This film is part of Free
Riverside Scenes China
Four exquisite panoramic views of the Bund in Shanghai show life on the Huangpu River.
Overview
These four exquisite panoramic views of the Bund in Shanghai give a glimpse of life on the Huangpu River. The film captures the extraordinary collision of East-meets-West in one of Chinaβs most populated cities: sampans clustering around steel-hulled ships, and baroque European architecture towering over the waterfront.
Filmographic details are sparse β who shot this film, when, and why remains a mystery. But thereβre clues in the content: the Bund skyline isnβt yet graced by the iconic Customs House, completed in 1927. The film shares its long takes, wide-angle shots, fixed tripod, βin cameraβ editing, and nautical theme with River Scenery China (1921) suggesting that the two films could be related. Perhaps they are fragments of production footage for an unrealised project?
Related
Nankin Road, Shanghai Nankin Road, Shanghai
Non-Fiction 1901 1 mins Silent Location: Nanjing Lu (Nanking Road)
An extraordinary window on to the cosmopolitan heart of Shanghai - Nanjing Road - over a hundred years ago.
High Jinks High Jinks
Non-Fiction 1929 1 mins Silent Location: Shanghai
All the fun of the fair: lovely, lively record of 'Shanghai's Coney Island'.
A City of Chaos A City of Chaos
Non-Fiction 1927 1 mins Silent Location: Shanghai
Scenes of panic on the streets of Shanghai as Chinese citizens seek protection from Communist and Kuomintang violence behind Allied barricades.
The Bradford Dyers Association's Offices in Shanghai and Messing About in the Courtyard The Bradford Dyers Association's Offices in Shanghai and Messing About in the Courtyard
Amateur film 1929 2 mins Silent Location: Shanghai
Work and play definitely mix in this short film featuring the staff of the Bradford Dyers Association's Shanghai office.
A Chinese Boat Trip and Views of Shanghai A Chinese Boat Trip and Views of Shanghai
Amateur film 1934 9 mins Silent Location: Shanghai
The famous waterfront of 1930s Shanghai is the star of this tantalising film which captures the bustling street life of China's most cosmopolitain city.
Shanghai: Water Transport Shanghai: Water Transport
Travelogue 1933 2 mins Silent Location: Guangzhou
A beautifully photographed trip back to the Shanghai of the 1930s, with views of the Bund's busy harbourside.
My Oriental Friends, From Penang to Peking My Oriental Friends, From Penang to Peking
Amateur film 1933 16 mins Silent Location: Hong Kong
This unique and beautiful tour of Southeast Asia and China is a treasure trove of picturesque views of Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Beijing.
Layla - Exclusive Q&A Layla - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 27 mins
Writer, director and performer Amrou Al-Kadhi talks to Rico Johnson-Sinclair about their debut feature.
All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A All We Imagine As Light - Exclusive Q&A
Short interview 2025 28 mins
Payal Kapadia discusses her Cannes prize-winning and Bafta-nominated drama with Ashanti Omkar.
Khichdi Khichdi
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 16 mins
The interwoven stories of four best friends who reunite in the UK, thirty-five years after training together as nurses during their teens in Ferozepur, Punjab.
Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology Dr XYZ: A Medical Drag Transthology
Documentary 2023 15 mins
A satirical take on the healthcare service announcements of the 1960s and 70s.
Every Moment Counts Every Moment Counts
Animation & Artists Moving Image 2023 9 mins
A short animation that offers a window into the world of childrenβs palliative care.
Police Story: Panel Discussion Police Story: Panel Discussion
Inside Film 2024 24 mins
Panel discussion on Jackie Chan's 1985 action classic Police Story, with Chase Armitage, Sam Mak and Jadey Duffield.