Probably the most famous tourist destination of Shanghai is The Bund. The term refers to the stretch of embanked riverfront in the center of the city. When you see pictures of Shanghai, they’ll most likely show The Bund, or at least parts of it. The Bund typically refers to a section of buildings and quays along the western bank of the Huangpu River. Here you can find many historical buildings which date back to the time period when the British Empire was at the height of its expansion. Later, the area became the “International Settlement”, after the British and American settlements were joined. At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century, the Bund became a major financial center in East Asia. Today, major international financial institutions can be found in the area, along with exclusive hotels, modern shopping malls, and  other establishments. Tourists can stroll along the embankment to enjoy the sights, or even cross the river on one of the ferries, for an even better view of the Bund.