Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
Shanghai Nanjing Road is one of the city's most famous commercial and sightseeing streets, blending historic charm with modern city life. From the lively Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and traditional department stores in the east to luxury shopping and modern landmarks in the west, the area offers a mix of shopping, food, culture and urban experiences. This guide covers the main sights, things to do, shopping, dining, transportation and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit.
If you'd like to explore more of the city, here are some of our recommended Shanghai tours:
Information | Details |
Location | Central Shanghai, Huangpu District |
Main Areas | East Nanjing Road & West Nanjing Road |
Best Known For | Shopping, sightseeing, historic landmarks |
Best Time to Visit | Late afternoon to evening |
Recommended Time | 2–4 hours |
Nearest Metro | People's Square / East Nanjing Road |
Main Highlight | Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street |
Nanjing Road runs through central Shanghai and is broadly divided into Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road. The east side is ideal for exploring Shanghai's historic commercial atmosphere, while the west side offers a more modern city experience with upscale malls, offices and cultural landmarks.
Nanjing East Road is the classic sightseeing and shopping section. The Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street stretches through its busiest central area, with department stores, shopping malls, restaurants and historic commercial buildings along the way. From here, you can continue east toward East Nanjing Road Metro Station and the Bund.
Nanjing West Road extends west from People's Square and has a more modern, upscale character. The area is known for luxury shopping malls, business centers and landmarks such as Jing'an Temple, making it a good choice if you want to see a more contemporary side of Shanghai.
The main Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street runs through the central section of Nanjing East Road, between Xizang Middle Road near People's Square and Henan Middle Road toward East Nanjing Road. The pedestrian area is roughly 1.5 km long and is easy to explore on foot.
The names can be confusing, but they refer to different things. Nanjing Road is the larger east-west commercial corridor, while Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street refers specifically to the pedestrianized section in the central part of Nanjing East Road.
In simple terms, think of Nanjing Road as the whole area and the pedestrian street as its most famous walking section. If someone recommends “walking Nanjing Road,” they are usually referring to the pedestrian street and its route toward the Bund.
To make the distinction clearer, here is a quick comparison:
Name | What It Means | Best For |
Nanjing Road | Larger east-west commercial corridor | Shopping + sightseeing |
Nanjing East Road | Historic central section | Classic Shanghai experience |
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street | Car-free shopping section | Walking + shopping |
Nanjing West Road | Luxury commercial area | High-end shopping |
Nanjing Road's story is closely tied to the rise of modern Shanghai. What began as a commercial street in the city's early treaty-port era gradually developed into a landmark shopping district, shaped by department stores, changing consumer culture and the rapid growth of Shanghai itself.
After Shanghai opened as a treaty port, Nanjing Road gradually became an important commercial corridor in the city. By the 1850s and 1860s, it was already known as a "showcase for imported goods," attracting shops and businesses serving Shanghai's growing urban population.
As trade and commerce expanded, the street became more than a place to buy goods. It developed into a window onto Shanghai's changing lifestyle, bringing together new products, Western influences and an increasingly sophisticated urban shopping culture.
Nanjing Road entered a new era in the 1920s and 1930s with the arrival of four major department stores: Sincere Company, Wing On Company, Sun Sun Company and The Sun Department Store. Their grand buildings, wide selection of goods and modern retail concepts helped turn Nanjing Road into one of the most prominent commercial streets in the Far East.
Some of this legacy can still be seen today. Wing On Department Store, for example, occupies a historic building at No. 635 East Nanjing Road that dates to 1918. Its Western Classical architecture with Baroque elements remains part of the street's distinctive character.
Nanjing Road continued to evolve as Shanghai's economy and shopping habits changed. Traditional department stores remained important, while modern malls, international brands and new forms of entertainment gradually joined the street.
Today, the experience is a mix of old and new. Historic stores sit alongside contemporary shopping centers, while places such as Shanghai No. 1 Department Store have added dining, cultural activities and entertainment to their traditional retail role.
The pedestrian street itself has also become more than a shopping area, with food, cultural events, seasonal markets and public activities adding to its appeal. Shanghai's tourism authorities now promote Nanjing Road as a shopping and city-walking destination rather than simply a retail street.
Nanjing Road remains one of Shanghai's defining commercial landmarks, but its future is increasingly focused on combining shopping, tourism, culture and urban experiences. A development plan released in 2024 aims to strengthen the street as a world-class shopping and tourism destination over the next 15–20 years while preserving its historic character.
