Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (Nanjing Lu)
Here are the best pedestrian streets in Shanghai, China.
Nanjing Road in Shanghai is right in the heart of the city’s busiest area. It’s often called “China’s best shopping street” by locals. Instead of just covering a small part like most tourist articles, we’ll show you the entire pedestrian street, plus must-visit museums, tasty food spots, and popular hotels along the way.
Table of Contents
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Street Views of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街的街景)
The pedestrian section of Nanjing Road Shanghai stretches for 1,528 meters. The buildings along the street are a mix of styles, from historic European-inspired architecture to modern skyscrapers. It’s not just a shopping street—it’s also a food lover’s paradise. You’ll find both famous Chinese and international brands here, ranging from high-end luxury to affordable items. Plus, it’s a hotspot for authentic Shanghai eats, like xiao long bao (soup dumplings), sheng jian bao (pan-fried buns), and yang chun mian (simple noodle soup). And of course, you can also enjoy cuisines from all over the world, including Japanese sushi, Italian pizza, and French pastries.
Peace Hotel (和平饭店)
The Peace Hotel is located at the intersection of the Bund and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and it’s one of the most famous hotels in Shanghai—every local knows it. It was designed and built by Jewish businessman Victor Sassoon, opening in 1908.
On the first floor, you’ll find the Peace Museum, which showcases the hotel’s history, featuring silverware, porcelain, crystal ornaments, and antique furniture. The hotel also offers activities like dance classes and tea dance performances, so visitors can experience the social culture of old Shanghai firsthand.
Shanghai New World Daimaru Department Store (上海新世界大丸百货)
The Shanghai New World Daimaru is a joint venture between China and Japan, and it’s the newest mall on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. With its unique Japanese style, luxurious decor, and stunning spiral escalator, it’s become a shining gem on East Nanjing Road. About 70% of the store is dedicated to Japanese cosmetics, women’s fashion, and European brands.
Aside from shopping, what really stands out here is the spiral escalator. It doesn’t just get you up and down quickly—it also looks like a piece of art. Riding it feels like being part of a rotating art show, making the whole experience feel pretty magical.
Wing On Department Store (永安百货)
Wing On Department Store is located in the heart of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and was built in 1918. It blends classic European and Baroque styles, with an elegant exterior and luxurious interior design. Inside, you’ll find a wide range of international brands, from high-end jewelry and watches to fashion and accessories—there’s something for everyone.
On the outside, there’s a food street that’s open year-round, so you can enjoy some delicious Shanghai eats while taking a break from shopping.
Shanghai No. 1 Department Store (上海第一百货商业中心)
Built in 1934, the Shanghai No. 1 Department Store was China’s first state-owned department store. It still keeps the old Shanghai design style, with a clean, straightforward exterior and a mix of Eastern and Western architectural elements. Today, it’s one of the most popular malls for young people on Shanghai Nanjing Lu.
Inside, you’ll find cool experiences like the Van Gogh Starry Night Art Gallery, the Shan Hai Jing VR Immersive Show, and the “Fly Over Shanghai” 3D movie. These attractions offer young visitors a totally immersive, interactive experience. There’s also a dedicated “anime zone,” drawing in tons of anime fans.
Huawei Flagship Store (华为旗舰店)
The largest Huawei flagship store in China is located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and officially opened on June 24, 2024.
On the first floor, you’ll find the latest Huawei products, like smartphones, laptops, and smartwatches. You can try them out for yourself and experience the smooth performance and stunning visuals. The second floor is all about smart living, showcasing various setups like living rooms, treadmills, and giant smart TVs, giving you a taste of what life could look like in the future. The third floor is a multifunctional experience zone, where you can check out artistic photos taken with Huawei smartphones.
Pop Mart Flagship Store (泡泡玛特旗舰店)
The Pop Mart flagship store on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street in Shanghai is considered the largest Pop Mart store in the world. Inside, you’ll find a huge collection of Pop Mart products, including the classic MOLLY, the super cute DIMOO, and many other popular figures. There are also exclusive Shanghai-only items, perfect for collectors looking to add something special to their Pop Mart collection.
