Travel Guides & Tips in this video
- Tip 1Rules and regulations on the Bund: No loud talking, filming without permission, or wearing slippery shoes. (1:40)
- Tip 2The former HSBC building has a large dome and is worth visiting. Tim notes that access may have changed since his visit. (2:10)
- Tip 3The Customs House's clock tower, based on Big Ben, is a highlight, though not visible from directly below. (2:19)
- Tip 4The Peace Hotel's history includes Sassoon House, the Cathay Hotel, and the Fairmont Peace Hotel. It's known for its Art Deco style and the oldest jazz band in the world. (5:31)
- Tip 5The Peninsula Hotel offers afternoon tea and the Compass Bar. Sir Elly's Terrace on the 14th floor provides stunning views. (11:39)
- Tip 6The Peace Hotel and Waldorf Astoria are recommended for interior visits. Consider the Spanish restaurant and Sir Elly's rooftop bar for food and drinks. (15:30)
Explore the iconic Shanghai Bund with Tim Chambers, experiencing its architectural marvels and hidden gems without spending a dime. From the historical HSBC building to the opulent Peace Hotel, Tim's journey unveils fascinating stories and unique insights into this captivating waterfront district. Discover the secrets of the Bund's past and present, as Tim shares his personal experiences and surprising discoveries along the way.
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This video, "Shanghai for Free 2: The Bund (Part 2)", follows Tim Chambers as he explores the northern part of Shanghai's Bund, showcasing its architectural wonders and historical significance without spending any money.
Tim begins near the former HSBC building, now housing the Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, marveling at its neoclassical design and sharing his experience of visiting its interior. He then moves on to the Customs House, highlighting its clock tower inspired by Big Ben, and the Bank of Communications building, now home to the China Council of Trade Unions.
The journey continues with observations of various buildings, including the former Russian Asiatic Bank and the China Merchants Bank. Tim points out interesting architectural details and shares historical facts about each location, demonstrating his knowledge and enthusiasm.
He then focuses on the Peace Hotel, originally Sassoon House, highlighting its Art Deco style, its famous jazz bar with its long-standing jazz band, and the nine-nation suites. Tim shares his personal experience of attending a Christmas event at the hotel, emphasizing the grandeur of the location and expressing regret for not filming more at the time.
The video continues along the Bund, showcasing buildings like the China Bank building, the Yokohama Bank building, the Yangtze Insurance Building, and the Jardine Matheson building, now housing the House of Roosevelt bar and restaurant. Tim provides historical context for each structure, noting their past functions and current uses.
Tim's exploration concludes near the Peninsula Hotel, formerly the site of the British Consulate-General. He shows the hotel's luxurious entrance and mentions the afternoon tea and the Compass Bar. He then takes viewers to Sir Elly's Terrace on the 14th floor of the Peninsula, offering stunning views of the Pudong skyline and the Bund Promenade.
The video concludes with a reflection on the free and accessible nature of the tour, highlighting the Peace Hotel and the Waldorf Astoria as particularly noteworthy locations. Tim also suggests stopping for drinks at Sir Elly's rooftop bar and mentions the Spanish restaurant along the way.
Throughout the video, Tim's personal insights and observations bring the historical buildings to life, making the tour engaging and informative. His enthusiastic narration and vivid descriptions create an immersive experience for the viewer. The video successfully showcases the rich history and architectural beauty of the Shanghai Bund, demonstrating that it's possible to experience this iconic location without significant financial investment.