Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street - an empty street in a city with tall buildings
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Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

4.5
·2k reviews·, China

Shanghai's iconic pedestrian street, a dazzling spectacle of lights, shopping, and vibrant energy, especially captivating at night.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Dazzling lights and vibrant energy

CrowdHigh
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Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street - an empty street in a city with tall buildings

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street

Best Time

Evenings

Dazzling lights and vibrant energy

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Shanghai's iconic pedestrian street, a dazzling spectacle of lights, shopping, and vibrant energy, especially captivating at night.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"Busy, bright, and full of energy—it's a shopping street that feels more like a show."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ One-Way System

Be aware of the one-way system for pedestrians, even on this pedestrianized street.

🛍️ Shop 'til You Drop

From lavish stores to local outlets, Nanjing Road offers endless shopping opportunities.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

East Nanjing Road's Neon Glow

East Nanjing Road's Neon Glow

East Nanjing Road

Experience the dazzling spectacle of flashing lights and vibrant signs at night. A truly epic and lavish shopping street.

Instagram
Historic Department Stores

Historic Department Stores

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Mall

Explore Shanghai's oldest and largest department stores, offering a glimpse into the city's retail history.

Reddit
Trendy Boutiques

Trendy Boutiques

West Nanjing Road

Discover upscale shopping centers and trendy fashion stores, reflecting Shanghai's modern style.

Instagram
Street Performers and Vendors

Street Performers and Vendors

Throughout the pedestrian street

Enjoy the lively atmosphere with street performers, buskers, and a variety of souvenir shops and street vendors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Nighttime Spectacle

Nanjing Road truly comes alive after dark. The dazzling neon lights and vibrant atmosphere make it a must-see spectacle. Plan your visit for the evening to experience its full energy and charm. Instagram+1

Navigating the Crowds

This is one of Shanghai's busiest streets, attracting over a million visitors daily. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak hours and holidays. Consider visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times for a more relaxed experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Dazzling lights and vibrant energy
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

‼️Top places you must visit in Nanjing(Part1). ✨Nanjing is a cit with a long history and natur attractions. 🫶I will do a series of recommended places to visit in Nanjing. #chinatravel #中国 #foryou #chinastyle #travelhacks #travel
@journey_through_china
26.8K likes • 558.9K views

🚶‍♀️ One-Way System

Be aware of the one-way system for pedestrians, even on this pedestrianized street. Instagram

🛍️ Shop 'til You Drop

From lavish stores to local outlets, Nanjing Road offers endless shopping opportunities. Instagram+1

📍Nanjing Road南京路 #shanghai #travelinchina #chinatravel #explorechina #nanjingroad
@a.nge_glor.y
23.2K likes • 117K views
📍The East Nanjing pedestrian street is epic. 📍No cars are allowed on it. 📍East Nanjing Road is known for it’s lavish stores. 📍My favorite time to walk East Nanjing Road is at night when I can be dazzled by the flashing lights and signs. . . . . . . #eastnanjingroad #pedestrian #viral #shoppingstreet #trendingreels #restaurant #lavish #epic #trend #travel #fyp #explorepage #thecity #shanghai #a...
preetikaswan13
131 likes • 1K views

🌃 Nighttime Magic

The street is most spectacular at night with its bright neon signs and lively atmosphere. Instagram+1

🍜 Food Court Finds

Discover convenient food courts near the Bund for a quick and tasty meal. Instagram

Save & Share ya ❤️ Bisa jadi referensi kamu yang nyari budget hotel di Shanghai di sekitar Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street loh.. jika ada rekomendasi lain boleh drop komen yaa 🥰 #shanghai #china #shanghaivlog #rekomendasihotelshanghai
liviadewi91
27 likes • 2.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ One-Way System

Be aware of the one-way system for pedestrians, even on this pedestrianized street. Instagram

🛍️ Shop 'til You Drop

From lavish stores to local outlets, Nanjing Road offers endless shopping opportunities. Instagram+1

🌃 Nighttime Magic

The street is most spectacular at night with its bright neon signs and lively atmosphere. Instagram+1

🍜 Food Court Finds

Discover convenient food courts near the Bund for a quick and tasty meal. Instagram

🚇 Metro Convenience

Easily accessible via the metro, making it a convenient spot to visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a vibrant and energetic hub in Shanghai, celebrated for its dazzling nighttime lights and extensive shopping opportunities. Visitors praise its lively atmosphere, convenient location, and the sheer variety of goods available, from international brands to local souvenirs. While the crowds can be intense, many find it to be an essential and exciting part of the Shanghai experience.

