The North Bund has become an increasingly popular destination for overseas visitors to Shanghai. It offers panoramic city views, local shops and boutiques, and plenty of photo opportunities.

The area is also expanding its services for overseas shoppers, including a convenient refund-upon-purchase option. Eligible visitors can receive an advance payment in renminbi equivalent to their actual tax refund by signing a service agreement and completing credit card pre-authorization.

Here are three stops to explore along the waterfront.

Stop 1: SMP Mall

Start your walk at The Stage, an open-air observation deck atop the 320-meter-high SMP Mall.

The observation deck offers unobstructed 360-degree views of the Huangpu River and Lujiazui's iconic trio of skyscrapers: the Shanghai Tower, the Shanghai World Financial Center, and the Jinmao Tower. It also offers views of the historic buildings along the Bund. On clear days, visitors can enjoy sweeping views of both riverbanks.

Adjacent to the observation deck entrance, The Stage Shop offers both standard departure tax refunds and the convenient refund-upon-purchase service. Overseas visitors can make eligible purchases at the store and submit their tax refund applications at the counter. To finalize the refund, visitors must complete customs verification and have the tax refund agency confirm their applications at the departure port before leaving China.

Among the shop's popular items are custom-designed refrigerator magnets featuring The Stage, which showcase traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Another highlight is the "Breath on the Stage" fragrance collection, developed in collaboration with international fragrance and essential oil brand Ad Vitam. The collection features five scents, available as both pure essential oils and sprays.

• Address: LG1, SMP Mall, No 501 Dongdaming Road
• Observation deck: 1 pm–9 pm (last entry at 8:30 pm; admission ticket required).
• The Stage Shop: 10 am–10 pm

Stop 2: North Bund International Passenger Center

Just across the road from SMP Mall, the North Bund International Passenger Center offers an excellent location to enjoy the waterfront.

One of the area's most popular photo spots is the distinctive silver structure known as the "Little Giant Egg" (小巨蛋). Originally designed as a decorative stainless-steel enclosure for an elevator lobby, it has since become a popular attraction in its own right.

Its unusual shape and mirror-like surface create playful reflections, making it a popular photo backdrop. The structure has drawn significant attention on overseas social media platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, with some visitors calling it "the world's best elevator".

• Address: No 500 Dongdaming Road

Stop 3: Raffles City The Bund

Continuing along the riverside promenade, you'll arrive at Raffles City The Bund, a major shopping and commercial complex that has seen increasing interest from international shoppers.

The mall has installed a self-service tax-refund machine that allows eligible overseas visitors to complete the application for refund-upon-purchase transactions without visiting a service counter.

The machine offers multiple language options and step-by-step instructions, making it accessible to visitors who can receive their advance tax refunds via Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank cards.

For a taste of old Shanghai, head to the market on the mall's second basement level. Designed to evoke a traditional Shanghai neighborhood from the 1980s and 1990s, the space offers a nostalgic glimpse into everyday life, featuring traditional lane-house kitchens, newspaper kiosks, convenience stores, concrete ping-pong tables, and old-fashioned barbershops.

Food is another major attraction. The market features dozens of stalls serving local Shanghai favorites and regional specialties from across China.

Highlights include pork chops with rice cakes from Xian De Lai, pan-fried buns from Da Hu Chun, and poached chicken from Xiao Shaoxing.

• Address: No 999 Dongdaming Road
• Mall opening hours: 10 am–10 pm
• B2 market: 10 am–9:30 pm

Source: WeChat account of Hongkou district government