The bund sightseeing tunnel isn’t one of those “everyone loves it” kind of places. Scroll Dianping locals (4.3/5) and you’ll find tourists raving about the funky lights, while others cry over the ticket price. TripAdvisor (2.7/5) often roll their eyes—too short, too expensive. Ctrip (3.9/5) reviews? Half call it a fun shortcut, half call it a tourist trap. Me? I’m somewhere in between, but leaning kind—I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5.
Reviews of the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel on TripAdvisor, Dianping, and Ctrip
Bund Sightseeing Tunnel Overview
The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is a short but memorable ride running beneath the Huangpu River, linking the Bund on the Puxi side to Lujiazui in Pudong. Instead of taking the metro or ferry, you step into a small capsule‑like tram, and in just 3–5 minutes you’re on the other side. Along the way, the tunnel walls come alive with colorful lights, swirling patterns, and occasional sound effects. For many first‑timers, it feels a bit like stepping into an old‑school arcade game.
The entrance on the Bund side is near the Chen Yi Square; in Pudong, it’s close to Oriental Pearl Tower. Tickets usually cost around 50–70 RMB one way, with discounts for children. Opening hours run roughly from 8:00 AM to 10:30 PM, but times can shift slightly during holidays. While it’s not the fastest or cheapest way to cross the river, it offers a quirky, weather‑proof option that’s always cool inside—even on Shanghai’s hottest days.
Positive Impressions: What Do Tourists Actually Like?
Interior View of the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel
Light-and-Sound Experience
For some visitors, the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel is pure fun. On TripAdvisor, one traveler wrote, “It’s like stepping into a short sci‑fi ride under the river—cheesy but fun for first‑timers.” The capsule moves slowly enough for you to notice the swirling lights, the rippling patterns, and those odd sound effects that sometimes feel straight out of a 90s arcade.
On Xiaohongshu, the photos look magical—bright color waves wrapping around the tram, a perfect shot for your “Shanghai trip” post. Locals on Dianping say it’s a charming ride to impress kids or grandparents. And honestly, there’s something nostalgic about the slightly old‑school tech—it’s kitsch in a way that sticks with you. For people who grew up before the smartphone era, it’s a little time capsule.
Convenience and Cool Summer Escape
Another big plus is its location—you hop in right by Chen Yi Square on the Bund, and pop out near the Oriental Pearl Tower in Pudong. No need to navigate the metro or stand in the ferry queue. On Ctrip, one reviewer mentioned, “On a hot July afternoon, this tunnel was a blessing—cool, quick, and colorful.”
Even in Shanghai’s muggiest summer, it’s always air‑conditioned inside. Families love it because the ride is short, safe, and a bit of a spectacle for children. Couples sometimes use it as a quirky date idea—cross the river, grab bubble tea at Lujiazui, then wander back along the Bund at night. Sure, you could take the metro for a fraction of the price, but this is a crossing you’ll probably remember longer.
Negative Feedback: Why Do Some Say It’s Overpriced?
The Tram and the Sightseeing Tunnel
High Price for Short Ride
Not everyone walks out smiling. On TripAdvisor, one review bluntly said, “It felt like it ended just when it started… not worth the ticket price.” The ride lasts around 3–5 minutes, but the one‑way ticket costs 50–70 RMB. For budget‑minded travelers, that’s a tough sell.
Over on Dianping, locals point out you could take the metro across the river for 5 RMB or the ferry for 2 RMB. Some call the tunnel a “tourist tax,” meant for first‑timers who don’t know cheaper options. On Ctrip, a reviewer noted, “I expected a bit more for the price… maybe a longer ride or better effects.” And yes, if you compare cost per minute, this might be one of the priciest short rides in Shanghai.
Expectation vs Reality
The marketing photos—especially on Xiaohongshu—are stunning. The lights look crisp, the colors pop. But in reality? More than a few travelers have said the effects feel a bit dated, like something from the early 2000s. One TripAdvisor comment reads, “Looks more exciting in photos than in real life.”
Some visitors feel misled, expecting a high‑tech spectacle but getting something closer to a themed hallway with moving lights. A Dianping user complained the audio was “slightly annoying” and the visuals “loop too obviously.” Even on Ctrip, where reviews lean generous, you’ll see lines like “Good for a one‑time try, but I wouldn’t go again.” It’s that gap between the glossy promo and the actual ride that leaves some people walking away unimpressed.
Who Is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel Really For?
Families with kids often like it—short, safe, visually playful. Couples sometimes use it as a quirky date idea: ride across, grab coffee in Lujiazui, then walk the Bund at night. Time‑pressed tourists might find it convenient, skipping the hassle of metro exits. As one TripAdvisor review put it: “It’s not Shanghai’s top attraction, but it’s a fun little detour if you’re nearby.” On the flip side, budget travelers and culture‑hunters may feel underwhelmed. A Xiaohongshu post summed it up: “Nice for once, won’t repeat.” But if you’re here during summer heat or on a rainy day, it can be a surprisingly comfortable choice that feels worth it in the moment.
And that’s where the trade‑off comes in. The Bund Sightseeing Tunnel sits in this odd middle ground—fun enough for some, skippable for others—yet it costs more than the metro or ferry. The metro on Line 2 will zip you under the Huangpu River in just 2 minutes for 5 RMB—cheap, fast, and forgettable. The ferry is even cheaper at 2 RMB, drifting past skyline views, though you’ll need to brave summer heat or winter wind. The tunnel? 50–70 RMB, only a few minutes long, but it’s weather‑proof, always cool inside, and wrapped in glowing lights.
If you want a detailed guide to the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel, we’ve covered everything from routes to insider tips!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can you take luggage or strollers on the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel?
Yes, small suitcases and foldable strollers are generally allowed. The capsule space is limited, so anything oversized (like large hard‑case luggage) might not fit comfortably. Staff may ask you to fold strollers before boarding. If you’re traveling with bulky items, the metro or ferry could be easier.
Q: Does the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel have English audio or signs?
Most of the signage is bilingual in Chinese and English, but the ride’s light‑and‑sound effects don’t have a clear storyline, so there’s no need for translation. You’ll find English on ticket machines and at the entrances, which is enough to get you through without confusion.
Q: Is the Bund Sightseeing Tunnel accessible for wheelchairs?
Yes, both entrances (Bund and Lujiazui) have ramps or elevators for wheelchair users. The capsules have flat‑floor entry, so you can roll directly in. Just be aware the space inside is a bit tight, so large electric wheelchairs might feel cramped.
Q: Can you buy Bund Sightseeing Tunnel tickets online?
Yes. Tickets are available on major travel platforms like Ctrip and Fliggy, and sometimes you’ll find small discounts there. If you prefer in‑person, there are ticket booths at both entrances. On busy weekends or holidays, buying online can save you a wait in line.
