Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街), spanning approximately 1,200 meters, is a vibrant showcase of commerce and culture in Shanghai. Lined with a plethora of shops on both sides, this bustling street seamlessly blends modern architecture with European-style old buildings. Neon-lit shop signs create a mesmerizing spectacle, especially after dusk, casting a unique charm on the surroundings. For a touch of nostalgia, visitors can experience a ride on the “ding-ding” tram, reminiscent of old Shanghai’s essence.
Stretching from West Tibet Middle Road (east side of People’s Square) to East Henan Middle Road, the street features two prominent dark red marble monuments at each end. As pedestrians wander, they encounter creative urban sculptures, charming streetlights, floral arrangements, and unique phone booths. Even the manhole covers exhibit diverse cityscape designs. The street’s center boasts numerous benches, inviting tourists to take a moment to relax.
As one of Shanghai’s bustling commercial hubs since the early 20th century, Nanjing Road hosts a wealth of shopping experiences. From established department stores like Yong’an, Hualian, and Silk Shopping Center to modern complexes such as New World City, Bailian Plaza, Landmark Plaza, Henderson Metropolitan, and Hongyi Plaza, shoppers can find virtually any product here.
Nanjing Road is also a haven for food enthusiasts. Its shopping centers feature trendy restaurants, cafes, and numerous dining options. Renowned eateries such as Lao Ke Le Restaurant, Dexing Pavilion, and Cuiting Restaurant offer authentic Shanghai cuisine, while food stores like First Food Store and Shenda Cheng Dim Sum offer delectable treats. Whether shopping or dining, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street promises a fulfilling and diverse experience for visitors.
Table of Contents
- Basic Information
- Hand-Picked Activities for You
- Location and Transportation
- History of Shanghai Nanjing Road
- Highlights of Shanghai Nanjing Road
- Vlog about Nanjing Road
- Find the Best Hotel in Nanjing Road
- Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
- Related Facts
- Attractions near Nanjing Road
- Other Commercial Centers in Shanghai
Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 – 3 hours |
| Opening Hours | The road is accessible 24 hours a day, but most venders, shops, and departments open from 10.00 to 22.00 |
| Ticket Price | Totally Free |
| Telephone Number | 0086-021-51099782 |
Hand-Picked Activities for You
Location and Transportation
Nanjing Road is located in the city center, running in an east-west direction, and stretches for over five kilometers from the Bund in the east to Jing’an Temple in the west. And there various ways to get there.
Bus:
take bus No. 20, get off at Jiujianglu Jiangxizhonglu Stop (Jiujiang Road and Jiangxi Mid Road), walk about 100 meters to the north to get to the street.
Take bus No. 805, get off at Jiujianglu Shandongzhonglu Stop (Jiujiang Road and Shandong Mid Road), Walk through a shopping mall called Mosic to get to the street.
Take Tourist Line 1, and get off at Najinglu Buxingjie (Nanjing Pedestrian Road)
Subway:
Take subway line 2 or 10, get off at Nanjing Donglu Station (Nanjing Est. Road), and you will find you right at the center of the street.
Take subway line 1 or 2, get off at Renmin Guangchang Station (Renmin Park Station), and you will be at the west end of the street.
History of Shanghai Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road has a rich history that spans over 150 years. It was first established in the mid-19th century as a commercial hub for foreign businesses in Shanghai. At that time, it was known as Park Lane, and it was lined with shops and restaurants catering to foreign residents and visitors.
In the early 20th century, Nanjing Road became a symbol of Shanghai’s prosperity and modernity. Many of the city’s most iconic buildings, such as the Peace Hotel and the Bank of China, were built along the street during this time.
In the 1930s, Nanjing Road underwent significant changes as the city’s population grew and the street became more crowded. The government at the time decided to widen the road and create a pedestrian-only section, which is still in place today.
During the Cultural Revolution in the 1960s and 1970s, Nanjing Road was renamed “Yan’an Road” in honor of Mao Zedong’s revolutionary base in Yan’an. The street lost some of its glamour during this period but regained its prominence in the 1980s as China began to open up to the world.
Highlights of Shanghai Nanjing Road
Shopping
Nanjing Road is one of the most famous shopping destinations in Shanghai, China. With a length of 5.5 kilometers, it is divided into two sections, East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. The area is home to hundreds of stores, from luxury brands to local shops, and attracts millions of visitors every year.
On East Nanjing Road, shoppers can find high-end department stores such as Lane Crawford and Printemps, as well as popular international brands like Zara and H&M. West Nanjing Road is known for its traditional Chinese specialty stores, offering everything from silk and jade to tea and antiques.
Dining
Nanjing Road in Shanghai is not only a shopper’s paradise but also a food lover’s delight. The area offers a wide range of dining options to cater to every palate, from traditional Chinese cuisine to international flavors.
Visitors can find street food vendors selling local favorites like steamed buns, dumplings, and scallion pancakes, or dine in one of the many restaurants serving authentic Chinese dishes such as hotpot and stir-fries. For those looking for international flavors, Nanjing Road has plenty of options as well, with restaurants offering Japanese, Korean, Italian, and other cuisines.
Architecture
Nanjing Road in Shanghai boasts a diverse array of architectural styles, showcasing the city’s rich history and cultural influences. The street features many iconic landmarks, including the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, which blends modernist and traditional Chinese architectural elements. Another notable building is the Art Deco-style Paramount Theatre, which was built in the 1930s and now serves as a venue for music and dance performances.
Visitors can also admire the classical European-inspired buildings along West Nanjing Road, which were constructed in the early 20th century, as well as the towering skyscrapers on East Nanjing Road, such as the Jing’an Tower and the Plaza 66.
Nightlife
Nanjing Road in Shanghai is a vibrant and exciting destination for nightlife. The area offers a variety of entertainment options, from bars and clubs to theaters and live music venues.
Visitors can enjoy a night out at one of the many stylish bars, sipping cocktails and enjoying the city views. The area also has several clubs and dance venues, where music lovers can dance the night away to the latest beats.
For those interested in theater and performance, Nanjing Road has several options, including the Shanghai Grand Theatre, which hosts a variety of plays, operas, and ballet performances.
Vlog about Nanjing Road
Find the Best Hotel in Nanjing Road
Useful Tips Summarized from Reviews
Be prepared for crowds: Nanjing Road is one of the busiest and most popular shopping areas in Shanghai, so be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends and holidays.
Watch out for pickpockets: With so many people around, pickpockets may try to take advantage of the situation. Keep your belongings close and be mindful of your surroundings.
Bargain at street vendors: If you’re interested in buying souvenirs or street food, don’t be afraid to bargain with street vendors. They often expect it and may give you a better price if you negotiate.
Try the local food: Nanjing Road offers a variety of local food options, from street vendors to restaurants. Don’t be afraid to try something new and experience the local cuisine.
Explore beyond the main street: While Nanjing Road is the main attraction, don’t forget to explore the side streets and alleys for hidden gems and unique experiences.
