What is Nanjing Road Shanghai and why is it famous?

Nanjing Road is Shanghai's most famous shopping street, known as 'China's No. 1 Commercial Street' with over 150 years of history. It's famous for being the birthplace of modern Chinese retail, featuring a unique combination of historic department stores from the 1920s-30s, traditional specialty shops selling century-old brands, international luxury fashion houses, and modern shopping malls. The street connects The Bund to People's Square and represents Shanghai's evolution from colonial trading port to global commercial center.

What's the difference between Nanjing East Road and Nanjing West Road?

Nanjing East Road (East Section): Features the famous pedestrian street with historic department stores like First Department Store and Wing On, traditional specialty shops including Sheng Da Cheng (steamed buns) and Shao Wan Sheng (preserved foods), modern shopping centers like Raffles City and Shimao Plaza, and is more tourist-oriented with vibrant street atmosphere. Nanjing West Road (West Section): Houses luxury international brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada, upscale dining establishments, premium office buildings, and caters more to high-end shoppers and business professionals with a sophisticated ambiance.

Where is Nanjing Road located and how do I get there?

Nanjing Road runs east-west through Huangpu District, connecting The Bund (eastern end) to Jing'an Temple (western end). Best access points: Nanjing East Road Station (Metro Lines 2 and 10) for the pedestrian street section, People's Square Station (Metro Lines 1, 2, and 8) for the western end near People's Park, or simply walk from The Bund (5-minute walk). Multiple bus routes also serve the area, and taxis can drop off at designated points along the street.

What are the must-visit historic department stores on Nanjing Road?

Essential historic department stores include: First Department Store (founded 1936, recently renovated with rooftop observation deck), Wing On Department Store (established 1918, Art Deco architecture with traditional Chinese elements), Sun Sun Department Store (1926, now part of New World City complex), and Da Xin Department Store (1936, featuring Shanghai's first escalator). These buildings represent the golden age of Shanghai commerce in the 1920s-30s and showcase unique architectural styles blending Eastern and Western influences.

What traditional Shanghai specialties can I buy on Nanjing Road?

Traditional specialties include: Sheng Da Cheng steamed buns and rice cakes (founded 1875), Shao Wan Sheng preserved meats and seafood (established 1870), Lao Da Chang pastries and cookies (since 1851), Cai Lin Ji roast duck and prepared foods, Huang Jiu Long glutinous rice wine, various silk products and textiles, traditional Chinese medicines and herbal products, and authentic Shanghai-style souvenirs including miniature shikumen house models and local handicrafts.

When is the best time to visit Nanjing Road and what should I expect?

Best visiting times: Weekday mornings (9-11 AM) for lighter crowds and easier navigation, Evening hours (6-9 PM) for spectacular neon lighting and vibrant atmosphere, Avoid weekends and holidays when extremely crowded. Expect: Massive crowds especially during peak seasons, Wide range of prices from budget-friendly street food to luxury shopping, English signage at major stores but limited English at smaller traditional shops, Excellent public transportation access, and A unique blend of historical charm with modern commercial energy that captures Shanghai's essence.

Can you walk from Nanjing Road to The Bund?

Yes, you can easily walk from Nanjing East Road to The Bund. The famous Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street acts as a direct pathway, and walking from the eastern end of the pedestrian zone to the Bund waterfront takes only about 10 to 15 minutes.

Shanghai Nanjing Road Guide 2026: Pedestrian St & Shopping

Written by Clementine | Updated July 06,2026

Stretching from the Bund in the east all the way to Jing’an Temple in the west, the 5.5-km-long Nanjing Road is famed as “No. 1 Commercial Street in China”. It consists of the pedestrian-only East Nanjing Road and the luxury-focused West Nanjing Road. What makes it famous are the “Big Four” department stores, the vintage Dangdang sightseeing tram and its dazzling neon lights at night.

If you are a first-timer planning to see the Bund during your Shanghai tour, it is recommended to walk along East Nanjing Road. If you are a shopaholic, head straight to West Nanjing Road. Please note that the pedestrian street is open 24 hours a day, while most shops open from 10:00 to 22:00.

Fast Facts about Nanjing Road

Location: Nanjing Road, Huangpu District & Jing’an District, Shanghai
Chinese name: 南京路
Opening hours: The street is accessible all day, while the shops basically open from 10:00 to 22:00
Length: Total length of Nanjing East and West Roads: 5.5km; length of famous pedestrian street: 1.5 km
Best time to visit: Spring & Autumn
Time needed: 2 – 3 hrs for Nanjing East Road + the Bund; 4 – 5 hrs if including Nanjing West Road

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.

