Nanjing Road (南京路) – Shanghai's Premier Shopping Street

Nanjing Road is one of the world's busiest shopping streets, stretching nearly 6 km across central Shanghai. It divides into two distinct sections: the lively East Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall running from People's Square to the Bund, and the upscale West Nanjing Road lined with luxury malls and international brands.

East Nanjing Road (南京东路)

The 1.2 km pedestrian zone between Henan Middle Road and the Bund is Shanghai's Times Square — neon signs, department stores, fast food, and street snacks make it one of the most vibrant urban walkways in China. Key stops include:

• No. 1 Department Store – China's oldest and largest state-run department store, opened 1949.
• Shiliupu Fashion & Gift Plaza – Great place to shop for silks, pearls, and souvenirs.
• The Bund end – Walk east to reach the Huangpu River waterfront.

West Nanjing Road (南京西路)

From People's Square stretching west to Jing'an Temple, West Nanjing Road is Shanghai's luxury retail corridor. Plazas 66, CITIC Square, and Westgate Mall host Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, and hundreds of international brands.

Getting There

Metro Line 2 runs the length of Nanjing Road with stops at Nanjing East Road (南京东路) and Nanjing West Road (南京西路). The pedestrian mall is a 5-minute walk east from People's Square station.

Shopping Tips

• Stores are typically open 10am–10pm daily.
• Evenings (after 6pm) are the most atmospheric, when the neon signs light up.
• Bargaining is acceptable at smaller souvenir shops but not in department stores.

Book a Shanghai City Tour

Our private Shanghai city tours include a Nanjing Road walking segment combined with the Bund, Yu Garden and more. View Shanghai day tours →