Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is located in Huangpu District, Shanghai. As one of the most representative commercial pedestrian streets in Shanghai, it is a landmark commercial district of the city renowned both at home and abroad. Starting from Middle Xizang Road in the west and ending at Middle Henan Road in the east, it stretches about 1,033 meters with a total area of approximately 30,000 square meters. Centered on the unique "Shanghai-style" commercial culture, the pedestrian street integrates Chinese and Western architectural styles. It boasts time-honored stores with profound historical charm as well as flagship stores of international modern fashion brands, symbolizing the prosperity of Shanghai's commerce. The district houses a variety of architectural styles, ranging from classicism and Art Nouveau to modernism, with more than ten historical protected buildings scattered throughout. The total construction volume of the district reaches around 500,000 square meters. It welcomes over 300,000 visitors on an average day, and the number surges to over one million during peak holidays, making it one of the most popular commercial districts in Shanghai and even across the country.
Historical Culture
The history of Nanjing Road dates back to the mid-19th century. After the Opium War in 1840, Shanghai was opened as a treaty port. Initially named "Garden Lane", Nanjing Road was officially renamed in 1865. At that time, foreign firms and companies successively settled here, and Nanjing Road gradually evolved into the commercial center of Shanghai, kicking off its century-long commercial legend. In the early 20th century, Nanjing Road entered its golden age of development. The four major department stores—Xianshi Company, Yong'an Company, Xinxin Company and Daxin Company—opened one after another, pioneering China's department store industry. These department stores were not only places for commodity transactions but also comprehensive commercial complexes integrating shopping, entertainment and catering, establishing Nanjing Road's status as the "First Commercial Street in the Far East".
After the founding of the People's Republic of China, Nanjing Road underwent business format adjustments and became an important position for state-owned commerce, meeting the daily consumption needs of citizens. In 1999, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street was officially opened to the public. The original road was renovated, pedestrian zones were set up, and the commercial layout was optimized. While preserving the style and features of historical buildings, modern commercial elements were introduced. Entering the 21st century, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street has continuously undergone upgrading and transformation. In 2020, the eastward extension project was completed, extending the pedestrian street to the Bund. Its length was expanded from the original 1,033 meters to 1,599 meters, further integrating commerce with urban landscapes. The combination of its profound historical and cultural heritage and vibrant modern commerce has made it an important part of Shanghai's urban culture, witnessing Shanghai's development from a treaty port to an international metropolis.
Major Attractions
Yong'an Department Store
Located at No. 635, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Yong'an Department Store was built in 1918 and officially opened in 1920. As one of the four major department stores on Nanjing Road, it is an excellent historical building in Shanghai. The building adopts an eclectic architectural style as a whole, integrating various architectural elements such as Baroque style. With a total construction area of about 33,000 square meters, it has 7 floors (including 1 underground floor). Yong'an Department Store was not only a shopping destination but also home to "Tianyun Tower" on its top floor, a famous entertainment venue in Shanghai during the Republic of China era. Today, Yong'an Department Store still retains its retro architectural style and has introduced numerous fashion brands inside, becoming a landmark where history and modernity blend.
Xianshi Company Building
Situated at No. 690, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, Xianshi Company Building was completed in 1917. As China's first self-built department store, it is also a cultural relic protection unit in Shanghai. The reinforced concrete building adopts a neoclassical architectural style, covering a total construction area of about 21,000 square meters with 6 floors. Xianshi Company pioneered many initiatives in China's department store industry, such as implementing fixed-price marking for the first time and hiring female salesclerks for the first time. The classical columns, reliefs and other decorations on the building's facade are highly distinctive. Today, besides commercial businesses, the building also retains some historical exhibition areas, showing the commercial style of a century ago.
Sculptures on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is home to several groups of distinctive sculptures, among which the most representative ones are the "Family of Three" sculpture and the "Century Morning Light" sculpture. The "Family of Three" sculpture, located in the middle section of the pedestrian street, realistically depicts the scene of an ordinary family strolling on the street, becoming a popular check-in spot for citizens and tourists. The "Century Morning Light" sculpture, situated in the eastward extension section of the pedestrian street, symbolizes the era development of Shanghai with its abstract shape. There are more than ten groups of such sculptures distributed throughout the entire length of the pedestrian street, serving as an important part of the district culture and adding a strong humanistic atmosphere to the pedestrian street.
The Bund - Nanjing Road Connection Section
After the completion of the eastward extension project of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in 2020, a new connection section from Middle Henan Road to East Zhongshan No.1 Road was added, with a length of about 566 meters. This section seamlessly connects Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street with The Bund scenic area. Retaining the street style of old Shanghai, the connection section features many historical buildings along the way, and is equipped with landscape greening, leisure seats and other facilities. It has become an important passage for tourists to travel from Nanjing Road to The Bund, further enriching the visiting experience of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and realizing the integration of the commercial district with the urban landscape belt.
Shanghai Starry Sky Art Museum
As an experiential space themed on immersive light art installations, the museum creates a cool and dreamy starry sky scene through mirrors, light and shadow and other elements. It includes dozens of themed exhibition areas and provides a 360-degree shooting angle, making it an ideal place for tourists to take photos and interact.