The pedestrian street is the heart of the East Nanjing Road experience. Rather than being just a place to shop, it works as a lively urban promenade lined with department stores, malls, restaurants and public spaces.
Located within the pedestrian street, Century Square provides an open space amid the surrounding commercial activity. It is a useful place to pause during your walk and can also host seasonal decorations, markets and public events.
The square has increasingly become part of the street's broader shopping and cultural experience, rather than simply a space between stores.
The Shanghai No. 1 Department Store is one of the most recognizable names along Nanjing Road and a reminder of the street's long department-store tradition. Today, it combines retail with dining, entertainment and other urban experiences, making it an interesting stop even if you are not planning a serious shopping trip.
For overseas visitors, it also offers a refund-upon-purchase service, which can be convenient if you plan to shop here.
For a taste of Shanghai's traditional commercial culture, stop at the Shanghai First Food Store. It is particularly useful for browsing local snacks, pastries and packaged specialties that are easy to take home.
This is a better stop for discovering Shanghai flavors and edible souvenirs than simply looking for international brands.
Located at No. 228 East Nanjing Road, Shanghai New World Daimaru Department Store offers a more modern department-store experience, with fashion, lifestyle shopping and dining. Its central location makes it easy to add to a walk along the pedestrian street. It is also listed among Shanghai's current refund-upon-purchase shopping locations.
Don't look only at the shop windows. Some of the most interesting details of East Nanjing Road are found in its historic fa?ades and department-store buildings.
The street's architecture reflects its development as one of Shanghai's earliest major commercial areas, with buildings that preserve traces of the city's early retail culture and its blend of Chinese and Western influences. This is one reason a slow walk through the street can feel more rewarding than simply visiting individual stores.
Although the Bund is not technically part of Nanjing Road, it is the most natural place to continue after exploring East Nanjing Road.
Follow the pedestrian street east toward East Nanjing Road and then continue to the waterfront. The experience shifts from busy shopping streets to historic waterfront architecture, the Huangpu River and Pudong's skyline.
Plaza 66 is one of the best-known luxury shopping destinations on West Nanjing Road. It focuses on high-end international fashion, jewelry and lifestyle brands, making it a natural stop for luxury shoppers.
For overseas visitors, the mall also offers a centralized refund-upon-purchase service, including a self-service tax refund machine.
HKRI Taikoo Hui is a modern shopping and lifestyle complex with fashion, beauty, dining and entertainment. Its contemporary design and mix of international brands give West Nanjing Road a distinctly different feel from the historic department stores farther east.
It is also home to the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Shanghai, one of the city's most distinctive Starbucks locations, where you can take a coffee break and see the roasting process in a large, immersive setting. Together, the shopping complex and roastery make this a convenient stop for combining shopping, dining and a quick coffee experience.
Zhangyuan adds a more interesting cultural layer to West Nanjing Road. This historic Shikumen neighborhood has been transformed into a high-end lifestyle and retail destination while retaining its architectural character. Today, you can see historic buildings alongside flagship stores, cultural events and contemporary retail.
Jing An Kerry Centre is another major commercial complex along West Nanjing Road, combining shopping, dining, offices and contemporary city life. Its location also makes it convenient to combine with Jing'an Temple and the surrounding neighborhood.
For a change of pace from shopping, Jing'an Temple is the standout cultural landmark of West Nanjing Road. The historic Buddhist temple sits among some of Shanghai's busiest modern commercial districts, creating one of the city's most striking old-and-new contrasts.
The temple is especially worth seeing from the surrounding streets, where its traditional golden roofs stand out against the glass towers and modern shopping centers.
Beyond the major malls, West Nanjing Road has a quieter historical side. The area developed from the 19th century and was once known as Jing'ansi Road because it led toward Jing'an Temple. Today, its historic buildings, former residences and renovated commercial spaces provide a different way to explore the neighborhood. This is where West Nanjing Road feels less like a conventional luxury district and more like a layered part of old and new Shanghai.
Not sure whether to explore East or West Nanjing Road? The choice mainly depends on what you want to experience.
· First time in Shanghai? Start with East Nanjing Road for the classic pedestrian street and historic shopping experience.
· Interested in luxury shopping? Head to West Nanjing Road for high-end malls and international brands.
· Want classic Shanghai sightseeing? Combine East Nanjing Road with the Bund.