"Nanjing Road is one of Shanghai's famous shopping streets and was one of the best built and busiest roads in the 1940’s. The road stretches from the Bund east towards Hongqiao, with Shanghai's centre point People's Square in the middle.

Nanjing Road is the world's longest shopping precinct; it is around 6 km long, and attracts over 1 million visitors daily. Nanjing road consists of two parts - East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road.
East Nanjing Road is committed a commercial zone. In the west part of precinct was traditionally the hub of European-style restaurants and cafes, but in recent years some other buildings were constructed in this area, it has become less of a feature as the demographics of visitors to Nanjing Road have shifted from affluent local residents to visitors from around the country. Close by is the Central Market, a century-old outdoor market today specializing in electronic components and digital media. Further west is the Nanjing Road pedestrian mall. Located there are most of Shanghai's oldest and largest department stores, as well as a variety of domestic retail outlets, and some traditional eateries with a long history.

West Nanjing Road, near Jing'an Temple, has witnessed constant development over the past ten years. This area consists of several five-star hotels, upscale shopping centres, restaurants and office buildings. Recently, the area has benefited from the construction of Subway Line 7, connecting with Line 2 at the Jing’an Temple station. The latest development there was the completion of the Wheelock Square building in 2010, with 58 floors and just over 100,000 square meters of prime office space."

Cocowlyn

"Busy, bright, and full of energy—it’s a shopping street that feels more like a show. There’s something happening everywhere, from street performers to colorful lights and massive stores. Even if you’re not shopping, it’s fun to just walk through and take it all in. Best seen at night when everything comes alive."

Chinzorig Chuluunbold

"Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a must-visit destination in Shanghai. The atmosphere is lively, colorful, and safe, especially in the evening when the neon lights come alive. You’ll find a great mix of international brands, local shops, and delicious street food. It’s perfect for walking, shopping, people-watching, and soaking in the city’s energy. Highly recommended for first-time visitors to experience the real heartbeat of Shanghai."

Neranjan Prasad

What People Like

Dazzling night lights
Abundant shopping options
Lively atmosphere

What People Dislike

Intense crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is easily accessible via Shanghai's extensive metro system. Several stations serve the area, including Nanjing Road East Station (Lines 2 and 10) and People's Square Station (Lines 1, 2, and 8). Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available. Reddit

Yes, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is conveniently located near the Bund. You can easily walk from the Bund to the eastern end of Nanjing Road, enjoying the riverside views along the way. InstagramReddit

The primary way to experience Nanjing Road is by walking. It's a pedestrian street, so cars are not allowed. For longer distances along the 6km stretch, you might consider using the metro to hop between sections. Instagram

For East Nanjing Road, Exit 1 leads directly to a food court upstairs, and Exits 6/7 are near the Bund. For West Nanjing Road, Jing'an Temple Station (Lines 2 and 7) is a good access point. Instagram

Yes, taxis can drop you off at the entrances of Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street. However, once you are on the pedestrianized section, you will need to walk. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a public thoroughfare and does not require an entrance ticket. You can freely walk along the street and explore its shops and attractions. Reddit

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is open 24/7 as it's a public street. However, individual shops and restaurants have their own operating hours, typically from morning until late evening. Instagram

While the street itself is free to access, individual stores, restaurants, and any specific attractions within the area may have their own pricing for goods or services. Reddit

Nanjing Road is generally considered safe for visitors, with a lively atmosphere and a visible police presence. However, as with any crowded area, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. InstagramReddit

Yes, Nanjing Road is a family-friendly destination. Children will enjoy the vibrant lights, street performers, and the variety of shops. Reddit

🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining

Nanjing Road offers a vast array of shopping options, from international luxury brands and department stores to local retail outlets, souvenir shops, and trendy boutiques. You'll also find popular stores like Miniso and M&M's World. Instagram+2

You'll find numerous restaurants, cafes, and street food vendors along Nanjing Road. There are also popular food courts conveniently located near the Bund, offering a variety of culinary choices. InstagramReddit

While Nanjing Road has upscale options, you can also find budget-friendly choices. Look for local eateries, street vendors, and stores like Miniso for more affordable shopping. Instagram+1

