Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road, stretching 5.5 km from the Bund to Jing’an Temple, is China’s most iconic shopping street. With over 600 businesses, it blends historic shops, modern malls, theaters, and luxury hotels, dating back to the Qing Dynasty. A bustling metropolitan hub, it attracts global visitors seeking fashion, culture, and entertainment. This vibrant destination seamlessly merges Shanghai’s rich heritage with contemporary commerce.

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About Nanjing Road

Nanjing Road, Shanghai’s most vibrant commercial street adjacent to the Bund, holds the distinction of being China’s first modern shopping street. Divided into Nanjing Road East and Nanjing Road West at Xizang Road, it features hundreds of retail outlets and luxury brands. The pedestrianized East Nanjing Road has become a premier destination for experiencing Shanghai’s nightlife and shopping.

• Type: Shopping, Street, Attraction & Landmark
• Best Season: All year round
• Recommended Visit Duration: ~2 hours
• Opening Hours: 24/7
• Location: East Nanjing Road (Huangpu District) & West Nanjing Road (Jing’an District), Shanghai

Nanjing Road History

With over 100 years of history, Nanjing Road originated as “Park Lane” before being officially named in 1865. Its first development boom came in the 1920s-30s with the introduction of trams and landmark buildings like the Peace Hotel, transforming from small shops to grand department stores. The 1990s reform era sparked a second renaissance, bringing modern commercial complexes. The pedestrianization concept, conceived for years, finally materialized in 1999 after supporting infrastructure projects, including road expansions and Metro Line 2’s completion, cementing its status as Shanghai’s premier shopping destination. The weekend pedestrian trial launched in 1995 marked the beginning of this transformative journey.

What to Do in Nanjing Road

Exploring traditional department stores and latest fashion stores

Nanjing Road, China’s premier shopping street, boasts over 600+ businesses, from luxury boutiques (Tiffany, Mont Blanc, Omega) to century-old specialty stores selling silk, jade, and embroidery. Don’t miss the historic “Four Great Department Stores” (Sincere, XinXin, DaXin, Yong’an), pioneers in Asia’s retail innovations like escalators and air-conditioning.

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Savor Iconic Shanghai Snacks

Century-old traditional food stores can be easily found on Nanjing Road, where you can taste the most authentic Shanghai flavors and find perfect edible gifts. These legendary eateries preserve generations of culinary craftsmanship:

Top 5 Food Stores on Nanjing Road

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Taking the Dangdang sightseeing tram

Hop aboard the nostalgic Dangdang Sightseeing Tram for a charming 10-minute ride through Nanjing Road’s history. Operating daily from 8:30 am to 10:00 pm, the vintage-style tram slowly glides past grand heritage buildings and modern storefronts, offering a unique perspective of Shanghai’s evolution. For just 5 RMB per ride, visitors can enjoy this moving time capsule that echoes with the clang of old Shanghai’s streetcars while taking in the vibrant street scenes. The tram route conveniently connects major shopping sections, making it both a practical transport option and a delightful experience.

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Marvel at the Night Lights

As dusk falls, neon signs illuminate grand architecture, while open-air bars, street musicians, and art sculptures create a vibrant nightlife atmosphere.

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Visiting Tips

Navigating Crowds & Avoiding Scams

Nanjing Road gets extremely crowded, especially during holidays – visit during off-peak hours (like lunchtime 12-1pm) for better mobility. Be wary of persistent touts offering fake goods or “free” services; a firm “no thanks” works best. Most shops operate from 10am-10pm, with restaurants busiest at 12-1pm and 6-8pm.

Smart Exploration Strategy

Start at the pedestrian section (near East Nanjing Road metro) for the most vibrant atmosphere and best photography spots. The eastern end near the Bund is busiest; if short on time, focus here. For less walking, use metro Line 2 to jump between highlights like Jing’an Temple. Allow 1-4 hours depending on your pace.

Transportation & Route Planning

The Dangdang tram (5 RMB, 8:30am-10pm) offers a nostalgic 10-minute ride through key sections. Divide your visit: East Nanjing Road for historic shops and crowds, West Nanjing Road for luxury malls. Those with limited energy should prioritize the pedestrianized section (Henan Rd to Tibet Rd).

How to get to Nanjing Road

By Metro (Fastest & Recommended)

• For East Nanjing Road (pedestrian shopping street near Bund): Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to “East Nanjing Road Station” (Exit 1 or 2)
• For Middle Section (People’s Square area): Take Line 1, 2 or 8 to “People’s Square Station” (Exit 19)
• For West Nanjing Road (luxury shopping near Jing’an Temple): Take Line 2, 12 or 13 to “West Nanjing Road Station” or Line 2/7 to “Jing’an Temple Station”

By Sightseeing Bus

City Sightseeing Bus Line 1 stops at both East Nanjing Road and Madame Tussauds (near People’s Square)

By Bus

Take bus 27, 30, 330, to North Shaanxi Rd. West Nanjing Rd.

Pro Tips

1. Metro Line 2 runs the entire length of Nanjing Road – most convenient option
2. Avoid 4-7pm when taxis get stuck in traffic
3. East Nanjing Road Station puts you right in the pedestrian shopping zone
4. People’s Square Station is best for historic department stores
5. West Nanjing Road Station serves luxury malls like Plaza 66

Attractions Around Nanjing Road

Here’s a curated list of top attractions around Nanjing Road, organized by distance for easy exploration:

Immediate Nanjing Road Area

• The Bund (5-min walk east) – Iconic waterfront with colonial architecture
• People’s Square (middle section) – Home to:
  • Shanghai Museum (free entry)
  • Urban Planning Exhibition Center
  • MOCA Shanghai contemporary art museum

West Nanjing Road (10-15 mins by Metro)

• Jing’an Temple – Golden Buddhist temple amid skyscrapers
• Shanghai Exhibition Centre – Stalinist-style landmark
• Starbucks Reserve Roastery – World’s largest Starbucks (2 floors)
• Zhang Yuan Historic District – Restored Shikumen stone-gate houses

Nearby Hidden Gems

• Yunnan Road Food Street (15-min walk) – Local snack haven
• Fuzhou Road Culture Street – Century-old bookshops
• Museum of the First CPC National Congress (20-min walk) – Communist history