The Bund that become Shanghai’s unceasing legend, also called the Zhongshan Road, is the waterfront area of Pu Xi (West City) that faces the newer part of Shanghai - Pu Dong (East City). Walking along the Bund at night is a fascinating site, as the entire PuDong skyline (across the river) is illuminated, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the 2nd tallest building in the world - Jin Mao Tower. And directly across Zhongshan Road, you will see many different types of structures from Old Shanghai, including: Gothic, Baroque, Romanesque, Classicism and Renaissance. But, avoid the Esplanade of Shanghai Bund when you are visiting during China's Golden Week Holiday (1/5 to 7/5 & 1/10 to 7/10). Or else, you will not enjoy the view & only can see the crowds. Unless you are standing at a vantage point high up. I would recommend a boat cruise, where you can get an unobstructed view of both old & new Shanghai along the coastline. Get ready yourself extra pack of batteries / memory card to avoid any disappointments. Go straight up to the upper deck of boat & pick a nice seat at the side of the boat. If you do not have a tripod, simply rest your camera on the boat railing and you will be able to capture satisfactory night scenes of Shanghai. Beware not to drop your camera into the water!