Exploring street food vendors can lead to delicious discoveries. While specific recommendations vary, trying local snacks and regional Chinese dishes from smaller eateries is a great way to experience Shanghai's culinary scene. Reddit

Yes, there are many hotel options near Nanjing Road, ranging from budget-friendly accommodations to luxury hotels, making it a convenient base for exploring Shanghai. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The entire street is a photographer's dream, especially at night when the neon lights create a vibrant backdrop. The eastern end near the Bund offers iconic views of Shanghai's skyline. InstagramReddit+1

While Nanjing Road is stunning at night, it's also a lively place to capture during the day, showcasing the architecture of the historic department stores and the bustling street life. Reddit

A versatile camera with good low-light performance is ideal for capturing the vibrant night scenes. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the street and surrounding buildings. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed on Nanjing Road. However, be mindful of private businesses and avoid intrusive photography of individuals without their consent. Reddit

The eastern end of Nanjing Road, particularly near Chenyi Square, provides excellent vantage points for photographing the iconic Shanghai skyline, including the Oriental Pearl TV Tower. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street is a fantastic destination for families. Kids will be mesmerized by the bright lights and the sheer scale of the shops, especially stores like Miniso and M&M's World. Instagram+1 The pedestrianized nature of the street makes it safer for children to walk around, and the variety of street performers can provide entertainment. Consider visiting one of the food courts for easy and diverse meal options that cater to different tastes. Instagram Remember that it can get very crowded, so keeping a close eye on children is essential. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

While Nanjing Road has its share of luxury, it's also very budget-friendly. Look for affordable souvenirs from street vendors and explore stores like Miniso for inexpensive lifestyle goods and gifts. Instagram Dining options include numerous street food stalls and local eateries offering delicious and economical meals. Reddit Utilizing the efficient metro system to reach Nanjing Road is also a cost-effective transportation choice. Reddit

🛍️ Shoppers

Nanjing Road is a shopper's ultimate destination. East Nanjing Road offers a mix of popular brands and souvenir shops, while West Nanjing Road caters to luxury shoppers with high-end boutiques and department stores. Instagram+2 The sheer volume and variety of retail outlets mean you can find almost anything you're looking for. Be prepared for crowds, especially during peak shopping seasons. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

East vs. West Nanjing Road: A Tale of Two Streets

Nanjing Road is broadly divided into two distinct sections: East Nanjing Road and West Nanjing Road. East Nanjing Road is the more famous and bustling part, a pedestrian mall renowned for its dazzling neon lights, massive department stores, and a constant stream of shoppers and tourists. It's where you'll find the iconic energy that many associate with Nanjing Road, especially at night. Instagram+1

West Nanjing Road, on the other hand, offers a more upscale and modern shopping experience. Near Jing'an Temple, this area is characterized by five-star hotels, luxury shopping centers, and sleek office buildings. While it retains a vibrant atmosphere, it tends to be less crowded and more sophisticated than its eastern counterpart. The recent development and excellent metro connectivity have made it a prime destination for high-end retail and dining. Reddit

Shopping Extravaganza: From Souvenirs to Luxury

Nanjing Road is a shopper's paradise, catering to every taste and budget. East Nanjing Road is packed with souvenir shops selling everything from traditional Chinese crafts to quirky trinkets. You'll also find large chain stores like Miniso, offering a wide variety of affordable lifestyle products, and even M&M's World for a sweet treat. Instagram+1

For those seeking high-end fashion and international brands, West Nanjing Road is the place to be. It boasts numerous upscale shopping malls and boutiques, making it a destination for luxury shopping. Whether you're looking for a unique souvenir or the latest designer trends, Nanjing Road has it all. InstagramReddit

Experiencing Nanjing Road at Night

The transformation of Nanjing Road after sunset is truly remarkable. As dusk settles, the street becomes a canvas of vibrant colors, illuminated by thousands of dazzling neon signs and bright lights. This nightly spectacle creates an electrifying atmosphere that draws in crowds eager to soak in the energy. Instagram+1

Street performers, musicians, and vendors add to the lively ambiance, making a nighttime stroll along Nanjing Road an unforgettable experience. It's the perfect time to capture stunning photographs of the illuminated cityscape and enjoy the bustling nightlife. Many visitors find this to be the most magical time to visit. Reddit

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