Along the east side of the Huangpu River, a long pedestrian road was built for both flood prevention and citizen use. Barges and sightseeing platforms sat along the pedestrian road, which was now called the New Bund by locals. This was the Pudong New Area, and it was a totally different scene. It was energetic and fashionable. The new buildings were shining in the sun, contrasting the old and heavy ones across the river.

The new area's road is planned to stretch 2,500 meters. Since the project started in 1993, dozens of enterprises and docks have been removed. Walking along the wooden corridor, one encounters Chinese and Western restaurants and shops. It is good to sit in a cane chair and watch the world go by with glass houses around and cool wind from above the Huangpu River.

Everything is new near the pedestrian road—the Shanghai International Convention Center, the Shangri-La Hotel and the Shanghai World Financial Center. Everything looks so prosperous and lively.

The New Bund is not a must-see for various tourist groups, thus less crowded than the Old Bund. People come here for dining, casual chatting and resting mostly from the nearby office buildings. It seems that they are never in a hurry and walk and talk slowly.

For those who live in Shanghai today, the Old Bund is not a romantic place for lovers to go anymore. It is still a charming attraction for tourists and a place for the nearby residents to do morning exercises. The New Bund, however, is great for good friends and lovers to hang out.