China's premier shopping street, the 5.5-km-long (3.4-mile-long) Nanjing Road, starts at the Bund in the east and ends in the west at the junction of Jing'an Temple and West Yan'an Street. Today it is a must-see metropolitan destination attracting thousands of fashion-seeking shoppers from all over the world.
As a century-old shopping street in Huangpu District, Shanghai, Nanjing Road was a witness of the city's history. Over time, it has been restructured, undergoing significant changes. Big traditional stores no longer dominate the market since modern shopping malls, specialty stores, theaters, and international hotels have mushroomed on both sides of the street. For shopping convenience, its eastern end has an all-weather pedestrian arcade.
Exploring traditional department stores and latest fashion stores
Over 600 businesses on the road offer countless famous brands of superior quality and new fashions. Upscale stores include Tiffany, Mont Blanc, Omega, and Dunhill. Approximately a hundred traditional stores and specialty shops provide choice silk goods, jade, embroidery, wool, and clocks. Shopping lovers will immerse themselves in the joy of purchasing here.
Savoring snacks of time-horned brands
Century-old traditional food stores can be easily found on Nanjing Road. You cannot only taste the most authentic Shanghai food here, but also buy some for your friends and families as gifts.
Taking the Dangdang sightseeing tram
It's an unforgettable experience to take a ride on the old-style Dangdang tram which operates from 8:30 to 22:00 daily. On the slow bus, you can see various stores out of the window, old or new, leaving your view one by one, like the history. A single trip takes about 10 minutes and you need to pay CNY 5 for it.
Appreciating the night view
Flashing neon signs illuminate the magnificent buildings and spangle the night skyline of this lively city. Open-air bars, abstract sculptures, and lingering sounds from street musicians enhance night strolls.
Visiting Tips
Shanghai Nanjing Road consists of the East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road, divided by the Middle Tibet Road. Comparatively speaking, East Nanjing Road is busier because of its advantageous location adjacent to the Bund, Shanghai's landmark. Visitors can choose to wander along the whole road or just part of it according to physical strength and time.