Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, stretching from Xizang Middle Road in the west to Henan Middle Road in the east, is a vibrant and iconic destination in Shanghai. As you enter the street from either end, you’ll be greeted by large dark red marble screens inscribed with the words “Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street.” These markers symbolize the entrance to one of China’s most famous shopping streets, which has a rich history spanning over a century.
With a total length of 5.5 kilometers, Nanjing Road has evolved over the years, becoming a major commercial hub that reflects the blend of traditional and modern Shanghai. The pedestrian street itself is 4.2 meters wide, and it features a distinctive design element known as the “Golden Belt.” This polished strip of Indian red granite runs the entire length of the street, serving as both a visual and cultural focal point.
The “Golden Belt” is not just a decorative feature; it tells the story of Shanghai’s urban development. Along its path, you’ll find 37 specially designed manhole covers, each engraved with different patterns representing significant buildings and structures from various periods in Shanghai’s history. These covers are more than just functional—they are a tribute to the city’s architectural evolution, with each one marked with the year of construction.
The “Golden Belt” plays a dual role in defining the character of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. During the day, it serves as a sunlit path that highlights the street’s restful spaces, inviting visitors to pause and take in their surroundings. At night, the polished surface of the belt reflects the vibrant neon lights from the surrounding buildings, creating a dazzling display that adds to the street’s dynamic atmosphere.
Walking along this over 1,000-meter pedestrian street, you’ll constantly experience a great sense of joy. The colorful paving stones, uniform central kiosks, various trendy shops on both sides, bustling crowds, charming sightseeing trains, and uniquely designed urban sculptures all come together to form the modern cityscape of Shanghai.
Travel Information about Nanjing Road
Admission and Opening Hours
- Admission: Free
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
How to Get There
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is easily accessible by public transportation. You can reach it by taking:
- Metro Line 1, 2, or 8 and getting off at People’s Square Station.
- Metro Line 2 or 10 and getting off at East Nanjing Road Station.
Street Rating
- Leisure: ★★★★★
- Beauty: ★★★★
- Romance: ★★★★
- Excitement: ★★★
- Uniqueness: ★★★
- Culture: ★★★
Highlights of Nanjing Road
Famous Shops
Lao Da Fang (老大房): Famous for its smoked fish and fresh meat mooncakes. The smoked fish is particularly notable for its outer layer, which is coated with a secret family recipe of sweet and savory sauce, creating a crispy and tender texture. The fresh meat mooncakes are made with finely processed meat paste and baked at a high temperature of 260°C.
Shao Wan Sheng (邵万生): Specializes in Ningbo and Shaoxing-style fermented foods, particularly renowned for its “drunken” clams and “drunken” crabs, which are famous both domestically and internationally.
Shen Da Cheng (沈大成): Known for its dim sum and specialty snacks, with its cakes and pastries being particularly popular.
Zhang Xiao Quan (张小泉): This shop is famous for its scissors, which are known for their precision and durability. The scissors can cut silk without fraying and slice through fabric cleanly, without rusting or significant blade wear. The blades are even engraved with intricate patterns, making them both functional and collectible.
Duo Yun Xuan (朵云轩): Renowned for its Chinese paintings and related art supplies, Duo Yun Xuan is also famous for its woodblock printing techniques, which rival those of Rong Bao Zhai in Beijing.
Wu Liang Cai (吴良材): Together with Mao Chang, Wu Liang Cai is a time-honored brand specializing in eyeglasses of all kinds.
Century Square
In the middle section of the pedestrian street, there is a square called Century Square. On the west side of the square, you’ll find a green space covering nearly 400 square meters. To the west of this green space stands the Oriental Treasure Cauldron, towering at 3.08 meters high. On the east side, a chime clock is installed, a gift from the Swiss people to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Switzerland. Entering Century Square from the pedestrian street, the space suddenly opens up, enriching the urban landscape while providing visitors with a spacious and green relaxation area.
Tibet Road Overpass
Beside the pedestrian street stands the Tibet Road Overpass, originally built in 1985. After its renovation, the main structure of the overpass was preserved. The design now features stainless steel railings and glass barriers, with the bridge deck made of colored cement. The underside is adorned with aluminum alloy panels and curved ribbed ceilings. Additionally, 2,400 fiber optic lights were installed, controlled by a computer to create a gradually changing five-color starry sky effect, forming an eye-catching curved light ring.
