Written by Clementine |
Nanjing road is the earliest commercial street in Shanghai after opening of Shanghai as a commercial port. It stretches 5.5km from the Bund in the east to Yan’an East Road in the west and across Jing’an and Huangpu districts. Today, it has become one of the top attractions during a Shanghai tour.
Middle Tibet Road separates it into east and west sections. Since Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road are regarded as two of Shanghai’s ten main commercial precincts, the reference to “Nanjing Road” actually refers to both of them. Nanjing East Road (Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street) is more of a mid-tier commercial and tourist area overall, while Nanjing West Road (Jing’an temple area) is Shanghai’s most costly fashion commercial block with the highest rents on retail, premium brands for wealthy consumers.
√ Related reading: Top Things to Do in Shanghai
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- Fast Facts about Nanjing Road in Shanghai
- History of Nanjing Road
- What is Nanjing Road Famous for?
- Main Attractions & Top Things to Do on the Nanjing Road
- East Nanjing Road Vs. West Nanjing Road
- How to Get to Nanjing Road
- Best Time to Visit
- Practical Tips for Visitors
- Nearby Attractions
- Explore Nanjing Road and More Shanghai Highlights with China Xian Tour
Fast Facts about Nanjing Road in Shanghai
- Location: Nanjing Road, Huangpu District & Jing’an district, Shanghai
- Chinese name: 南京路
- Opening hours: All day
- How long is the Nanjing Road: 1599m (from Tibet Middle Road to Henan Middle Road )
- Best time to visit: Spring & Autumn
- Time needed: 3-4 hours
History of Nanjing Road
Originally, it was just one road inside the English Settlement in Shanghai. In 1865, it was named Nanjing Road. In 1908, with the opening of the first tram in Shanghai, the population was increasingly dense, promoting the development of commerce here. It reached the peak in the 1930s. Four major Chinese department stores opened one after another and they introduced advanced commercial concepts, such as Escalators and air conditioning systems, and pioneered the department store industry in Asia. During this time, Nanjing Road gathered global goods and became famous in the Far East. The two iconic events are the completion of the pedestrian street in 1999 and the east expansion in 2020, forming its modern image, “the first Chinese commercial street”.
What is Nanjing Road Famous for?
- A world-class commercial center: this road gathers large department stores, century-old local brands and more mid-tier retail with more than 1200 well-known brands, more than 750 famous international brands. And more than 90 percent of the top brands have opened flagship stores here. So, it is now the highest-level shopping place in Shanghai.
- A cultural landmark carrying modern history:the history of Nanjing Road is the microcosm of the development history of modern and contemporary Chinese commerce.
- The unique experience of integration of tradition and modernity:both time-honored brands and international brands open their store here. The unique landscape design, the dazzling neon lights and the retro sightseeing train together create an extraordinary experience.
Main Attractions & Top Things to Do on the Nanjing Road
Top Attractions
- Yong’an Department Store:It was opened on Nanjing Road in the seventh year of the Republic of China (1918). It is one of the earliest national department stores in China and the place where the first red flag was raised on Nanjing Road during the liberation of Shanghai.
- Sincere Department Store Building:Started construction in the third year of the Republic of China (1914) and officially opened in October of the sixth year (1917). It is located at the intersection of Nanjing Road and Zhejiang Road. It was the first department store on Nanjing Road established by Chinese.
- The Century Square: Itis located on the south side of Nanjing Road, the east side of Hubei Road, the north side of Jiujiang Road, and the west side of Fujian Road, with an area of 8,404 square meters. In the center of Centyr Square is a stage for large events such as performances and product displays.
- The Shimao Plaza: Located at No. 819 Nanjing East Road in Huangpu District. It is located at the western end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
Top Things to Do in Nanjing Road
Explore Endless Merchandise
Nanjing Road pedestrian street is about 1200 meters long with many kinds of shops on both sides. The style of architecture here combines modern buildings with old buildings of European-style. Visitors traveling Shanghai can do shoppings in the many department stores, and have a try on a trolley car called “Dangdang car” that looks like a miniature version of an old tram in old Shanghai.
Savor a Vast Array of Delicious Food
There are many famous time-honored delicacies such as biscuits of Taikang, cakes and pastries of Shen Dacheng, Cantonese cuisine and Guangdong dimsum of Xinya and so on. If you want to enjoy the culture and food of romantic old Shanghai, the Peace Hotel located on Nanjing East Road is you best choice. It will be convenient if you book a hotel nearby.
√ Related reading: What to Eat in Shanghai
Stroll at Night
The night scenery in Shanghai is gorgeous. Visitors can appreciate the charming night scenery while buying special souvenirs for their families and friends and taste a lot of delicious food in the restaurants along the Nanjing Road.
Taking the Dangdang Sightseeing Tram
One thing you can’t miss when exploring the Nanjing Road is hopping aboard the historic “Dangdang” sightseeing tram to take short ride. This little vintage tram runs daily (approximately 08:30–22:00) along the pedestrian section and it can take you to briefly explore the bustling shopping street in an easy 10-minute trip. It costs CNY 5 for a time and you can expect experiences far exceeding this value. Evening is the best time to enjoy this activity, as the neon lights come on and everything within your sight will be lit alive.
