A visual journey back in time

First authoritative documentation on the history of the Bund is released, showcases the development of the iconic waterfront stretch through the centuries

People can now take a tour of the Bund in Shanghai without actually having to set foot on the venue but by flipping through the pages of a new book titled Retrospection of the Century-long History of the Bund through Urban Construction Archives.

Compiled by the Shanghai Urban Construction Archives, the book features 34 historical buildings and structures along the Bund that are protected by the State. The book also shows how these architectures have changed over the years.

The content of the book is based on the 2006 investigation report by experts from the Shanghai Municipal Administration of Planning and Land Resources and photographers from the Shanghai Urban Construction Archives. These researchers took half a year to carry out the detailed site survey of the Bund.

"Though there are many books about the Bund, most of them are not accurate," said Lou Jianchun, chief engineer of the Shanghai Urban Construction Archives. "This is the first formal edition that contains authoritative design drawings and detailed pictures."

"Through the album, readers are able to explore and understand the splendor of the modern buildings in Shanghai," wrote Zheng Shiling, a well-known architect and the vice president of the Architectural Society of China, in the preface.