Nanjing Road: Shanghai's Premier Shopping Street (2026 Guide)
Navigate Shanghai's famous pedestrian shopping street—from flagship stores to hidden food courts, plus tips for connecting to The Bund.
Nanjing Road: China’s Original Shopping Street
Nanjing Road (南京路步行街) is China’s most famous commercial street and one of the world’s busiest shopping districts. This 1.2-kilometer pedestrian boulevard stretches from People’s Square to The Bund, offering everything from international flagships to century-old Chinese brands.
📅 Last Updated: January 2026 (verified on location)
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Length | 1.2 km (pedestrian section) |
| Daily Visitors | 1+ million on peak days |
| Historic Stores | Several dating to 1800s |
| Character | Mix of old Shanghai and modern retail |
History & Character
The “Number One Street of China”
Since the 1930s, Nanjing Road has been called “China’s Number One Commercial Street.” At its peak, it defined Shanghai glamour—the city’s best department stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues lined this thoroughfare.
| Era | Character |
|---|---|
| 1920s-1940s | ”Paris of the East” luxury retail |
| 1950s-1980s | State-owned department stores |
| 1990s-Present | International brands + heritage shops |
Today it’s a blend of global chains and nostalgic Chinese retailers, wrapped in a permanently festive atmosphere of LED screens and crowds.
What You’ll Find
Major Landmarks
| Store/Building | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| No.1 Department Store | Heritage retail | Shanghai institution since 1934 |
| New World City | Modern mall | Fashion, dining, entertainment |
| Shimao Festival Walk | Lifestyle mall | International brands |
| Forever 21 Building | Fashion retail | Landmark building |
| M&M’s World | Entertainment retail | Asia’s largest M&M store |
Shopping Categories
| Category | Where to Look |
|---|---|
| International brands | Shimao, New World City |
| Chinese heritage brands | No.1 Department Store area |
| Electronics | Smaller shops, compare prices |
| Souvenirs | Street-level shops |
| Budget fashion | Underground malls |
Underground Malls
Below street level, a vast network of underground shopping connects the metro stations:
| Mall | Access | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Metro City | People’s Square Station | Budget fashion, accessories |
| Hong Kong Famous Shops | Mid-street entrances | Electronics, small items |
💡 Pro Tip: Underground malls offer air conditioning in summer and shelter from rain—plus significantly lower prices than street-level shops.
Getting There
By Metro
| Station | Lines | Location |
|---|---|---|
| People’s Square | 1, 2, 8 | West end (near museums) |
| Nanjing East Road | 2, 10 | Center of pedestrian street |
| East Nanjing Road | 2, 10 | East end (near Bund) |
Walking From Nearby Areas
| From | Walk Time | Route |
|---|---|---|
| The Bund | 10-15 min | Straight west on Nanjing Road |
| Yu Garden | 20 min | North through Old City |
| Jing’an Temple | 25 min | Along Nanjing West Road |
Walking Route Guide
West to East Route (Recommended)
Start at People’s Square and walk toward The Bund:
-
People’s Square (Start)
- Shanghai Museum, Urban Planning Center nearby
- Begin walking east on Nanjing Road
-
Mid-Section (Shopping core)
- No.1 Department Store
- New World City
- Street food and snack shops
-
East Section (Toward Bund)
- Shimao Festival Walk
- Peace Hotel comes into view
- Transition to The Bund
This direction lets you finish at The Bund for sunset or evening views.
Little Tourist Train
A novelty train runs up and down the pedestrian street:
| Info | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | ¥5 per ride |
| Route | Full length of pedestrian street |
| Best for | Kids, tired legs |
Food & Drink Options
Quick Bites on the Street
| Food | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh fruit on sticks | ¥10-20 | Seasonal fruits |
| Stinky tofu | ¥10-15 | Classic Shanghai street food |
| Bubble tea | ¥15-30 | Multiple chains |
| Ice cream | ¥10-30 | Including weird flavors |
Sit-Down Restaurants
| Restaurant | Type | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Food courts (department stores) | Various | ¥30-80/person |
| Jia Jia Tang Bao | Soup dumplings | ¥40-60/person |
| Local Shanghainese | Set meals | ¥60-100/person |
Where Locals Actually Eat
Skip the tourist-trap restaurants on the main street. Head one block north or south to find better quality at lower prices:
- Yunnan Road (South): Local food street
- Fuzhou Road (North): Quieter, more options
Best Times to Visit
Crowd Patterns
| Time | Crowd Level | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Weekday morning (10-12) | Light | Easy walking, shops opening |
| Weekday afternoon | Moderate | Good balance |
| Weekend afternoon | Heavy | Shoulder-to-shoulder |
| Evening (7-9 PM) | Peak | Lights on, very crowded |
| Late night (after 9 PM) | Thinning | Shops closing, nice lights |
Weather Considerations
| Condition | Impact |
|---|---|
| Summer heat | Use underground malls for AC |
| Rain | Underground passages helpful |
| Winter cold | Department stores offer warmth |
💡 Pro Tip: If you just want to experience the atmosphere without serious shopping, walk through in the evening when the neon lights are on—it’s the most photogenic time.
Practical Shopping Tips
Pricing Reality
- Flagship stores: Fixed prices
- Smaller shops: Negotiable (start at 50%)
- Electronics: Research prices online first
- Street vendors: Always bargain
Payment Methods
| Method | Acceptance |
|---|---|
| WeChat/Alipay | Universal |
| International credit cards | Major stores only |
| Cash | Accepted everywhere |
Watch Out For
- Tea ceremony scams: Strangers inviting you for “tea”
- Art student scams: “Help support my gallery”
- Fake goods: Electronics especially
- Pickpockets: Crowded evening hours
Connecting to The Bund
The east end of Nanjing Road naturally flows toward The Bund. The transition happens at:
| Landmark | Notes |
|---|---|
| Peace Hotel | Art deco building at intersection |
| Chen Yi Square | Open plaza facing river |
| The Bund Promenade | Just steps away |
This makes for a perfect combined itinerary: shopping in the afternoon, then sunset at The Bund.
Suggested Itineraries
Quick Visit (1.5 hours)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Start | Exit Nanjing East Road Station |
| 30 min | Walk toward The Bund, window shop |
| 30 min | Quick food stop |
| 30 min | Continue to The Bund |
Half-Day Shopping (3-4 hours)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 2:00 PM | Start at People’s Square |
| 2:30 PM | Shanghai Museum (optional) |
| 4:00 PM | Walk Nanjing Road, browse shops |
| 5:30 PM | Dinner at food court |
| 7:00 PM | Evening walk to The Bund |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nanjing Road worth visiting?
For first-time visitors, yes—it’s a quintessential Shanghai experience. For serious shopping, locals often prefer other malls with better selection.
How does it compare to Huaihai Road?
Nanjing Road is more touristy and crowded. Huaihai Road (further south) has more upscale boutiques and a quieter atmosphere.
Is it safe at night?
Generally yes, as the area is very crowded and well-lit. Normal urban precautions apply—watch your belongings in crowds.
Can I walk from People’s Square to The Bund on Nanjing Road?
Yes, and you should! It’s about 1.5 km, easy flat walking, and you’ll end up at one of Shanghai’s best viewpoints.
Are the stores the same as everywhere else?
Yes, most international brands are identical. The unique value is in the atmosphere and heritage Chinese stores.
Related Guides
- The Bund Complete Guide - Natural continuation
- Shanghai Shopping Tour - Serious retail therapy
- 48-Hour Shanghai Itinerary - Full trip planning
This guide was last updated in January 2026. Store hours and tenants may change.
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