Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street南京路步行街
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street runs about 1.2 km and is Shanghai's busiest shopping thoroughfare, known as "China's No. 1 shopping street". Century-old stores such as Yong'an and Sincere stand alongside modern malls like New World City, making it the best place to shop and soak up the city's commercial energy.
Shanghai · Visitor Guide2026-10-18
Quick Answer
Is Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street worth visiting?
China's busiest shopping street in Shanghai, about 1.2 km long with over 100 years of history and roughly 1 million visitors a day; free, malls 10:00-22:00.
Quick facts
| Ticket | Free admission |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open all day; malls roughly 10:00-22:00 |
| Recommended duration | 2-4 hours |
| Best time to visit | All year; best after dark when the lights come on |
| How to get there | Metro Line 1 or 2 to People's Square station, then a 5-minute walk; or Line 2 to East Nanjing Road station |
| English signage | Yes |
| Wheelchair accessible | Yes |
| Length | About 1.2 km |
| Status | China's No. 1 shopping street |
| Malls | Dozens |
| History | Over 100 years |
| Daily footfall | Roughly 1 million |
| Eastern end | The Bund |
What to expect
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street officially opened in 1999 after redevelopment as Shanghai's first commercial pedestrian street. Hundreds of shops line both sides, from luxury brands to everyday goods, and holiday footfall can top one million visitors a day.
Yong'an Department Store and Sincere Department Store, built in the 1910s, were among Shanghai's first department stores and still keep their European-style facades. New World City and Shanghai No. 1 Department Store, built after reform and opening, represent the continued growth of the city's retail scene.
The street's eastern end meets the Bund, so the two pair naturally in one day — shop along Nanjing Road by daylight, then walk over at dusk for the night skyline. Skip the street snacks here (pricey and not the real thing); for authentic Shanghai snacks head to the nearby City God Temple area instead.
How to get there
Metro Line 1 or 2 to People's Square station, then a 5-minute walk along East Nanjing Road
Best photo spots
- Shimao Plaza at the street's western start
- The Yong'an Department Store facade
- Street scenes after dark
- Where the street meets the Bund
Tips
- Collect coupons before you shop — many malls run promotions
- Don't buy snacks on the pedestrian street; they are pricey and inauthentic
- Crowds are huge on holidays — best avoided if you can
- Some mall goods are negotiable, especially clothing
Scams to avoid
- Beware "brand discount" pitches
- Decline unsolicited self-styled tour guides
Frequently asked questions
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street vs East Nanjing Road — what's the difference?
East Nanjing Road is the pedestrianised section; Nanjing Road also includes the non-pedestrian stretch to the west.
Can I get authentic Shanghai snacks on Nanjing Road?
Not really — head to the City God Temple area or Huaihai Road instead.
Is shopping here cheaper than elsewhere?
Prices are broadly in line with the city center; holiday promotions are the main draw.
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