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East Nanjing Road Vs. West Nanjing Road

	Nanjing East Road	Nanjing West Road
Main Atmosphere	Bustling, historic, neon-lit pedestrian-only street.	Modern, premium, cosmopolitan, ultra-luxury.
Section Coverage	From the Bund to the Middle Xizang Road	From Middle Xizang Road to Jing’an Temple
Highlights	Time-honored food (Shen Da Cheng), historical architecture, tourist tram, walks straight to The Bund.	Various high-end shopping malls with numerous international top luxury brands, art galleries, five-star hotels
Major Malls and Sites	Sincere Department Store, Wing On Department Store, Century Square, Shimao Plaza, Peace Hotel	Plaza 66, HKRI Taikoo Hui, Jing An Kerry Centre, Starbucks Reserve Roastery (one of the world’s largest), Jing’an Temple
Perfect For	First-time sightseeing, street food hunting, souvenirs, and vibrant night views.	Luxury fashion shopping, high-end dining, and experiencing Shanghai’s modern skyline.

Nanjing East Road is a bustling tourist area, while Nanjing West Road is a luxurious fashion landmark and high-end commercial business zone. Both sections offer different experiences, 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 areas and prefer fashion trends and in-depth cultural experiences, Nanjing West Road will surprise you.

Main Attractions & Top Things to Do on the Nanjing Road

Top Attractions

Sincere Department Store: It was the first department store on Nanjing Road established by Chinese and was opened in 1917. The architectural design integrates the Baroque and Renaissance styles, and the Moxing Tower atop the building used to be a landmark of Nanjing Road. Now, its lower floors house fashion retailers and the upper floors are home to the East Asia Hotel.
Wing On Department Store: Opened in 1918, it is one of the earliest national department stores in China. Now, the vintage glass display cases, creaky wooden escalators and characteristic spiral stairs can also be found here. Various high-end brands have opened a store here. It is also famous as the place where the first red flag was raised on Nanjing Road during the liberation of Shanghai.
The Century Square: It is located in the central section of Nanjing East Road with an area of 8,404 square meters. After being renovated in recent years, it features an LED canopy and a central stage for large events such as performances and pop-up events. Besides, there are open-air tiered seats where you can have a rest for free.
The Shimao Plaza: Situated at the west end of Nanjing East Road, it is home to several flagship stores of brands, such as Nike, POP MART and Lego. On its top floor is a dining area and an open-air viewing platform, offering great views of Nanjing Road and People’s Square as you dine.

Yong'an Department Store — Wing On Department Store

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 in Shanghai can do some shopping in the many department stores and 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 dim sum 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 your 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.

Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street at night — Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street at night

Taking the Dangdang Sightseeing Tram

One thing you can’t miss when exploring the Nanjing Road is hopping aboard the historic “Dangdang” sightseeing tram for a 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 come alive.

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Practical Travel Information about Nanjing Road

How to Get to Nanjing Road

How to Get to Nanjing Road from the Downtown Area

To East Nanjing Road: Take Metro Line 2 or 10 to East Nanjing Road, exit 2, and you will be at the east entrance of East Nanjing Road. To get to the west entrance, take metro line 1, 2 or 8 to People’s Square Station.
To West Nanjing Road: Metro Lines 2, 12 and 13 have a stop at West Nanjing Road. After arrival, you can walk to the major shopping malls there, such as Plaza 66 and HKRI Taikoo Hui. If you are going to Jing An Kerry Centre and Jing’an Temple, take Metro Line 2, 7, or 14 to Jing’an Temple Station.

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 60 – 80 minutes and costs CNY 7/USD 1, making it the most cost-effective option.
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. This choice is faster with a travel time of about 50 minutes, but its cost is higher, about CNY 55/USD 8.
By taxi/online hailing car: Due to the long distance, a taxi ride from the airport to Nanjing Road takes about 1 hour and costs about CNY 200/USD 29. Therefore, it is only recommended for families and tourists with heavy luggage.

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 appeals to tourists who are pressed for time or to those who have a lot of luggage).

Best Time to Visit

Wondering when 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. Spring and autumn are ideal for strolling and taking pictures because of the pleasant, comfortable weather. The best time of the day is at night when the street is illuminated by colorful neon lights.

But be aware that many Chinese people will take the entire off during “official” holidays, such as Chinese New Year (Around January or February), Labor Day (May 1 – 5) and National Day (October 1 – 7), resulting in large crowds — so be ready for that.

√ Related reading: Best Time to Visit China: Weather by Season & Month

Practical Tips for Visitors

Where to start: If you’re short on time, begin at the pedestrian zone of East Nanjing Road, the heart of the shopping district. If time allows, move west.
Dining: The restaurants along the street are basically overpriced, so it is recommended to delve into the nearby Jiujiang Road or Fuzhou Road for affordable local flavors.
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.
Restrooms: Public restrooms are always available in shopping malls (like Century Square) and subway stations (like Nanjing East Road Station).

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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”.

Nearby Attractions

The Bund: This Huangpu River promenade is an iconic and historic landmark in Shanghai. Here, you will be captivated by the striking contrast of 52 distinctive international buildings on the west bank and the modern skyscraper skyline on the east bank of Huangpu River.
Yu Garden: As the only surviving Ming-dynasty private garden in Shanghai, it is a Jiangnan-style garden featuring various rockeries, classic pavilions, wooden bridges and more.
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 itineraries. 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 immerse yourself in the city’s beauty and make the best memories.

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What is Nanjing Road Famous for?

East Nanjing Road Vs. West Nanjing Road