· Prefer modern city life? Explore West Nanjing Road and Jing'an Temple.
· Have a full day? Combine both sections and travel between them by metro.
For most first-time visitors, East Nanjing Road is the essential stop, while West Nanjing Road is worth adding if you have more time or a particular interest in luxury shopping and modern Shanghai.
One of the easiest ways to experience the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is by taking the sightseeing tram. Instead of walking the entire stretch, you can sit back and take in the busy street, historic buildings, department stores and colorful storefronts from a different perspective. It is especially convenient for families, seniors or anyone who wants to save some energy for shopping and sightseeing.
Nanjing Road has been one of Shanghai's most important commercial streets for more than a century, and you can still see traces of that history as you walk. Look beyond the modern shop signs and pay attention to the historic department stores, older fa?ades and architectural details along the street.
The best part is that the history isn't separated from modern life—you can walk through a historic building, browse a contemporary shop and continue along one of Shanghai's busiest streets within minutes.
Shopping is, of course, one of the main reasons people come to Nanjing Road. The east section offers a broad mix of department stores, shopping malls, local brands and international names, while West Nanjing Road is better suited to luxury and high-end shopping.
Don't limit yourself to fashion. You can also look for Shanghai snacks, traditional pastries, tea, souvenirs and Chinese brands, making the street a useful place to pick up gifts as well as everyday purchases.
Nanjing Road is also a great place to try a variety of Shanghai specialties. Along the street, you'll find plenty of local restaurants and snack shops offering classic dishes and traditional treats.
A good approach is to treat food as part of the walk: shop a little, eat a little, then keep exploring.
Nanjing Road can involve more walking than it first appears, so building in a break makes the experience much more comfortable. Shopping malls provide plenty of places to sit down, grab a drink, have dessert or escape the heat and rain.
For a relaxed afternoon, you don't need to fill every hour with sightseeing. Sometimes the best part of Nanjing Road is simply finding a comfortable café, watching the street outside and deciding where to wander next.
Nanjing Road is not just about shopping. The area is also an easy place to try classic Shanghai flavors, grab a quick snack between stores, or sit down for a proper meal. From traditional local bites to Cantonese and modern dining options, you can easily fit food into your Nanjing Road walk.
If you want to try Shanghai's traditional flavors, look for familiar local favorites such as xiaolongbao, shengjian mantou, Shanghai-style noodles, traditional pastries and sweet snacks.
Xiaolongbao are delicate steamed buns filled with savory broth and meat, while shengjian mantou are pan-fried buns with a crisp bottom and juicy filling. For something lighter, Shanghai-style noodles and traditional pastries make easy stops during a day of shopping.
You can also visit established food stores around Nanjing Road to browse packaged specialties and pastries, which are convenient if you want to take a taste of Shanghai home with you.
For a casual visit, you don't need to set aside a full meal. Nanjing Road has plenty of places where you can grab a snack, dessert or drink and keep exploring.
Quick bites are particularly convenient if you are:
· Taking a short Shanghai layover
· Shopping between meals
· Looking for a budget-friendly option
A simple snack-and-walk approach works especially well here: pick up something local, find a spot to rest, then continue along the pedestrian street.
If you have more time, slow down and enjoy a proper meal. Restaurants around Nanjing Road offer everything from traditional Shanghai cuisine to Cantonese and other Chinese regional dishes.
For a taste of old-Shanghai-style dining, Lao Shanghai Restaurant on Nanjing East Road is one option to consider. For Cantonese cuisine, Xin Ya Cantonese Restaurant is another long-established choice in the pedestrian-street area.
The Metro is the most convenient way to reach Nanjing Road, especially during busy periods.
People's Square Station is a good choice if you want to start from the western end of the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and explore toward the Bund. It is served by Lines 1, 2 and 8.
East Nanjing Road Station is more convenient if you want to begin closer to the eastern end of the pedestrian street and walk toward the Bund. It is served by Lines 2 and 10.
Tips: Shanghai's Metro uses distance-based fares, starting from RMB 3 for journeys of up to 6 km. Eligible contactless Visa, Mastercard, American Express, JCB and UnionPay cards can also be used for Tap to Ride.
By Metro: Take Line 2 from Hongqiao Airport Terminal 2 toward central Shanghai. You can continue directly toward People's Square or East Nanjing Road, making the Metro a straightforward option for travelers without heavy luggage.