Shanghai Broken Heart Museum
The museum displays hundreds of "love relics", all with handwritten stories sent by people. Every word and every item witnesses the little moments of the past. Shanghai Broken Heart Museum has set up many interactive areas, hoping that people can learn to let go and move on through participation and experience. There are various kinds of love in the world, but they all share the same sorrow.
Recommended Tour Route
The recommended tour route starts from Middle Xizang Road at the western end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, covering a total length of about 1,599 meters, with a suggested duration of 3 to 4 hours. Enter the pedestrian street from the entrance of Middle Xizang Road, first visit Yong'an Department Store to experience the historical heritage of the century-old department store. Then walk eastward for about 200 meters to reach Xianshi Company Building and visit its retro architecture and historical exhibitions. Continue walking eastward for about 300 meters to admire distinctive sculptures such as the "Family of Three". Wander around the characteristic shops on both sides along the way and taste Shanghai's local snacks, such as rice cakes from Shen Dacheng and fresh meat mooncakes from Taikang Food. After walking to Middle Henan Road, enter the eastward extension section, appreciate the "Century Morning Light" sculpture, and walk eastward along the connection section for about 566 meters to reach The Bund, ending the tour of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Meanwhile, you can connect it with the sightseeing itinerary of The Bund. If time permits, you can take a break in the leisure area in the middle section of the pedestrian street to experience the local flavor of Shanghai, or enter major shopping malls to feel the modern commercial atmosphere.
Travel Tips
- Best Time to Visit: It is recommended to choose 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM on working days, when the number of visitors is relatively small, facilitating sightseeing and photography. If you want to experience the night view, you can choose 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the evening, when the lights of the pedestrian street are on, creating a more pleasant atmosphere.
- Suggested Duration: It is recommended to spend 3 to 4 hours for a full tour. If you only visit the core area (from Middle Xizang Road to Middle Henan Road), about 2 hours is sufficient.
- Food Experience: You can go to Shen Dacheng (No. 666, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street) to taste traditional Shanghai rice cakes, Taikang Food (No. 766, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street) to buy fresh meat mooncakes, and the time-honored restaurant Laofengxiang Dim Sum Shop is also worth a try.
- Shopping Suggestions: The eastern section of the pedestrian street is dominated by time-honored stores, while the western section is home to many modern brand flagship stores. You can choose according to your needs. For purchasing Shanghai specialties, it is recommended to choose regular stores such as No.1 Food Store (No. 720, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street).
- Photography Spots: The facade of Yong'an Department Store, Xianshi Company Building, the "Family of Three" sculpture and the landscape trail in the eastward extension section are all the best photography spots. It is recommended to carry lightweight photography equipment.
- Seasonal Suggestions: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have pleasant weather, making them the best seasons for travel. If you visit in summer, it is advisable to avoid the high-temperature period at noon. In winter, you can experience the Christmas and New Year decorations on the pedestrian street.
Notes
- Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street attracts a large number of visitors every day, with the number reaching one million during peak holidays (such as the Spring Festival and National Day). Please take good care of your personal belongings, especially valuables like mobile phones and wallets.
- Non-motor vehicles are prohibited from entering the pedestrian street. Visitors are required to walk in designated areas, do not jaywalk, and abide by traffic rules.
- The interior of some historical buildings is used as business premises. When visiting, please comply with the regulations of the merchants and do not touch the displayed items at will.
- There is a large price difference for snacks and commodities in the pedestrian street. You can check the prices in advance before purchasing to avoid consumption disputes.
- It is recommended to travel with companions when visiting at night. The area of the eastward extension section near The Bund is crowded, so please pay attention to personal safety.
- Comply with the regulations on urban appearance management of Shanghai. Do not litter or smoke randomly (designated smoking areas are set up on the pedestrian street), and visit in a civilized manner.
Transportation
- Metro: Take Metro Line 1 to People's Square Station (Exit 19) and walk about 300 meters to reach the western end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Take Metro Line 2 or Line 10 to East Nanjing Road Station (Exit 7) and walk about 100 meters to reach the middle section of the pedestrian street. Take Metro Line 2 to Lujiazui Station and transfer to a ferry, and you can also enter the eastern end of the pedestrian street from the direction of The Bund.
- Bus: Take bus routes such as No. 18, No. 20, No. 37, No. 49, No. 64 and No. 108 to People's Square Station or East Nanjing Road Station, all of which can reach the vicinity of the pedestrian street.
- Taxi: The starting fare of taxis in Shanghai is 14 yuan (within 3 kilometers). It is about 5 kilometers from Shanghai Railway Station to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and about 18 kilometers from Hongqiao Railway Station to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
- Self-driving: There are a small number of parking lots around Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, such as Yong'an Department Store Parking Lot (No. 635, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street). Due to traffic congestion in the core area, self-driving is not recommended.
Opening Hours
Open 24 hours a day, all year round. The business hours of shops in the district vary. Most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Time-honored catering stores usually open earlier, generally from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Some convenience stores and supermarkets are open 24 hours a day. The landscape area of the eastward extension section is open synchronously with the pedestrian street, and the night lighting time is from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Visitors can choose the visiting time according to their own needs.
Tickets
Open to the public free of charge. Tickets may be required for some venues in the district.
Online Booking
Click here to jump to the Trip.com ticketing platform for ticket purchase.