Marveling at the architecture along the Suzhou Creek bank, you can engage in the sites of modernity and history while taking in the pulse of the city.

Route: Waitanyuan (Yuanmingyuan Road) - Meifeng Building - Ampère Trading House - Yuanmingyuan Apartments - Young Women's Christian Association Building - Luneurs (Rock Bund Store) - City Archaeology Library - Shanghai Bund Art Museum - Lanxin Building - Zhenguang Building - New Tian'an Church - Zhapu Road Bridge.

• Waitanyuan

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Located at the confluence of the Huangpu River and Suzhou Creek, Waitanyuan, which literally means "the source of the Bund", is the birthplace of the century-old Bund.

Walking along Yuanmingyuan Road feels like stepping into a European town with its narrow streets, tall and stately buildings, gray-toned shuttered walls, peaked roofs and exotic ambiance. The street scenery exudes mystery and romance.

• Meifeng Building

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Built in 1896, the building features Victorian-style architecture with a veranda design. Above the window lintels, there are brick carvings and the eaves of the three-story roof are adorned with baroque-style floral adornments. The construction method of the brick walls follows a British style, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of brick cutting and carving during that era.

• Ampère Trading House

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This building embodies the essence of British Neoclassical architecture, serving as a remarkable exemplar of early office building designs.

• Yuanmingyuan Apartments

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Dating back to the early 1900s, the edifice showcases a quintessential example of British Queen Anne Revival style. Characterized by red brick walls, intricate brick carvings and a striking color contrast achieved through the utilization of white plaster and red brick, it stands as one of Shanghai's earliest expressions of British-style apartments.

• Young Women's Christian Association Building

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Built in 1933, this nine-story edifice boasts a reinforced concrete structure that seamlessly incorporates elements of the Art Deco movement. It combines the sleek form and contours of modern architecture with traditional Chinese architectural characteristics, a truly harmonious amalgamation of styles.

• Luneurs (Rock Bund Store)

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The overall ambiance of this building meticulously preserves the original architectural style, making it a perfect retreat for indulging in a delightful brunch. Both inside and out, it exudes the captivating realm of century-old European architectural marvels.

• Library of Shanghai Urban Archeo

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Crafted collaboratively by Rock Bund Spring and the "Shanghai Urban Archeo" team, this library integrates exhibition, cultural creativity and the pursuit of knowledge. The ground floor unfolds into an inviting exhibition hall, while the second level boasts a captivating library space, housing a curated collection of literature dedicated to urban archaeology.

• Rockbund Art Museum

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As China's first public museum, this architectural gem amalgamates modernist aesthetics with elegant Chinese traditional elements. Embracing the principles of Art Deco, the interior has been thoughtfully reimagined, allowing for exhibitions of various genres.

• Lanxin Building

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Nestled within the former site of the illustrious Lanxin Theater, Shanghai's earliest playhouse, the exterior of this architectural gem boasts mesmerizing simplicity, adorned with brown brick finishes. At the apex, a balcony is embellished with Ionic columns, while triangular pediments adorn the window lintels, adding a touch of elegance. Inside are resplendent mosaics and intricate ironwork. The entire edifice exudes a modernist essence with selective nods to Neoclassical embellishments.

• Zhenguang Building

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The towering facade of the entire building exudes grandeur, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of the Art Deco-style skyscrapers of its era.

• Union Church

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The exterior walls of the Gothic-style church, built in 1886, are constructed with alternating layers of gray and red bricks, showing a mesmerizing symphony of colors. At a height of 33 meters, the bell tower stands tall and proud.

• Zhapulu Bridge

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The bridge is a prime spot for capturing the essence of Suzhou Creek through photography. To encompass the full beauty of the Bund in a single frame, one must inevitably "occupy" the Zhapulu Bridge, as it draws a crowd of avid photographers seeking to immortalize the scenery.

Source: "shhplyj" WeChat account