By Taxi: A taxi is more convenient if you have several bags or are traveling with children. The trip to central Shanghai typically takes around 30 minutes, although traffic can make the journey longer.
By Metro: Metro Line 2 provides a direct connection from Pudong Airport toward downtown Shanghai. The journey from Pudong Airport Terminal 1&2 Station to People's Square takes about one hour, with a fare of around RMB 7 according to the Shanghai government.
By Taxi: A taxi takes around 50 minutes to People's Square under typical traffic conditions, with a fare of roughly RMB 180. Traffic can significantly affect the actual travel time.
From Shanghai Railway Station, the Metro is an easy way to reach Nanjing Road. Line 1 connects the railway station with People's Square, where you can transfer to the central Nanjing Road area.
Hongqiao Railway Station is directly connected to Metro Lines 2 and 10. Line 2 provides a convenient route toward People's Square and East Nanjing Road, making it particularly useful for travelers arriving by high-speed train.
From Shanghai South Railway Station, you can take Metro Line 1 toward People's Square and then continue to the Nanjing Road area. This is generally the most straightforward public-transport option.
For most visitors, take the Metro if you want to save money and avoid downtown traffic. Choose a taxi or private transfer if you have bulky luggage, are traveling with children, or prefer door-to-door convenience.
Nanjing Road is easy to explore on foot, but the best route depends on how much time you have and what you want to see.
People's Square → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → East Nanjing Road → The Bund
This is the classic route and the best choice for first-time visitors. Start around People's Square, enter the pedestrian street and take your time exploring the department stores, shops and food stops along the way.
As you continue east, the street gradually leads you toward East Nanjing Road and eventually the Bund. Allow around 2–3 hours if you want time for shopping, snacks and a relaxed walk.
People's Square → Shanghai No. 1 Department Store → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → New World Daimaru → East Nanjing Road
Choose this route if shopping is your main reason for visiting. You can explore traditional department stores alongside modern shopping centers, with plenty of restaurants and cafés for breaks.
Allow extra time if you plan to browse seriously—Nanjing Road is one of those places where a "quick look" can easily turn into an afternoon.
People's Square → People's Park → Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street → East Nanjing Road
This is a good choice if you want a little more green space and culture before entering the busy shopping district.
Start at People's Square and explore People's Park before heading toward Nanjing Road. If you have additional time, you can also visit nearby museums before continuing east.
This route works particularly well for visitors who want more than shopping and prefer to mix sightseeing with the commercial side of central Shanghai.
Nanjing Road → East Nanjing Road → The Bund → Yuyuan Garden & City God Temple
This route combines several of Shanghai's most recognizable areas and works best as a full-day plan rather than a short walk. After exploring Nanjing Road, continue to the Bund and then head south toward Yuyuan Garden and the City God Temple area. The experience shifts from modern shopping and colonial-era waterfront architecture to traditional gardens, temples and old-style streets.
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In the morning, Nanjing Road has a relatively fresh and open appearance. Natural light brings out the details of the historic fa?ades, department stores and street architecture, while the wide pedestrian street feels more spacious.
By the afternoon, the street becomes brighter and more energetic. Storefronts, advertisements and historic buildings stand out clearly in the daylight, creating the classic bustling appearance associated with Nanjing Road.
Around sunset, Nanjing Road begins to take on a different character. The warm evening light softens the buildings, while shop signs and street lighting gradually start to come on.
This short transition between daylight and artificial light is one of the most attractive times to see the street.
After dark, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street becomes much more colorful. Illuminated storefronts, large digital displays and street lights create a distinctly modern Shanghai scene, with the historic buildings providing a contrasting backdrop.
Nanjing Road has a noticeably different atmosphere on weekdays and weekends. Weekdays are generally more relaxed, with a steady flow of locals, office workers and tourists. The street feels lively without being overly crowded, and the buildings, storefronts and street views are easier to take in.
Weekends are much busier, especially as more locals and tourists come into the city center. The pedestrian street feels more energetic, with denser crowds, busier shops and a stronger sense of urban activity. The illuminated storefronts and signs also add to the lively atmosphere after dark.
Staying near Nanjing Road puts you in one of the most convenient parts of central Shanghai, with easy access to shopping, the Bund, People's Square and several Metro lines. The best choice depends less on distance and more on the kind of stay you want.
The Shanghai EDITION is one of the most distinctive luxury choices, located directly on East Nanjing Road. Its central location makes it particularly convenient if you want to combine Nanjing Road with the Bund and evening city views.