M&M’s Flagship Store (M&M‘s旗舰店)
The largest M&M’s flagship store in Asia is located on Shanghai’s Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Here, you’ll find all sorts of M&M’s in different flavors, along with a range of fun merchandise and interactive games.
The first floor is full of kids’ goodies like clothing, backpacks, toys, blankets, mugs, and more. The highlight on the second floor is the “Star Zone,” featuring 132 glass jars filled with 22 colors and various flavors of M&M’s. You can grab a sealed bag and fill it up by weight!
Museums Worth Visiting on Nanjing Road
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum (杜莎夫人蜡像馆)
Madame Tussauds on Shanghai Nanjing Road is the first of its kind in China. The craftsmanship of the wax figures here is top-notch, with each one costing about £150,000 to create and taking about three months to complete. As a result, most of the wax figures look incredibly lifelike, not like the cheap models you might find elsewhere.
The museum is open daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM, with the last entry at 8:00 PM. Tickets are priced at 210 CNY (about 30 USD) for adults and 160 CNY (about 22 USD) for children (free for kids under 0.9 meters, and a child ticket is required for those between 0.9-1.4 meters).
Shanghai History Museum (上海市历史博物馆)
The Shanghai History Museum is located on West Nanjing Road and showcases the city’s history and culture from ancient times to the modern era. The museum is divided into four main sections: the foyer, ancient Shanghai, modern Shanghai, and the final hall, covering 6,000 years of social development and cultural history in Shanghai.
Admission to the Shanghai History Museum is free, and no reservation is required. It’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Shanghai Museum (上海博物馆)
The Shanghai Museum is the final stop on your Nanjing Road tour. Its collection spans a wide range of categories, including bronze, ceramics, and calligraphy, with bronze artifacts and paintings being especially notable. The museum also hosts special exhibitions from time to time, like the Sanxingdui Artifact Exhibition, where visitors can get up close to precious relics from the ancient Shu Kingdom, over 3,000 years old. There’s also an Ancient Egyptian Civilization Exhibition, which offers a multi-dimensional experience of the fascinating ancient Egyptian culture.
The Shanghai Museum is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with the last entry at 4:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays. General admission is free, though some special exhibitions require separate tickets.
Nanjing Road Food Guide
Lailai Xiaolong (莱莱小笼)
Lailai Xiaolong, located on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, has been serving customers for over 20 years. Its signature dish is the crab roe xiao long bao (soup dumplings), with 8 pieces per basket, priced at 38 CNY (about 5 USD). Visitors rave about the crab roe xiao long bao, praising its thin skin, rich broth, and the perfect combination of crab roe and fresh pork. The ginger vinegar dip further enhances the overall taste experience.
Shen Dacheng (沈大成)
Shen Dacheng is a historic Shanghai pastry shop on East Nanjing Road, with over 140 years of history. It specializes in traditional Shanghai dim sum. One must-try item is their salted egg yolk and pork floss qing tuan (sweet glutinous rice dumplings), which have a perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a soft, chewy exterior. Another popular treat is the shuang niang tuan (stuffed dumpling), which has a chewy, soft skin and is filled with sweet red bean paste and black sesame filling—perfectly sweet without being too heavy.
Da Hu Chun (大壶春)
Da Hu Chun is a classic, time-honored brand in Shanghai, and it’s a must-visit food spot on Shanghai Nanjing Lu. Their sheng jian bao (pan-fried buns) are the signature dish, with thin skin, crispy bottoms, and a juicy filling. The buns are fried to a golden crisp, and when you take a bite, they make a satisfying “crunch” sound.
