One Of The Most Unique Methods To Travel In Shanghai Is This Trippy Tourist Attraction
Shanghai, a bustling metropolis known for its futuristic skyline and vibrant cultural scene, offers many ways to explore its interesting attractions. From the iconic Bund, with its historic colonial buildings, to the soaring heights of the Oriental Pearl Tower, there is no shortage of sights to see in this dynamic city. If you're looking for a trippy tourist attraction in Shanghai that is uncannily reminiscent of that Stargate Sequence scene from Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey" (1968), look no further. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, located in the Shanghai central area, is China's first cross-river pedestrian tunnel. The 2,121-foot-long tunnel opened to the public in October of 2000 and is the most unique way to get from one side of Shanghai to the other.
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The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is not just a means of transportation; it is a psychedelic trip that would rival some of Amsterdam's fun and iconic coffee shops. (But beware, smoking weed or using any illegal drugs is something tourists should never do when visiting China.) Spanning the width of the Huangpu River, this subterranean passage connects two of Shanghai's most famous districts — the historic Bund on the Puxi side (entrance is located near Chenyi Square) and the modern Lujiazui area in Pudong (entrance is located near the south side of the Oriental Pearl TV Tower). The journey takes passengers on a mesmerizing adventure through a kaleidoscope of lights, colors, and sounds.
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel experience
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel was inaugurated as a creative alternative to the usual ferry or bridge crossings of the Huangpu River, and while it serves the practical purpose of providing access between Puxi and Pudong, its real appeal lies in the surreal experience it offers. The entire ride takes three to five minutes. Passengers board a small, automated capsule-like vehicle with 360-degree views that glides through the tunnel, which is enveloped in darkness — until the multimedia show begins.
As the capsule moves forward, the tunnel's walls come alive with a dazzling display of visual effects. Strobing, pulsing, and flashing lights of all colors create the experience of moving through a wormhole in space, transporting passengers to another dimension. Each section of the tunnel offers a different experience; one section simulates the sensation of traveling through a starry sky, while another creates the illusion of passing through the deep sea, with underwater scenery in every direction.
The tunnel has a six-channel surround system that plays an atmospheric soundtrack with ethereal and sometimes booming voiceovers. The cost is $7 for a one-way journey and about $10 for a round trip. It's open year-round from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. (December to April) and 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. (April to November). You can pay in cash or by card at the ticket office, but make sure to learn some essential words and phrases before visiting China. The attraction is wheelchair accessible.
Other things to do in Shanghai
There are many other things that you can do in Shanghai before or after your Bund Sightseeing Tunnel experience. Start with a stroll along the Bund itself. Admire the juxtaposition of colonial buildings, neoclassical, and Beaux-Arts architecture — from a time when Shanghai was known as the "Paris of the East" — against sleek and futuristic skyscrapers like the Jin Mao Tower and Shanghai World Financial Center of Pudong. The Bund is particularly enchanting at night when the city lights illuminate the skyline. Nearby, check out Nanjing Road, one of the world's busiest shopping streets, which has everything from luxury boutiques to local shops and fantastic dining options. For a different perspective of Shanghai, hop on a Huangpu River cruise, offering great views of both the Bund and Pudong.
A little further away, in the heart of Shanghai's Old City, the 400-year-old Yu Garden is worth a visit. This classical Chinese garden with intricate pavilions, rockeries, ponds, and ancient trees will give you a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle and offer some insight into traditional Chinese landscaping, traditions, and culture. Discover some of the city's museums, notably the Shanghai Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of ancient Chinese art, including ceramics, bronzes, calligraphy, and jade. For a modern contrast, visit the China Art Museum, housed in the former China Pavilion of Expo 2010, showcasing contemporary Chinese Art. Or, take a trip to Shanghai Disney Resort and check out our 10 tips for first-timers.