Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street and its surrounding shopping malls offer a range of experiences for every shopper, from luxury goods to popular retail chains. While some malls in the area offer unique shopping experiences, others may not provide the most enjoyable atmosphere for those who prefer larger, more modern complexes. Here’s an overview of the best and not-so-great places to shop along this iconic street in Shanghai.
1. Raffles City Shanghai (上海来福士广场)
Raffles City is a well-known shopping complex in the heart of Shanghai, but it’s not exactly my favorite. To be honest, I’m not a huge fan of shopping here. While it’s a convenient spot, especially for those near the area, the store selection is limited. The first floor is filled with luxury brands, but it tends to get very crowded, which doesn’t make for a pleasant shopping experience. I also find the overall scale to be rather small, and there are not many shoe stores or clothing brands that I particularly enjoy. The food options here are also quite average, so I wouldn’t recommend traveling a long distance just to shop here.
2. First Department Store (第一百货)
This department store has a relatively large selection of stores across two floors, connected by a walkway. However, the overall ambiance feels quite outdated, resembling department stores from the past century. You’ll find many stores catering to middle schoolers, especially those selling anime and pop culture merchandise. While it’s a decent place for a casual stroll, I can’t say the shopping experience is great. For me, this department store is even less enjoyable than Raffles City, and I wouldn’t recommend it if you’re looking for a more modern and upscale shopping trip.
3. New World Daimaru Department Store (新世界大丸百货)
New World Daimaru offers a much better shopping experience compared to the previous two. The store is beautifully designed, and the shopping environment is top-notch. The basement level is where you’ll find the best shopping, especially for shoes and jewelry. It has one of the most comprehensive selections of shoe stores and gold jewelry brands I’ve seen in Shanghai malls. If you’re in the market for shoes or jewelry, I highly recommend visiting the basement level of Daimaru.
The first floor offers a wide range of cosmetics, though I tend not to buy beauty products from malls. The higher floors, which include clothing and accessories, aren’t my top pick, though they’re worth browsing. The clothing selection is decent but lacks some of the brands I personally prefer. The layout can feel a bit limited in terms of variety, especially if you’re looking for specific brands. However, this is still a great place for a more comfortable shopping experience.
4. Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (南京路步行街)
Connecting several shopping malls, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a must-visit for anyone in Shanghai looking for iconic shopping spots. It resembles the commercial vibe of Wuhan’s Jianghan Road, offering a nostalgic shopping experience from the last century. As one of Shanghai’s oldest commercial streets, Nanjing Road features several flagship stores, often spanning multiple floors, providing a broad selection of products and styles. If you have favorite brands you’re looking for, you’ll likely find a large variety of options here with more frequent updates on new styles.
However, Nanjing Road isn’t the most relaxing place to shop. The street is always crowded, filled mostly with tourists, and it can feel overwhelming. You’ll likely find yourself walking for long stretches, which can be tiring, especially in extreme weather conditions—cold in winter and hot in summer. But for those looking to explore different brands or enjoy a bit of shopping nostalgia, this street is still worth visiting.
Summary of Recommendations
For Shoes: The best place to buy shoes is New World Daimaru’s basement level .
For Jewelry: New World Daimaru and Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street are great for jewelry shopping, with many gold stores offering large selections.
For Clothing: Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street offers a wide variety of clothing brands, though they are spread out across different stores. If there are flagship stores of your favorite brands, go for it. However, for a more convenient and centralized shopping experience, New World Daimaru is better.
Overall: If you’re specifically looking for a good mall to visit in the area, I would only recommend New World Daimaru. The other malls, including Raffles City and First Department Store, fall short of offering a great shopping experience.