Visitor Guide for Nanjing Road
Transportation within the Street
The pedestrian street features a sightseeing tram that runs along the route. The tram consists of several small, charming carriages, each adorned with beautifully intricate patterns. The designs on each carriage are uniquely colored, making it feel like you’re stepping into a toy car. The tram operates from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., and the ticket price is 10 RMB per person.
Accommodation Options
Shanghai Grand Hotel (上海大酒店):
- Location: Adjacent to Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street and just a step away from Century Square.
- Rooms: Offers a variety of room types including deluxe king rooms, luxury business rooms, executive business rooms, and business suites.
- Dining: Features a coffee shop on the first floor, a French restaurant on the second floor, a Cantonese restaurant named Bao Yue Xuan on the third floor, and a unique elliptical banquet hall on the fourth floor.
Radisson Collection Hotel, Shanghai (上海丽笙精选海仑宾馆):
- Location: Situated directly on the pedestrian street.
- Rooms: Offers 401 rooms (suites included) and serves authentic French cuisine.
Jinjiang Metropolo Hotel Classic (锦江都城经典酒店):
- Location: Located at the intersection of Nanjing East Road and Shanxi South Road.
- Features: A foreign-related hotel equipped with various room types, dining options, meeting rooms, and a business center.
Home Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street (上海如家快捷酒店-南京路步行街店):
- Location: No. 480 Nanjing East Road, a 3-minute walk to the Bund and People’s Square; a 10-minute walk to Huaihai Road shopping area, Yuyuan Garden, Yunnan Road food street, and Xintiandi.
Hanting Hotel Shanghai Nanjing East Road Pedestrian Street (上海汉庭快捷酒店-南京东路步行街店):
- Location: No. 505 Henan Middle Road, Huangpu District, near Ningbo Road.
Dining Options
Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is renowned for its variety of time-honored food establishments. Here are some highlights:
- Tai Kang (泰康): Known for its specialty of packaged biscuits.
- New Yaa (新雅): Famous for its Cantonese dim sum.
- Yan Yun Lou (燕云楼): Offers delicious Peking duck.
- Lao Da Fang (老大房): Known for its smoked fish and fresh meat pastries.
- Shen Da Cheng (沈大成): Renowned for its traditional pastries.
- San Yang (三阳) and Shao Wan Sheng (邵万生): Specialize in local dried goods.
- First Food Company (第一食品公司): A great spot for various snacks.
For a more extensive culinary experience, consider visiting:
- Yunnan Road Food Street (云南路美食街): A vibrant area with a wide range of food options.
- Wujiang Road on Nanjing West Road (南京西路吴江路): Known for its street food and local delicacies.
If you’re looking for a touch of nostalgia and romance, the Peace Hotel (和平饭店) on the Bund is a classic choice, embodying the charm of old Shanghai.
Useful Tips
If you’re short on time and want to shop efficiently, it’s recommended to visit the prime section of Nanjing Road between Huanghe Road and Henan Middle Road. This area is home to several famous stores, including First Department Store (市百一店), Wing On Department Store (永安公司), New World City (新世界城), and Itochu (伊都锦).
Convenient access: You can directly enter New World City (新世界城) from the underground passage of People’s Square Station on Metro Lines 1 and 2. Once you cross the Tibet Road pedestrian overpass, you’ll find yourself at First Department Store (市百一店) and the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, an area free of congested traffic, offering a refined atmosphere perfect for shopping, leisure, and dining.
Hourly chimes and events: Every hour, the clock on the square chimes to the melody of Chinese folk songs. Century Square often hosts performances, product displays, and various large-scale events. If you’re lucky, you might catch a lively scene.
Morning stroll recommendation: If you’re an early riser, consider visiting between 6:00 and 7:00 a.m. Although the stores are closed, the street is bustling with activity—people dancing, practicing tai chi, skateboarding, and playing badminton. The atmosphere is reminiscent of a park, a stark contrast to the busy daytime scene, almost as if it’s two different worlds.