East Nanjing Road Vs. West Nanjing Road
Nanjing East Road
- Highlights: the bustling tourist area and shopping paradise
Nanjing East Road starts from the Waitai Zhongshan Dongyilu in the east and to the Middle Tibet Road in the west with a total length of 1599 meters. With plenty of time-honored brands, it is a good place to experience the traditional charm of Shanghai and purchase special souvenirs. When night falls, the dazzling neon signs illuminate the whole street, creating the classic scene of“ A City that Never Sleeps”. You can take the sightseeing train to travel around leisurely. From here, you can also walk to the Bund directly, where you can appreciate the western architectural complex and the scenery of the Huangpu River.
Nanjing West Road
- Highlights: the luxurious fashion landmark and high-end commercial business zone
Compared to Nanjing East Road, Nanjing West Road appears much more exquisite. If Nanjing East Road is the gateway to understanding Shanghai’s “modern” commercial culture, then Nanjing West Road is the window to experiencing Shanghai’s connection with global fashion. It gathers many high-end shopping malls with numerous international top luxury brands. It is a paradise for luxury goods lovers. What’s more, there are many five-star hotels, historic architectures and art galleries, which show the exquisite life aesthetics of this modern city.
Which Part of Nanjing Road is Best?
With different features, it is hard to say which is the best. You can choose based on the above information. If you visit Shanghai for the first time or prefer a bustling festival atmosphere, Nanjing East Road is undoubtedly the first choice. But if you are not interested in tourist area and pursue fashion trends and in-depth cultural experiences, Nanjing West Road will surprise you.
How to Get to Nanjing Road
How to Get to Nanjing Road from Downtown Area
- By bus: You can take Bus No.18, 46, 49, 108, 123, 145, 167, 312, 451, 518, 802, 916, 925 and Shang-Chuan Special Line and get off at People’s Square Station, or take Bus No.537,802 and 930 and get off at People’s Square Station.
- By subway: Subway line 1, 2, 8, 10, 12, 13 can all take you to the Nanjing Road.
How to Get to Nanjing Road from the Airports
From Shanghai Pudong Airport
- By subway:Line 2 takes you directly to Nanjing East Road Station. The trip takes an hour or so, and is the right option for those with plenty of time.
- By shuttle bus: To Nanjing East Road will also do it faster than taking other options: Shuttle Bus Line 2 goes and you can get off at “Nanjing East Road” Station. This option is the most convenient and the most cost-effective.
- Maglev+Subway:Take the Maglev Train from Pudong Airport to Longyang Road Station, and then transfer to Subway Line 2 to Nanjing East Road Station.
From Shanghai Hongqiao Airport
- By subway:Either Line 10 or Line 2 gets you to Nanjing East Road Station, or about 45 minutes. This is the most suitable option.
- By taxi: If you grab a taxi from Hongqiao, for instance, and just say, “Take me to Nanjing Road,” that will take you 20 minutes (it’s a quick ride, and probably appeal to tourists who are pressed for time or to those who have a lot of luggage).
Best Time to Visit
Wondering what the best time is to visit Nanjing Road? Shanghai would be the most comfortable in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), making them also the best seasons to visit Nanjing Road. The seasons of spring and autumn are ideal for strolling and taking pictures because of the pleasant, comfortable weather. But be aware that many Chinese people will take the entire weekend off during “official” holidays, resulting in the crowds — so be ready for that.
Official Holidays in China
Around January or February |
|
Winter vacation |
January-February |
Labor Day |
May1st -3rd |
Summer vacation(for students)  |
July-August31st |
Around mid-September |
|
National Day |
October 1st-7th |
√ Related reading: Best Time to Visit China: Weather by Season & Month
Practical Tips for Visitors
Where should I start on Nanjing Road?
If you’re short on time, begin at the pedestrian zone of Nanjing East Road (near Henan Road and Middle Tibet Road). This is the heart of the shopping district and then move west if time allows.
Where Can I Store My Luggage?
Major shopping malls and subway stations along Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and the surrounding area usually offer luggage storage. For instance, short-term storage is available at the No. 1 Department Store front desk and at certain hotels.
How Can I Find Public Restrooms?
Public restrooms are always available in shopping malls (like Century Square) and subway stations (like Nanjing East Road Station).
Nearby Attractions
- Xintiandi: Located in the heart of Shanghai, Xintiandi is an urban tourist attraction that showcases the historical and cultural features of Shanghai. It is a brand-new cultural and social destination.
- Shanghai Museum: Situated in Shanghai, the People’s Republic of China, the Shanghai Museum is a museum of ancient Chinese art. It houses over 1.02 million cultural relics, covering more than 30 categories.
Explore Nanjing Road and More Shanghai Highlights with China Xian Tour
Shanghai has long been a must-visit destination on many people’s China tour itinerary. Indeed, this lively city can provide you with more interesting highlights like Nanjing Road. To explore the most charming sides of the city, you can travel with China Xian Tour and have us create a customized tour for you. With our travel experts, you won’t need to worry about anything on the road, and all you’ll need to do is immersing yourself in the city’s beauty and make the best memories.
