschy or gimmicky, lacking a cohesive or meaningful narrative.

Despite this, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel remains an enduring and iconic part of Shanghai’s modern tourist landscape, attracting visitors for its vibrant, quirky atmosphere and unusual approach to crossing the Huangpu River.

Conclusion:

The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel offers a distinctive and memorable way to cross the Huangpu River while experiencing an artistic light and sound show. Whether as a quick means of transportation or as a standalone attraction, it remains one of Shanghai's more unique and entertaining offerings, providing a fun and colorful adventure for tourists looking to experience the city's modern side.