Shanghai upgrades The Bund for tourism

One of Shanghai's most popular tourist attractions, The Bund, is undergoing renovations in an attempt to gain 5A-level national standing, Yang Jinsong, director of the Shanghai Municipal Tourism Administration, said at a recent media interview.

Yang said the renovations would focus on three parts. Firstly, existing buildings in Chinese and Western styles that line both sides of the Huangpu River will be highlighted, along with the natural scenery.

Secondly, locations associated with historic figures and cultural heritage will allow visitors to further explore Shanghai’s cultural inheritance as the fruit of exchanges between Eastern and Western culture.

Thirdly, the construction of public facilities on The Bund will also be important and provide a convenient and comfortable environment for tourists.

"During renovations of the site, the tourism administration has noted some problems, such as a lack of parking lots on The Bund," Yang said, adding that more parking lots are planned.

Once the construction is completed and approved by the central government, local authorities will also plan for higher rankings for Shanghai's other landmarks, such as the Lujiazui Financial Center and the Expo Garden, to bring more benefits to tourists and enhance Shanghai's image as a tourist destination, Yang said.