Nanjing Road Bar Guide
The Bund 8 Whiskey Bar (外滩8号 Wiskey Bar)
The Bund 8 Whiskey Bar is one of the most popular bars for foreigners in Shanghai. It offers a variety of cocktails and mocktails, such as the Gin & Tonic and Sunset Cocktail, with rich and refreshing flavors. The bar also has a large outdoor terrace where you can capture a stunning view of the “Three Towers” of Shanghai (the Oriental Pearl Tower, Jin Mao Tower, and Shanghai Tower). After exploring Nanjing Road, this is a perfect spot to unwind with a drink and enjoy the beautiful Bund scenery.
Roosevelt Sky Bar (Bund Location) 罗斯福色戒酒吧(外滩店)
Located on the 9th floor of the Roosevelt Mansion at No. 27 The Bund, Roosevelt Secret Garden Bar offers a breathtaking view of the Huangpu River, the Bund, and the bustling Lujiazui area. The bar serves a wide range of delicious food, including classic Caesar salad, pan-seared bass, and M5 sirloin steak. As for drinks, you’ll find a selection of cocktails at various price points, with signature drinks starting at around 100 CNY (about 14 USD). Both the presentation and the taste are exceptional.
Nanjing Road Accommodation Guide
Conrad Shanghai (上海康莱德酒店)
The Conrad Shanghai is a five-star hotel located on Nanjing Road, managed by the Hilton Group. Each room is equipped with floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of Shanghai’s People’s Park and the Bund. The hotel features an indoor swimming pool and a fitness center, providing comprehensive leisure and fitness facilities. In addition, there are plenty of dining options, including an executive lounge, several restaurants, and bars, offering services like breakfast and afternoon tea.
Agela Marriott Marquis Hotel Shanghai (上海雅居乐万豪侯爵酒店)
The Agela Marriott Marquis Hotel is another five-star hotel on Shanghai Nanjing Lu, known for its modern minimalist design. The rooms feature large floor-to-ceiling windows, and some come with marble bathrooms and full-body bathtubs. The hotel also offers a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a hot tub, a steam room, a well-equipped gym, and a spa for ultimate relaxation.
Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road (上海南京路假日酒店)
Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a four-star hotel on Nanjing Road. The hotel maintains the signature vibrant green atmosphere of the Holiday Inn brand, adding modern touches for a youthful, stylish vibe. The service is top-notch, with daily housekeeping, and even a robot that delivers room service!
Nearby Attractions Around Nanjing Road
The Bund is located at the end of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. It is home to 52 European-style historic buildings, earning it the nickname “The Museum of International Architecture.” After exploring Shanghai Nanjing Lu, you can take a leisurely stroll along the Bund at night, enjoying the stunning view of Lujiazui across the Huangpu River.
Shanghai Yuyuan Garden is about 1.6 kilometers from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. Here, you can enjoy the beauty of a classic Chinese garden, originally built in 1559 and one of the most famous ancient gardens in Shanghai. In addition, Shanghai Yu Garden frequently hosts spectacular lantern festivals for various traditional Chinese holidays.
Jingan Temple is approximately 3 kilometers from Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. It is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Shanghai. The temple hosts ceremonies on the Buddha’s birthday and other special occasions. Every year, on the 8th day of the 4th month in the lunar calendar, it holds a three-day temple fair, attracting many visitors.
FAQs About Nanjing Lu Shanghai
1. Where to start Nanjing Road?
The best starting point for Nanjing Road is People’s Square, and the ideal ending point is the Peace Hotel.
2. What time does Nanjing Road open?
Most shops on Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, though some restaurants and entertainment venues may have extended hours.
How to Get to Nanjing Road Shanghai
The easiest way to reach Nanjing Road is by taking Shanghai Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 to People’s Square Station. Once you exit the station, it’s just a short walk to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.
Practical Tips
Avoid Peak Hours: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street can get very crowded on weekends and public holidays. It’s best to visit during non-peak hours, such as on weekday mornings or before 4:00 PM.
Beware of Pushy Shops: Some stores along the street, especially those in side alleys, may try to lure in customers. These shops often have unclear pricing, and the quality might not be great. Stay cautious when shopping in those areas.
