Since 1844, the Bund has been classified as a British Concession. After Shanghai became a commercial port, the Bund became the financial center of the whole country and even the Far East. In the beginning of 20th century, due to the development of construction technology and the growth of economic strength, multi-story and high-rise buildings appeared on the Bund in various styles, such as British Classical, British Neoclassical, Renaissance style, French classical style, French residential style, Gothic style, Baroque style, modern Western style, East Indian style, Chinese and Western blending style. Therefore, the Bund is known as the "World Architecture Expo". The coexistence of these classicism and modernism has become the symbol of Shanghai. In August 1943, the Bund was handed over back to Chinese Government, putting an end to the 100-year concession period. In 1945, it had the official name of Zhongshan East Road.
Today there are 52 classical buildings with different styles on the Bund, which is one of the most important historical sites in China and one of the landmarks of Shanghai.