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
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
What is Nanjing Road Famous for?
Nanjing West Road, originally named Jing’an Temple Road, was built in the 1860s. Nowadays, Nanjing West Road is the part of “the first Chinese commercial street” — Nanjing Road and cross Huangpu and Jing’an two areas.
The essence section is concentrated in Jing’an district, from Chengdu North Road in the east to Yan’an West Road in the west with a total length of 2933 meters. There are many famous shops which collect the best thing in commercial district. The commercial district gathers 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.
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.
East Nanjing Road Vs. West Nanjing Road
- Nanjing East Road: Nanjing East Road starts from the Waitai Zhongshan Dongyilu in the east and to the Middle Tibet Road in the west with the total length of 1599 meters, and in the west part of Henan Road is the Pedestrian Street. From Nanjing East Road, you can go to the famous scenic spot such as the Bund, the Oriental pearl, International World Financial Center, Jinmao Tower or have a panoramic view of the Bund of Huangpu river and so on.
- Nanjing West Road: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. Compared to Nanjing East Road, Nanjing West Road appears much more exquisite. Not to mention the international first-tier brands in Plaza 66 and CITIC Tower that exude an intimidating chill, even Meilongzhen, Shanghai’s oldest Japanese department store offers a “comfortable” shopping experience. Cleanliness, hygiene, and maintaining an appropriate distance from others are excellent reflections of the way Shanghainese interact in daily life.
Which Part of Nanjing Road is Best?
Shanghai prospered because of commerce and has long been known as the Paris of the East. Shanghainese know that when it comes to buying the latest trendy items, Nanjing West Road is definitely one of the top choices in the city. Here, modernity and old Shanghai charm intertwine, and even as time passes, the fashion vibe remains unchanged.
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
Spring and autumn are the best seasons to visit Nanjing Road, but be aware that many Chinese people will take the entire weekend off during ‘official’ holidays, so be ready for that. The seasons of spring and autumn are ideal for strolling and taking pictures because of the pleasant, comfortable weather.
Official Holidays in China
Around January or February |
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Winter vacation |
January-February |
Labor Day |
May1st -3rd |
Summer vacation(for students)  |
July-August31st |
Around mid-September |
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National Day |
October 1st-7th |
√ Related reading: Best Time to Visit China: Weather by Season & Month
Practical Tips for Visitors
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.
