Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, known as "China’s First Commercial Street," is Shanghai’s iconic shopping and cultural hub. Spanning 1.2 kilometers from People’s Square to the Bund, it was established in 1851 as the city’s first modern commercial thoroughfare. Today, it blends historic architecture with contemporary retail, hosting over 600 shops, global luxury brands, traditional Chinese stores, and bustling food alleys. The street’s Art Deco facades, neon lights, and century-old department stores (like No. 1 Department Store) reflect Shanghai’s evolution from a treaty port to a global metropolis. Designated a "National Scenic Street" in 1999, it attracts over 1.6 million visitors daily, offering a sensory journey through China’s economic and cultural transformation.
Historical Overview
1850s–1900s: Emerged as "Great Road" during the concession era, becoming a hub for Western trading firms.
1930s–1940s: Flourished as "China’s Fifth Avenue," lined with Art Deco buildings and luxury boutiques.
1949–1990s: Transitioned to a state-run shopping district under Communist rule, symbolizing socialist commerce.
1999–Present: Transformed into a pedestrian zone, merging heritage preservation with modern retail (e.g., Apple Store, M&M’s World).
Key events include the 1936 opening of the No. 1 Department Store (Asia’s largest at the time) and the 2018 renovation adding interactive LED displays.
Structural Layout
The street follows an east-west axis divided into two sections:East Nanjing Road (Pedestrian Zone): The 1.2 km shopping corridor with historic storefronts, street performers, and food stalls.
West Nanjing Road (Commercial Hub): A modern extension featuring skyscrapers (e.g., Plaza 66), high-end malls, and metro stations.
Key Landmarks:No. 1 Department Store: A 1936 Art Deco masterpiece, now a luxury shopping destination.
Shanghai First Food Store: Renowned for traditional snacks (e.g., butter cookies, mooncakes).
New World City: A 24-story mall with a rooftop Ferris wheel and ice-skating rink.
Raffles City Shanghai: A mixed-use complex with a sky bridge connecting to People’s Square.
Major Attractions
1. No. 1 Department Store: Explore vintage elevators, heritage brands, and a rooftop observation deck.
2. Shanghai First Food Store: Taste local delicacies like "Samsui Women’s Glutinous Rice" and "Shengjian Mantou" (pan-fried buns).
3. The Central Mall: A futuristic complex with VR experiences and global fast-fashion chains.
4. Shanghai Old Street (North Extension): A themed alley showcasing traditional crafts (e.g., silk weaving, lantern-making).
5. Peace Hotel Jazz Bar (Adjacent to the Bund): Catch live 1930s-style jazz at this historic venue.
Suggested Itineraries
- Classic Route (1.5–2 hours):
Start at People’s Square Metro (Exit 1) → Walk east along Nanjing Road → No. 1 Department Store → Shanghai First Food Store → The Central Mall → The Bund (view Huangpu River skyline).
Highlights: Iconic shops, street art, and Bund photo ops.
- Cultural & Culinary Route (3–4 hours):
Start at Raffles City → No. 1 Department Store → Shanghai Old Street (North Extension) → Food stalls (try shengjian mantou) → Peace Hotel Jazz Bar → Walk to Yuyuan Garden (optional).
Highlights: Heritage shopping, local snacks, and jazz nostalgia.
- All-Day Exploration (6–8 hours):
Morning: Raffles City → No. 1 Department Store → Shanghai First Food Store → The Central Mall.
Afternoon: Shanghai Old Street → Custom Tailor Shops (e.g., Hong Qi) → New World City (rooftop Ferris wheel).
Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant (e.g., M on the Bund) → Night stroll with neon lights.
Highlights: Deep retail therapy, cultural crafts, and panoramic views.
Ticket Purchase
Free Access: No tickets required for the street itself.
- Attraction Fees:
Raffles City Observation Deck: ¥120 (optional).
Peace Hotel Jazz Bar: Cover charge ¥150–200 (includes 1 drink).
Custom Tailoring: Quotes vary (allow 2–3 hours for fittings).
Transportation
By Subway:Line 1/2/8: People’s Square Station (Exit 1 for west end; Exit 14 for east end). Line 2/10: Nanjing East Road Station (direct access to The Central Mall).
By Bus: Routes 20, 37, 49, or 167 to Nanjing Road West Stop.
By Taxi: Direct to Nanjing Road West (near People’s Square) or East Nanjing Road (near the Bund).
Departure: Exit via the Bund (east) or People’s Square (west) for subway/bus connections.
Best Time & Tips
Peak Hours: Avoid 4–7 PM on weekends; visit early (9 AM opening) or late (after 8 PM for neon lights).
Crowds: Weekdays are quieter; Chinese holidays (e.g., National Day) are extremely busy.
Weather: Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are ideal.
- Essentials:
Wear comfortable shoes (10,000+ steps likely).
Carry a portable fan in summer (no AC outdoors).
Photography allowed (avoid flash in stores).
Prohibited Items: Bicycles, pets, and large luggage.
Bargaining: Possible in Shanghai Old Street but rare in malls.
Nanjing Road Scenic Spots Guide
FAQ
What unique stores are in Shimao Plaza?
Nike's 001 flagship (exclusive releases), M&M's Chocolate World (customizable beans), and LEGO's largest Asia store dominate. The mall also hosts pop-ups like Popeyes fried chicken and Sephora's tech-driven beauty labs.
Why was Nanjing Road historically called "Big Road"?
Coined in the late Qing dynasty, the term distinguished it from subsequent "Second Road" (Jiujiang Rd) and "Third Road" (Hankou Rd). Despite its narrow 6m width initially, it symbolized Shanghai's urbanization.
What highlights does the Nanjing Road Silver Life Festival offer?
The 2025 event included 37 brands, 44 stalls, and performances like the "First Silver Fashion Show." It promoted senior-friendly tech, traditional snacks, and financial services, targeting the "50+" demographic.
What nighttime activities are available on Nanjing Road in summer?
The "Nightlife Festival" extends shopping hours and adds light installations. Visitors can enjoy rooftop bars, live music at Century Square, and the iconic 19:00 lighting ceremony of historical buildings.
What historic food brands are must-buys on Nanjing Road?
Shen Dacheng's glutinous rice cakes, Hongbaoshi's cream cubes, and Harbin Food Factory's almond cookies are iconic. For gifts, Shao Wansheng's spiced seafood and First Food Hall's chocolate-covered hawthorn balls are popular.
