Shanghai evenings in early summer are pleasant, lacking the humid edge of the daytime, yet still warm enough for a languorous stroll. This makes it an ideal time to appreciate the modern skyline of Pudong New Area and the historical waterfront of the Bund. While the past Sunday saw many of the city's sites flooded with visitors for China Tourism Day, the Global Times has sought out some less-traveled sightseeing spots which offer a fantastic perspective on the city's world-famous skyline, while avoiding the throngs.

The view from Hongkou district 

The Bund area along Zhongshandongyi Road (between the Garden Bridge of Shanghai and Jinling Road East) is top of the list for every sightseer. However, for those looking for an alternative perspective on the Lujiazui skyline opposite, a quick hop across the bridge spanning the mouth of Suzhou Creek to the north of the Bund is recommended.

North Bund Green Land, located between 558 Dongdaming Road and 678 Dongdaming Road in Hongkou district, is an ideal location for enjoying the architecture springing up in Pudong. It sits just opposite from Lujiazui and the Oriental Pearl Tower across the Huangpu River, and offers a clearer, more magnificent view of these sights than can be had from the Bund.

At night, the most eye-catching highlight of the green land is the Rainbow Bridge, a sightseeing platform decorated with changing rainbow-colored lights that offers a broader field of view. The riverside path offers an unobstructed view for taking photos of the Pudong skyline.

Outdoor benches and tables are dotted around, with vending machines and cafés at hand. Entry to North Bund Green Land is free, and it is open from 6 am to 10 pm.

A cool place to sightsee

South from the Bund, past Fuxing Road East, you will find the Cool Docks. Formerly one of the city's most important docks, they have now been developed into a cluster of fashion outlets and restaurants.

The Bund Beach in the Cool Docks in summertime is favored by many sunbathers, from which they can enjoy the Huangpu River scenery. Meanwhile, the rooftop bar of the Waterhouse hotel (No.1-3 Maojiayuan Road, near Waima Road) offers a clear vantage point. The bar is open in the evenings from April to October, giving a different view across the river for the price of a drink.

An oasis in the concrete jungle

One of Pudong New Area's most noteworthy places for viewing the Puxi skyline and Bund buildings is Binjiang Avenue, part of which runs alongside the east bank of the river opposite the Bund. For a more immersive experience of Lujiazui's forest of towers, walk away from the water to Dongyuan Road until Yincheng Road Middle to reach 160 Lujiazui Road East - the entrance to Lujiazui Central Greenland - an oasis among the high-rises, with a central lake. It's open to the public from 8:30 am to 10 pm. Entry is free.