Shanghai Marriott Marquis City Centre is another strong option near People's Square, offering a convenient base for exploring both Nanjing Road and the wider city center. It is a good fit if you prefer a large full-service hotel with extensive facilities.
Grand Central Hotel Shanghai is a practical choice close to Nanjing East Road, with spacious rooms and facilities including an indoor pool. Its location works especially well for travelers who want to spend most of their time around Nanjing Road and the Bund.
Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World sits on West Nanjing Road near People's Square, making it convenient for exploring both the eastern pedestrian street and the attractions around People's Square. It also offers a pool and city views.
Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road is another convenient option for travelers looking for a familiar full-service hotel in the Nanjing Road area.
If your priority is location rather than extensive hotel facilities, there are several simpler options around Nanjing Road and People's Square.
Jinjiang Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is particularly convenient if you want to stay directly around the pedestrian street while keeping accommodation costs lower.
Atour Hotel Shanghai People's Square Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is another option worth considering for travelers who prefer a more modern, straightforward stay in a central location.
For the lowest-cost stays, prices around Nanjing Road can vary considerably by date and season, so it is worth comparing current rates before booking. The budget properties can start well below the prices of the major international hotels, while rates for central luxury properties can be several times higher.
If location is your priority, choose a hotel around East Nanjing Road or People's Square. You'll be close to the main pedestrian street and have easy Metro connections.
If you want luxury and a more polished city-center experience, look around West Nanjing Road or the eastern end near the Bund.
For better value, consider the streets just behind Nanjing Road rather than staying directly on the main avenue. You can remain within a short walk of the attractions while often getting a quieter room and a more reasonable rate.
A little planning can make your visit to Nanjing Road much more comfortable. The street is easy to explore, but a few details are worth knowing before you go.
The Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is best experienced on foot, and you may end up walking more than expected while exploring shops, historic buildings and nearby attractions. Comfortable shoes will make a noticeable difference.
Nanjing Road can become very crowded, particularly on weekends and public holidays. Keep your phone, wallet and other valuables secure, especially in busy sections and around Metro stations.
Shanghai summers can be hot and humid, and much of the Nanjing Road experience is outdoors. Bring water, sunscreen and sun protection, particularly if you plan to spend several hours around the pedestrian street.
Shanghai's weather can change quickly, especially during the warmer months. An umbrella or light rain jacket is useful, as sudden showers can make walking between different sections less comfortable.
As with other major tourist areas, you may encounter unsolicited approaches, promotions or people trying to sell products or services. You can simply decline and continue walking.
Don't make your visit too rigid. Some of the most enjoyable parts of Nanjing Road are the small discoveries between the major shopping centers and landmarks—historic fa?ades, local stores, food stops and the changing street atmosphere.
Yes. The pedestrian street is easy to explore with children, and the area offers shopping malls, restaurants and the sightseeing tram. Families can also enjoy the lively atmosphere without needing to visit traditional museums or attractions all day.
Yes. There is no admission fee to enter Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. You only pay for individual experiences, shopping, dining or attractions that you choose to enjoy.
Yes. The pedestrian street remains accessible in the evening, and nighttime is one of the most atmospheric periods to see Nanjing Road, when storefronts, signs and surrounding buildings are illuminated.
For most first-time visitors, East Nanjing Road is the more essential section. It contains the famous pedestrian street and offers the classic combination of shopping, historic commercial buildings and easy access toward the Bund.
Major shopping malls and international stores are generally more likely to accept international cards, while smaller local businesses may have fewer payment options. Having Alipay or WeChat Pay set up is useful, and carrying a small amount of RMB can provide a backup.
Yes. Public toilets can be found in major shopping malls, department stores and other public facilities around the pedestrian street. Shopping malls are often the easiest option to use while exploring the area.
You can, but carrying large luggage through the busy pedestrian street is not ideal. Crowds can make it difficult to move around comfortably, particularly during weekends and holidays. If you're visiting between hotels or after arriving by train, luggage storage or a hotel drop-off can make the experience easier.
Yes. Banks, major hotels and some authorized currency-exchange services can be found around central Shanghai, including the Nanjing Road area. For convenience, however, setting up a mobile payment method before your trip is often more useful for everyday purchases.
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Jennifer
Senior Travel Consultant
Vivian
Travel Consultant
Chanson
Travel Consualtant
>12 years old
2~11 years old
