Nanjing Road

Introduction
Located in the heart of Shanghai, Nanjing Road is one of the city’s most iconic streets and a must-visit destination for travelers. Known as the bustling shopping and entertainment hub of Shanghai, it perfectly blends modern commercial energy with historic charm. Whether you’re hunting for international brands, exploring traditional Chinese stores, or simply soaking up the vibrant street atmosphere, Nanjing Road offers a unique glimpse into the life and culture of Shanghai. With dazzling lights, lively crowds, and a rich history spanning more than a century, a visit to Nanjing Road promises an unforgettable experience for every traveler.

History of the Nanjing Road
Nanjing Road has a history that dates back to the mid-19th century, originally established as a commercial street during Shanghai’s colonial era. Over the decades, it evolved from a modest trading area into one of China’s most famous shopping streets, witnessing the city’s rapid modernization and economic growth.During the early 20th century, Western-style department stores, theaters, and hotels began to appear, giving the street a cosmopolitan flair. After the founding of modern China, Nanjing Road continued to flourish, blending historic architecture with contemporary commercial development. Today, it stands as a symbol of Shanghai’s transformation, reflecting both the city’s rich cultural heritage and its dynamic, modern lifestyle.

Nanjing Road Today
Today, Nanjing Road is divided into two main sections: East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. East Nanjing Road is a dedicated commercial zone in Shanghai. At its eastern end is the central section of the Bund, featuring the Peace Hotel. Immediately west of the Bund precinct was traditionally the hub of European-style restaurants and cafes, although in recent years these have become less of a feature as the demographics of visitors to Nanjing Road have shifted from affluent local residents to visitors from around the country. Further west is the Nanjing Road pedestrian mall. Along the Nanjing Road, you can find a plenty of Shanghai's oldest and largest department stores, as well as a variety of domestic retail outlets, and some traditional eateries with a long history.

West Nanjing Road, on the other hand, is known for its luxury shopping and high-end commercial centers. The pedestrian mall, and East Nanjing Road, ends at People's Park, formerly the Shanghai Race Course. Opposite the park are some of Shanghai's prestigious historic hotels, including Park Hotel. West Nanjing Road begins here, and features a number of upmarket malls, office buildings, the Shanghai Exhibition Centre, and shops. This area also previously featured a number of large mansions and estates, most of which are today either demolished or used by the government.The opening hours of most stores are from about 10:00 to 22:00. You can pay in cash or by credit cards including Chinese cards issued by China UnionPay and some foreign cards such as Visa, MasterCard and American Express.

Shopping in Nanjing Road
A traffic free zone, Nanjing East Road stretches from People's Square to the Bund Waterfront. This street is usually overcrowded, especially late in the afternoon and during weekends. Shops, malls, restaurants and cafés attract locals and visitors alike. 

The western section of Nanjing Road is reputed as a famous luxurious shopping center and has many high end boutiques catering for those with money to spend. Prices in these shops are not much different than in shops in Europe or America. If you want to get good deals, look for small shops in the adjacent streets, where you can find real bargains. 

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, the car-free central section between People's Park and Henan Zhonglu, is known for its stationery and book stores. One of the largest is the Shanghai Book City which is all Chinese language, or the the Foreign Book Store just down the street which caters to Western tastes. 

Dining and Street Food 
Nanjing Road is not only a shopping paradise but also a hotspot for traditional Shanghai flavors and local snacks. Here are some must-try foods and famous eateries along the street:

Street Snacks & Local Specialties:
Shengjianbao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns): Crispy on the bottom and juicy inside, a classic Shanghai snack perfect for strolling along East Nanjing Road.

Tanghulu (Candied Hawthorn): Sweet and crunchy skewers that make a great snack while exploring the street.

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Don’t miss Shanghai’s signature dumplings at specialty shops nearby.

