Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
It’s known as the “First Commercial Street in China”
Shanghai’s Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is the most famous shopping street in Shanghai. It’s known as the “First Commercial Street in China.” For years, it has ranked first among pedestrian streets in China, leading in foot traffic, sales, and recognition compared to other cities.
Located in the heart of Shanghai, Nanjing Road is close to many attractions, like Madame Tussauds, People’s Park, The Bund, and Yuyuan Garden.
Table of Contents
Highlights
First Department Store Commercial Center (Chinese name: 第一百货商业中心)
The First Department Store has three sections: A, B, and C. It mainly sells clothes, leather goods, shoes, and furniture. This place isn’t just a traditional shopping mall; it’s got a mix of modern leisure and entertainment vibes. You’ll find brand stores like Folli Follie, Casio, and UNIQLO here, offering fashion, bags, jewelry, and watches.
On the fourth floor of Section C, there’s a cool hub for anime and gaming culture. It covers almost 1,000 square meters and draws in a lot of young people. You can find all kinds of trendy toys and anime merch, making it a go-to spot for fans.
Shimao Plaza (世茂广场)
Shimao Plaza on Nanjing Road has a “theater” design concept. It features a big entrance, glass walls, and bright red escalators, creating a stylish and open atmosphere.
You’ll find tons of international flagship stores here, like the global NIKE flagship, the only M&M’s World in Asia, LEGO‘s first urban center flagship in Asia, Sephora’s first concept store in Asia, Shanghai’s first Champion flagship, and a special Pandora boutique in China.
The layout really brings together trends, culture, and art, making it a key spot for Shanghai’s fashion scene.
New Century Daimaru Department Store (新世纪大丸百货商城)
The mall has six floors above ground and five underground. It features Asia’s only revolving elevator, an openable glass dome, and a giant LED screen, plus the largest atrium space in China’s department store industry. Inside, you’ll find a variety of well-known domestic and international brands, including luxury names like GUCCI, Tiffany & Co, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, and Burberry.
Popular Restaurants Near the Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
Enjoying authentic Shanghai cuisine during your travel in Shanghai.
Butterfly Puff Pastry from the International Hotel 国际饭店蝴蝶酥
The butterfly pastries at the International Hotel are made fresh. The pastry dough is hand-rolled to 256 layers, creating that flaky texture, and baked until it turns a beautiful amber color. They use high-quality imported butter, giving it a rich, golden look and a strong buttery aroma.
You have to line up to buy them, and there’s a limit of six bags per person. Each bag costs 32 CNY (about $4.50), and you have to buy the paper bag separately. The pastries last for about 10 days. While waiting in line, the smell of these pastries fills the street.
I heard they usually bake around 60 bags at a time, so there’s often a huge crowd. There are also scalpers outside selling them for about 60 CNY during the day and 55 CNY at night.
Shen Da Cheng Desserts 沈大成
Red Bean Paste Qing Tuan – The scent of mugwort hits you as soon as you open the box. When you bite in, the sweet red bean filling flows out. It’s sweet but not too heavy, with a thin skin and a generous filling.
Tiao Tou Cake – This is a long, rectangular glutinous rice cake filled with red bean paste. The skin is thin and chewy, and it pulls apart nicely. The filling is so abundant it almost spills out, making the balance just right.
Spring Three Fresh Qing Tuan – A completely vegetarian option featuring spring bamboo shoots, fresh mushrooms, and shepherd’s purse. The skin is thin and the filling is hearty. One bite is super satisfying! It’s soft and chewy, without being overwhelming.
Address:
636 East Nanjing Road
Hours:
Monday to Sunday, 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Average Spend:
42 CNY per person (about 6 USD)
Practical Travel Tips
- Nanjing Road pedestrian street gets super crowded, especially on weekends and holidays! If you go then, you might get stuck in the crowd. It’s best to avoid peak times and visit on a weekday morning or before 4 PM. You’ll find it way less crowded.
- Lots of people will try to pull you into small shops on the street, especially in hidden alleys. Some look really tempting, but be careful! Some places might overcharge or sell average-quality stuff. Always check for clear prices before buying.
- Walking the entire street is several kilometers long, so wear comfy shoes! Don’t wear heels or shoes that rub your feet. You might end up with sore feet halfway through.
- Daytime visits to Nanjing Road are great, but the night is where it really shines! The night views are stunning, especially when the neon lights come on. The whole street just oozes the vibe of old Shanghai.
Hours and Fees
Hours
- Open all day.
Admission
- No admission fee required.
How to Get to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street
By Bus
- You can take bus lines 37, 20, 49, or 952 to get to Nanjing Road pedestrian street in Shanghai.
By Subway
- You can take Metro Line 1, Line 2, or Line 8 to People’s Square Station. After exiting, it’s just a short walk to Nanjing Road pedestrian street.