Recommended Restaurants & Shops:
Shen Da Cheng: Famous for its traditional pastries, mooncakes, and dim sum. A historic brand that’s been serving Shanghai delicacies for decades.
Address: 132 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Lai Lai Xiaolong: Renowned for its juicy soup dumplings, offering a perfect combination of thin skin and flavorful broth.
Address: 124 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Xun Yu Ji: Popular for local snacks and small eats, perfect for tasting authentic Shanghai flavors while walking along the street.
Address: 88 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai

First Food Store: A classic food hall featuring a wide variety of local snacks, candies, and packaged Shanghai specialties.
Address: 163 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai

Information
Chinese name: Nan Jing Lu
Location: in the city center starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing'an Temple and Yan'an West Road, neighboring People's Square and spanning two districts of Jing'an and Huangpu.
Length: 5.5km for an overall length; 1599m for Nanjing East Road, 1033m of which is the pedestrian street; and 2933m for Nanjing West Road.
Admission Fee: free
Opening time: all day long(Most shops are open from 10am to 9pm (10pm on weekends)

Nearby Attractions
Visiting Nanjing Road gives you easy access to several of Shanghai’s top attractions, making it convenient to combine shopping with sightseeing.
People’s Square: Just a short walk from East Nanjing Road, this central plaza is surrounded by cultural landmarks, including the Shanghai Museum, Shanghai Grand Theatre, and lush gardens. It’s a great place to take photos and explore Shanghai’s modern and historical architecture.

The Bund: Located at the western end of East Nanjing Road, the Bund offers stunning views of Shanghai’s skyline across the Huangpu River. Walking along this iconic waterfront promenade is perfect for sunset photos and experiencing the city’s colonial-era architecture.

Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Hall: Near People’s Square, this museum showcases Shanghai’s past, present, and future development through interactive exhibits and scale models.

Yu Garden and Old City: A short taxi or metro ride from Nanjing Road, Yu Garden features classical Chinese gardens, pavilions, and traditional markets. It’s ideal if you want to explore historic Shanghai after shopping.

Best Time to Visit
The experience of Nanjing Road can vary greatly depending on the time of day and season.
Day vs Night: Visiting during the daytime allows you to explore stores, enjoy street snacks, and appreciate the historic architecture. At night, the street comes alive with dazzling neon lights, illuminated signs, and lively street performances, offering a magical atmosphere perfect for photos.
Seasons: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable times to visit, with mild temperatures and less humidity.
Festivals and Sales: Major shopping festivals like Chinese New Year, Singles’ Day (November 11), and summer sales are ideal if you’re looking for deals, but expect larger crowds.
For a more relaxed experience, plan your visit early in the morning or on weekdays. This allows you to enjoy both shopping and sightseeing without the hustle and bustle of peak crowds.

Transportation
Nanjing Road is easily accessible via multiple modes of transportation, making it convenient for both tourists and locals.
Metro: The most convenient option is Shanghai Metro. You can take Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station, which puts you right in the heart of the pedestrian street. West Nanjing Road can be reached via Line 2, 12, or 13 at Nanjing West Road Station.
Bus: Several city buses stop along or near Nanjing Road. Check local bus maps or apps for routes that fit your starting point.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing: Taxis, Didi, or other ride-hailing services are widely available and convenient, especially if you’re carrying shopping bags or traveling in a group.
Walking: If you’re nearby, many attractions like People’s Square or The Bund are within walking distance, allowing you to enjoy the city streets and architecture along the way.

Tips
Timing: Visit early in the morning or on weekdays to avoid peak crowds, especially during holidays or major sales events.
Payment: Many stores accept credit cards and mobile payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay, but carrying some cash is helpful for street vendors and small purchases.
Comfortable Shoes: You’ll likely walk a lot, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for pedestrian-only zones.
Photography: Nighttime offers the most vibrant photo opportunities with neon lights and street performances.
Hydration and Snacks: Bring water or small snacks if you plan a long walk along the street, though there are plenty of cafés and food stalls available.

Tour Nanjing Road with Your Way Holiday 
We will provide a private & spacious car and a local professional tour guide with over 5 years guiding experience only work for you or your group. You will be escorted during your tour. Transport, ticket, and dining (At some local restaurants popular with locals) all we will arrange for you according your requirements. Please check our most popular Shanghai Tours including Nanjing Road as below: 

Shanghai 1 Day Tour: Incredible Shanghai Highlights 2-Day Shanghai Family Vacation Package with Disneyland Park 3-Day Shanghai Essential with Zhujiajiao Water Town Vacation Package Shanghai Holiday Packages: 2-Day Highlights & Hidden Door Explore with Acrobatic Show

Are the above sample tour programs not suitable for you? We have more Shanghai tours. Our tours can be tailor-made based on your requirements and budget to create unique Shanghai experiences that allow you to interact with the local people and culture. Our enthusiastic tour expert will promptly reply you in details within 24 hours.